Swollen Joints and Muscles - NO Rheumatoid?

Question

My doctors are stumped, family and rheumatologist. What is happening is that I have swollen joints and muscles. Rheumatoid (as stated to me) only has swollen joints and that area, but I have swollen tops of the feet and hands, face, eyes etc. etc. etc.

They have taken lots of blood tests and have determined a "guess" that it is rheumatoid arthritis but they can't explain my other symptoms which inlcude the following:
- swollen odd parts of body
- stomach problems with select foods
- sensitivity to chemicals that add extra swelling to rheumatoid areas and odd muscles
- muscle weakenss, only walk short distance and then too weak
- breathing problems with asthma and bronchitis
- headaches
- light is too bright sometimes

My major blood tests (a lot of them) rules out common muscles diseases and other types of diseases.

I haven't tested for allergies, can these be symptoms of allergies? Even swollen body? I can't walk without walker or cane.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I know I have RA and have lots of wierd things going on with me. I have friends with RA and they have no digns via the blood tests... RA is a systemic disease and can affect many parts of the body, not just the joints.. mine affects my voice if i talk too much in a day. ( i am a teacher, so i cant avoid it at times!)

if you would like to know more info (and chat with others) come to 4ratalk.com and ask questions.

It is a forum for those with RA, fibro, lupus and other AI diseases. We are a fun and informative group. Lots of people are so willing to share info and experiences. I love it and vist several time a day! I have even met several people in real life from the forum!

check us out.

4ratalk.com