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Fibro or RA

Mckenzie
Mckenzie
I have been dealing with many health issues since november of last year, and I am finally going on the 19th september to see my PCP in order to get tested for Fibro and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

I know that some of you fine people here in the Chronic Community, deals with these 2 very painful illnesses.

Therefore, I have 2 questions for those who knows these 2 illnesses.

1. What test is done for Fibro?
1. What test is done for RA?


2. What's the difference between the two.

My symptoms are achy from head to toe, my joints and muscle in my extremities (lower legs, feet, and hands) hurts daily.

Also have pain in hips (burning sensation), and lower back (when I stand still).

I had my hip and lower back x-rayed earlier this summer and the results came back saying that I had several used up disks in my lower back.

I hope someone can advise me on what to tell my doctor, I want him to understand that I need these tests done, but first I want to know that I am going to have the right tests done.

Insurance is not a problem, I am in Canada and have Health insurance and Medication Insurance (long term insurance).

Thank you in advance,

Mckenzie
One day at the time
deleted_user
deleted_user
go see my posting in the environmental allergies section (I posted it in the wrong area) the topic is called
"Mulitple issues = consider this..."
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello McKenzie, when I was diagnosed with Fibro, the doc came into the room, said "I'm reading and it sounds to me like you've got Fibromyalgia, want to know if you do?" I'm thinking,,, "DUH!" but said yes. He took ahold of my elbows, squeezed, I yelled in pain, he said "Yep, you've got Fibro!" That's all there was to that. I see a new rheumy now but he says the same, that I have fibro. Never really tested for it, I guess. As for the RA, there is a blood test. My rheumy told me that the numbers are,,, under 25, NO,,,, over 40 definate YES,,, that grey area inbetween depends on symptoms. My number was a 36,,, so he says, You are VERY symptimatic so yes, you have RA. Those are my experiences with being diagnosed with each of the illnesses. Wanna chat more?? Sounds good to me!! HUGS!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Do a google search with keywords "fibromyalgia test", One thing I wanted to add, is there are A LOT of mis-diagnosed people with this... I was one of them. I have autonomic dysautonomia which is simular to this Fibro, I hope you get the proper treatment. There is suppose to be 21 trigger points with people with Fibro, (he will touch you in the back, shoulders, wrists, elbows, neck, knee, ankles. ) I have them but also, but with autonomic stuff, you have simularities just like everything else.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well, as far as I know there is no blood test for fibro. It is determined by your symptoms in combination with the requirement that you have at least 11 (or maybe it's 12?) tender points. You can easily find a list of these tender points online.
As for RA, there are actually several blood tests. The first one to get is the RA factor. If that comes out positive then the doctor should order several other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

As for the differences, Fibromyalgia gives you all over pain, muscles spasms and cramps, trouble sleeping.. the list goes on and on! RA from what I understand would give you joint pain.. (Gee, how helpful, I know! lol) My mom has it, but I really don't know much about it symptom-wise.
deleted_user
deleted_user
There are 18 tender points in fibro. You are achy all over. If you have 11 out of the 18 you have it.It is not just on one side. You usually have a sleeping problem. There are many other symptoms. The dr. tests you by feeling these different areas, neck,shoulders,lower back, elbows,wrists, knees,ankles, and chest.
RA is different. You have stiff and painful joints. It starts in your hands. The tests are an Xray of your hands,blood tests include RH factor, sed rate, CPR. They usually do an ANA test to see if it is lupus. Sometimes a throid and lyme test are done to rule them out. Hope this helps. Good Luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
I forgot to say OA can occur anywhere at first. I get the fibro fog sometimes.By the way, I have RA, fibro, and OA.If you want to talk just message or hug me. LOL
deleted_user
deleted_user
Arthritis has a blood test but xray of your hands and feet will tell the story. Fibro is a touch test in either 13 or 16 trigger points on the torso. But it isn't all that accurate. Fibro is diagnosed by symptomology over a long period of time (history).

One has to do with your joints and one with everywhere else. Using what you know best about your body. Is it aching and swollen deformed joints (RA) not deformed joints Osteoarthritis. Or Fibro?

The deformed joints need not be present in all people but you have seen people with fingers that bend sideways in RA patients.

My biggest fight with HMO docs, not my new GP is that they think they know MY body better than I do. They don't, they know medicine. So go in to your appt. by journaling anything that hurts and paying attention to your body. You will know what's what.

Ouch
Mckenzie
Mckenzie
Thank you all soo much.

I've printed this thread and will keep for further advice from you fine people.

Hoping your weekend is pain free.

Mckenzie
One day at the time