I really need your help with this!

This question is for folks who have been diagnosed and treated for RA. Have you ever had a time when there was continuing pain, stiffness, and / or disability and there was little or no external swelling?

I really need your help. If this is you, please post here as many details as you like. I am also making a list of physicians who have treated such folks. So, please leave any of your dr. names here too if you can. You can also email me if you wish to keep anything private.

THANK YOU and I 'll be patient because summer is slow for the internet.

Kelly

aka rawarrior

email: rawarrior@att.net

Hi,

I am not quite clear on what information you are looking for.

May I ask the reason for your questions and your need for names of doctors?

Dozey.

I am looking for people like me. I have seen many over the years. But now I am trying to document it . I have already been able to make quite a list. But I am looking for any dr. who treats RA patients who have little external swelling. (Still has other RA symptoms of course.) It really is that simple; no funny business. Email me if you want to remain private. Thanks.

Kelly

rawarrior@att.net

I think most doctors would treat people like that... have you had people turn you down? I don't have much visible swelling any more, but my doctor still sees me...

Hi,

My joints do not get hot or visibly swell, (although several knuckles have enlarged).   I do not have a positive rheumatoid factor, and my sedimentation numbers are low.  It took me many years to get diagnosed.  I had years of joint pain, and it was only after my thumbs began to visibly deform that I was taken seriously.   "Classic" erosions and synovitis on hand MRIs and a raised anti-CCP led to a diagnosis of "atypical RA".  The combination of mtx and Enbrel has worked wonderfully for me, (especially the Enbrel).

I am followed by a rheumy at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. 

Beverly

Previously Kelly wrote:

This question is for folks who have been diagnosed and treated for RA. Have you ever had a time when there was continuing pain, stiffness, and / or disability and there was little or no external swelling?

I really need your help. If this is you, please post here as many details as you like. I am also making a list of physicians who have treated such folks. So, please leave any of your dr. names here too if you can. You can also email me if you wish to keep anything private.

THANK YOU and I 'll be patient because summer is slow for the internet.

Kelly

aka rawarrior

email: rawarrior@att.net

Hi Kelly. I was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 5 years ago. It mimics RA but with no swollen joints, no elevated sed rate, ra factor normal as well as all other blood tests. I had constant pain in every joint and doctors in my area (Virginia) told me i was fine! I finally travelled to NYC, Hospital for Special Surgery is one of the best places to start or they may be able to recommend an excellent rheumatologist to you. Many doctors miss psoriatic arthritis and the ones in my area never even heard of it. Start by locating an excellent rheumatologist who is familiar with psoriatic (p is silent) arthritis.

Wishing you God's speed as you start your quest.

Janet

I have had RA for 2 1/2 yrs with very little visible swelling, except for when I was pregnant, but severe pains, stiffness, etc. . My doc has treated me througout.  

My goodness!   When looking for a Rheumatologist and you come across one that hasn't heard of PA, keep walking.   I have RA but everyone over here (UK) in Rheumatology and many outside of Rheumatology has heard of PA.

Dozey.