Fibromyalgia and now add RA to it?
 

Once MS was ruled out by my neurologist and the MS specialist in the area, my PCP diagnosed Fibromyalgia on 9/30/2014. I am seeing a rheumatologist and he is currently trying to get the nerves in my brain to calm down enough at night so I can rest.

I went to my PCP for my physical and he asked if my rheumy had me on methotrexate yet. ???? I was confused. As he went about doing my physical, we were talking about keeping my joints mobile and he even suggested an electric blanket and warming my bed before bedtime and when I am watching TV. He ended up explaining that the tests for the markers for RA were on the higher side of normal and suggesting retesting. He said he would not be surprised at all if my rheumy put me on methotrexate and/or plaquenil in June when I follow up with him. He also said he knows I am unable to exercise due to the Fibro, but do all I can to keep my joints mobile.

God never leads us into any storm without holding our hand and guiding us through that storm! :)

How are you doing with the RA? I deal with bodywide OA, but have 2 friends dx'd with RA..one friend took the drugs for about a year and now off them...too many side effects so she is working with diet and takes Aleve. I use Advil for OA and Fibro.

Getting off gluten is suggested all over the web. Omega 3's and flaxseed are important.

Getting off inflammatory foods, like wheats/grains. Let me know how you are....

I'm new here and looking around the health conditions I know something about.


I take all supps for Fibro and OA but the Advil. Acupuncture can help. Meditation works if you work it. So much to work with to manage things.

Thank you, caroline2.

I had actually been gluten-free for a few years prior to my fibro diagnosis. Though, I recently introduced grains back into my diet to make a point to the nurse in my PCP's office. I have iron defiency anemia and she cut me off and told me I needed enriched grains and there was no reason for me to be on a gluten free diet. I return in early July for blood work, so I will make my point then.

I also have hypothyroidism, now. Just diagnosed in early April. I have Dysmetabolic Syndrome X. My PCP suggested that my Rheumy will put me on medication for RA when I return to see him the end of June. On top of it all, I am having a hysterectomy on the 19th of June due to complex hyperplasia with atypia...precancer, possible cancer of the uterus.

It seems I live in a major flare all the time, but I will survive. I don't know if I will allow my Rheumy to put me on medication if he deems I have RA. I react strangely to most meds.

Angels be with you
me

Thank you Eva,

At this point, my rheumy will try Keppra next when I am ready to try another drug for the RLS or the nerve pain or whatever he is treating. I am currently 14 days post op from my total hysterectomy, so he is letting me set the pace. He did give me a script for Tramadol as a rescue medication.

My neuro is really concerned that my body builds a tolerance to the migraine preventives so quickly. In a year and a half, I have been increased to 300mg Topamax and now 90mg Cymbalta. He is really interested in the next brain MRI this coming February/March. This last one was a waste, the gabapentin the rheumy had me on had my body jerking and was could not be read. He is still monitoring me for MS.

Sometimes, I find it hard to accept my reality and wish for my old self.

Gentle hugs to everone. :hug: