Hi. Welcome. Describe your pain. Where is it? What does it feel like - sharp, dull? Do you have stiffness? Any swelling or areas that are hot/warm to the touch? Why were you referred to a rheumatologist? have you had any blood work done?

Constant swelling of both knees, swelling and very sharp pains in both wrists to the point I have to drop whatever I'm holding if the pain strikes, both my jaw and top of my spine are starting to become stiff, to the point I can hardly open my mouth, and my toes. My knees are always hot to touch. Blood tests have been very innacurate (symptoms but autoimmune indicators just outside normal range). My GP referred me to a rheumatologist to hopefully get a diagnosis and start treating whatever it is I'm dealing with.

Grace.....I understand the fear and worry.

But you need to understand one thing: most of the people with RA are doing very well when they take DMARDS, prescibed by the rheumatologist.....assuming you have RA.

I was diagnosed in 1992. I am much older than you but I have a relatively pain free life, thanks to my rheumatologist.

Take it one step at a time:

1. Meet with the rheumatologist
2. Have tests to get a diagnosis. Because you mentioned the top of your spine, may I suggest you also have an HLA-B27 run? This can be telling Differential diagnoses might include Akylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis.
3. Start the drugs prescribed.

I want to plant one thing in your head now: this is a chronic disease, IF you have it, and vitamins and herbs aren't going to help it one bit. So don't waste your time or money.

I'm almost 70 years old. I still sail and run a small company, and do almost all the things I did before I was diagnosed. I'm a geriatric now, so other medical issues have come into play. But life is very good.

Take this positive image that once you have a diagnosis, you'll be more than likely able to treat the disease [not cure it]. Think positive.

Pain changes you, it is ugly and best at a level you can withstand if you have to bear it. I remember when I was undiagnosed and didnt know what was going on, I was so angry that old people were moving easier than I was. I was angry that no one cared to "help my cause". Unfortunately we learn with this disease that we have to be our own advocates, even when your so tired you don't want to fight, you must push to be seen, push to have a symptom addressed because no one will care more for you than yourself. I learned that the hard way and I hope you won't have to. But if its hard to love yourself enough to do that as it was for me at the beginning, you can pretend to be your own manager. If you were hired to take care of You's issues, how would you handle it? Then push yourself to do that. Hope it helps...remember your not alone in this suffering.