Could it be RA?

[jls2318]

About 1 year ago, I went to an MD complaining of fatigue, muscle weakness and joint aches.  He checked for mononucleosis, viral meningitis, thryoid disorders, and even std's. All of which came back negative. He said it was likely just post-viral fatigue syndrome since I had just gotten over a cold.  On a recent visit to my gynecologist, he expressed concern that I may have RA. I've had persistent joint pain and stiffness in my hands, feet, and knees for the last 2 weeks.  My hands are always "pufffy" and I've had intermittent mild edema around my knees and ankles. I haven't had very much muscle pain, but have noticed some weakness, such as turning my ankles quite frequently.  My doctor also feels that abnormal muscle weakness is responsible for the cystocele, rectocele, and uterine prolapse that I've experienced since the birth of my son. I've also noticed some numbness and tingling in my hands and feet if they are left dangling for even short periods of time.  I've had routine lab work twice in the last 2 years (for unrelated events) and both times revealed a high platelet count and proteinuria. I'm not sure if that's related or not. My maternal grandfather had RA and my cousin was diagnosed at the age of 21.  My doctor advised me to track my symptoms over the next 6 months and then return for a full work-up.  I'm a very active 23 year old mother of a beautiful son.  These symptoms are very hard to cope with as I feel my body slowing down.  Is it likely that this is RA? And how long should I wait before seeking a more thorough autoimmune work-up?

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
There are just too many things involved.

Please read the following carefully and judge as where you stand.

For RA to be diagnosed , 2 out of the first 5 criteria should be positive -
1) Early morning pain and stiffness.
2) Multiple joint pain .
3) Migratory joint pain.
4) Small joint involvement.
5) Blood reports showing high ESR or RA positive or ASO positive.

Also it's seen that Serum CCP is positive in 99% of the cases..
So please have a re-judgement and then we can discuss further.
Regards...

Feel free to discuss more.

[ladypar72]

A related discussion, ra positive was started.

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
There are just too many things involved.

Please read the following carefully and judge as where you stand.

For RA to be diagnosed , 2 out of the first 5 criteria should be positive -
1) Early morning pain and stiffness.
2) Multiple joint pain .
3) Migratory joint pain.
4) Small joint involvement.
5) Blood reports showing high ESR or RA positive or ASO positive.

Also it's seen that Serum CCP is positive in 99% of the cases..
So please have a re-judgement and then we can discuss further.
Regards...

Feel free to discuss more.