Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hi, I am 31 years old and I have been suffering from knee problems since my teens. It started with my knee going out of place instantly if I stepped or ran the wrong way (I'm still not sure what that way is). I stopped running and being overall physical for fear of the excruciating pain that accompanies dislocation. My doctor always said it was just immature joints and that I just need to build up the muscles around my knee. Recently both of my knees have started to remain swollen quite regularly and any level of extended walking and standing increase the swelling rapidly. There is a very strong history of RA in my family among the women and when I was in my early 20's my doctor did confirm some RA factor in my blood work. Since then it has disappeared from all test results. I am in constant pain, the simple act of sitting or standing up from a chair can be excruciating. I am forced to abstain from joining my husband, family and friends in most activities. I have started a regimen of yoga but that is also difficult with swollen knees that do not bend as well. I am so very frustrated with the state of my physical being and the pain that it brings me to tears. I know that this is also frustrating for those around me. I am sorry, I know this is a very long email, but I am desperate for any insight or help in figuring this out.

Hi corneelia,

I am sorry to hear you are in so much pain without any answers.I began having OA in my early 30's which progressed to costing me both knees by age 45 even though we tried every available thing possible including synvesin(?) shots (twice) and 4 antroscopies.. One has been replaced (2005) waiting since 2007 for other replacement. I eagerly wait for the replacement.

Have you been to a rheumy? What did he say about further testing after the bloodwork that indicated RA? Are you taking any arthritic meds?

I hope you find answers soon so as to begin treatment that will help.

Welcome Cornelia, I feel for you with that knee pain. I'm nowhere near as bad as you or Bits but I did break a kneecap once and now have RA that affects the knees. The one I broke has been sliding on me for years and the good one started sliding out of place about 5 years ago. It hurts for about 2 days afterwards whenever it happens. Staying off it and icing it helps the pain.

Are you seeing a Rheumy? What kind of doctor have you talked to? I would recommend a good Orthopaepedic doctor as well.

Hi Corneelia,

Welcome to the group or family. I am so sorry for all the pain yoU are going thro.through.

Have you seen a rheumatologist? It sounds like you should as soon as possible. Keep track of all your symptoms (pain, swelling, fatigue,etc..) and bring that in with you. Also write down any questions you may have.

If you previously had an elevated RA factor once what did they say made it elevated? If it was RA then you still have it. I do not have an elevated RA factor. I did have an MRI done that showed the damage and that tin was RA. If not I would probably still be suffering and not getting on the drugs needed to stop or at least slow down the progressing.

I totally can relate to your knee pain. I had a terrible flare at Christmas and the pain was excruciating. Man, getting on and off the toilet was the worse. A couple of times, I thought I'd need help, but I figured out a way to get off, but I think I screamed every time. Eventually a shot of steroids to the knee fixed up the problem.

Please be vigilant about your health and let us know how things go.

Take care.

Hello there.

I am so sorry for all your pain and frustration.

I only recently got diagnosed after four months of running to internist, cardiologist, neurologist and a really idiotic rheumatologist.

I have been diagnosed with RS3PE, which is a form of RA whose predominant feature is swelling. I do have quite a bit of pain, though. SIGNIFICANTLY.... ALL THE BLOOD TESTS COME BACK NORMAL, THOUGH.....

Apparently the standard treatment these days for RA is Methotrexate which is creatin its own problems.

My point is that negative blood tests do not mean that you do not have what is being tested for....

I hope that this is somewhat helpful to you and good luck....