Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

AW...it might be helpful if you tell us exactly what kind of "project" you're working on. Do you not have a firm diagnosis of RA, or why can't you find a rheumy who will treat you?

i have always had external swelling through out my entire hands. fingers, wrists , everything. sometimes i have pain in them and they are not swollen. my feet swell, and my knees and elbows. i do have lots of pain without swelling thru out the rest of my body. . its about 50/50 . i swell and hurt about the same as when i hurt and dont swell. and there isnt much the doc can do. just gives me some type if anti inflammatories and i have to take it easy. i've had this for over 20 years. if that info is needed in ur research.

Hello to DWO & all DSers!

this is complex, so i will try to make a journal entry soon with details so anyone can read. VERY BRIEFLY HERE: I was diagnosed 3 1/2 yrs ago. I have sky high blood tests. RF and anti-CCP. I am on enbrel after a couple years of double-dosed humira gave no remissions (never a 5 minute break between flares). Stupid me thought it was ok to switch docs and try for a better result. Have no external swelling at this time and now new RD says "you are fine" much like was written recently by several others here. There is so much more tho.
The "guidelines" by the ACR say visible swelling is a must. I actually am kinda fighting city hall now as they say.
I have RA in every joint and I am about 50% disabled now. I am not fine.
I APPRECIATE THE HELP OF ANYONE willing to give me doctors names for my list. :D
Kelly

From the beginning I had no swelling but alot of pain. 6 months down the line and after the start of treatment the pain is tons better though I have pain in my knees but again with no visible swelling. I can't recommend my doctor because I am in Tokyo. Have a good weekend.

Kelly:

It's so unfortunate that you're meeting with so many roadblocks to treatment-- and to being taken seriously. Sorry, I can offer no help about that kind of rheumy. Mine's kinda stuck on labs and exams, as opposed to my descriptions of how I feel. That seems to be very common with rheumys. Hope you find some for your list, though.

Death Warmed Over:

Welcome back, long time no see, (I mean, long time no read) I'm in the process of applying for disability and they told me that pain and discomfort are not a factor. If your legs operate mechanically, (they don't care if you're screaming from the pain, or can't bear to move them b/c of the pain.) Then you're not considered disabled. If their examiner can bend your fingers while you cry and grimace, because he can move them, they are considered functional and able to work.

That is one of the main reasons why one will usually have to get to the point where one gets a lawyer and goes to the judge. The judge has more reasonable standards than disability does. They merely look at the kinetics when it comes to joint issues.

This is another reason why one must get every diagnosis that is applicable. They do stack things together to look at the big picture. For instance, your fatigue my fall under "chronic fatigue syndrome". They will look at RA coupled with CFS with a more understanding eye than, "My RA makes me tired."

Caspiana,
No, you are right, I won't be going to Tokyo (although my dad was there when I was 7...)
However, I would still like to get the names to put on my list!

Rissa, you are so right. But we can fight this. I am still on Ebrel. They do write the script, but say "you look fine!' So frustrating I can't find words for it. But that does no good,,, so I am trying to do something. I am doing a lot of research and also asking for names.

THANKS, Kelly

Hello, I am glad to report I have found lots of good info. I am still looking for anyone else who can say, I don't have much visible swelling to go with all my pain, stiffness, etc.( And has RA diagnosis of course.)
Thanks; hope you are having a nice day.

I too have no daily visible swelling, even though I have stiffness and pain. The swelling comes on here and there, but nothing on a regular basis.

Harmony! Love the new look. You were right; it is a big change form the old pic.

And thanks for replying on this swellling thread.
Kelly