My Story

[Shaley Girl]

Hi all and glad to see this Arthritis forum.  I got sick early in 2005 with what we now know was Mono then EBV and my life turned upside down.  I have Rheumatoid Arthritis/Osteoarthritis/Peripheral Neuropathy and 2 weeks ago went to an opthamologist with severe dry eyes and inflammation.  I take Methotrexate and Enbrel injections weekly but the RA is not under control yet.  

I have a great hubby and son that are very supportive, my mother lives across the street and my Pastor lives next door so I am very blessed with lots of help.  I recently quit smoking cigarettes (5 days now) whoo hoo!

Take care everyone

[cat33]

The only arthritis's I don't have are autoimmune and RA saw a rumatologist and don't have it. All I can remember about autoimmune is that one of the diseases it can cause is Lupus and its hereditary .So I was checked for that because one of my sisters has Lupus. They use the ANA blood test for that.

Went to see the Endocrinolgist on the 14th . She examined me and looked at my blood work said thyroid was fine diabetris is fine for now >I say that because everyone in my family has that. It's only a matter of time for me. She said she had never seen anyone my age with such bad bone density . She said I could have a spontaniou bone fracture at any time . She is now checking with my insurance to see if they will cover therepy because she say I should start as soon as possible. With either a pill which is very tough on the stomach. Or infusions I would rather have the infusions. Well that's where I sit hope I don't spontaniouly break a finger while typing. I have had blood tests for everything under the sun. Congratulation on NO smoke . The blood work also showed I had some second hand smoke in my Blood or Lungs (I dont know) anyway I have never smoked but was around mon, dad, and siblings who did. That was about 15 year ago I did see them all drop that habit one at a time so I realize how difficult it must be for you. Keep up the good Work.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!cat33

[Shaley Girl]

Well that is new info for me.  This world of arthritis and autoimmune diseases has me stumped most of the time anyway, lol.  

Let us know how the appt. goes.

[cat33]

I was told that I had to see an Endocrinologist to check my Bone Density report because they say I have osteoporosis. So I''m just going along with the there. So many tests were done andI have done alot of reading but I mix up everything. I did wonder why an endocrinologist  because they are mainly thyroid and diabetis Dr. but I guess they cover some type of bone disease s.

[Shaley Girl]

Mono is Mononucleosis (the kissing disease, lol) and EBV is Epstein-Barr Virus a carryover from the Mono that did not go away.  It sounds a lot to me like you have Osteoarthritis but what blood tests where high?  I think an Endocrinologist is to check for Thyroid problems that can mimic signs of arthritis.
Take care (5 weeks without ciggies!)

[cat33]

I"m not quite sure what Mono and EBV are by my levels on blood test were high . I was told I didn't have RA. I know I have arthritis because I was told I had lower back pain many years ago because of degenerative arthritis I think that's the same as osteoarthritis. I'm in pain every where. Not all at the same time. (thank god). Now I am being sent to an endocrenologist don't know why. Maybe you can educate me with your experiences. I also have several ruptured disks they told me were arthritic. And no cartliage on my knees. cat33

[ronpaul4prez]

congrats on quitting!!!!!!

that's awesome!