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...
I was diagnosed pretty young with RA. I chose to ignore it and just deal with daily pain as it came. I have had 3 children and was in remission (Im assuming) during all of my pregnancies and for most of the following years due to nursing. Now that I am done having babies and my last one is weaning I appear to be in the worst flare of my life. My hands, feet, elbows and hips are all painful and swollen. I have constant pins and needles in my feet. Im having trouble sleeping because of the pain. SO, I booked myself in to see my 'new' doctor next week. What should I be asking? What tests should I ask to have done? I should be asking for a rheumatologist referral right?
Your new doc - is this a rheumatologist? If so, you'll get the needed tests...if Primary Care....
RF factor, anti-ccp, c reactive protein, sed rate, ANA (to rule out other things), complete metabolic panel, cbc, hepatitis panel, thyroid panel, and a few tests like creatine kinase, muscle antibody tests. That will be a good start. Of course, most Primary care docs just do the RF factor...get him/her to do more. It is deflating when you know you have something and you only get a little answered.
Also, if you are in pain, ask for prednisone til your bloodwork comes in. If it helps you, you can feel pretty good you have zeroed in on the right topic.
Good luck! It's hard with kids. Can be done though.
Good luck! Keep us informed.
Linda
And if you haven't completely dried up, perhaps try pumping to increase the anti-inflammatory hormones associated with breast feeding... Well, if you want to try that natural route.