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975514 tn?1324997938

Problems with Gripping things

I am not sure what's wrong. I had a shoulder surgery (on my right shoulder) in April of 2008 that hasn't helped with shoulder pain I have. In fact my shoulder pain is worse now. I also have arm pain and pain that radiates down my arm into my hands and fingers too. I also have noticed my other shoulder hurts too and I have some pain in my other hand as well.

I have to crack my hands joints a lot- especially my right hand. In warm weather my hands swell (which I think is normal), but now I am having an incredible time gripping things with my right hand and also writing (which I've had trouble doing for years-writing I mean even before the shoulder surgery).

One time recently, I had such a hard time with gripping and pain that I dropped a hot curling iron on my face while doing my hair. I burnt my face so bad everyone at work thought my husband beat me up. It was embarrassing.

I have been diagnosed with Fibromyaglia. I once had a doctor try to say it was caused from my neck, but an MRI only showed minor bulges in my neck. To me this hand things seems like something else perhaps some kind of arthritis, tendinitis or even carpal tunnel, but somehow it's connected to the problem in the rest of my arm??? and on both sides, but more so on my right side because it's my dominate side.

Does anyone have any ideas for me. I have been tested for RA and I do have a low RA factor, but it is there, and I had a positive ANA if that makes a difference. Any input would be helpful. Thanks.
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975514 tn?1324997938
I feel like a complete idiot!!! I read my labs wrong because my doctor put a check mark next to the ANA screen. I do see a Rheumatologist just to let you know. I have osteoarthritis really bad in my lower spine and in my shoulder, plus DDD and fibromyalgia. I also have nerve damage in my lumbar spine where all of my arthritis is which has caused my left foot to be numb.

I am really new to reading these labs and I am easily panicked lately. First, there must be a difference between the actual ANA test and an ANA screening. She only gave me the screening and she placed a check mark near that and usually when she does that I believe she thinks I am borderline or I need to be watched. I think that is the case because when I hear you all talk about your results the numbers don't match up. Mine are much different.

Also, I thought it said I was high risk if the numbers were below 10, but when I looked at it again it said, above 10 and mine was at a 4, but from what I've been reading, it's not normal to register even a 1 on a screening for ANA, so perhaps that is why she check marked it.

Also, my c-reactive protein was right on the border of being high, but still was normal. What does that mean?

I have been so frustrated trying to figure out why my body isn't working right and why half the doctors tell me I am normal and things are fine and the other half tell me I am degenerating and want to do surgery. I have been having trouble with pain since I was about 17 and only began to get real treatment for it in 2007 at the age of 31. I feel major age discrimination.

Just an aside- I have joined a non-for profit group in my area organized to protect the health and welfare of seniors and I feel like I have so much in common with them it's hilarious!!!! On the joining application I had to write my hobbies- I said "medical research." They later asked me about it. When I told them I had arthritis- they just about had a cow because of how young I am, but it helped me gain their trust- go figure.
Helpful - 0
483733 tn?1326798446
Hi there.  It definitely sounds like something else is going on and often times an auto-immune arthritis related disease is triggered by an injury, surgery or stress.  Do you know what the titers and pattern of your ANA test said?  You should really be seen by a rheumatologist.
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