living wChronic Hepatitis B for 15 years what are the chances that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis
If I've been living with Chronic Hepatitis B for 15 years, being 20, what are the chances that I have resulted Rheumatoid Arthritis and/or a herniated disc in my neck?
I've read the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and match many of them. My particular symptoms include frequent leg aches, ankle pain, swollen hands and feet from time to time, weak arms/shoulders, fatigue (also associated with hepatitis b), low-grade fever frequently, loss of appetite (also associated with hepatitis b), stiff neck/ neck pain (have to crack/pop my neck several times a day- for years now), sometimes severe headaches occur in addition to usual neck pain/stiffness.
In addition to all of this, my vision is very poor, I'm near-sighted, and I can't afford corrective surgery, corrective lenses or contacts. Doctors have said before that the vision impairment causes the headaches, however, my primary care physician diagnosed migraines.
I often feel like the pains are associated in the neck pain and headaches and they sometimes lead to nausea and vomitting.
I can't afford insurance and am offered no government assistance living with my chronic illness so I haven't been to my gastroenterologist since I turned 18.
I can't afford physically present physicians unless absolutely necessary so help me figure out my problem!
What's my diagnosis, docs?
It sounds like you have a number of problems that are all interacting to make the picture more muddled. For instance, your headaches/migraines could be due in part to the lack of glasses and/or possible RA in your neck. It is important that you find a way to get to a doctor. It may be a good idea to check into Social Security and try getting on government assistance so you can get medical treatment. Although I can tell you that it sounds like you may have RA, it won't make a difference, because you need treatment and once you have a doctor and a prescription, the drug companies have programs to provide medication to people like you who are on a low income.
I'm Canadian and don't know enough about the American system to advise you how to access medical care when you don't have any money. Your local Social Security office may be able to help you, at least with information and you may want to go through the phone book to find advocacy group for people with disabilities, as these types of groups often know the ins and outs of bureaucracies and might be able to help you. One place to start is The Arthritis Foundation, who may be able to talk to you in general terms about this or perhaps point you to resources in your community.
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How are you doing? I remember reading your question earlier this year ....I'm not clear on how you are supporting yourself if you are very disabled...RA needs both a physical exam and blood tests of various kinds to be diagnosed.. Have you made any progress with this?
Best wishes -
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