Has anyone had torn tissue caused by RA?
I am new to this site. I have not been diagnosed with RA yet however I have my first apt with a rheumatologist next month. I would like to know if anyone on this site has had torn tissue caused by RA. Currently both of my rotator cuffs are torn. I had one of them repaired but it tore again within 6months. I also had surgery this year for a torn meniscus, I believe it is torn again as well. Has anyone on this site experienced numerous tears without having had any injuries to cause them?
Hi Flutterbug. Sorry that you are having these difficulties, but it is good that you have sought out a place you can get information and support.
RA can impact the connective tissues and this article from our contributor Andrew goes into more detail: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/attack-on-connective-tissues/.
In addition, since you are preparing for your first appointment with a rheumatologist I thought you might be interested in this article on what to expect: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-to-expect-at-your-first-rheumatologist-appointment/. Also, this article looks at the diagnostic process: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diagnosis/.
Know that this community is here for you. Don't hesitate to ask as additional questions come up. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)Thank you so much for your response, the articles are very informative. I am anxiously awaiting my apt next month. Thank you
Hi
,
I'm so sorry to hear you've been having troubles with connective tissues lately. While I've never torn my rotator cuff, I have noticed that both of my Achilles tendons often are in extreme pain, and this comes without prior injury. This also did not happen until I was diagnosed with RA. Ibuprofen and ice packs really help with my pain and swelling.
I hope your appointment with your rheumatologist goes well. Thank you for reaching out and know that we are here for you!
David (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member)Dear Flutterbug:
I am also new to rheumatoidarthritis.net, joining only about an hour ago. I did a search of "cause" on this forum and among others, thought I might respond to your post although not sure of any correlation. I had minor facial surgery including 5 vials of restylane (dermal filler) a little over a month ago. 5 days after surgery, I experienced extreme joint pain with general muscle fatigue. Lift knee, damaged in vietnam jumping from a chopper, right hip, and both shoulders. 95% of the pain was in my shoulders, the rest was very tolerable. Hard to even wash my hair, or put on or take off a t-shirt. Now, I did injure both rotator cuffs (twice) during the 50 years I've worked out so there is history there. But I always have managed the situation, until the tendinitis or minor tear healed and then went right back to working out. Had pain on level of 2 at best during those time. NOW, is a different story as both shoulders have a pain level of 10 and keep me awake at night and hard to function during the day. My doctor thinks I might have RA that was triggered by the 5 vials of dermal filler. I have read of some correlation
between dermal fillers and RA. I think our similarities are only that my shoulders are my main pain points like you. I do plan to initiate a post of my own to see if others know what triggered (as apposed to cause) their RA.
