It's been quite some time since I last wrote but am doing so now because I haven't been feeling too great. I was diagnosed with RA just over a year ago. Once the medication kicked in and the pain went away I started doubting the diagnosis. The more I read about other people and their stories I felt even more so that I didn't have RA because I felt good and the stories I read were about so much suffering. Well I've been feeling lousy the past few weeks - which leads me to my question ... My elbows, wrists, hands, fingers and ankles hurt but my Rheumatologist says he doesn't feel any inflammation so he doesn't think the RA is causing the pain. Ok, now what? What's your experience? Is it possible to have (or have you had) pain without inflammation and was it still the RA causing it? (I'll post a separate question about neck problems).
Q: Pain without inflammation? Is it possible and is it still RA?
HMMMMMMMMMM! Elbows,wrists, hands, ankles sure sounds like RA. What do you mean by no inflammation? Your sed rate could still be normal. What about CK? They say that is actually a better inflammatory marker than ESR. Are you having burning, do they feel warm, is there stiffness, aching, throbbing?? Do you basically feel as though you have a bad case of the flu? Have you had a temp?
What meds do you take? Is this the first time you have had what could possibly be a flare?
Do you possibly have Fibro also?
How long have you had this rheumy? Do you trust his judgement? Those are the most important things. If you trust him, then see what happens. How long has this been going on? If you feel you need to see him again due to the fact that you are not getting any better, then call his office and let them know you are not getting better and would like to see him again.
Good luck!! Let us know how you are doing ok?
HMMMMMMMMMM! Elbows,wrists, hands, ankles sure sounds like RA. What do you mean by no inflammation? Your sed rate could still be normal. What about CK? They say that is actually a better inflammatory marker than ESR. Are you having burning, do they feel warm, is there stiffness, aching, throbbing?? Do you basically feel as though you have a bad case of the flu? Have you had a temp?
What meds do you take? Is this the first time you have had what could possibly be a flare?
Do you possibly have Fibro also?
How long have you had this rheumy? Do you trust his judgement? Those are the most important things. If you trust him, then see what happens. How long has this been going on? If you feel you need to see him again due to the fact that you are not getting any better, then call his office and let them know you are not getting better and would like to see him again.
Good luck!! Let us know how you are doing ok?
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