Sounds like a new doc is in order. Maybe get a second opinion from another orthopedic guy, too. It's a tough reality to have to live with.

You are not off your rocker. It can get better, you have to keep trying. Take a list with you when you see your new Ruemy. When I was diagnosed (and before) I had that same type of pain in my hips, it was awful. Anyway, I was very lucky, my Ruemy would keep changing my meds until things got better. Hang in there.
Lynne

i know exactly what you're saying. i have problems with my knee, not my hip, but i'm right with you. i can walk right now, but not long distances. i have a cane and a power wheelchair that i use when i'd otherwise have to walk for a long time, and i'm only 30. my rheumatologist sent me to an orthopedist to assess the knee to see if surgery was necessary, and i thought it probably would be since i was having so many problems. nope, just typical ra problems. maybe i'll need surgery someday, probably even, but right now, there's nothing that can be done. i actually cried at the ortho when he told me there was nothing he could do - he was confused, as most people are happy to hear they don't need surgery. i was just upset that it meant there was nothing to do to fix my knee. and it's true, i don't particularly want surgery, i just want my knee to work.

I am so sorry.
I'm glad your looking for a new RA doc. More & more patients are going for second opinions & there's no reason why you should not if your unsure of the first opinion.

I don't know what it is but so many ignore the painful areas if the swelling is present. I'm having the same reaction from my RA doc with my knee. Hurts, freezes up on me but no swelling so no biggie to her. So many people with the same story. My next appointment I'm bringing the issue up.

Now for the spine. Surgery is the last option always.
Once surgery is done there are concerns about levels below & above. The pain may be better is some ways but there can be others issues & pain that arise from the surgery.

Trust me MRIs do not always show the true story.
Your laying perfectly still & what is happening when there is movement? That can't be seen & it was a very good PT that pointed that out to me.

I had mild to moderate herniations according to MRIs.
After 2 yrs of agony & every doctor under the sun the condition grew severe enough to have cervical fusion. I can tell you this what the MRI had shown & what the surgeon had seen were 2 different stories. When I started researching I heard the same story from others over & over. There are tests outside of MRIs. If the problems increase we need to be our own advocates & ask what other diagnostic testing is available that can help determine what is going on in there.

Now I have 2 other levels that are not in great shape, via the surgeon, Yet thus far every MRI I have done shows everything to be peachy. Had the surgeon not pointed it out I'd not know one thing about the condition my cervical is in.


I also had no vertebrae left by the time I had the surgery. What was there was in bedded in my outer spinal cord. Not finding the problems in time left me in chronic pain & as a bonus nerve pain which I would wish on anyone. Now doctors will admit there is no test that is 100% accurate.

So I'm sorry 5 yrs of complaining something should have clicked with your doctor, its crazy to blow a patients complaints off with out any attempts.


I agree fully with Jen, Pain management has other things to offer to help manage the pain. Injections that can help in many cases, at least give some quality of life that we all deserve. There are also different types of PT other then the traditional.

My husband had a problem with his foot, after seeking help from 2 other doctors he got into my PM doc. After an injection done under Xray he walked out feeling 100% better. If I'm going to have injections, which I get in my neck, I want someone who does them every day & uses every tool at his disposal.
He barely felt it compared to the last set he had from another doctor.

The other benefit is someone else is watching that problematic area. If or when the time comes something needs to be done surgical a good PM will refer you.

I sound like I'm promoting pain management & I guess I am.
Each & everyone of us deserve quality in our lives. If we must live in chronic pain then we should have the right & do what we can to control that pain.
It burns me that we do not let animal suffer yet so many doctors just look the other way. You have nothing to loose by asking to be referred to a doctor who can help control the pain & give you some less painful days.
I wish you both the best of luck.
Blessings, Sammy

Kimberly, You are not off your rocker. Just this week I couldn't move my shoulder and it was not swollen. Because it was just on one side I had no idea what it was. Thankfully, for the support here I thought it may be a flare. My rheumy agreed, ordered prednisone and now I am better. She said it does not have to be swollen to get relief. The viccodin did nothing for the pain. What a terrible doctor...find a new one. Hugs.

So sorry for your pain. You think if is broken it can be fixed....the same thing has been going on with me the past 4 weeks I could have sworn my ankle was broken. My foot was the size of a loaf of bread. But no just a lovely RA flare :(
I was dx 20 years ago and has really gone downhill the last 5 years. I'm currently trying enbrel. Are u on a biologic?

Xo MLC.

I am on Humira methotrexate and prednisone daily. I'm pretty sure my hip pain is not from my back I have had a lumbar spinal fusion in 2000 and just a month ago had a thoracic discectomy I had 2 MRI on my back for that and one in my hip. Back dr fixed my back and orthopedic dr thinks its RA in my hips. So I don't know I also just had a cortisone shot in my knee not sure I shuld hav now it's swollen and a little more painful than it was.

Excellent suggestion Jen, Dermatome charts are extremely helpful & pretty darn accurate.

The best tool out there that can help understand & sort of watch for progression with spinal injuries.

With all the medical technology we have we are led to believe these tests tell all there is to know. Not true at all, There can be a difference from one radiologist to another reading those films.
Some doctors will use one location with a radiologist of their choice because of this reason.

Ive been told 2 totally different results.
With conditions that change or progress a pain diary or journal can be very helpful in tracking changes & progression & just as helpful with doctors.

With me it was the spinal injuries first then RA, so lucky for me I was already in pain management, actually he was the doctor that sent me for my RA consult.
He does consider the RA & pain & let me know he treats a lot of RA patients.

You know how you see cards in the reception area for other doctors & PT well the one for Pain management is always empty.

Ive been reading here & my heart goes out to all those suffering.

If there is anyone, anything out there that can give relief & add quality of life then each one of us deserve the right to seek relief.

Like many here I have my miserable times. Having a PM gives me a little peace of mind. Of course I still deal with daily pain & have before RA entered the picture. I was told like many this is your life but I want to know I have a tool I can use when the pain becomes to much.

As mentioned surgery is always last resort, but we sure suffer in the mean time.
Whether its a new Rhuemy, PM, surgeon, I hope you find that doctor that can give you relief.
Sammy