Fatigue and Joint Pain Got Me Worried
I am having small and large joint pain (fingers in particular, both hands, hip joints, big toe joint, back and shoulder pain), I'm almost 60 (in Dec.), and feel exhausted all the time, worse by late afternoon. I take multi-vitamins and extra calcium with Vit. D, HRT and Vytorin 10/20. Have had back problems for years (bulging disk), but getting worse. Don't sleep well, wake up with fingers hurting, legs ache, tired. What tests are best to identify problem or problems? Could it be fibromyalgia (I've had a lot of stress in my lifetime!) and some form of arthritis, or something else? What type of specialist should I see to diagnose the problem?
June
Sorry you're having a rough time of it June. Sounds like it's time for a trip to the doc. Don't worry about trying to self diagnose and choosing a physician that way. If it were RA or OA your doc would probably refer you to a Rheumatologist anyway. But still, heaven knows there are a ba-jillion things that can be off in the human body so best to just be open about all your symptoms and start from there. Good luck and let us know what you find out!
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The pain of fibromyalgia is generally felt in muscles and soft tissue, so what you're describing doesn't sound like it fits into that category. If you're interested in learning more about fibromyalgia, there is an entire section on the condition on HealthCentral's chronic pain site (click here). Joint pain, on the other hand, is often a sign of arthritis and what you're describing does sound awfully familiar. You don't mention if you have muscle pain, however, RA can sometimes cause inflammation in muscles and tendons/ ligaments, as well. There's another factor, too - when we hurt in one place, we start using our bodies differently, which adds unfamiliar stress and can cause aches in muscles that are forced to work in new and often awkward ways. Chronic pain makes you tired and that's a definite fatigue factor with arthritis. As well, you're not sleeping well due to the pain, so you have a perfect recipe for being exhausted.
However, you shouldn't take my word for it - I'm not a doctor, I just live with RA - so in order for you to get a proper diagnosis so you can begin treatment, see your family doctor first to discuss your symptoms and s/he will refer you to a rheumatologist. There'll be a period of testing, probably both blood tests and x-rays and it may take a few weeks or months to diagnose you officially. Don't wait for the official diagnosis to get some painkillers - your family doctor should be able to write prescriptions for something that can help you, both during the day and to sleep at night. Different kinds of gentle exercise can help reduce the pain that little, as well - yoga, tai chi and doing range of motion exercises in a pool (heated, if you can get it). Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, have a rest in the afternoon, if you can and taking some painkillers before you go to bed may help you sleep better.
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