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Possible RA...what to expect?
- Carcamoc10
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- MelA
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There used to be someone here many years go who had/has RA and ITP - she was treated with rituxan for ITP and it helped her RA.
Good luck!
"Instead of wasting your time worrying about symptoms, just get it checked out" -Nieca Goldberg, MD
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- Carcamoc10
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- ImPatient
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- Carcamoc10
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- poseymint
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www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/joint-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050668
So self-diagnosing is probably not going to be accurate. As Mel said, see a rheumatologist, they deal with joint inflammation/connective tissue disorder.
I have done all the testing for Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Its complicated, 8 vials of blood for over 50 tests. CRP or C-reactive protein is a test for wide-spread inflammation. There are 3 tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis, they are looking for Rheumatoid Factor RF. I was positive for all 3 so was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was also positive for ANA/anti-nuclear antibodies so was diagnosed with Lupus and Sjogrens. But finally after a few years, I really only have symptoms that fit Sjogrens Syndrome so thats what I identify with.
The symptoms of Lupus, Sjogrens, fibromyalgia, and MCTD mixed connective tissue disorder are similar and overlap. Basically everyone has their own set of symptoms so it takes time to sort out the diagnosis. Rheumatic disorders do sometimes go along with ITP.
I've found with rheumatic disorders that diet and exercise, lifestyle changes do make a difference. My CRP markers were high in 2017, but I've lost weight and quit wheat, sugar also went more towards vegetarian and my levels of inflammation have come down, tests are now normal. (my platelet count doesn't seem to be affected by lifestyle changes)
My only advice for seeing the doctor/rheumatologist is to be prepared. Write down all your symptoms and dates of when the joints flared up. Write down any other odd symptoms- fatigue, mouth ulcers, skin issues or discoloration, rosey cheeks, nerve and muscle pain, cold chills, low grade fever. Just anything even if it seems unrelated.
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- Carcamoc10
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- b2h
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For me, when I have been at my sickest, my rheumatologist has been the central figure to my health/healthcare/life. It's odd to me that they can be so crucial and it can be so hard to find one that is a good fit. Having a good doctor/specialist is invaluable.
I understand why you are scared and concerned, but once you have a diagnosis then you can research and get better treatment, so whatever the diagnosis, it will be helpful. I know you have been struggling for a while. I remember you mentioning pain when you first joined this group...
Best in your search ~
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- Carcamoc10
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- MelA
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And one should always look for the best care - I fired an endocinologist because he kept calling me Melissa instead of Melinda, even in emails when I signed my name Melinda - fired a neurologist because she kept looking at herself in the mirror on the back of the exam room door - fired a PCP because he told me a side effect known to a med I took was all in my head. The patient is #1 - we need to look our for ourselves!!
"Instead of wasting your time worrying about symptoms, just get it checked out" -Nieca Goldberg, MD
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- Carcamoc10
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- mrsb04
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- ITP since 2014. Retired nurse. My belief is empower patients to be involved as much as possible in their care. Read, read, read & ALWAYS question medics about the evidence base they use.
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