Arthritis

[tinkerbelaura]

I have all the symptoms of arthritis for years but when I do x rays and blood tests nothing shows up I've nodules stiffness, can hardly dress myself in the morning can hardly sleep with the pains in my shoulders what do I do now I have this approx 14yrs and was once hospitalised when all of my jonts just seized up. My mood is very low and I've had it up to my eyeballs with doctors.

[kmil1999]

Sorry about the misspelling.  It is supposed to be Gottron's. I guess my fingers stuttered!

K

[kmil1999]

Hi.  I know how fustrating it is to feel so bad and no one can figure it out.  

I just got diagnosed with RA.  However, my rheumatoid is negative and my ANA goes up and down (although negative, it goes anywhere from 1:40 to 1:160 mixed pattern, speckled and homogenous).  Luckily, the last time I went to the rheumy my wrist was slightly swollen and painful when I was at her office.  She gave me an injection in it and it helped me immensley.  The wrist finally gave her some sort of interest in me.  (before she always wrote everything off to fibromyalgia)  I guess she never believed me when I told her at times that certain joints would swell and get red at times.  

Anyways, she took a test that has been around for about 6-7 years.  It is called CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide).  It is more specific than rheumatoid factor.  Mine was off the chart higher than "highly positive".  This finally gave me a diagnosis.  

Another idea that popped in my head was the nodules you mentioned.  Could they be calcified nodules?  Gottronon's papule's are an indication of dermatomyositis.

I really feel for you.  I just wanted to throw a few things out at you in hope that it may help.  

Best of luck and health,
K

[TrudieC]

I'm so sorry you are going through this.  I'd really like to suggest you try a different rheumatologist who will do the proper investigations and get you on a treatment plan.  Unfortunately you sometimes have to see a round of doctors to get what you need.  Please let us know how you're doing.