Do we have RA?

[mcdreamyfan]

Here's a dumb question... But I was wondering... Do we have Rheumatoid Arthritis?  I was dx with Sjs in November... I hurt all the time... I feel like I have the flu, all the time.. but my Rhemo told me that I had a connective tissue diease... Does this mean I have RA?  my ANA and RA levels are very high...   

I sometimes have to laugh and ask God "Chronic, Forever, REALLY God?  REALLY?"   sigh....

thanks for the help...

[Scottietottie]

Hi Mcdreamy 

Some of us have RA and some of us don't. I don't. SjS is quite often secondary to RA but if you have RA I would have thought your rheumy would have told you. RA destroys your joints. Are your joints red and swollen and hot? Connective tissue inflammation doesn't destroy bone in the same way.

I think you should ask your rheumy to be more precise and to explain better. I'd see him/her about feeling like you have flu all the time too. There should be something they could give you to help that.

Take care - Scottie 

[Debora]

Hi Mcdreamy

I have RA and Osteo.  My rheumy knew at 1st look.  I was blessed with a terrific rheumy.

It has been a constant battle taking the meds and my body is still in a flare!  Please talk to your rheumy to get things cleared up so you will have a better understanding.  Sometimes I leave my rheumy's office and wonder what the visit was all about!  I call her and talk to her about it.  She actually answers her phone during lunch break, so I know when to call her!

Take Care
Debora

[Joe S.]

connective tissue diease is a generic term for any disease that attacks the collagen or other components of connective tissue, such as lupus.