How long did it take you to get a diagnosis?
Share your thoughts and tell us: how long did it take you to get an RA diagnosis?
Thanks so much for sharing Sneed. We are glad to have you here and appreciate your feedback.
Best, Lauren (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
one full year of being pretty much bed ridden. I had two pneumonia’s & 5 severe sinus infections. My Fibro made me so ill; had blistered skin, loss of eyelashes, eyebrows & hair. I do not know looking back how I survived this as reacted to antibiotics from the infections. My MD thought it was stress related as had some major life events occur! Fortunate to be diagnosed 10yrs ago on my 50th birthday (not a happy gift but relief to what it was!).
It took me about 4 months. Oddly at my PCP's office my RF was low, SED rate high (66) and at the time I had slightly elevated uric acid. So even being a 28yr old female. My PCP diagnosed it as gout! My pain was/is excruciating. So after two ER visits, I finally got in touch with a rheumatologist. When they did blood work my RF was then "40"! Im still confused as how that number spiked.
Hi Sneed. You are absolutely correct that autoimmune conditions have an all too common tendency to occur together. In fact. this article from our editorial team looks at RA and comorbid conditions: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
I know where you are coming from. I worked for one of the biggest CATV company for 19 years. I thought the same thing as you did. Only I had a major accident that came close to losing my life. Had been going to the VA for about 30 years, and just figured it was caused by climbing poles, and other things that deal with. Everytime I went to the VA they ask to I hurt anywhere and how bad. Fast forward to 2013. The pain finally got to a point where I could barely get out of bed. Called my PCP and told him what's going on. He told me to get there ASAP. I went back the next day, he had blood drawn. Came into his room and said that we have a problem. Both my wife and I looked at each other and fearing the worse was coming. He got an appointment for me to see a rhumatologist. I had to retire at the end of the year. My company was very nice and I received a severance package I could not resist.
, Thank you so much for sharing your story! I hate that it sounds like disease activity forced you to retire earlier than you might otherwise have, but thank goodness for the severance package! I hope that you have found some ease and as much comfort as those of with RA can have in your retirement. Wishing you all the best, Tamara (site moderator)
My PCP just gave diagnosis. I go to Rhuemotologist in a week. I am sure there will be more test but all the information is overwhelming. Ready for some relief. Thanks
Shannon,
We are here for you to answer any questions. While we cannot provide medical or treatment advice via the internet (for your safety) We are always here to direct you and support you in anyway. Keep us posted!
Best, Lauren (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)