is this arthritis?

[mandy38]

Hi

I am 38, slightly overweight but have not had any major problems prior to 2006.  I started with really bad bloating, burping and could not eat a full meal with symptoms.  Then I got pregnant, lost a baby at 20 weeks had a still birth and bled for 4 months constant.  Had pain in all joints but would change daily as to which pain and where, I would wake up with.  Had blood tests done and  I was diagnosed with b12 deficiency.  Since then I had conjunctivitis on and off for a year, my stomach has got worse, burning, pain, running the loo and I have had a swollen wrist which flares up for about 8 months, pain when I stand in the bones of my feet after sitting down.  My thumb joint pains bad when I use my hand when I'm cleaning and I have suffered with tail bone pain on and off for 2 years and shoulder pain which goes into spasms for 2 years.

I know this sounds like a right muddle of symptoms but I don't know where to start to explain it or get to the bottom of it.  I have anxiety issues and everyone seems to think it's all nerves and in my head and I know it isn't.  I have heard you can have b12 problems with RA and I am wondering if RA is the problem and my b12 problem is just another symptom.  Doc won't do any further tests to see why I have this deficiency, just says it's because my mum has it.

Any help, really appreciated

mandy

[txsilver]

I believe you definitely have something going on, but based on the info you have provided, I do not see anything that is glaringly RA.  Early symptoms of RA include, stiff joints and fatigue.  As it progresses swelling and redness of the joints is commonly experienced.  The joints affected are symetrical (both hands, knees, feet, etc.)  Sometimes weight loss and a low fever are expereinced.  (HA!  If only we could pick our symptoms!  I actually gained weight.)
I think you should give your doctor (or another doc) a chance on the problem with the pain and spasms. Before you go in, log when you feel the pain, how long it lasts and how it impacts you.  Let us know what you find out.

[mandy38]

Thanks for responding!  I have been on injections for b12 for 2 years.  I have bloods done once a year  (FBC and thyroid)  I am usually slightly anemic, but nothing else out of the ordinary.  I have not told the doc about the pains, cause I know he won't do anything.  My nan was in a wheel chair at 50 with what I always though was RA, but my mum says it was osteo.  Does it sound like RA to you or am I barking up the wrong tree?

[txsilver]

Welcome to the forum.  It does sound like you have quite a diverse group of symptoms.  The b12 deficiency can cause diarrhea and anxiety, I know from experience, can make your digestive system a mess.  
How long have you been receiving treatment for B12 deficiency?  Have you seen the doctor about the thumb pain, tail bone pain and muscle spasms?  What tests have been run and do you have the lab results?  What leads you to suspect you have RA besides the B12 deficiency?