Question about arthritis

[Unregistered]

I went to a rheumatologist because of what I thought was rheumatoid arthritis in my hands. My RF factor was negative , sed rate normal, bone spurs but no swellin g( though I see swelling in my fingers), so they gave me a diagnosis of OA for hands. They also took x rays of my spine as I have had back trouble for 8 years (around the time my arthritis started). No one has ever treated the back pain-just said I pulled a muscle or that it is an old injury. Anyway I have also been anemic recently, past two years ( had two pints of blood to bring levels up-gone in weeks, then had iron infusion in June-so far it is holding good). The iron thing was always explained as "well, you're a woman" even though this was my first bout of anemia.I am MAJOR tired all the time. So far they are saying the back arthritis is just OA ( am ONLY 40!) but I am wondering if it is the spondylitis? Neither my family doc or this doc seem to be listening!
Michelle

[Unregistered]

Hey Michelle,
I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 17 years old. Now 11 years later, I have no signs of Rheumatoid in my system yet the pain is persistant. My joints aren't really swollen, they do swell from time to time, but I still have significant pian in joints that are not swollen.

There are times I wonder if I was misdiagnosed, but I take Enbrel an immune systems surpressor used to treat RA, and it helps significantly. So if my diagnosis is correct as RA, then you can have a negative Rheumatoid factor and no swelling and still have pain. See as many Rheumatologists as you can. I went to three before I got a good one that took time to really analize me.

Good luck

[chave]

Arthritis is a possible symptom of iron overload. it's also possible to have overload and anemia at the same time.

check out http://www.ironoverload.org and http://www.irondisorders.org

[kerri38846]

Have you had a vitamin D level checked? Vitamin D Deficiency is a MAJOR cause of undiagnosed pain- joints AND back!!

And researchers suggest that you get your Vitamin D Level to between 50 to 80 ng/ml- DESPITE the fact that your doctor will tell you that it's 'normal' if its 30 ng/ml as that is what is written on the lab sheet.

So, be sure to have your doctor tell you the number and not just that it's 'normal' or a 'little low' and not to worry about it. Even a very mild vitamin D deficiency can cause pain.


Also, are you eating processed foods? Sugar? artificial anything? Dairy? All of these can cause joint pains/arthritis.

Kerri Knox, RN
Functional Medicine Practitioner