Is this RA

Hi I am 31 yr old male. Have had reddness to my hands the last couple of months along with pain in my joints mainly arm hands and feet. No swelling. I did a RA factor test and it was 48 which I was told was high. There was another test done for RA (not sure which one) but Dr said it was negative. I also have a little shortness of breath for the last 2 days (could be stress) along with slightly sweaty feet(agiain could be stress/anxiety). I am very active and play in competitive sports basketball/ football. Last time I played Bball I was in alot of pain after playing. My Dr. thinks it is Rhumatoid Arthritus however will have to see a rhumatologist first and the problem is there is a 2 month wait here(Canada) I am contemplating going over the boarder as I can be seen in 2 weeks but it will cost a lot. I have read that with RA the earlier you treat it the better, but not sure if a 1-2 month difference will be a big deal. My dr. said to just take some IB profen for now and continue playing my sports. Not sure what to do any advise would be helpful also does this sound like RA. As I also get very cold hands and feet.

[Joni686]

Hi
I was wondering if you had any other symptoms?  Fatigue? Fever? Pain in joints other than hands and feets? Still tired after sleeping a full night?  You say your hands and feet are cold.  Do they ever turn white and/or have the veins stuck out where you could see them almost like something from a horror movie?  Sorry, that's how I explain my hands when Raynaud's is acting up.  You might want to google Raynaud's Syndrome.

Let me know if you have any other symptoms like I asked.  I think you probably are going to say NO to fatigue if you are able to play B-ball.  But it would help to know.

As far as coming across to go to a doctor or waiting, I think that is going to have to be a decision you make.  Can you wait?  Do you want to wait?  And can you afford the out of pocket expense if you do come to a doc here?

Joni