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Diagnosis stage: Rheum appt in April; seeking onset stories?

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Sloppy_Sal
Sloppy_Sal

Hello there. I'm undiagnosed, but have been referred by GP to rheumatology on suspicion of RA. I've been reading about the disease and naturally there are many things (symptoms, etc) that fit the diagnosis and a few that seem off. I know, I know. I should just wait until I've seen the rheumy before conversing. I'm sorry about the prematurity of this. But I'm trusting that some of you understand that ol' pre-diagnosis worry. I suppose I'm interested to hear "onset" stories from anyone who cares to share. Anyway....

Here's my story so far. Sudden onset of bilateral morning (all-day) stiffness in hand joints mid-January, which has not abated since and has given way to stiffness AND pain. Other joints joined in the fun in the following weeks: balls of feet and toes, wrists (big time), elbows (though that has gone away), and hips (no pain, but stiffness after sitting for prolonged periods).

I've had marked fatigue. Some days better than others. In fact, all the symptoms have better days and worse (though they are always present to some degree). 

And now, for added excitement, I seem to be getting severe pain in the thumbs, especially at the base, and some tingling in the first two fingers--symptoms that seem like carpal tunnel. 

BUT... and here is the "huh?" part -- very little redness, very little obvious swelling, very little warmth. Also, blood tests were normal (not sure which ones he did). So... leaves me wondering.

Has anybody else had bilateral, multi-joint involvement and no "clinical" signs of disease? 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • tony09890
    tony09890 Sloppy_Sal

    Posted

    Yeo, I woke uo one morning about halfway through last year wiith bilateral pain in my forearms, went to my Gp who diagnosed PMR.   Over the next few weeks the pain spread to my wrists and ocassionally elbows and neck.   I subsequently saw a Rheumatologist who diagnosed RA and now treats me (unsuccesfully so far) for that.   I now have my left thumb and two middle fingers on my left hand involved as well as wrist, forearm, elbows and neck   No swelling, no redness, no heat, just lots of pain.
  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie Sloppy_Sal

    Posted

    Hi

    my onset story is that i had what seemed to be painful tendonitis in left shoulder. After 2 months I then had extreme pain at base of thumbs. I mentioned it to a friend at work who said her husband s RA had begun like that. So when the pain and stiffness spread to knees, other shoulder, wrists, some fingers , feet .I went to Dr to ask for blood tests and there was some marker in my blood so was referred to rheumatologist. There was no redness and only swelling in my right knee but a lot of stiffness and pain- to begin with only on one side, then sooner or later the other side would join it.

    I didn't get swelling in finger joints till some months later.

    it was actually quite a relief to have a diagnosis and begin treatment ( took about 9 months to get under control with treatment) Early diagnosis is vital so treatment can start before too much joint damage- 

    have you discovered the NRAS website?

    it has a section on first consultant appt and also explains blood test results

    All the best.

  • Sloppy_Sal
    Sloppy_Sal

    Posted

    Thanks so much for your responses, Tony and Birdie. 

    So many different patterns of onset... I can see why this disease can be so hard to diagnosis.

    What's weird is that I'm comforted to hear that others, like me, had no swelling in the early stages. And yet that makes it sound as if I *want* to have RA! It's not that. It's just that if I actually do have RA, I'd like an early diagnosis. Something is definitely wrong with me. It would be good to know what it is and get some treatment.

    It's also good to know that in the worst case scenario, I am not alone.

    Birdie, I'll check out the NRAS website. Thanks!

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