Tuesday, June 02, 2009 Jane asks

Q: Hello, 38yr old female, new and unsure who to ask

Started with swollen finger, thumb and stiffness on morning, 10 months ago. Was diagnosed with tennis elbow and RSI as SED rate was 5 and RF 34. Had follow up appointment 12 weeks later, elbow was now permanently bent and 1 finger won't bend. Rheumatologist still unsure so recommends Sulfasalazine, "just in case" which I have taken for 4 weeks now. However in last 4 weeks since appointment SED is 32, both knees, feet, ankles and 6 fingers very swollen and stiff nearly all the time occasionally shoulders and elbow. I'm wondering if it is normal to come on so fast and whether I should bring forward my next appointment as its not for another 2 months and I'm scared there is permanant damage being done as my fingers have lumps on middle knuckles. Thankyou in advance for any insight. Jane

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Answers (3)

Brad, Health Guide

6/ 3/09 11:35pm

Jane,

That sounds pretty like pretty text book RA. I would try to get in as soon as you can. The sooner you get treatment the better. Ask anything here, we will help if we can!

Brad

Brad, Health Guide

6/ 3/09 11:37pm

Sorry, insert "pretty much like text book RA"......dang typing is tough!

dryeyes2

6/ 2/09 4:56pm

It sure sounds like RA! Yes-i would try to get in to your rheumatologist as quikly as possiable. And if you cannot get in there sooner, go to another rheumatologist.......

And yes it can come on very quikly-or very gradually!

KEVIN BR3EEN

9/ 5/11 5:56pm

i'M NO MD BUT THRE YRS AGO I WOKE UP AND WAS SO SORE I COULD HARDLY GET DRESSED WENT TO TWO CLINICS TO GETR HELP SAW A HERBOLOGISTS ANDA RETIRED GP THAT WORKEED AT THE WALLMART SUPERCENTER THEN WENT TO A FREE WALKIN CLINICN N Np AND THE PA SASID IT WAS POLYMYALGIA . SHE DID BLOOD WORK AND PERSCIBED PROGESTERN. WHICH IIS A STERIOD ANTI-INFLMAITORY. THAT MY NURSE DAUGHTER ALLSO TOOK FOR HER BACK SURGURY. ANYWAY THE 20 MG SEEMED TO WORK JUST PAIN MANAGEMENT IT HAD A RELEASPE THIS SPRING. IT A DESEASE I THOUGHT MIGHT BE LIMES DESEASE OR RA BUT IT IS VERY RAREE AND HARD TO FIND BUT THE PA SAID TO GO ONLINE TO CHECCK IT OUT SINSE THEN BEEN 80% OK WHAT TO BE CAREFULL ABOUT IS U GAIN WIEGHT ALWAYS HUNGERY SUN CANCER PRO AND YOU HAVE A LONG JOURNEY BACK IF AT ALL BUT GOOD PAIN MANAGEMENT TRASTMENT ASK AROUND OR RESPONDE TO MY EMAIL I KNOW NOTHING OTHER THAN IT SOUNDS LIKE MY ROAD GOD BLESS KEVIN BREEN

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Q: Hello, 38yr old female, new and unsure who to ask

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