Have rheumatism. Recently a hip replacement. Feeling so much better, but elbows are weak and hurt often. Any suggestions?
2006-07-18 06:39:47 · 3 answers · asked by tobeyp2005 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I found a great resource site on arthritis. I would definitely check it out. It has lot's of good info.
2006-07-21 07:54:00 · answer #1 · answered by Kelly M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does sound like a strong possibility. Your symptoms do sound typical of inflammatory arthritis. You should speak to your doctor about the dose of Prednisone you are on. It's a very potent anti-inflammatory with some serious side effects. It can cause osteoporosis, glaucoma and weight gain. Not all joints swell visibly. I have arthritis in my toes, knees, hips, sacroiliac joints, shoulders, wrists and fingers and I only ever have visible swelling and heat in my knees and fingers. The rheumatoid factor test does help, but it's not the final decider. Many healthy people test positive for the RF test and 70-80% of people with RA have a negative one. Have you had the anti-CCP test? This is far more specific to RA. If it's positive, there's a 99% chance it's positive because you have RA. If it's negative, it doesn't rule anything out. Have you had your ESR and CRP measured? These test for inflammation in the blood. It doesn't mean the inflammation is in your joints and a normal ESR or CRP doesn't mean you have no inflammation. The problem with autoimmune inflammatory arthritic conditions is that they overlap a lot. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a possibility, but so is Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Lupus (unlikely because of your ANA), Sarcoid, Reactive Arthritis, Sjogren's Syndrome, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and many more. Most of these conditions have some overlapping features. I'd talk to your doctor about coming off the Prednisone before your first appointment. Prednisone will mask your symptoms and if your rheumatologist can see you with lots of swelling, it'll make it a lot easier! Good luck. ....
2016-03-16 01:33:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you proping your self up on your elbows while scooting up in the bed or befor you turn over ?
I take Aleve and Bengay . also Capsisin.
2006-07-18 06:56:00 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine814 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lose weight and exercise by swimming.
2006-07-18 06:47:20 · answer #4 · answered by brogdenuk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋