overnight rheumatoid arthritis onset??

have some bad autoimmune problems, never R.A..  Put on zovirax for shingles and third day into therapy  hugely swollen,  in horrible joint pain, could barely walk.  Dr. diagnosed me with R.A. by look and touch only, refused to do blood tests.  Opthomologist ran cbc for cataract surgery and became alarmed at c-reactive and sed rate.  Said R.A. out of control.  It also showed up moderately severe in lumbar x-rays.  Never had ANY joint pain prior to zovirax treatment.   Can R.A. symptoms pop up overnight, or has this fool not only mistreated me but misdiagnosed me as well??  It hasn't gone away either, simply varies based on my last cortisone taken for other things.
                                                                                                                                 thanks for thoughts

[smittygirl]

I woke up one day and could not walk.  Long story short, Sed Rate 110 , also  HLA B27 positive.   Took 3 dr's to be properly dx, have Reactive Arthritis and Ankoylosing Spondylitis     Find out if u have the HLA B27 gene marker and check out the Arthritis Foundations web site.  There are over 100 kinds of arthritis.  Lastly, find a new Dr.!!!!  Best of luck, keep in touch.

Sue

[mistywindsor]

I was also diagnosed with RA in 2002. Just recently my Dr put me on methotrexate injections and arava after which my symtoms (symptoms) got worse.I  went back to the RA DR and now she thinks I have Polymyalgia Rheumatica.Right now I'm in the processs of finding a second opinion. They say the symtoms (symptoms) of Polymyalgia can come on rapidly like the symtoms (symptoms) you discribe.

[beverlyj]

Hi! I went to the doctor with what he told me was tendonitis in my right wrist. Within days I couldn't walk move my arms or head. Dx'd with RA. So yes, it can come on suddenly.

[contasa]

+ fibromyaglia, severe migrane (migraine) took me to er ...sed rate only 39 but noticing changes in index fingers on both hands and both big toe joints and knees. awaiting results on ANA (autoimmune antibodies)........i don;t wont to have anything else but part of me almost wishes for a more "accepted" illness......can u understand that?