Why wear a ribbon?

"I wear these colors for my son that I lost two years ago 4-8-12 at12:35am " (momdukes1962)

MDJunction to me

"MDJ has been "a soft place to fall" for me as Dr Phil says. I have this very painful rare disease Dercum's Disease and take comfort in finding others here who share their knowledge and compassion. Many
members have helped me just by understanding my anguish and validating
my pain. We are working together to encourage research toward a cure." (grandmasylvia)

more testimonials

My attempts at recovery and moving on

This is going to be a place where I can write about how I feel on a day-to-day basis without fear of being called crazy, or just being told to "get on with it", both of which have happened in the past!

Do I have rheumatoid arthritis?!!

Oct 27 2011

I am 31 years old, relatively fit and well although I do have asthma. In 2005 I was involved in a serious car accident where my left femur (top of leg) and right ulna (bottom of arm) were badly fractured. At the time the doctors thought I would lose the lower halves of my left leg and right arm. Thankfully, due to their skill and my perseverance, this did not happen, and I am now able to walk (with a limp), drive a car and do most things I used to do.

Now, six and a half years later, I am struggling to do my job as a secretary because my hands seize up, particularly my knuckles, if I have been typing for a few hours. My knuckles go red and swell up to about twice their normal size over the bony area, and it's a kind of ache along with a sharp pain. I also get this problem in my left knee (the one that was injured in the car accident six years ago), my right shoulder and my feet (particularly around the toes).

I also get extremely tired which means I have to go to bed by 9pm most nights, and this has put paid to me having a social life! I have spoken to my GP this morning on the telephone and she suggested ibuprofen gel on my hand for a week or so, because I'm asthmatic and not supposed to take it orally.

What does anyone think about my symptoms? Do you think I have RA? (I have also posted this in the rheumatoid arthritis forum to see whether anyone there can help me...)

Previous diary posts by littleme:

It's been a while!
In love with my female therapist!
Suffering
It all came flooding back!
Ouch! Being honest is really painful...but I hope...

Another difficult session
Feeling bruised after my fifth session of CBT
Rubbish day
Mixed up
Hoping for a new beginning

Comments (1) Add Comment

written by aval7, October 30, 2011

hi, well it is possible to be RA but i'm no dr. it also could be other things such as ostiaoarthritis..sorry can't spell..lol in your left leg from the accident. i have it in my neck and the symptoms are pretty much the same as RA and i thought my RA was in my neck and my dr said no..it's also possible the trouble with your hands and knuckles could be carpoltunnel..my advise is make appt with your dr and have have them examine you and start testing..hope you feel better soon..Ann