opinions please

I am not asking anyone to diagnose, just give your opinion if you think I might have RA. I started having joint pain about a year ago. Now I have episodes where either wrist is so sore, somewhat swollen and painful to use. I also am so stiff , especially in the mornings or after driving /riding for a ways. It is almost hard to walk at first. I can tell this is worsening. I have tried to lay it off to OA or age but the way the pain in my wrists or thumb or where-ever it is, can come on overnight, then go away totally in a few days just makes me wonder. I know I have a positive ANA for years (they checked it for some other reason years ago). Anyone elses with symptoms like that? I am scheduled for RNY next month. I know I will have to give up the motrin. I've already cut it down to one dose a day.

Hi Ginakay, I don't have RA but my mother does and your symptoms sound very similar to hers. She had it in her hands especially. I would recommend you go to the Dr and have a blood test done to see if you have RA just so you know. I was at my surgeons yesterday. I haven't been able to exercise as much as I like or need because I have arthritis in my low back so bad and the main reason I had this surgery was so I could lose weight and get the pressure off my back. My surgeon gave me a prescription for liquid Vikaden with tylenol. I hate taking medication and really don't take any drugs but realized this is what I'm going to have to do to make this weight loss happen like it should.Since we can't take anti-inflamatory medications anymore this is going to have to be it for me.I wish you success in finding out what it is. Sometimes even certain foods will cause inflamation or agravate arthritis. My chiropractor told me to stay away from tomatoes and all acidic type foods. They cause arthritis to flare up big time. Good luck Sharon A

Sharon, Be careful please as Vicodan is a hydrocodone and is highly addictive. I don't think you'll have a problem but just wanted you to know. It can cause weird dreams. Please read the insert for side effects and reactions. There is internet info on side effects at: www.RXPO.net/ or www.drugs.com/vicodin.html Tomanip

Ginakay: Also sounds like carpel tunnel. May want a doctor check it out. I had carpel tunnel in both hands, it affected my wrists and fingers. I would get such pain. I couldn't sleep at night because it would wake me up. I had the right hand done and the left hand cleared up by itself. Like I said I'm not a doctor, but there is a simple test they can give you to determine if you have carpel tunnel. Good Luck. Also, in case I haven't said Good Luck on your upcoming gastic bypass surgery. They have other medication you can take after your RNY. I take celabrex. It is back on the market. Just ask your doctor (surgeon) and he will help you decide what is best. Pam Hastings

Ginakay...I know exactly how you feel. I had a work accident in 97 that caused a trauma to my right hand and I had a gangleon cyts grow down in my hand 4 cm after being drained a few weeks before. I had the surgery, but it didn't help me I have lost 70% lost of my hand. I have tendenitis...epilcondilitis..fms..polyarthritis and was on the boarderline for RA and lupus. Find you a good Rhumy so they can really do the testing needed. My pcp did one and nothing showed up and I totally know better than that. They didn't do a full panel. The Rhumy's if they are good will find the problem and treat it . I was on the liquid vioxx till it was taken away, celebrex is too hard on my pouch still 21 months out. Have you tried Biofreeze? My Dad found a ole timey shop that sells horse linament in a gell and I can tell the difference in it forsure. Somedays I use it 3 times, my shoulders have to be settled down before bed time so hubby has to rub and rub. The horse get smells like speremint gum. I can help you get samples if need be if you can't find any of it there. My pain is to the point of taking MS medicine to help deal with the muscle pain and I am on fentynal 25 mg now. This staying in the bed or my wheelchair, I hope your dr. finds something to give you some relief. I have been to the point to where I was crying and crying asking why me why me? but then why not me? I wish you luck on your surgery, the first 3/6 months are the worst, just trying to get everything in order and a time and food listing and remember to eat and drink drink. I have been in the hospital 3 times from dehydration from antibiotics. Please keep my posted and if you need someone to talk too email me personally at [email protected] hang in there many blessings are being sent your precious way Hugs my friend, Sandy