this is my first post and im very nervous

I am getting results from blood tests x-rays and ultra sound on April the first as I am also getting a lot of pain in my neck wrists and ankles feeling stressed about the outcome ...................

Welcome, Pete. We understand your nervousness about all of this. I was just diagnosed in January, so I'm still learning as well.

Perhaps you could tell us a bit more, so we could help you. Have you been officially diagnosed with RA? Has your doctor put you in any RA meds? Knowing those answers can help us give you more support.

I wish you the best. I actually have pain all over, but I was diagnosed first with fibromyalgia, so I don't know if it's actually the RA or fibro. It's all very confusing.

Take care.....Elizabeth

Ok, so we were typing at the same time. I know pain in the wrists and ankles is very common. My pain and swelling in ankles is what finally sent me to a rheumatologist. I could hardly walk! I now use a walker or cane. I know others will be here to offer encouragement and advice.

Nupete, one of my very first RA symptoms was intense pain on the left side of my chest. I was unable to move my arm or even turn my head without pain. My internist thought it was chostochronditis---inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. She prescribed a round of antibiotics, but the pain persisted. Suspecting arthritis, she put me on prednisone and the pain went away almost immediately.

I'm sure your physician will have a specific treatment plan based upon your test results. I know I found some pain relief by using an OTC hot/cold pack that I could warm in the microwave. It was heaven on my sore elbows, wrists and back. Hope all goes well with your tests and doctor appointments.

thank you for the lovely replies I have been told I have RA but just need to wait for results of tests to see how bad I have it I am taking Co-codamol 8/500 mg 2 four times a day and Voltarol gel to rub in but they don't seem to do much for the pain thank you from Pete

Welcome. Prednisone will be your best friend so ask about getting a prescription for it. Most of us have doctors who give us scripts to have on hand for flare-ups so you may want to ask about it. Hope you find some relief.

Dana

thank you Elizabeth all the best to you

I, too, have pain in my upper rib area and it will wake me up at night. Sleeping on my right side is when I notice it the most. I guess I will ask my rheumy about it next week when I go in for a visit. Never put 2 and 2 together to think that it might be related to RA. I am learning thru this site that everything that goes on in my body is probably related to the RA. Best of luck to you. You will learn a lot on this site. Welcome!
Wendy

my RA kicked off with a hello I am here deal with it with a severe case of chostochondritis - i don't think we should necessarily diagnose each other on the board here :) but I can have huge empathy for you if you are having pain in the rib cage area. while you are waiting for the next appointment maybe the doctor could do the immediate poor man's test on you and just prescribe a sizable dose of descending prednisone to see if your symptoms disappear?

and welcome welcome welcome

we are glad you are here.

there is a great group of guys on here also

Depot

thank you for all the lovely answers and advice its really great to speak to fellow suffers as I felt so alone I wish you all well still feeling a lot of pain today

I have never had any of those symptoms with RA in the 45+ years I've had it.

Hi Trooper did you see my other posts about ankle wrists and neck pain do you suffer from any of these symptoms ??? other suffers have said they have had the other symptoms I mentioned I hope your feeling well at the moment take care

Rib area can be aggravated by RA as mentioned, as can the neck.
So they say first 3 levels of cervical. Wrists, ankles are also targets.
Perhaps getting neck looked at to be on the safe side if your concerned.
Pins & needles, heat & numbness may be nerve related.
I have back & neck problems with neuropathy. That came before the RA. SI joint in lower back can be effected by RA but I'm no doctor & can't say what would or is causing that problem.
Prednisone is a huge help for most. Wouldn't hurt to ask to try it while your waiting.
I get some relief from Lidoderm patches also. Those are prescription. My husband bought me the Australian dream arthritis cream & it actually helped with my feet. Much to my surprise. Almost through an entire jar.
Most love moist heat also. Braces can be helpful.
Of course finding the right medication is the best thing but we all know it can be a waiting game.
Great group here the support & knowledge is a life saver.
Please let us know how it goes.
Sammy

Hi Sammy thank you so much for the advice I will of course let you know how it goes I hope all is well with you thanks again Sammy from Pete