Could harmful bacteria be a trigger for RA?
A week after ingesting something potentially expired, I started getting pain, swelling, redness, and stiffness in my hands then knees, feet, shoulders and internally around chest and lung area. It's severe at times and nothing I'd experienced before.
I went to doctor's then the hospital only to be told nothing is wrong with me. Symptoms got worse over time - now experiencing carpel tunnel for the first time and extreme stabbing pains in chest cavity area. Breathing was hard to do but my lungs felt clear. Very concerned I dragged myself to doctors only to be told I was fine, was just bumps bruises from work and sport. I knew something wasn't right. Frustrated.
The next year only got worse - most affected joints seemed now to be permanently damaged and becoming a lil disfigured. Now another year on joints are worse - hands feet shoulders knees hip - it's just a lucky dip which joints are going to flare up on the day.
My roofing business is now been affected by it but is manageable whilst active on site working. At night at times can barely move from pain and weakness in joints and muscles. I have a few little nodules on my foot and hand. I'm fearful for the future as I feel my body failing on me... I'm only 35, have worked out and was involved in martial arts for 20 years, and have no old injuries or health issues. Now in the space of two years I'm struggling to walk at times - what is happening to me? Is it possible I've got RA? Is it possible I ingested harmful bacteria which has triggered these symptoms?
Hi JGlen. Sorry you are struggling with these issues. First, let me say that only a doctor can provide an RA diagnosis and, for your protection we cannot provide medical advice over the internet. This article from our editorial team gives an overview of the RA diagnostic process: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diagnosis/. This article from one of our contributors looks at what you could expect from an initial appointment with a rheumatologist: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-to-expect-at-your-first-rheumatologist-appointment/. Concerning your question about a potential bacterial causes, there has been research, but no underlying cause of RA has yet to be found. In this article one of our contributors writes about research at the Mayo Clinic looking into three microbes as contributors to RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/news/rare-bacteria-found-in-abundance-in-ra-patients/. A doctor should be able to provide additional information/explanation of this area of research. Hoping you find some answers about your condition soon. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
