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Conditions > Rheumatoid Arthritis > All About Rheumatoid Arthritis > When Should I See My Doctor?

When Should I See My Doctor?

If you have not been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but suspect you may have it, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and begin any needed treatment as....

Tonneka Frazier

22 Mar 2012, 13:06

I am 33 years old and am wondering if I have RA. I have been to my PCP and also to one other doctor with my leg pain and both continue to say that the pain is coming from by back. I do have a mild bulging disc at L5-S1 but I rarely have pain in my back and the leg pain that I have does not radiate from my back. I have always had what I called "growing pains" when I was younger but now this pain is getting increasingly worse and I have it on a daily basis. I have rated this pain at least 7 out of 10 to my doctors. I am really frustrated that I can't get my doctors to listen to me or to try and help me in any way. In the small town where I live most of the doctors automatically think you are a drug seeker if you come in with pain of any kind. Yes, I have been prescribed narcotic pain killers and they have helped for a short time but even now they don't help. How can I get my doctor to help me or at least refer me to a rheumatologist to rule out RA?

chad

07 Feb 2012, 13:42

any suggestions on how to be able to see a doc for arthritis? i have no money or insurance and i can no longer work at all. i am a carpenter and can longer do much at all. i am only 39 and i hurt so bad. no job no money no rent, nothing. i lost everything cause of it and have no way of getting help or feeding myself. i am at such a stand still in life and it is not getting any better. please email me with your advice to scottchad700@gmail.com thanks

Penny

29 Aug 2011, 21:37

I have had back pain for 20+ years (started with a work accident) began seeing a chiropractor 20 years ago- went to massage school (he said I couldn't do it- my body wouldn't let me...) I have since 2003, but the last few years have been painful. Last month I was diagnosed with costochondritis, my PCP has done many tests (RA is the best of the options-if you can believe that!)I have had epilepsy for 25+ years. Since then my energy level has not come back and the pain is getting intolerable. The dry eyes are horrible with contacts- which I prefer over glasses. I have 2 grandchildren who still like to be picked up but the back and arms make it hard..This affects my hips back, hands, fingers and ankles...I don't even have a clue where to go from here and don't even know what to do. I don't like to be idle, but the other pain that is not back pain is bad ( I can't type sometimes) and I know I can't do massage too much longer. I am only 43 and terrified at what the future holds for me, as this has progressed quickly for me..My family doesn't know and I don't know how to tell them, if this is indeed the dx I get when I see my MD this week.
Any answer is better than what is going through my head...
Thank you!!!

Quinn

04 May 2011, 16:30

Hi all,

Im only 21, just about to turn 22 and for the last year ive been having flare ups of the most intense knee pain ive ever dealth with. When i was 14 i tore my acl in a football acident so i related the pain to that. But i thought it was a little funny because i have the same pain in both of my knees at the exact same time and the exact same intensity. I finally managed to make an appointment with my rheumatiod doctor for next thursday. Im a little nervous, im only 21 and dont want to have to deal with this pain for the rest of my life. My great grandmother had it and was crippled by the time she was 50, i never knew because she passed away before i was born. Other than that no one else in my family has it and im just freaking out.

Paula

15 Apr 2011, 17:28

Thank you all for telling your stories, I have been living with pain on and off for over 25 years, all kinds I have had my neck and wrist freeze up on me, and was put on anti-inflamitories, shich helped. But was never diagnosed with arthritis,I have had all kinds of pain and swellings over the years. one Doc. thought aybe lupus, I am now getting nodules on my fingers and my nuckles are swelling, painful and stiff. My new doctor said she would do an RA test in six months with the rest of the blood work. I have been taking dicloflenac for a couple of years now, helps some but does nothing for pain. The pain pills help some. Thanks for the posts, lets me know I am not alone.

darlene blair

13 Apr 2011, 18:57

don't know where else to go. I need the name(s) of a rheumatologist in Medford, Oregon. I have been told I have gouty arthritis, I am not so sure. This was told to me by my regular dr. thanks for your help.

Mike

31 Mar 2011, 14:25

I have assorted problems. I'm 55, I'm epileptic/diabetic/Oand have OCD along with arthritis in the top of my feet with spurs on the outer edge of each foot. I can't walk without pain. What do I do? I was just in to see the doctor.

Jayne

22 Mar 2011, 11:31

I have suffered joint pain for about 8 years and I just put it down to tiredness or being unfit. After I had my daughter I found walking difficult because I felt like I had twisted my knee,I had it a few times and it was a weird sensation but so long as I didn't walk too far it went away. I also suffered with my back but just put it down to having two babies quite close together. I thought it would get better after a few years but it has only gotten worse. I have suffered with pain and numbness in my wrists and hands, hips, ankles, shoulders and neck but recently the pain in my hands has been much worse. It is usually accompanied by a burning sensation and my palms go bright red. It has been so bad some days I could cry! I have been aching all aover and really exhausted.I have also developed a small bony growth over the last year on my left index finger, just to the left of the inside tip. When it started it felt as though I had a splinter or something in my finger but as it grew and became bigger I realised it was too hard to be a foreign body. My family have a history of arthritis,my gran and nanna had it, my aunt is in a wheelchair because she is so crippled with it and my mum, sister, cousins, uncles and aunties all have it.I have been to my doctors and he sent me to have bloods and x rays taken. I get my results tomorrow and I am understandably very nervous because I am only 36 and a single mother to two young children. I worry about my future and how this is going to affect our life. If the tests prove positive I will be relieved to know what is wrong with me but at the same time learning I have a chronic disease will be a lot to come to terms with. I would be most grateful for any advice.

Kate Davis

13 Mar 2011, 09:53

I was involved in an MVA in 92, since then I've been having on and off lower back pain. Just had lumbar x-ray done and it showed a slight bulging of one of the discs, but it did show arthritic changes??? I also wake up in the morning with hip, shoulder pain, sometimes right knee pain. To top it off yesterday I noticed my right elbow was sore, I felt a small boney lump and it really hurts to touch. I'm 55 and I do remember my Grandmother suffering from arthritis, her fingers had a lot of nodules. My family doctor has never sent me for any type of bloodwork, so I'm basically piecing this all together myself. I am scared to death of taking any of the meds. I've seen listed here, the SE sound worse than the disease..I guess what I'm asking is which type of specialist I should see, I'd rather not get into the meds, but take care of it in a more natural way.....any suggestions would be most welcome...

Sally

07 Mar 2011, 11:29

Also, in addition to my last post right below this one, Probiotics help temendously with easing of symptoms. The strength you will need may vary. Good strong ones are available at the health food store and OTC are available at Target, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, etc... Maybe start with weaker ones and see. Don't forget, probiotics are a natural cure for diarrhea so your stool will be a great way to gauge how much you may need. I saw a GI doctor a while back and he had asked me how I had been dealing with my symptoms and I told him probiotics. He replied, "We don't know why they work for this, but they do."

Sally

07 Mar 2011, 09:16

It seems to me a lot of the auto immune diseases could stem from diet. In my case it was particularly an intolerance to gluten, or celiacs disease. Look into it everyone, I think for some of you, an intolerance to gluten may be the answer. Also, check out Elisabeth Hasselbeck's book "The G Free Diet", it will open your eyes to a lot of things! To your health!

Angela S

19 Feb 2011, 10:03

Hello All,
I have had persistant pain in my joints mainly my right hand, elbow & shoulder for the past 10 years. Last year my back has become very painful & stiff off and on. I have seen several doctor's and orthopedic specialists about my pain issues and havent really gotten anywhere. I keep getting told I have tendonitis with every doc I see. I did have surgery for carpal tunnel on my rt hand when I was 17 but I still have a lot of pain.Let me just say that I am 27 years old & this started when I was in high school. I am fairly certain that this should not still be going on & I feel like its getting worse. I am beyond frustrated with docs telling me nothing is wrong because my xrays & mri's are normal. None of them have ordered any blood tests or anything. My aunt has RA and Im concerned that I have it too and the docs wont listen to my concerns. They brush it off or tell me Im too young to be having these problems. Mainly I was wondering if RA runs in families & how common it is? I would love some input on my situation.

Marie

11 Feb 2011, 11:08

DJ,
That is really strange to me. I was diagnosed with RA last year. Did your primary care doctor diagnose you through blood tests? I really think you should see your rheumatologist personally as they would have more of an idea of your symptoms (or as they call them, "markers"). Speak up for yourself and voice your concern. When it comes to our healthcare, sometimes we are our own best advocate.

D. J

17 Jan 2011, 23:52

I was diagnosed with RA 7 years ago, I have been on Humira, Enbrel, and now Remicade, my symptoms are worsening, I still flare up everywhere and nothing seems to do the trick.
To make matters worse I have not seen my rhuematologist yet and it has been 5 months, he is working through my General Medicine doctor, who knows little about the disease. I think that I have more than just RA, but as I said I have not yet seen the rhuematologist. Can a General Medicine doctor treat me if she is not specialized in the field?

Laura

03 Nov 2010, 20:09

I live in Normal Ill and have a Rheumatologist in Bloomington Ill. She's a really good one .

Katie

18 Oct 2010, 16:46

Paul...RA did not show up in my blood tests either. My rheumatologist was wise though and did other tests. Sure enough..I have it. It mainly affects my hands and wrists. So..please do not give up. My Dr. told me that a lot of people have RA but the blood tests don't reveal it. I have been dealing with this for 2 years now..officially diagnosed that is. The methotrexate works great. Just have to watch and adjust the dose to fit my body. I still am tired and sore..and my hands don't work right at times..but at least I know what I have.

Have another dr vist with a differern rhuematologist. You can't always count on your blood work.

paul

06 Sep 2010, 06:35

I have had blood test for rheumatoid arthritis and the results came back negative. My GP told me that it is very unlikely to have RA if my results were negative. How common is it for blood test results to be wrong.

Melissa

23 Aug 2010, 12:09

I am in severe pain! I just turned 37. I have had episodes with my neck 'freezing up' for years. I usually go get a 10 day script for anti-inflammatories, and it takes care of it. However, in June, I had the same issue, went to the doc, got the ten day script, and nothing! It didnt touch the pain or stiffness! I called the doc back because it was changing. It was no longer just in my neck. It was in my shoulders and hips. She put me on a month's worth of anti-inflamms. Again, NOTHING!! I went back last week. I am on steroids now, and she is telling me I might have RA! I have all the symptoms. I'm going tomorrow for bloodwork. But, I am down to just one more day of these steroids. They are supposed to be 'super-strong' and get rid of the inflammation. It's not working yet! Am I supposed to be ok by now? Did I misunderstand? The stiffness/pain isnt easing up! HELP!!

Terri Robbins

20 Jul 2010, 14:22

Hi, I am wondering if I have RA I had a major back surgery Oct 2009..Full 10 inch rod & screws in back. A few months after surgery, I noticed my joints, elbows, shoulders and now my hands & fingers are starting to be very painful and stiff . I have to sleep on my back now and when I wake up, my hands are so sore and stiff, I can barely bend my fingers..also have a knot on my thumb joint which keeps me from bending my thumb. All my joints are so painful but worse in the mornings. I am wondering if this back surgery has caused this new problem. I walk very stiff when I first try to crawl out of bed..or if I sit for any length of time, I get stiff in all joints. So have a hard time motivating most of the time..could this be the start of RA?? I have no living family members to ask if it was in family. I also have Hep C which compromises my immune system . anyone have any idea's if I have RA??

jody naimo

08 Jun 2010, 16:47

how can I find some kind of a list of a top notch rheumatologist in Grand Rapids, MI I am unhappy with the one my Practitioner gave me.

Jeannette

02 Jun 2010, 13:52

Hello All i read everyone story, I'm 45 years old never thought anything like this would happen to me, but I had some blood test done but my primary doctor didn't know for sure if I had RA she says all the signs are there, I'm going to specialist, I had to put it off also because of insurance didn't have any now I do I'm going to make sure I follow up with treatments and I was told from my primary doctor to excerise more but not over do it.

J. Copeland

01 Jun 2010, 08:58

Laurie Dworak, it is a very common thing for blood work to miss the signs your body might be feeling. I knew of one lady I watched in her home with RA who was in pain for a long time (7 years) when the doctors could not find anything wrong with her and dismissed her as it was all in her head, until they saw how deformed her hands were becoming and it was too late.

Factors can change results such as what you eat, how de/over-hydrated you might be, medications you take.

Blood test to confirm RA like ANA, ESR and CRP can be negative if you have taken aspirin or Tylenol before the test to manage your pain just to get to the doctor's office. Those tests generally measure inflammation which is decreased when your pain is under control or not as severe as before you take pain medication.

Rheumatoid Factor is one test to confirm RA, but not everyone with RA is "seropositive" (like 20% of people with RA, the test is negative).

Sometimes it is just a thing where your body might suppress the chemical reactions of what is going on or the test is not sensitive enough to measure it.

I always use the analogy of when I was in labor with my first child and the staff kept insisting I was not in labor because the machines could not pick up the contractions. As they were about ready to send me back to my room from the labor room, they saw my daughter's head starting to crown and had to make a quick change of plans to move me into the delivery room.

If you know there is something wrong in your body, don't give up until you find someone who will listen. Try going to the doctor for your blood work without taking anything for the pain so there will be more of a chance the antibodies can be discovered. When they tell you to fast, make sure you follow the instructions.

Sara

22 Mar 2010, 16:31

I have been reading through some of the comments left and have a lot to be thankful for and a lot not to be thankful for. My mom was diagnosed with RA about ten years ago, not long after being diagnosed with lupus and sjogrens. I have been tested over and over again for all of these since 1998. I had symptoms of lupus and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after 10 years, then recently(three weeks ago)I was diagnosed with RA. They had already told me that I had degenerative bone disease and the arthritis in my back. I hope this has answered some of the questions about how long it takes for a diagnosis that is positive. My mom has been told she is an anomaly for having three autoimmune disorders, but now she is terminally ill with cancer. Through all of this, she has taught me to be strong everyday to make it to the next one. This is what I intend to do. I hope everyone else can do the same and listen to what your doctors tell you and follow their instructions. They don't spend all that time in school for nothing.

Marti

02 Feb 2010, 10:37

This is addressed to Betty in the comments. I also have AS,RA, and OCD( this is not obsessive compulsive disorder but osteocodritis desecans) the OCD is where tendons get pulled off joints taking small portions of bone with it. I dealt with the AS my whole life and handled it well. I had to manipulate my legs with my hands and extreme pain. Now I realize it was nothing compaired to what is going on now. I would like to contact you somehow but I do not know how. PLEASE LISTEN EVERYONE--DO NOT PUT OFF SEEING A DOCTOR WHEN THE FIRST SYMPTON STARTS SO YOU DO NOT LOSE MUCLE MASS AND MOBILITY.

sim

04 Dec 2009, 11:45

Please all. Go see a Holistic Doctor. QRA practioner in you area and see what can be done. The look at the organs and see what's going on. Don't suffer! I'm having joint pains that they are helping me with and diagnosed with RA. Here is a number 888-588-7576. They will put you in touch with someone in your area and pray for the best.

SANDRA .J

24 Nov 2009, 09:08

HI LAURIE DWORAK I SENT YOU A EMAIL ABOT SIGN &SYMTOMS AND PUT THE WRONG DATE OF MY DIAGNOSIS IT WAS 10/14/09.I AM SO SORRY FOR THAT. ISTILL HAVE NOT SEEN A RHEUMATOLOGIST YET BECAUSE OF INSURANCE&INCOME. IT'S HARD BUT I WANT GIVE UP. AND I HOPE YOU WANT GIVE UP HANG IN THIER .GOOD LUCK.

SANDRA .J

23 Nov 2009, 17:40

Hi.Laurie Dworak I HAVE HAD SIGN AND SYMPTOMS FOR 3 YEARS AND WAS JUST DIAGNOSIS 12/14/09 .I AM IN A LOT OF PAIN ALL THE TIME. AND IT IS HARD STAY FOCUS ON ANYTHING .WISH I COULD TELL YOU THAT IT GET BETTER BUT I AM NEW AT THIS TO.BUT I CAN SAY TO YOU GO TO THE DOCTOR TO BE TESTED. AND DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT IT IS NOTHING WRONG.

Jennifer

23 Nov 2009, 10:17

Laurie,

My blood work and Xrays were also negative. I was diagnosed with RA after I had an MRI that showed fluid around my joints.

Laurie Dworak

17 Nov 2009, 10:32

Hi, wondering if anyone could tell me the span of time in which they went from signs and symptoms to diagnosis? I seem to have all of the above, but blood work and x-rays do not confirm. I have read about many people not being diagnosed for years and then wind up with damage that can not be reversed. Has anyone had all the signs and symptoms, but not been confirmed by lab studies? If so, how long could it go on before there ARE lab studies to confirm?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Darlene

01 Oct 2009, 15:56

I am 58 years old and have always had joint issues I always chalked it up to over use. My first test for RA came back negative. The pain and swelling only got worse. My Doctor thought the test was false and re tested with X-rays of my wrists. I am now under the care of a Rheumatologist. This has resulted in more tests and MRIs. She finds that there is already damage to my bones and there is nothing to do to change that fact. I am told I cannot reverse the damage that has been done. I have both Osteoarthritis and RA.
I am now on steroids, methotrexate, and Aleve. I hope to come off the steroids. I still have significant trouble in the mornings and evenings. Even with the help of my husband it now takes 2 hours in the morning to get me out the door.
Five years ago a brain tumor was removed and a VP Shunt put in place. I thought, OK this is what I will have to deal with. I can. But folks, this beats that experience by a long shot. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Please follow up with your doctor, don’t let there be damages that cannot be reversed.

cleorisa robin shelby

29 Jun 2009, 16:22

loonking for a lupus rheumatoid arthritis doctor in wayne michigan

Betty

19 May 2009, 09:31

I just want to say I took Humira about two and one-half years ago. It was very effective but I got scared of it knowing the side effects it can have. Sure enough, began to feel really bad last year, I went to my internist and from the tests he ran we learned I now have multiple myeloma. I regret ever making the decision to use Humira. I have OA, RA and AS. It may all be a coincidence, but my advise to everyone is to be very careful with the biologics.

Bob

11 May 2009, 19:03

Just diagnosed today with ra and not sure what I am dealing with or what the future holds. I am 41 years old and it has started in my pinky fingers. Wondering how quickly it will spread and any good links for research.

Andy Lindsay

12 Apr 2009, 18:33

My rheumatologist just recently stopped practicing in my area. Can someone please recommend a rheumatologist in the Cincinnati, OH area that has experience with young adults who have JRA? I have a list of doctors that my previous rheumatologist gave me but I have no idea who to choose. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Arlene Johnson

15 Mar 2009, 13:13

I need a name of an excellent Rheumatologist in the SE Michigan area. I prefer someone in the Novi/W. Bloomfield/Farmington Hills area of MI, but will travel further if necessary.
Can you help?

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When Should I See My Doctor?

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