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Muscle pain with RA

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maureen50025
maureen50025

Hi I'm new to this site and have very little knowledge of RA. Due to joint pain ( coming and going) and blood test showing possible RA factor my GP has referred me to a Rhuematolagist for further test. However I do have periods days sometimes a few weeks of no symptoms ( joint pain) but do get extremely tired and suffer with muscle pain especially in my legs/ thighs feels a bit like cramp. Does anyone else get these symptoms or are they totally unrelated. I would be very grateful for any info on RA as I've not seen Rhuematolagist yet .

Maureen

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH maureen50025

    Posted

    Having a positive rheumatoid factor test doesn't necessarily mean you have RA - just as getting a negative rheumatoid factor test doesn't mean you DON'T have RA. There are many sorts of inflammatory arthritis and one sort is called palindromic arthritis - it moves around the body and often the flares in the joints just last a few hours or days and disappear again until the next time. Sometimes RA starts like that and only later does it become more typical.

    It certainly sounds as if you have some sort of autoimmune disorder - the fatigue and muscle pain are typical of several. But at least your GP has referred you to the experts and hopefully they will be able to decide on which is most likely and find some medication that will help. 

    This is a link to one of the leaflets on this site - and there are several on other sorts of arthritis. It is written for patients so is easy to understand.

    https://patient.info/health/rheumatoid-arthritis-leaflet

    If you click on the "Support" tab at the top of that page it will take you to another page with links to support groups whose websites also will have lots of info. The Arthritis UK one is also very good. The NHS also has info aimed at patients.

    Hope this helps as a start - and I'm sure others will be along with advice for you.

    • maureen50025
      maureen50025 EileenH

      Posted

      Hi Eileen. Thank you for the advise . That Palindromic Arthritis sounds exactly like the symptoms I get severe pain and some swelling in the joints but only lasting for a couple of days at a time . I guess I will find out for sure ( hopefully ) when I see the Rhuematolagist . Thank you for the link il take a look.
  • steve_40372
    steve_40372 maureen50025

    Posted

    Yes, fatigue and muscle pain for sure, though not necessarily like leg cramps. And yes, there are good days and bad days. Your definition of good and bad may change as time goes on.

    Fatigue is a pretty well-known component, and for me often the most frustrating. On a relatively pain-free day I might be too damn tired to take advantage of it.

    i haven't discussed muscular aches all that much with my doctor, but it would seem logical that a swollen joint would deform the natural position of tissue, tendons, and in turn the attached muscle.

    • maureen50025
      maureen50025 steve_40372

      Posted

      Thanks Steve.

      It's good to Be able to share advice etc especially as this is all very new to me.

  • tony09890
    tony09890 maureen50025

    Posted

    I discussed this with the Rheumatologist last week, it is normal to feel pain in muscles and tendons, for me it oftem feels like cramps but mostly like six inch nails being driven though my arms, everyone is different I guess.
    • maureen50025
      maureen50025 tony09890

      Posted

      Thanks Tony I can definitely relate to the muscle pain, wasn't sure if it was related but seems it could be .
  • frances85589
    frances85589 maureen50025

    Posted

    Morning Maureen, it is good your doctor is sending you to a rheumatologist. Your symptoms sound more like Fibromyalgia but saying that I have RA too and all my symptoms are muscle n joint and tiredness.

    The tiredness flaws you thou and you must try rest when you can.

    • maureen50025
      maureen50025 frances85589

      Posted

      Hi Frances not sure what Fybromyalgia is or what the difference is . It seems really confusing and so many different symptoms. My joint pain and swelling comes and goes all the time in my hands knees and feet but my shoulder although not swollen is painful all the time and I have restricted movement. Anyway I'm very grateful for everyone's advice and I am researching more into the different kinds of arthritis and how I can help myself in the meantime. I am resting when possible as the tiredness is a real nuisance .
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