[Debbie D]

I began to experience extreme swelling of my fingers about 5 weeks ago, to the point that I was so uncomfortable wearing my rings I contemplated going to have them cut off. All of my joints except my hips were hurting as well. I couldn't close my fingers into a fist; the tops of my feet (not my toes) swelled up too.

Some of the swelling and pain are beginning to subside, but my finger joints are still so swollen I can't get my wedding ring on. I'm wondering if I am experiencing rheumatoid arthritis...it is a different pain from the spasticity and fibromyalgia for sure.

Does RA come and go in flareups like MS does? I am unsure if I should go in to see my primary care doc when I return home since the sxs are dissipating a bit.

[msarkie]

I have been tentatively dxd with RA. It does have flares. I don't know much about it yet because the dx isn't firm. They do have several treatments so you might consider going to a rheumatologist.

[Erin524]

No, but I'm going to see about seeing an immunologist soon. My MS is seriously misbehaving. Plus my hands and wrists and knees have really been aching a lot lately. My dad's sister-in-law (a nurse practitioner) suggested that I go see some doctors that specialize in immune disorders.

So, I'll probably be going to go see the doctors that my dad's little sister used to see. (that aunt died about a year ago, and she had RA. So, I know immune disorders run in my family)

edit

I remember having to have a test in the early 2000s to check me for rheumatoid. Think they were looking for Rh factor...maybe? It was negative.

[tkrik]

Debbie - Ouch!!! I'm so sorry you are experiencing that. I don't have RA but, as you know, have been suffering with joint/tendon issues for quite some time now. Mine become really swollen, red, and warm. It's not fun and can be very painful so I can totally relate to how you are feeling.

Have you discussed this with your PCP? The tests are fairly simple blood tests and he/she can also refer to you a rheumy if you don't have one already. Hang in there and let us know how you are doing.

[Erin524]

Went to my shoulder doctor today. They took x-rays of my shoulders and did ultrasounds of my shoulders. Apparently they were looking for arthritis. They said I have nice "young" shoulders, and they didn't see any signs of arthritis on the x-rays or the scans. They did see some swelling in the bursa of my shoulders, and they looked at my elbow that I hurt. They said that I have a combination of residual pain/inflammation from frozen shoulder, and the walkers I've been using are irritating things because I put my weight on the walkers with my arms. (they called it "walker shoulder". Kind of like tennis elbow and maybe a little tendinitis in the shoulder too)

I did get a nice shot of cortisone in the bursa of my left shoulder. (yay!)

[Debbie D]

Trish, what is your swelling from? Is it from MS? Arthritis?

I was tested for RA back in the 80s when I finally got a fibromyalgia dx...all tests were negative for RA and Lupus.

The swelling in my feet and hands has subsided somewhat, but I can't get my rings even close to the middle joint
A lot of the joint pain has subsided the past two days as well, except the spasticity pain. That has ratcheted up despite the cool temps.

I am thinking of calling my PCP when I get back home from taking care of DGD. I am going home tomorrow afternoon. I thought I'd give my body the weekend to see if I can get my rings on before next week.

[tkrik]

I was tested for RA, more than once, and my RF and ANA have always been negative. I did have one positive test for Lupus but they then determined I didn't have it. The rheumy I saw last spring/summer said I do have Lupus and Sjogrens but no RA. But, she told me that before she did further testing. When I did my follow up visit with her after my blood work, she wouldn't give me the results of the testing. She did say my ANA was elevated. That was the 1st time ever that my ANA was elevated. I am waiting to hear if I have been accepted as a patient with another rheumatology group to not only get a second opinion but maybe treatment as well.

Not only do my joints swell, my tendons do and I get tenosynovitis quite often in my wrist. My fingers can swell a lot (sausage digits), sometimes to the point where it feels like they will just burst open, and if I had a ring on they'd have to cut it off but I swell up too much and quickly too. I usually get a little warning before it happens as around the joint will feel sore and be red. Then I know that within the next 24 hours it will be swollen, painful, and difficult to move that joint. For me, there are only certain joints that it happens to. Like my right hand it happens on the pointer finger and middle finger and the wrist. My left hand gets it in my thumb, middle finger, and wrist. My left elbow and shoulder get it but not my right. My right knee gets it but not my left.

Since the one dr. said I have Lupus and Sjogren's I have to go with it until proven otherwise, just in case. When I was in the hospital I explained what the dr. had said. I have some blood work supporting it but until I see the rest of the results...

Starting with your PCP is a good idea. They can run some tests to get things going and refer you to a rheumy. Let me know how it goes.

[Debbie D]

I don't want to seem like a hypochondriac who is looking for yet something else to be wrong, though, especially since the swelling seems to be dissipating.

[babycakes]

My Neurologist that treats me for my MS sent me to a Rheumatologist. At the time, it was because she suspected I also had Lupus, but it turned out I have RA. My reumy said he has only 1 other patient with both. At this moment, the RA is really taking the pain and stiffness up a few notches, but hopefully this bout should pass in a few days. With both the MS and the RA, I experience that 'unlike anything else' kind of fatigue... the kind where it feels like someone laid a very heavy lead blanket on you and you can do nothing about it. You know the kind. MS also impacts my cognitive abilities - ability to organize or work through things, memory, speaking, using incorrect words and terms, and inability to handle stress. I feel very blessed since I was recently approved for Social Security disability benefits - and within 7 months. I'm told this rarely happens, so despite the challenges, I feel quite blessed. I have to say though that this week I'm really having a terrible time with personal hygiene and putting shoes on, feeding my cat, etc. I wonder if anyone else here has both RA and MS... Does anyone have any neat tricks to help with personal hygiene (ie drying off after shower or bath, cleaning yourself after going to the restroom, etc)? Thanks for help with these delicate areas...

[Erin524]

I just have MS, but tricks for drying yourself off after a shower.

I have an electric tower fan. I turn that on, and stand in front of it. I also have a hair dryer. (don't use the Hot settings when drying off personal areas!! Personal area skin is sensitive, and might burn easily. Use the Cool settings! don't ask how I know)

I am also not afraid to use more than my fair share of towels. I average two towels to dry everything off, and I try to dry myself off before leaving the shower with a couple of hand towels, or wash cloths. The hand towels are also something that I throw on the floor of the shower so I can try to either dry the shower floor, or stand on the towels to get up and out of the shower without slipping and exiting the shower the hard way.

As for the other question for cleaning yourself off after using the potty. I had that same question a few years ago. I just have problems with numbness in my hands. I can still use them. They're just numb and tingly. When they're extra numb and tingly, and it's hard to tell what and where you're touching things and places. I have a box of vinyl gloves. I love those vinyl gloves. Makes me not worry as much for what I could be touching.

edit

this is the fan that I stand in front of to dry off. I got it because it's a narrow profile and doesn't take up much space, and it oscillates.