My Rhuemy Visit Today

[susanep]

It was my 4 month checkup. I brought up about my lower middle back hurting. He said it is probably a disk problem, that I need it xrayed. I showed him my finger on my right hand, how swollen it is and painful. He said it is rheumatoid. I havent been diagnosed with rhuematoid arthritis besides sjogren's, but does that mean I have it? They did a sed rate before I left, and meds for pain. He also said I had been under medicating by not taking my mobic daily. So I now will be taking it daily.

susanep

[Scottietottie]

Hi Susan 

I think you need to ask your doc whether he's tested and got results for RA. I believe it's usually pretty symmetrical but I guess there are exceptions. I don't know enough about it. I know there are about 100 different kinds of arthritis though.

I hope upping the mobic will help. I'd definitely want more info from the doc though after a statement like that!

Take care - Scottie 

[irish]

Gosh Susan, I am glad that you got in to the rheumy. I was concerned about your back issues, etc. Shoot, another diagnosis to add to the pile. Lets hope not. Sometimes one can have swollen sore joint and have it go away. Will pray that the mobic helps. Maybe the back is having some RA also. Hard to tell. Sure keeps us busy though going to the doc and trying to keep our prescriptions filled plus finding the money to pay for it. Good luck . Irish

[beverley]

Susan,
I had a really swollen joint in one of my little fingers and a hole appeared in my nail, which finally dropped off.  My rheumy said it was my osteo arthritis and the liquid build up around the joint and burst through the nail bed.  Once the nail disappeared and the finger went down it reverted to normal - so perhaps the diagnosis of RA was a reflex reaction by your rheumy.  I agree with the others, don't get too anxious yet, try and pin down a proper test and diagnosis.

Beverley

[Patze]

Hi Susan,

Have you seen an ortho lately?  I know what you mean about disks in your back giving you grief.  I occasionally get a flair of pain, but I've been lucky lately and I'm keeping the old digits crossed to keep it that way!

Please do ask the doctor if he has checked you for RA, SJS is tough enough, but it'd be nice to know if you have it too or not.  I don't have RA, but I do have swollen fingers and toes - weird (go figure).

Hang in there and I hope that you feel better soon!

Take care -

Patze