I am scheduled to go to rheumotologist in december but am 98% sure I have RA based on my symptoms, bloodwork with PCP was negative. My question, since it has turned cold~my hands and feet feel like ice to me but warm to everyone else. Also, my hands and feet feel so inflamed that it feels like they are numb but they are not. I can barely bend my hands.
from what you're describing, it does sound as if it's possible you may have RA. About 20-30% of people have seronegative RA, which means their blood work is negative. Most good rheumatologist will make a diagnosis based on physical exam and medical history and use blood tests asA confirming test, but not the deciding factor.
I'm glad you have an appointment with a rheumatologist, so you can hopefully get some answers. You should be aware that it's a good idea to stop taking anti-inflammatories for about a week or so before you see your rheumatologist, to make sure that they see your untreated symptoms. NSAIDs like Mobic can mask your symptoms and make it more difficult to make a diagnosis.
In terms of your experience with your hands, feeling cold, you may want to check out information about Raynaud syndrome, which can be associated with RA.
hang in there - hopefully you will get a diagnosis soon, so you can begin treatment. Please let us know how things go with the rheumatologist.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2013 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
8 Facts About Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis 
Conditions That Mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis 
8 Tips for Coping with Lupus 
6 Facts on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sex and Relationships 
Do you have any swelling in your hands, Carol? RA usually causes stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes in the morning, and swelling and pain in the hands and feet, but that can happen in the bigger joints of the body, too, and is not always symmetrical. Any fatigue? Has your GP ordered any blood tests checking for inflammation markers in your blood? Do you have fatigue?
Peace,
V
Yes, in my hands, feet and elbows, I can tell I have swelling. My hands, feet, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders and elbows all of those joints are having pain and stiffness, sometimes one side will be a little worse than the other but mostly it is both sides, the mornings are horrible, I am like a little old lady with the stiffness or when I am at rest for a little while. Once I get up and get going, it gets better as far as not hurting as bad once I get going but then I get tired. Some days I do not have much strength in my hands,etc. Some days the fatigue is really bad.
Aha! That does sound so familiar. Until you get in to see the Rheumy, you might want to try very warm baths, if you are aching all over. My knees and shoulders hurt and swell and I use ice for those but heat for everything else. Whatever works best for you. Did your doctor give you prednisone to try to see if that helped? If not, you might want to try some OTC Aleve, or Ibuprofen, but remember to eat before you take it. NSAIDs are hard on the tummy. The only thing that helps the fatigue is rest, and when your body is hurting like that and you are fatigued, it is asking for rest. Hope you get a Dx and some relief soon! Be sure to write every symptom down so that you can give your RD a complete picture of what is going on with you.
Best Wishes,
V
Thanks. She gave me a Rx for Mobic. It causes some GI upset so I try to only take it when it gets bad. It is really nice to have a place to go so I can talk to others who know what I am experiencing. my family is use to this extremely active person who never ask for help and most definitely never naps or lays around in the bed.
Mobic is an NSAID that should help you, but they all are tough on tummies. I find if I eat before I take an NSAID, it helps alot. Also, most of us on long-term NSAID therapy are also taking something to protect our stomachs. A lot of people take OTC Prilosec or prescription Pevacid. I am allergic to those, so I take Zantac every day. I read an article the other day stating that we need to take it every day whether our stomachs are bothering us or not, because of the meds RA patients have to take to get better. I take 400 mgs of Celebrex a day. I have tried to just take one a day (200 mgs), but that doesn't work for me. I need 2 a day to be able to walk...bad knees. If your doctor doesn't bring it up, you might want to ask what to take to protect your stomach. I hope you have a good rheumatologist. That makes all the difference. If you can take Mobic as prescribed, you will probably feel a lot better. Please feel free to ask anything you would like. We have a good, caring community here.
Hugs,
V