Joint pain and swelling

[sagil]

I have been experiencing swollen joints in right hand the index and middle finger are also swollen. I have also a stiff jaw and ankles are weak. I also woke up with a stiff neck. I have been tested for RA and thyroid. Gave me a shot in joint of cortizone and I had bad reactions and still swollen and red. I went to ER Monday and they gave me Vicodin for pain. Has anyone else had similar symptons and still negative results on blood work for rhmeutoid arthritis?  
Any help would be appreciated. I have been to 5 doctors now. I have not worked for 2 months. Have checked my only kidney as well.

[GarryGarry]

im having the same issues....and have for the last 3 or so eyars , it started in my left hand longest finger now its in my right hand thumb and 2 fingers, i feel it in my toes now as well as my ankles. swelling very tender and stiff ..blood work comes up empty...we are at a complete loss

[sagil]

I was finally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Put me on folic acid and methotrexate, also prednisone. Will take 1-3 months to see results. I go back end of Oct. and hopefully before then I can go back to work at the school district as a cook/cashier. Thanks for all who have helped me. Any advise with my new diagnosis would be appreciated as well.
sagil

[TrudieC]

You should be taking some Motrin or aspirin as well if your stomach can handle.  They can help reduce the inflammation.  Try using heat (bath or heating pad) and/or cold to hellp with the pain and inflammation as well.  And, look for ways to reduce stress and relax.  Stress can aggravate auto-immune responses and and be sure to get lots of sleep.  

[sagil]

Went back to specialist for hand and wrist he said won't touch me now. I need to go to a Rheumatologist ASAP. So still in pain will see Tues. when I can get in. Another 6 weeks off work, never been in so much pain in my life. Both ankles are swollen, right hand 3 fingers are swollen and 2 joints, now left hand is red and painful on verge of swelling. My jaw pain, neck and shoulders are now painful. Really hope I can get in to Rheumatologist very soon.  Only taking Vicogin for pain. Any more advise would be appreciated. Sagil

[TrudieC]

Please insist on being tested again.  

[sagil]

I do not have copies of my tests. I have not been to a Rheumatologist since my doctors don't believe that I have RA. I had a flector patch and tried it for 4 hours and got worse swelling in fingers to point of bursting open and the inflammation was worse. I go back to specialist in hand and wrists on Friday, hoping for some answers then.

[TrudieC]

Do you have a copy of your tests that you could post?  The blood work for RA and other auto-immune arthritis diseases can take time to show positive.  Was it a rheumatologist that did your testing?  They are the best at diagnosing and many can tell by your symptoms and start treatment.  You should be tested for additional things as well.  Are you taking any NSAIDs?  If you take them around the clock they can help with the inflammation.