Do my symptoms sound like RA?

Hi, I am so sorry to hear that you have been dealing with these symptoms for some time. While I am unable to diagnose what you are dealing with, I would find it beneficial to speak to your Primary Care Physician about what you have been feeling. Sometimes it takes time to be diagnosed, but being persistent in the way that you are feeling helps find answers. Before you visit your doctor, it may be helpful to keep a symptom log of how you have been feeling over the course of the week.

Hi wowithurts. Sorry you are having these issues. As Randi said, only a doctor can provide the proper diagnostics. She mentioned a primary care physician. In addition, I want to mention that you may want the PCP to refer you to a rheumatologist, a specialist in autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases.

When you meet with doctors you may find the information in these articles on early signs and symptoms and diagnosis helpful: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/early-signs/ and https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/ra-in-america-2013/early-signs-diagnosis-and-initial-ra-symptoms/.

Hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask additional questions. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

Wowithurts is such a perfect screen name so thank you for that.

A lot of illnesses have somewhat non-specific symptoms. It took me a little over 10 months and several diagnosis that I didn’t believe fit my symptoms before I found a good doctor who took his time and explained all of my test results with me and correctly diagnosed me. My first diagnosis was Lyme disease, but I have never been bitten by a tick in my life. I told the doctor that but he tested me for it anyway and when it came back negative he told me I had fibromyalgia. That was when I decided it was time for a new doctor because those symptoms didn’t quite fit me either.

For whatever it’s worth my advice is to do your research and speak to people you know in the medical profession (if that is available to you). Request a referral to a specialist like a rheumatologist if you think it’s RA. You can go on the website for your insurance and get a list of specialists that are covered in your network.

When you know something sounds off don’t be scared of getting a second opinion. Ask doctors to explain your test results to you even if it means coming back a second time. Google will not be as interactive and it will allow you to get answers to questions right then and there. No one knows how you feel better then you.

When I got second opinions I would pick up the medical documentation from the previous doctor myself and read it over so I knew what was being looked at even if I didn’t understand it all. I would bring it with me to the next doctor and ask for my numbers to be explained to me in a way I could understand. This way you are an active participant in that process and you will learn more about what’s going on in your body.

One of the hardest things about chronic illness is that you must be your own advocate, and not only that but a vocal advocate who prepares themselves with reliable data. If you don’t feel that a doctor is really listening to you then it’s time for a new doctor. And when they give you information ask for web links to studies that you can read, I promise you that a good doctor will help you.
It’s especially hard because it’s like having a whole extra full time job but it’s your health and it’s a worthwhile time investment.

I hope you are able to find answers and some good people to help you out along the way.