what do you think?

[Rachelinpain]

i am a 32 year old female, relatively healthy, currently taking neurontin and feldine for pain and symptoms from an undiagnosed illness i have had for 2 years (neurological symptoms, weakness, fatigue).  i have bilateral joint pain (mostly in my hands and elbows, also wrists and ankles).  i do have joint hypermobility syndrome which is a connective tissue disease that makes the joints very flexible.  i know joint pain is a common problem with my JHS but it seems so symmetical.  do you think it could be something else like RA.  i am wondering if an autoimmune disorder could put all of my symptoms into a nice package and get me some treatment that actually works.  i do not have joint swelling (i am overweight and have fat fingers-but no swelling i can appreciate) but they do get red and i have horrible stiffness in the mornings.  if i miss my anti-inflammatory dose the night before the pain is much worse.  any suggestions?

[spastic]

I'm glad to hear you finally got a referral.  I have found my rheumy has spent more time with me than any other Dr and he is a good man.  I hope he can get some answers for you Sweetie.  Please keep me posted.

Ada

[Rachelinpain]

yes, i did finally get a referrel for a rheumatologist, i actually got the appointment so i could get a perscription for specialized finger splints for my hands because of my JHS but i have recently been considering that it could be some form of autoimmune disease as well since it seems so symmetrical and i have other systemic symptoms.  i have been tested for ANA, RF before and nothing has ever been positive.  i think my sed rate may have been mildly elevated but was nothing significant.  i am hopful that the reumatologist could shed some light.  thanks  

[spastic]

Hey Sweetie, have you seen a rheumatologist?  Have they done an RF, ANA and sed rate test?  I definately would suggest seeing a rheumy and having them check you out for RA.  I don't have RA but a similar one called Still's disease.  In my case I had negative RF and ANA but a high sed rate.  Please keep me posted.

Hugs,

Ada