Any mommas here with rheumatoid arthitsis

michellerenee1987 · April 2014

I'm 26 almost 27 with muscle and joint pain in my hands legs and feet and arms. I'm seeing a rheumatologist specialist next week for how I've been feeling. Any mommas out there have this or any diseases that match my symptoms. How do u cope being a mom. Also I only have child as of now. I'm worried having a second child isn't I stored for me. I need to talk to other moms going through this!

kellyrn9956 · April 2014

I do not have this. But I grew up with a mother with severe RA. She is in remission now, but she was in terrible pain when my sister and I were young. She did the best she could, but there were days that she was in bed much of the day or on the couch. We knew at her worst pain times, there were things mom couldn't do, and we knew to be very careful with her on those days. Having open honest communication with us was important, as we knew what to expect. I will say though that the two years before they found a treatment to work were difficult for everyone.

However, joint pain is a very non-specific symptom, and muscle and joint pain does not always mean RA. It could be a multitude of different things, with RA being on the more serious end of the spectrum.

bulbasaur359 · April 2014

I haven't been diagnosed with RA b/c my blood tests came back negative but since it runs on both sides of my family I've been concerned myself. I've dealt with hand problems for probably 10 years with the last year or two the worst. If I carry a heavy grocery bag in my fingers want to stay in that position and I deal with stiffness and pain with normal everyday tasks. It can feel like tightened rubber bands in my fingers. I showed up with inflammation but negative for autoimmune and rh factor. So no clue on my end. But be prepared for them to possibly be confused too. I am sorry you are dealing with sore stiff joints. You are definitely too young. I'm too young and I'm 35. Good luck with the specialist.

MrsT0514 · April 2014

@bulbasaur359‌ Just wanted to chime in, in regArds to your blood tests coming back negative for autoimmune and rh factor. This doesn't necessarily mean that RA can be ruled out if you still have symptoms.

My mom has been diagnosed with "cero negative" RA (sp?). Meaning her blood tests also came back negative for RA in the typical sense, but there was an additional test that her rheumatologist ran in order the get the final result. Its not the norm, and im not implying that this is the case in your situation, but there are instances where RA CAN possibly be the culprit, even if typical blood tests for it may indicate the opposite.

OP, I dont have much advice for you, unfortunately, as my mom is still struggling to find a treatment that works for her symptoms, but best of luck with the rheumatologist. Thats definitely a step in theright direction...I hope you get some answers and relief soon.

Marcilene1 · April 2014

I do not have RA, but I do have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis which also causes joint pain. It's also an autoimmune disease like RA. Autoimmune disease can run in families, usually in females. My grandmother had RA and my sister has MS. There is a whole family of autoimmune diseases and I know that several of them can cause joint pain. Good luck at the doctor.

bulbasaur359 · April 2014

MrsT0514 said:

@bulbasaur359‌ Just wanted to chime in, in regArds to your blood tests coming back negative for autoimmune and rh factor. This doesn't necessarily mean that RA can be ruled out if you still have symptoms. My mom has been diagnosed with "cero negative" RA (sp?). Meaning her blood tests also came back negative for RA in the typical sense, but there was an additional test that her rheumatologist ran in order the get the final result. Its not the norm, and im not implying that this is the case in your situation, but there are instances where RA CAN possibly be the culprit, even if typical blood tests for it may indicate the opposite. OP, I dont have much advice for you, unfortunately, as my mom is still struggling to find a treatment that works for her symptoms, but best of luck with the rheumatologist. Thats definitely a step in theright direction...I hope you get some answers and relief soon.

Thank you for the info. I have heard of that. I don't really have redness but ya stiff joints and some mild pain. My dad's side all the women pretty much have it. My gma and aunts do that I know of. My mom's sister had it and now my cousin her daughter has it. She (my cousin) is slightly older than my mom. Yes my mom is 22 years younger than my aunt would be if she was still alive. I just haven't gotten even more testing done lately. They did test for sedimentation which did show up but the test for autoimmune was negative. So we'll see. I might just have to deal with it for the time being.

OP, I hope they can find you an answer and can help.

persephonerose · April 2014

I would not rule out having another child. I was diagnosed with RA and fibromyalgia at 28, now 39. I thought my chances of having a child were gone but with some perseverance I managed to have a son who is now 17m and I am currently pregnant with twins.

For me the hardest part is being off all of my medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I have had to learn to manage my energy and modify how I do some physical tasks. I also use lots of pain management techniques that do not involve medication. Heating pads/ice packs, soaks in the tub, meditation, naps, gentle massage.

If you do have RA it may take a while to find out the best combination of drugs that helps you but be your own best advocate. I found it helpful to keep a journal of how I was feeling at the start of a new medication so when I went for check ups I could say yes this medication helps, no it does not.

I hope you get some answers!
I am also neg for RA factor but when they do an MRI it is very clear what is going on. So don't let them dismiss you if you are negative.

michellerenee1987 · April 2014

Thank everyone I really appreciate ur help and advice.! My appt is next Wednesday and I'm soo nervous. I think I'm more scared that blood tests will Come back negative and we won't know what's wrong. I just wanna not hurt and have my energy back.

flerlgirl · April 2014

Lurking - I have RA. I'm currently pregnant, which relieves my symptoms, but when not pregnant I take meds. I also wear wrist braces at night (my pain is all in my hands/fingers) and heat helps. This my second kid and RA has had no impact on the pregnancy or anything! GL to you.

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