Anyone out there with RA and Osteoarthritis?
 

Waqu'aa (Hello in Yup'ik)

I have Osteoarthritis and lower back/body issues.

For the past five weeks I have been fighting an infection (after some surgery) I have started to notice a pain in my left hand - specifically in the left thumb joint, and index finger joint. I am familiar with the deep bone pain that no pain reliever can touch. I cannot bend either without pain and other than the higher temperature (I am in a flare)

I know RA is not inherited however my Grandmother and Mother had severe symptoms in their hands.

I did not injure my hand and did not strain it in any way. I am however suspecting RA because of the degree of swelling, the pain itself and that nothing I do seems to help.

Does anyone out there have the two conditions? I heard that some new research points to using an antibiotic to combat some of the symptoms - I am on one already.

Thank you
Kim

Well, I can't answer your question either yes or no, since I've yet to see a rheumy for my arthritis. (Don't yet know what type I've got! :D )
But I don't see why you couldn't have several different things going on at once, such as osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Especially if one has an autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, for example) it is very common to end up with more than one autoimmune problem.
Hopefully you will receive more replies, from someone who can give you a better answer than mine.
Hugs,

Kim,

Though I don't have OA and RA, I have been dx'd with OA and also with inflammatory rheumatic disease (Ankylosing Spondylitis).

People can have more than one form or manifestation of an arthritis-relation condition.

I've also read some about how certain antibiotics might be helpful (and some doctors are Rx'ing) for treatment of some arthritis-related conditions/symptoms.

Update
 

Hello!

After I posted my question, I called my Primary Doctor for a referral to a Rhemy, she wanted to see me first.

In our meeting she said she said that it is possible to have both (Osteo/RA) - one being an auto-immune disease. She ordered tests and a x-ray. Both were completed today, so now the waiting game starts.

She said what I have been doing to reduce arthritis symptoms have all been on target. Even the "Native" treatments I have used to try to eliminate the bone pain (Willow bark wraps, Birch bark and leaf wraps as the healing teas I drink.)

What is off - is the infection my body is fighting right now.

All the best

Kim

ps. Thank you to those that did answer....

Here's hoping... You have answers, soon, from your tests, Kim.

:grouphug:

Kim,
I have RA. I am using the antibiotic protocol for this and i am near remission. I am using minocycline. Studies have shown antibiotics are effective for OA as well. I know someone who takes it for both and is doing very well. . Hope this helps. J

Kim, what did the tests show? Have you gotten any results back yet?
Hugs,

Hello!
 

I wanted to get back here sooner, but have been in a flare where I have been useless :-).

Yes, I found out that I have RA in my knuckle areas of my thumb and my index finger but it has not moved down to where I am actually having the pain in my hand. (only in left hand right now)

My Doctor reported she saw on the X-Rays and in the blood test. I am waiting on a Rhemy appointment now. As far as I know I will be on the same medications for RA as I am for my lower back issues.

I see him on Monday....

Take care of yourselves and Thank you for all the advice!