rheumatoid arthritis?

I am a 19 year old male. I have noticed inflammation at both elbows recently. I experience intermittent pain throughout the day; it ranges from mild to somewhat severe; it is often triggered by elbow extension from a flexed position, or when I drop into chords while playing the piano. I also have random pains between my knuckles and on the medial borders of my feet. I've recently been on medications to cure some GI problems (pelvic floor dyssynergia), zoloft, and take laxatives regularly. I've also had 2 knee surgeries in the past couple years (right ACL reconstruction in Feb. 2005 and right lateral meniscus repair in May 2007); thus, I  also have lots of patellar tendon pain in both knees, lateral "instability" in my right knee, and left kneecap pain. Do you think that I may have RA? I'm still waiting on the results of the bloodwork. What do you think the other possibilities may be? It's fairly urgent that I get this addressed, as I am a piano major in college, must return to school in January (I've been on medical leave since this March).

Thanks in advance!
-Niket

[firegirl112]

The only thing I can tell you is to DRINK MONAVIE! I have arthritis and a bad lower back, in tears everyday just trying to get up and go to work. It will take about a month for it to really kick in, but it is all natural and if you would like more information on it I have pages and pages about arthritis and this product! True testimonals! Plus my entire family is on the juice and its just wonderful. I enjoy sharing it with people, because of all the side effects of all the prescription meds and natural is so much better for your body.

[bballniket]

Isn't the important ingredient MonaVie acai berry juice? MonaVie also seeems to contain numerous other juices as well. I've noticed some sites say it's not worth the 40 bucks a bottle that it costs...what's your opinion?

[firegirl112]

Well, i beg to differ. I have been on monavie for 3 months and am off all my meds. I have 4 bulging discs and 3 tears in my lower back. Severe swelling in my legs do to poor circulation and It's gone! My stress level seems to be lower and i sleep good at nite. Now 3 months ago, I was in tears trying to get out of bed in the morning just to go to work, couldn't sleep at night, because my hips would hurt me so bad. So, for me, yes yes yes. I pay wholesale for monavie and it's like 32 a bottle and even if it were a $100 a bottle, I would still buy it, because it works! My entire family is on it and we are firm believers in this product. I can understand why people are stand offish, because there are so many scams, but believe me, it works!