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Could I have RA?

No one has given me a diagnosis yet. No one seems to know what is wrong with me. Am scheduled for a MRI soon and hopefully will get a diagnosis soon.


A year ago I started a new job and began to ache behind my right knee. I just thought the aches and pains that had just begun was because of the new job. By Sept (2017) it was taking all I could do to fake it at work because the pain was beginning to become extreme. It would begin in my right leg behind my knee then would radiate down the front of my shin to the flexor at my foot then around the calf and up to my right hip. Then it moved to my left leg weeks later. By Christmas 2017 I had to have help to walk at the mall and when the new year arrived I was forced to resign from my job because the pain was unbearable. It was now in my hands and one of my fingers is becoming deformed looking and yet I was still hunting for a doctor to see me. I have no insurance and am a 60 year old widow. In Columbus, GA that means you are not worth anything. As many doctors as we have in Columbus and yet I could find no help. I finally went to a sliding scale clinic and the doctor there told me it was all in my head. I am now going to a clinic in Phenix City, Al and am on Neurontin for the nerve ending pain but as of yet still no diagnosis of any kind. A year ago I was a vibrant woman working in her garden, dancing for exercise, and doing all that woman my age do to live...clean house, wash clothes, etc. and now I spend most of my time in bed with heating pads wrapped around my legs. I cannot stand to walk for more than one hour and a half before the pain is unbearable nor can I sit still upright for more than 1 1/2 hours before the pain forces me to lie down. Why won't anyone listen to me? I have come to the conclusion if you are a 60 year old widowed woman with no insurance you are not worth the time or effort doctors would have to spend on you. Therefore, I guess I will have to go through the rest of my life in pain until death. No one here in Columbus, GA cares. ANd yes I am very depressed..

  1. Sabrina, I commend you for sharing your story with us. What a journey. I'm so sorry to hear that you're in a tremendous about of pain, and how that pain has changed your day-to-day. I cannot advise on if you have RA or not (as we are not healthcare professionals and cannot provide medical advice for your safety) but I encourage you to continue speaking with your doctor(s) about your symptoms. You are not alone in feeling depressed. I wanted to share these resources with you in case you find them insightful or helpful: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-it-is-that-grips-us/ and https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/mental-health/coping-general-resources/ We hear you, and we are here to support you any time. I hope you can find some pain relief soon. Please let us know how you're doing and update us if you’d like to come back and share. You are in our thoughts! Warmly, Alesandra (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

    1. Never worry about it. My mom is 55 years old and she has RA since 8 years. She continuously trying Rajyoga Meditation to fight with depression. First of all, the disease is in our mind. You can consult your doctors and have some blood test to check RA.

      1. We had a friend with similar symptoms and it was related to a tick bite, can't remember if it was ever diagnosed as lyme disease or other. do take care.

        1. Hi Sabrina. So sorry you are having all these difficulties. On top of the great information from Alesandra, thought you might be interested in this article from our editorial team on the early signs and symptoms of RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/early-signs/. In addition, if you do go through the RA diagnostic process, this article gives an overview: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diagnosis/. I wanted to make sure you had this information because as you move forward knowledge is power. Please know that we are here for you for information and support. Wishing you the best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

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