Rheumatoid Arthritis (and its variants) :

Symptoms - - Posted by Stacey (Stacey), 15 October 2002

Hi Everyone
This might sound really dumb but what are the symptoms of arthritis.  I dont mean general aching but like what type of pain etc.   I know i have it a bit in my knee (not sure what type though) but my other joints are starting to act up as well.  I tried to put RAM in my comp and it was torture on my wrist trying to push it down into the slot.  Right now its my rihgt knee, both wrists, left elbow and quite a few of my fingers.  I am only 20 and dont really want to deal with any of this right now.  It does run on both sides of my family though so i know i am doomed to get it.  Also does it just come on instantly or does it gradulally get worse.  Most of my pain just caem like last week
Posted by enuff81020 (enuff81020), 18 October 2002

Hi Stacey,

this is a big question.  It varies, like most of the rest of this stuff--depending on the type of arthritis and the affected areas and the severity of the condition.  I do think that part of the root word of arthritis deals with burning or fire--and I do experience some "burning" pain in my knees.  (I have OA.)  however--with all of the damage and destruction in there, i also experience throbbing, jabbing, aching, and so on.  I have been amazed at all of the different ways that I can hurt.

My pain didn't come on suddenly.  I "put up" with varying levels of discomfort for 5-6 years before I fianlly hurt so bad that I had it checked on.  That is one thing that I would do differently if I had it all to do over.  

I do suspect that you will get several different stories from several different people...I hope that you find some relief and adequate treatment ASAP!  Sylvia
Posted by rhea (rhea), 19 October 2002

Hey Stacey
There are over a hundred different types of arthritis.  I'd do a few searches on osteo arthritis, and perhaps rheumatoid arthritis.  www.arthritis.org, and www.arthritis.ca are two of the best sites out there for anyone with any type of arthritis, or anyone who wants to learn more about it.  Depending on what type of arthritis you may have, symptoms can vary a whole lot.  I have rheumatoid arthritis active in 19 joints, and my mother has osteo arthritis in six joints.  Two different types of arthritis, and our symptoms are completely different.

And hey Stacey, one good way to get assistance with what kind of arthritis, how to live with it, etc... is to get your doctor to reffer you on to the canadian arthritis society's client list.  They send out lovely occupational therapists who can evaulate you and help pinpoint if you have arthritis, and what kind, how to manage it, etc... I was fairly reluctant to investigate this whole RA thing (denial I think) but when I did get up my nerve and have an OT visit our house I was very very glad I did.  

I hope you start having some better days soon Stacey, and that you get a good oncall OS at the clinic soon.  Hey, Dr. Fowler has a really nice student or intern called Justin who is really really good.

Thinking of you Stacey.  

(((hugs)))

rhea
Posted by enuff81020 (enuff81020), 21 October 2002

Hi!

I just checked some books out at the library on arthritis--and I started skimming through them and the recommendation is to get this checked out early because the best chance for relief is that early intervention...

I had suspected that by "putting up" with my discomfort for so long, that Ilet it get out of hand and that is confirmed now.  If you have discomfort for more than a few days, questions, or a lack of resolution after a treatment, get back on it.  It really is important to keep after it and get something successful underway.

Good luck, Sylvia
Posted by Little_Miss_PMT (Little_Miss_PMT), 23 October 2004

What help can you get for RA.
I've suffered from the age of about 8/9, thats about 25 years.
I've had a blood test and was told its early stages, didn't know the outcome, could be okay, but could end out in a wheelchair later in life.......thanx very much

But it was left at that, I had no information or support or refferals, just left to suffer

I'm in the UK, so I don't know much about it, not really publicised

Should I go back and pester my doctor, how do I do it, they aren't really sympathetic, and make me feel like its nothing
Posted by Linds (Linds), 23 October 2004

Hi , welcome to the board..
GO back to to your doctor or find another one, there are medications that can be used to try and slow the progress of RA, as well as medications and treatments that can make living with it much more livable.  I'm sorry that you have been diagnosed with this disease, but you can get help...I can't believe they've just left you with no help at all.
Really you should ask for a referal to a Rheumatologist, they specialize in this area.
Goodluck HUGs
Linds  
Posted by Little_Miss_PMT (Little_Miss_PMT), 23 October 2004

Thanx.
Don't know if I can face my doc just now.
I was arguing with him to get reffered to a specialist about my wrist.
I have carpol tunnel syndrome in my right wrist (I'm right handed), I was doing a little decorating and I couldn't use my hand for ages, couldn't hold a folk and little things.
I can't do housework and ironing in one day, or mowwing the grass (without any other activities) all this is just too much for my wrist, its not normal.
Told the doc I wanted to have normal use with my hand.
He reluctantly referred me, still waiting to see someone

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