what else?

[cazza1975]

Hello all I just wanted to know if any of you
Were diagnosed with something else before they found the
Chiari I was diagnosed with ra in september -
I wondered if this was a common mistake I'm hoping
That one of them os wrong?

[cazza1975]

My finding of Chiari was by MRI its says I have a 6mm descend cerebellum into the magnum forman which is in line with a chiari type 1 I was given a blood test to see about my RA my rheumatiod factor was negative but he diagnosed me with a sero neg RA as my esr and crp where both raised which meant I had inflammation some where but inflamation didn't show on my brain scan so its not of the brain. I'm confused to if my pains are ra or if all along I've suffered with Chiari I also have carpul tunnel and had an unsuccessful release on my right hand they wouldn't operate on my left as the right never worked I've since had the retested on the electro tests and I still have it in both hands. Will I still be treated for all 3 or will it all be down to the chiari my rheumatologist nurse never heard of chiari and didn't seam to concerned when I broke down in tears asking for her to take the pain away after yet again being discharged back to my GP on a life time of taking meds. I'm the world worse at taking meds especially when they make you feel worse.

[selmaS]

  Hi, Like Pam mentioned it is possible to have many dx's that were wrong b4 getting a chiari dx....and to get several other issues  going on at the same time...Pam also mentioned that chiarians r prone to autoimmune disorders ...but we r also prone to connective tissues issues too...so we can have quite a few things going on at the same time.

  I was told I possibly had lupus b4 my chiari dx was made, this was yrs of mis dx's.....

  "selma"

[pamk5]

Hello, I was reading some research by Dr Rosner that a pretty large percentage of people who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue actually have chiari or cervical stenosis and have been misdiagnosed.  I think RA is an autoimmune disorder and alot of people do have issues with autoimmune and CM.  Did you have the blood test when you were diagnosed?  That is at least one good thing about some illnesses is there are test to confirm them.  If not ask your doc to do those test to confirm.  Were you diagnosed with Chiari by MRI?  If so is doubtful that is a wrong diagnosis.  

I know it is alot to take it.  Last summer before my accident I was perfectly healthy and now looking at brain surgery.  It has been a huge adjustment for me and I am sure for you too.  Try to stay strong!

Pam