Joint pains

[keelysmom125]

I have been having severe pains in my knees & hips since i was around 13. My mom always said it was "growing pains". I got better for a while(not as many aches & pains), but within the past two-three months it has spread to every joint in my body. I went to the doctor for the joint pains and fatigue issues i was having. They checked my RA factor & thyroid, which both came back normal. I have since went for a second opinion since the first doctor wasnt willing to find out why a 26 year old is having such pain. I dont feel that at my age i should hurt for no reason. I cant pick up my daughter alot of times due to pain in my wrist, shoulders, & elbows. I have problems walking very far due to knee and hip pains.I have a lot of difficulty sleeping due to waking up in alot of pain.  I cant get in to see a rhemuatologist until december. I am just really scared that something terrible is wrong, with the way i have been feeling. I was just curious what else could it be other than RA? Any comments on what it could be or suggestions to relieve the pain would greatly be appreciated.

[txsilver]

There are so many possibilities that it boggles the mind.  You are right, you are young and these symptoms should be explored further.  If you can, go straight to a rheumatologist.  They deal withall forms of autoimmune conditions including RA.  The thing about bloodwork is that it does not diagnose you.  It provides pointers for investigation, but you can be positive for something you don't have and negative for something you do.  I believe rheumys are among the smartest of docs.  Their specialty is vast and it takes a lot of knowledge to diagnose folks like me who walk in with more than one condition at work!  Please keep us posted!