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

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.

Well my surgeon said I can continue to take my celebrex up until the day before my surgury. I am also on methotrexate and he wants me to stop that 2 weeks before surgery. He said I can go back on my nsaids a week after surgery. Hope this helps - Sonya

I had the surgery on one of my wrists back in 1990. However, I still have the tingling and numbness 15 years later it comes and goes. The pain is better and so is the swelling. If your mom does not want to have the surgery tell her that putting her hands above her head will relieve the tingles she is feeling in her wrist and if she will make a pouch and put dry rice in it. All she has to do is heat the rice up in a microwave and wrap it around her wrist until it cools off. This will help. I do recommend her to have the surgery thou. It is a breeze. Tammy

How old are you guys? I ask cause my DR. has sent me to pysical theapy, given me shots to replace fluid in my knee and so on. I hurt! He keeps putting me off about having knee replacement cause he says I am to young. I am 56 years old and have lost 200 pounds. Did not hurt before bye pass surg. Guess it was there all along but did not show up until I fell last Thanksgiving. Been hurting every since then. I have wasted a lot of time going to massage, chirpractor phsical thearapy and dr. needless to say co pays so lot of money and time wasted! I now weigh 150 -155. Help!