Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Hi Everyone I hope you are all having a good day, I know if you are here, good days are few and far between.
I have some symptoms that are frustrating me and I don't understand.
I have been to my doctor who has diagnosed me with MS, a Neuro a few years back also thought I had MS. The Neuro I am presently seeing is trying to diagnose me with MS but is trying to rule everything else out first because there is no test to confirm MS.
On Friday, he told me he wanted me to see a Lupus specialist and a Rheumatologist to rule those two problems out. I don't think I come even close to either of those but I will go and let them test whatever it takes to get somekind of treatment started. I am so afraid of permanent damage to my legs if a diagnosis isn't made soon.
Here are my symtomps: Weakness in my legs, Numbness in my left leg and most of the time feels like I have a lead boot on when I walk. I shuffle both feet now instead of just the left. If I go outside when it's hot I loose my legs and balance, vision is doubled, head starts bobbing up and down, whole body shakes especially hands. Pins and needles in all extremities, speech is slurred at times, sometimes I pop words out that I have no idea what they mean nor why I said it,
Hands jerk away from what I am doing alot of the time, taking a shower that has any warmth to it at all will make my symptoms worse and I am done for the day because it zaps all the energy out of me.
Do any of you have any of these symptoms with RA ?
I feel so alone and scared at times because I don't know if anyone can relate to this. If you can help me I would be so greatful for any suggestions or feed back of any kind.
Have a good day
Kath
I have some symptoms that are frustrating me and I don't understand.
I have been to my doctor who has diagnosed me with MS, a Neuro a few years back also thought I had MS. The Neuro I am presently seeing is trying to diagnose me with MS but is trying to rule everything else out first because there is no test to confirm MS.
On Friday, he told me he wanted me to see a Lupus specialist and a Rheumatologist to rule those two problems out. I don't think I come even close to either of those but I will go and let them test whatever it takes to get somekind of treatment started. I am so afraid of permanent damage to my legs if a diagnosis isn't made soon.
Here are my symtomps: Weakness in my legs, Numbness in my left leg and most of the time feels like I have a lead boot on when I walk. I shuffle both feet now instead of just the left. If I go outside when it's hot I loose my legs and balance, vision is doubled, head starts bobbing up and down, whole body shakes especially hands. Pins and needles in all extremities, speech is slurred at times, sometimes I pop words out that I have no idea what they mean nor why I said it,
Hands jerk away from what I am doing alot of the time, taking a shower that has any warmth to it at all will make my symptoms worse and I am done for the day because it zaps all the energy out of me.
Do any of you have any of these symptoms with RA ?
I feel so alone and scared at times because I don't know if anyone can relate to this. If you can help me I would be so greatful for any suggestions or feed back of any kind.
Have a good day
Kath
But welcome to the group and please stay and post if you want to. I know this group is very supportive. I also hope you find out what is wrong with you.
Your symptoms do indeed sound scary and difficult. They dont seem to be the classic or common symptoms of RA.
The diagnosis will come when the time is right. For now though each day gives you the time and space to prepare and learn. Whatever this disease is, it calls for the best in you to rise up and face it. You have this within you. We all do.
I wish I was in front of you talking to you right now. I would just listen.
You have reached out into this cyber space. Reach again dear lady and find what you need to help you experience your boldness and strength as well as your fear.
Keep going.
Souloist
It does sound more like MS. It looks like there is a very large MS group here on Daily Strength- maybe they could verify if the symptoms are characteristic of MS. Take care of yourself, and know that whatever you have, you are not alone. There are beautiful, caring people in this world- this site is proof of that.
Hope you get some answers soon. Love and hugs.
Colleen
I am so sorry to hear of what you're going through. I know that MS is a diagnosis of exclusion - as you know, they usually have to rule everything else out first before finally "concluding" that it is MS.
The symptoms that you are experiencing do not sound typical of those with RA, which is characterized by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. To me, what you describe seems more neurological, and Iknow that many people with MS's symptoms seem worse in heat (hot shower).
As Angela suggested, perhaps you can see if there is an MS group here at DS for more info on what others there experience. Also, your local MS society might be able to put you in touch with more info or perhaps a local support group.
Hoping you get some answers soon. Take care.
There is an MS group here which may be of help to you. I hope you are able to get a diagnosis soon and a plan of treatment.
Welcome to this group where people are very supportive in the meantime.
Please let us know how you get on.
Hugs