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'm a 53 yr-old epileptic mom. Menopause and depression had taken over my life for the past 10 years, and I started taking hormone replacement therapy which has finally evened me out.
Last Thursday, I noticed a little knot under my left shoulder blade, and thought nothing of it. Friday, it had grown, but I still didn't pay attention. Saturday morning it had spread to my neck; I carry stuff all the time and my neck and shoulders are often sore; I just had my husband give me a little massage. That night, as we wandered through Ikea, I noticed that pain was starting to shoot through my left arm and shoulder...
...and the next morning, when I woke, it was excruciating. Cramps and spasms were racking my shoulder and arm, and the left elbow was painful and tender. Naturally, the next day was Labor Day, so the doctor was closed. Tuesday, it had gone down to my wrist.
I thought that it was a pinched nerve since it started in one tiny little spot. The doc gave me an anti-inflammatory and told me that if it wasn't better in a week to come back. There was no way I could wait a week, and I almost forced myself into his office the next day. They took an xray and I was told to make an appointment for physical therapy (which is next week) and he muttered something about "arthritis". He also gave me a prescription for Endocet, but he didn't want me to take it until I checked with my neurologist about possible adverse interactions with my two anti-seizure medicines.
...and, naturally, my neurologist was on vacation.
Luckily, the pharmacist said that there shouldn't be any problems.
So while I've not been officially diagnosed, I've done some reading and this looks like RA. And I have so many questions, but let me just start with introducing myself and giving this experience. The pain killer somewhat works, but I still have periods where I'm unable to do anything.
I have REAL respect for all you RA folk! I've never experienced pain like that, and I do hope that the pain will at least be not as bad as it was. They say that one should do what one can to stay active, but seriously, there is a point when the pain is just too overpowering.
I'd be happy for any advice.
Last Thursday, I noticed a little knot under my left shoulder blade, and thought nothing of it. Friday, it had grown, but I still didn't pay attention. Saturday morning it had spread to my neck; I carry stuff all the time and my neck and shoulders are often sore; I just had my husband give me a little massage. That night, as we wandered through Ikea, I noticed that pain was starting to shoot through my left arm and shoulder...
...and the next morning, when I woke, it was excruciating. Cramps and spasms were racking my shoulder and arm, and the left elbow was painful and tender. Naturally, the next day was Labor Day, so the doctor was closed. Tuesday, it had gone down to my wrist.
I thought that it was a pinched nerve since it started in one tiny little spot. The doc gave me an anti-inflammatory and told me that if it wasn't better in a week to come back. There was no way I could wait a week, and I almost forced myself into his office the next day. They took an xray and I was told to make an appointment for physical therapy (which is next week) and he muttered something about "arthritis". He also gave me a prescription for Endocet, but he didn't want me to take it until I checked with my neurologist about possible adverse interactions with my two anti-seizure medicines.
...and, naturally, my neurologist was on vacation.
Luckily, the pharmacist said that there shouldn't be any problems.
So while I've not been officially diagnosed, I've done some reading and this looks like RA. And I have so many questions, but let me just start with introducing myself and giving this experience. The pain killer somewhat works, but I still have periods where I'm unable to do anything.
I have REAL respect for all you RA folk! I've never experienced pain like that, and I do hope that the pain will at least be not as bad as it was. They say that one should do what one can to stay active, but seriously, there is a point when the pain is just too overpowering.
I'd be happy for any advice.
I question that a bump like that wasn't examined more??
But if it is RA you're dealing with,then with the right meds/exercises etc then you can find the little tricks it takes for you individually to get things done that you want...may take longer than others.but we get things done in our own way!
any other RA symptoms? Exhaustion, flu like symptoms, low grade fevers, swelling, brain fog? Those are common.
Hope you get the proper exam & treatment soon.
Not having a solid diagnosis is stressful.
Wishing you the best of luck, Sammy
There was no bump, just a sore spot. Not being able to drive, I spend a lot of time walking and carrying things like groceries, and I'm very used to having a sore neck and shoulders. Other symptoms: exhaustion, which doesn't surprise me. Dealing with pain that's pretty constant is very exhausting, and waking up at least twice in the middle of the night because of it is not conducive to the kind of rest one needs to operate normally, much less in times of bodily stress.
The waking up is the hardest; everything is stiff and excruciating. It takes up to an hour of stretching and massaging to get the knots and cramping down to a level that's tolerable.
I can't wait to find out what this is.