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...

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Now what should i do?

deanma
deanma
So, i went to my primary for joint pain, all over. it started as one knuckle hurting in sept. tendonitis in wrist in october, another knuckle on other hand in november. Then a week and half ago all over joint pain that has lasted almost two weeks. she put me on meloxicam, which works some. she did lab work and it all came out negative. then, she has nurse call me and tell me she put me on robaxin. but no other testing. I ache for a reason, but she is acting like i am overreacting or something. This isnt normal for me to have this joint pain. Do i just wait until i have erosions in joints or do i push for something more? Any advice would be appreciated. M
deanma
deanma
My rheumy appt. Got moved to tomorrow! The had me on the cancellation list. Now i guess i am wondering what questions to ask...any advice? Two full wks in the all over joint aches....when i stop the mobic....it comes back full throttle. I am scared i will be diagnosed with ra...and yet i am scared that i wont get an answer to this riddle. M
2scicrazed
2scicrazed
Ask for prednisone pack. Most rheumies will agree to try that first. If it mitigates your symptoms they may try you on MTX. Some of the more up-to-date rheumies will discuss diet control of symptoms as well. But very few rheumies are that progressive. And few patients have the will power to stay on restricted diets for life. If you are in middle tn, I know a progressive rheumi to recommend.
sammyo1
sammyo1
I'll second asking for prednisone.
Perhaps letting this doctor know your well aware of sero negative.
I think that makes it a little harder to ignore or dismiss an educated patient. They have nothing to loose by trying you on a dose of prednisone. It's worth it as heartbreaking to know there's something wrong & be dismissed so easily.

There are specialists for a reason & makes me angry when a PCP chooses to shut a patient down. At the least could have let you try prednisone then you would have went in knowing if it relieved your pain & symptoms.
The very best of luck, Sammy