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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dkmama 06/02/2013

Is there anyone else out there, who started this whole odyssey with a bout of Parvovirus? I was confirmed to have Parvo 4 years ago and have never been the same. After many cycles of flares/remissions of symptoms, I finally saw a Rheumy after the flare from hell started this past March. I have been tested for RF several times in the past, all negative, but now it is slightly elevated. I go back this week to see the Rheumy and get the results of additional labs.

Like RA, I think Parvo is a "sneaky B@#$##$". I am thinking it may be a chicken vs. egg thing. Was RA always lurking, and Parvo brought it out? Or did Parvo start a chain of events that led to RA?

Just looking for any insight anybody might have. Thanks!

dk

deleted_user 06/02/2013

Yes!! Funny, but I just posted on another thread about it last night. I was diagnosed with Parvo initially back in 1994. After 6 months, the Parvo was gone but the joint pains remained. My rheumy explained many yeats ago that docs think that autoimmune is triggered by an infection or virus os some type, but does not turn off when the job is done I guess Parvo was the trigger for us. I hope that your rheumy gets to the root and
is able to give you some relief.
Best wishes

deleted_user 06/02/2013

I have had a slightly elevated parvo blood test. But, my Rheumy didn't make much of a big deal about it.

dkmama 06/03/2013

Hi Aurora, it sounds like my case is very similar to yours. I had the active parvo in June 2009, and like you, it took 6 months to resolve, however I have had joint pain ever since, sometimes less sometimes more. I saw an infectious disease doc and he told me he didn't think my problems had anything to do with parvo as if they did "I would be a lot sicker". Bah... I don't buy that. At least the Rheumy was willing to listen, but even if it is the parvo I don't think there is much they can do but treat the inflammation and possible joint damage.
It sounds like you have a good Rheumy, and are under control (saw in another post of yours). I do think the Parvo was the trigger and the immune system went on overdrive. I have been reading about this for years.
Nice to "meet" another parvo sufferer. I hope you continue to do well.

dkmama 06/03/2013

Hi sreed...did they tell you which parvo blood test was elevated? There is the IgM, which indicates recent or active infection, or the IgG which tells if you have been exposed in the past and have immunity. I think it is good that your Rheumy tested you for it. I am guessing it showed past immunity if s/he was not concerned.

deleted_user 06/03/2013

No he didn't specify dkmama... I am now heading to the UAMS in Little Rock. I will certainly bring up that topic.

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