what to do?

[what_to_do205]

I'm a 21 year old female and over a year ago experienced swelling in just one finger with a lump around the joint as well as muscle pain and fatigue. My thryroid came back borderline underactive and CRP level was not high enough to warrant testing for RA. After 8 months of no symptoms, all fingers on my right hand have been swelling up, some with lumps around the joints. Also has appeared in some of my toes and i am currently experiencing knee pain.Pain is not too bad and currently taking over the counter anti-inflammatories. I strongly suspect it is RA as i have a family history of it and also have carpal tunnel syndrome. I feel it would be best to postpone going to the doctors until i have graduated in 5 months to avoid additional stress but i am unsure. So my questions are these:

Does immediate treatment make a sig difference to the prognosis?
Also is it true that these lumps that are appearing are associated with a more severe form of the disease?
I experience a tingling intermittent sensation when at rest (mainly at night) in joints that are not painful - ankles, elbows etc, is this characteristic of RA?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!

[txsilver]

I am glad you are deciding to go back in and get more tests run!  Please let us know what you find out and we will be here to commiserate with you :0

[what_to_do205]

thanks so much for your comments! I havent seen a rheumatologist but have made a doctors appointment to have blood tests taken. Unlike last  year when the symptoms seemed to arise for a few days and disappear this seems more persistent - some of my toes have been red, swollen and sore for over 5 weeks now so it is probably best to go. Thanks again :)

[txsilver]

Hi.  I understand your concern.  I had an aunt with lupus and stay vigilant for signs though my docs tell me I have other conditions including RA.  Because of your concerns and family history, your doctor should test you for RA.
There are lots of different conditions that may cause lumps to form.  RA nodules could be the cause but it could be something else, too.  They should be investigated to determine the cause.  RA nodules affect approx 25 % of patients but are not necessarily related to the severity of the disease.  
Have you seen a rheumatologist?  If not, I think it is time to get to one and get some tests run.  Besides blood work, you will likely need x-rays and a bone and joint scan (specific type of MRI with contrast that shows inflammation - my x-rays were clear but my bone and joint scan lit me up like a Christmas tree! )
It is true that early diagnosis for any condition helps with your prognosis.  It is also important to remember that it is possible to have a mild case or less aggressive form.  Please hang in there and take this a step at a time.  We are here to help with your questions and concerns as you go through the diagnosis process.  You have friends here who understand.  :)

[Dnmh]

Txsilver has more experience in RA than I do, but wanted to welcome you to the forum!
I'm glad you found us, and hopefully you will get the answers you need from txsilver shortly. Some days she has a lot of pain and that can keep her off the computer. If she hasn't replied after a while, I do my best to answer your questions!
Again, Welcome!