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Rheumatoid Arthritis Community

Reply: Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain

Hi, Snoose63, Thanks for your post! I hope you are doing as well as can be expected. I am...

Posted by lsrs5356

54 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain Hi, Snoose63, Thanks for your post! I hope you are doing as well as can be expected. I am...

Reply: Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain

Just tried to respond to you, but my computer suddenly went haywire, and I'm not sure what...

Posted by lsrs5356

Just tried to respond to you, but my computer suddenly went haywire, and I'm not sure what happened to the original message. If you get two responses, please forgive!!!
Sorry, but I'm not even sure if I responded to your latest post!! I was in the hospital for 5 days for an intestinal obstruction!!! Not much fun, but, hopefully, I'm on my way back to my old self!!!! However, I'm confused; is my old self good or BAD!!!
I know you want to know just what is wrong with you, a definite diagnoses. However, I do hope that you don't have fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed with that in 2000; it has not been much fun. I saw a rheumy right away and he was great. It took about 2-3 years to come up with the right meds to control the disease, but finally, I was able to control the symptoms as long as I took the medications he prescribed. Then, last August, I had a terrible flare. I saw my rheumy about once a week for about 8 weeks; nothing he prescribed helped at all. In fact, he told me that he had decided to focus his practice on RA, and not see fibromyalgia patients any more, as RA was "a much more debilitating disease". I understood that part. However, he also told me that he didn't know what meds he could prescribe for me that wouldn't interfere with other meds I was already on; he told me to talk to my other MD's, to talk to a pharmacist, and to find someone else to treat me!!! That, I did not understand. Then, about 2 weeks later, another of my MD's told me that the rheumy had just been in her office giving an inservice on fibromyalgia and encouraged her to refer all of her patients with fibromyalgia to him for treatment!!!! That really upset me. Therefore, when it was suspected that I had RA, I chose another rheumy to diagnose and treat the RA. I'm glad I did. My new rheumy is great.
Make sure you find a good rheumy to diagnose and treat the fibromyalgia. Finding the right combination of meds really makes a difference. Also, find someone that takes time with you and answers all of your questions.
Hope you find help soon.
Keep me updated.View Thread

Posted bylsrs5356

54 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain Just tried to respond to you, but my computer suddenly went haywire, and I'm not sure what...

Reply: Tired

Sorry you're having trouble with the injections. I agree, go to another syringe/needle and...

Posted by lsrs5356

29 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Tired Sorry you're having trouble with the injections. I agree, go to another syringe/needle and...

Reply: Tired

Hi, Haven't heard from you in several days. Just wondering how you were?? How is the...

Posted by lsrs5356

29 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Tired Hi, Haven't heard from you in several days. Just wondering how you were?? How is the...

Reply: Boredom and Frustration

Sallymander66, I can certainly appreciate your sitution. I started having symptoms in...

Posted by lsrs5356

Sallymander66,
I can certainly appreciate your sitution. I started having symptoms in September, 2010. Although I have been a nurse for over 35 years, and have numerous other medical conditions, RA is a completely different, frustrating disease. However, I am so very blessed with a husband who is COMPLETELY SUPPORTIVE of my condition(s). I am so thankful for that, especially after reading the postings of all those with RA whose spouses are in no way supportive. I have read postings of those whose spouses are almost abusive toward them since being diagnosed with RA. From what I have read, those spouses offer no support, neither physically, mentally, or emotionally. They will not discuss the situation,they won't offer to help, they won't offer any suggestions, or attend physician appointments with the patients.
Be thankful that you are not in that type of situation. Have a sit-down with your husband; thank him for all that he does. Tell him that this disease does, most definitely, affect not only you, but also the entire family. Do as others have suggested - have your husband observe you for any signs of pain, limitations, or fatigue, and then he can provide you with his "findings". Explain to him that it will take you some time to determine your limitations, but that you do appreciate his support, concern, and love. Assure him that you are not purposely over-doing things, but, again, are just trying to determine your limitations. Tell him that these limitations may change over the course of his disease. Encourage him to accompany you to your doctor appointments if he can do this. If not, always update him after you attend an appointment. Keep him updated on your status. Discuss your feelings with him. Let him know that others are in the same situation that you are; they, too, have good days and bad days. That each day is different, and therefore, what you are able to do may change each day. And, do listen to both your husband and your body. Believe me, doing too much, trying to do all that you can on days when you are feeling good will result in you paying for it later. I'm like you, I have been independent all of my life, and it is hard to let someone else take hold of things that you use to be able to do yourself. It takes time realize things have changed. Pace yourself; don't wear yourself out on the good days. On good days, perform some activities, then rest for awhile. Then continue on, alternating activity with rest. But, if and when you get tired or start having pain, quit and rest your body. If you've done alot in 1 day, and your husband asks you to rest, then do so, at least for awhile. If you are trying to do something and he offers to help, let him. He will appreciate your taking his advice.
Hopefully, with supportive spouses, good doctors, and the right medications, we can all learn our limitations, obtain at least some relief of our symptoms, and learn to live with this awful disease.
Please keep us posted.
LilaView Thread

Posted bylsrs5356

13 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Boredom and Frustration Sallymander66, I can certainly appreciate your sitution. I started having symptoms in...

Reply: NEWBIE - GOT DIAGNOSIS YESTERDAY

Hi, Allison, Well, although I'm not sure that I can offer you any uplifting information, I...

Posted by lsrs5356

Hi, Allison,
Well, although I'm not sure that I can offer you any uplifting information, I can certainly appreciate your situation.
I, too, have been in the medical field for over 35 years. I was in good health until about 12 years ago, when I fell apart. First, I was diagnosed with hypertension; no warnings or symptoms; just out of the blue, it was there. I had a terrible time finding a med that I could both tolerate and would control the blood pressure. Then, within just a few months, I was experiencin severe back pain all of the time. Although I had had back pain "all my life", it had never interfered with my daily activities. I was diagnosed with severe degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, multiple bilateral lumbar herniated discs with nerve root impingement. Then, again within a few months, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia!!! I was in severe pain all of the time with minimal relief of the pain in spite of numerous meds. Finally, in 2004, I had the back condition and fibromyalgia under control enough to function and continue to work, usually 50 or more hours per week.
Then, in 2004, both my husband and myself were diagnosed with CANCER!!!! As my husband worked with me, we were both out of work; my husband for over a year; me, to this day. I had chemo and radiation; these 2 treatments resulted in every complication I can think of; I was hospitalized numerous times while undergoing the chemo and radiation. Then, after completing the above treatments, I was informed that I "was cured". However, approximately 2 months later, a followup appointment found the cancer had returned and was very agressive. I went to University of Alabama (UAB); I underwent approximately 9 surgeries and suffered numerous complications. My poor husband; in addition to having cancer and surgery himself, he was left with taking care of me, as I was bed-bound for about 1 1/2 years. After everything we had experienced, I ended up with depression, and subsequent medications. I finally got that under control; my husband returned to work in a very good position, and things finally settled down to a somewhat normal life. We were broke, but alive. Then about 1 1/2 years ago, the fibromyalgia went crazy and I could hardly drag myself out of the bed; I was severe pain, couldn't sleep or do anything around the house. I was told there was nothing to do for the fibromyalgia, that I had either diabetes or a thyroid condition, or sleep apnea. I tested negative for the diabetes and thyroid condition, but I did have sleep apnea. Then I developed tardive dyskenesia due to one of the depression meds. I had to have oral surgery as my gums were pulling away from my teeth. I have had to have numerous injection for my back with only minimal relief of the pain. I have been told my only other option for my back is a complicated spinal fusion, and that would only offer minimal relief. Then, in September, 2010, I started having severe pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness in my fingers. I tried meds, physical therapy; blood work for RA was negative. Nothing helped. I was finally referred to a rheumatologist, and was diagnosed with RA in March. I was started on Arava, which I was told would take at least 8 weeks, or more, before I realized any relief of my symptoms. I had no relief until just about 8 weeks out; then one day I felt great!! I thought the med had worked. That feeling lasted for approximately 7. Then about 4 days ago, the symptoms slowly returned. Today has been one of the worst days I have experienced since I developed the RA symptoms. I am so disappointed and frustrated. I have a follow-up appointment on 5/31 with my rheumy. I have heard horror stories about the RA meds and all of the side effects. With the Arava, I have experienced only mild side effects, to my relief. But I dread finding out what may come next.
I know my story has not been encouraging. But, I wanted you to know you're not alone,
Keep in touch.
LilaView Thread

Posted bylsrs5356

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:NEWBIE - GOT DIAGNOSIS YESTERDAY Hi, Allison, Well, although I'm not sure that I can offer you any uplifting information, I...

Reply: Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain

I'm glad that your test results were normal. However, I know you must be just that much...

Posted by lsrs5356

54 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain I'm glad that your test results were normal. However, I know you must be just that much...

Reply: Really Scared

Hi, Kristen721, I know exactly how you feel!!! I am 55 years old, and had absolutely no...

Posted by lsrs5356

Hi, Kristen721,
I know exactly how you feel!!!
I am 55 years old, and had absolutely no symptoms of RA until August, 2010. I woke up one morning with severe pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling in both hands; no injury or other trauma caused these problems. Over the next several months, the symptoms became worse and worse. I was evaluated by an orthopedic physician, who tested me immediately for RA. However, the initial bloodwork came back negative for RA. He prescribed Mobic, an anti-inflammatory, and physical therapy. Nothing helped; meanwhile, I was getting worse. The symptoms were spreading to my hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. I was in terrible pain all of the time. I could not do anything without extreme pain. I woke up being unable to even make a fist my hands and fingers were so swollen, stiff, and painful. I was unable to do anything around the house.
I was referred to a rheumatologist in March. He was great. He spend about 1 hour with me at the time of my initial eval. The doctor started me on Arava on March 16. He told me it was the medicine that would provide me with the best results with the least amount of side effects. However, he told me at the time of the initial appointment that it could take up to 8 weeks or more for me to experience any relief of my symptoms from this medicine.
I started the Arava, but it seemed as though everything was just getting worse and worse instead of better. Week before last, I was in so much pain, all I could do was cry. All I wanted to do was sleep because of the fatigue. I was terrified of what each day would bring and how bad it could actually get. Although I have the most supportive husband, (no children), each day was worse than the day before.
I read all I could find on this disease, which just made it worse because of all the horror stories: all of the pain, and other symptoms, as well as all of the trouble people were having trying to find medications that helped. Also, the stories about the side effects of all the meds were terrible.
In addition, I have multiple other medical conditions, which I have found out interact with the RA: the other conditions make the RA worse, and vice-versa. I could not comprehend what migh happen to me.
However, today, after 8 weeks and 2 days on my med, I would almost say I "am cured"!!!!! Today has been the first day since August that I have not had any PAIN! It has been terrific!!! I have felt so good today, with absolutely no signs or symptoms of the RA. I am so excited; I just hope this is the turning point, and I am on my way to beating this, or, at least, being able to live with RA.
PLEASE, find a good rheumatologist IMMEDIATELY!!! That is the first thing you should do. It will probably take time to get in to see the rheumy, but hang in there. Make a list of questions to take with you when you are seen. Talk to the doc, and make sure all of your questions are answered. From what I have read, it takes time to find the right combination of meds, etc, for each individual. And, there are side effects to the meds, but if the side effects are too bad, or the meds are not working for you, your doctor/rheumy can try something else.
I hope that you get some relief soon.
Good luck, and keep me posted on your condition.
LilaView Thread

Posted bylsrs5356

20 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Really Scared Hi, Kristen721, I know exactly how you feel!!! I am 55 years old, and had absolutely no...

Reply: Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain

Yes, thank goodness, for the last few days, the hot flashes have been better, although not...

Posted by lsrs5356

54 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain Yes, thank goodness, for the last few days, the hot flashes have been better, although not...

Reply: Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain

Hi, Hope that you get your results today. Let me know how the pain mangement appointment...

Posted by lsrs5356

54 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Bilateral hand, wrist & knee pain Hi, Hope that you get your results today. Let me know how the pain mangement appointment...

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