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RA? Fibro? Injury? Feeling helpless now... HELP
I am going to lose my mind without help anymore. Here is my synopsis (shortened version) and any help is appreciated. 3mo ago I started having shoulder pain (as if slept on it wrong), I ignored it, but it didn't go away. I then started waking with stiff fingers that would not move with joints swollen. Then slowly wrist and forearm weakness. Every morning I wake with fingers aching. I went to Rheumatologist-xrays ok, blood tests ok-except one non-descript auto immune came back elevated. Then tests again and nothing. Sends me to ortho hand dr., he finds nothing, sends me to ortho shoulder-nothing, EMG nothing, MRI of neck only-nothing. Rheumatologist throws Cymbalta at me and now on that. Meloxicam didn't help, Tramadol doesn't help. One day I take Tramadol with .5 Ativan and my pain was relieved. I sleep on my sides, it feels like a tight wide rubber band holding my fingers and hand/joint pain during day like I punched someone and it's the next day. Wrists when squeezed shift/crack. Tonight pointer finger numb and shoulder burning again. HELP.
Could this be Rheumatoid? Shoulder injury pressing on nerve? EMG said no nerve compression. I don't think Fibro is generalized-we don't have pain one day for nothing! My body is telling me something. More stress aggrevates-but I type a lot at work and they said no carpal. I'm so lost. Any orthopedic doc that would actually feel my shoulder and press and move it and feel around? Isn't that normal?? Woke up this morning and pointer left finger is swollen and wont bend. Quickly took Meloxicam and Advil...
Could this be Rheumatoid? Shoulder injury pressing on nerve? EMG said no nerve compression. I don't think Fibro is generalized-we don't have pain one day for nothing! My body is telling me something. More stress aggrevates-but I type a lot at work and they said no carpal. I'm so lost. Any orthopedic doc that would actually feel my shoulder and press and move it and feel around? Isn't that normal?? Woke up this morning and pointer left finger is swollen and wont bend. Quickly took Meloxicam and Advil...
You know what, I have no idea if I'm Rh pos or neg. LOL I was dx'ed at age 5 back in 1965, so I'm assuming I was positive. Thanks for the tip about the site, I'll check it out!
LOL...fried chicken reiki, huh? Hmmmm why not give it a try! LOL
I have a question for...totally off the subject of this forum... are you RH negative blood type, by chance? I only ask because your "spiritualism" shines through and there is an awesome website called RHNegative.ning that is wonderful and full of all kinds of interesting topics and people.
Take care and thank you for the enlightenment :)
W
I have a question for...totally off the subject of this forum... are you RH negative blood type, by chance? I only ask because your "spiritualism" shines through and there is an awesome website called RHNegative.ning that is wonderful and full of all kinds of interesting topics and people.
Take care and thank you for the enlightenment :)
W
Just did a quick google search on "native american reiki" and got thousands of hits! :D I wonder what would happen if I input "fried chicken reiki"? LOL
Nah, don't feel stupid. [grin]
There are so many different "kinds" of Reiki out there now, it's easy to get confused. Reiki is so flexible that thousands of people have taken the basic Usui system and put their own spin on it. It's highly likely someone's come up with a Native American version.
I tend to stick to the original, however a few years ago I branched out and tried Celtic Reiki, which is basically Usui Reiki, but instead of using the Usui symbols to channel the energy, it uses the ancient Celtic ogham letters/symbols. I really liked it, but it's hard to remember all 26 or so symbols off the top of my head. The Usui symbols are easier - there are none to learn in level 1, only three in level 2, and three more in master/teacher level. There's really no need to go beyond level 2 if you don't plan to teach. The level 2 ones are easy to learn and remember.
There are so many different "kinds" of Reiki out there now, it's easy to get confused. Reiki is so flexible that thousands of people have taken the basic Usui system and put their own spin on it. It's highly likely someone's come up with a Native American version.
I tend to stick to the original, however a few years ago I branched out and tried Celtic Reiki, which is basically Usui Reiki, but instead of using the Usui symbols to channel the energy, it uses the ancient Celtic ogham letters/symbols. I really liked it, but it's hard to remember all 26 or so symbols off the top of my head. The Usui symbols are easier - there are none to learn in level 1, only three in level 2, and three more in master/teacher level. There's really no need to go beyond level 2 if you don't plan to teach. The level 2 ones are easy to learn and remember.
Thank you for the clarification!!! I knew it was mind/body/spirit and aura type (with/without) contact healing of a sort.
I feel stupid.
I feel stupid.
Well, no, Reiki's origin is actually ancient Tibet, not the Native Americans. :) I agree that it's related to Tai Chi with its emphasis on the breath, universal life force energy, intent, and the mind/body/spirit connection.
In a Reiki session, a practitioner draws in universal life force energy and channels it through his or her hands to the recipient. It can be accomplished hands on, hands off, or even from the other side of the world. The practitioner can channel healing energy to herself for self-healing, or to another person.
Tai Chi is more like a moving meditation. It's a wonderful exercise done alone, however I for one think that when it's done in a group, the amount of energy raised goes up exponentially so it's a totally different experience. No better or worse, just different. :)
Anyway, a good place to start with Reiki is Reiki.org, or any book on the subject by Paula Horan or Frank Petter.
In a Reiki session, a practitioner draws in universal life force energy and channels it through his or her hands to the recipient. It can be accomplished hands on, hands off, or even from the other side of the world. The practitioner can channel healing energy to herself for self-healing, or to another person.
Tai Chi is more like a moving meditation. It's a wonderful exercise done alone, however I for one think that when it's done in a group, the amount of energy raised goes up exponentially so it's a totally different experience. No better or worse, just different. :)
Anyway, a good place to start with Reiki is Reiki.org, or any book on the subject by Paula Horan or Frank Petter.
I agree with the Reiki...its much like Ti Chi..only it originated from the Native Americans...I think. Its like cleansing your soul through movement, music, and meditation. Ti Chi is more physical...but just as gentle, some concept...from China.
Anti inflammatories are good for RA but NOT Fibromyalgia. I can't seem to be rid of RA or Fibro pain...but I have been dealing with it since 1993. Because of other illnesses, my choices in pain meds is very limited and, so far, nothing has really helped me. But, if you have a high fiber diet, pain meds shouldn't be a problem.
You also could try Vit. D, B-complex, and magnesium. Have you EVER been given the RhoGam shot right after having a baby? Not knowing your age or familiy status...I wanted to ask because before 2001, these injections contained alot of Mercury...some flu shots and child immunizations STILL contain it! Mercury is horrible for the neurological system. Just curious. Good luck with yourself and combating the pain and discomfort. Wish marijuana was legal...it works great with both RA and Fibro...but...oh well...thats our govt. wishing to remain in debt and wanting to keep on fighting the drug lords in Columbia! LOL
Thats another subject...for another day.
Anti inflammatories are good for RA but NOT Fibromyalgia. I can't seem to be rid of RA or Fibro pain...but I have been dealing with it since 1993. Because of other illnesses, my choices in pain meds is very limited and, so far, nothing has really helped me. But, if you have a high fiber diet, pain meds shouldn't be a problem.
You also could try Vit. D, B-complex, and magnesium. Have you EVER been given the RhoGam shot right after having a baby? Not knowing your age or familiy status...I wanted to ask because before 2001, these injections contained alot of Mercury...some flu shots and child immunizations STILL contain it! Mercury is horrible for the neurological system. Just curious. Good luck with yourself and combating the pain and discomfort. Wish marijuana was legal...it works great with both RA and Fibro...but...oh well...thats our govt. wishing to remain in debt and wanting to keep on fighting the drug lords in Columbia! LOL
Thats another subject...for another day.
Stress DEFINITELY has an affect on our RA symptoms! It's right up there with the change of seasons as my major triggers. Might I suggest things like gentle yoga and/or meditation, which focuses on not only stretching but breathing properly. Energy/lightworking therapies such as reiki can also be a tremendous help in stress reduction. Depending on where you live you might find a practitioner quite easily through online listings, referral through a massage therapist, spa or natural foods store, or even in the phone book. :)
Thank you for the kind words... and advice. I AM going to get a second opinion. I have had some relief week 3-4 on Cymbalta-but all of a sudden I get flare ups in the mornings with my hands being so tight and swollen. I'm always tired it seems... a friend of mine said RA can come up negative especially in Stage 1 or 2. I am trying to lower my stress too-that seems to help-but I'm trying new natural ways. I'm sick of needing Ativan or anti-anxiety meds AND pain meds to function throughout the day.
I'll keep all posted with 2nd opinion! thanks again... :-)
I'll keep all posted with 2nd opinion! thanks again... :-)
Hi Gabby,
I was tested for the RA factor and it came up positive, but the next time it was negative. carol is right...false positives and false negatives. A rheumy SHOULD listen to all your complaints. Cymbalta is good for Fibro and pain and depression that chronic pain can cause...or the depression causing the chronic pain.
Respond and let us know how you are doing.
Take Care W
I was tested for the RA factor and it came up positive, but the next time it was negative. carol is right...false positives and false negatives. A rheumy SHOULD listen to all your complaints. Cymbalta is good for Fibro and pain and depression that chronic pain can cause...or the depression causing the chronic pain.
Respond and let us know how you are doing.
Take Care W
Definitely find a different rheumatologist. It isn't at all unusual to be 'sero negative' (blood tests normal) and have RA symptoms. A good rheumie will not rely only on blood work but look at the whole patient. It is definitely possible to test positive, then negative, then positive again...I guess it depend on the phase of the moon! (tongue in cheek). To my knowledge, fibromyalgia patients don't typically have joint swelling; along the same lines, RA patients can have no swelling yet have active, progressing disease.
Good luck finding a new rheumie - I'm going to be moving to a new town that has only three, and none of them have terribly good online reviews. :/
Good luck finding a new rheumie - I'm going to be moving to a new town that has only three, and none of them have terribly good online reviews. :/
i would go to Duke University and get a second opinion. I hope all works out for you.
Hello there...sorry to hear your frustrations...sounds like we are in the same boat :(
I am NOT a medical professional...but am very familiar with your aches and pains.
Are you taking Ativan or Advil ? Both will help, depending on you.
Do you drink plenty of water?
I couldn't tell if you already have been DX with Fibro?
When you had your blood work done...you stated an elevated auto immune signal. Did they say it was your S.E.D. Rate? When thats elevated...it means you are having inflammation in your body (pretty broad indication).
The auto immune signal could be the RA Factor (rheumatoid positivity). Ask the RA doc if thats the case. Will you be going back soon?
I have RA, Osteo, Fibro, Sjogrens...too many to elaborate...LOL I am familiar with it all...YUK
What I have to assume you are experiencing Fibromyalgia. There is pain for absolutely no reason. Some areas are far more sensitive than others, but it could be your jaws one day and your shins the next. Fibro is a nerve issue. Do you feel like a walking bruise? Are you "exhausted" all the time? Sleep patterns poor?
Ativan will help fibro, because its an opiate. Opiates work with the central nervous system, where anti inflammatories or muscle relaxers don't. Tramodol will help the pain associated with the inflammation (probably rheumatoid arthritis) in your body, i.e. wrist fingers and shoulders. My RA doc will put me on steroids for a 10 or 15 day cycle, which also will help with inflammation.
Not knowing your age...its hard to guess if you have osteoarthritis too (the "older folk" crud)
I can't tell you what to do, but typing will affect shoulders, upper arms and neck, tremendously. I take my time when I type...not that often...
The fingers sound like rheumatoid...do your feet ever feel like you have pebbles in them as you walked? If you have not already, make a return appt. with the rheumatologist.
Try soaking hands in really warm, soapy water, gently massage each finger and your hands. A form of Acu Pressure I suppose. Be sitting down while doing this, so your body can relax. Let your hands just float in the water too. If possible...include your wrists in the soak. If you feel like your hands got puffier in the warm water, rinse in cool water afterwards. Can do the same with your feet too.
Your shoulders sound like mine! A warm, moist compress and RELAXING some where quiet. Streching and rolling shoulders front and back will loosen them up a little.
You type all day, you deserve to get a massage...a GENTLE one. Ask your boss to promote a 10 minute per typist massage day!
I will let you ponder this info...try a couple suggestions...let me know if it made a difference for you. I'd love to hear I helped someone :)
Demand answers from your "health care providers"!! YOU ARE your ONLY RESOURCE!!
much luck! :) Weffette
I am NOT a medical professional...but am very familiar with your aches and pains.
Are you taking Ativan or Advil ? Both will help, depending on you.
Do you drink plenty of water?
I couldn't tell if you already have been DX with Fibro?
When you had your blood work done...you stated an elevated auto immune signal. Did they say it was your S.E.D. Rate? When thats elevated...it means you are having inflammation in your body (pretty broad indication).
The auto immune signal could be the RA Factor (rheumatoid positivity). Ask the RA doc if thats the case. Will you be going back soon?
I have RA, Osteo, Fibro, Sjogrens...too many to elaborate...LOL I am familiar with it all...YUK
What I have to assume you are experiencing Fibromyalgia. There is pain for absolutely no reason. Some areas are far more sensitive than others, but it could be your jaws one day and your shins the next. Fibro is a nerve issue. Do you feel like a walking bruise? Are you "exhausted" all the time? Sleep patterns poor?
Ativan will help fibro, because its an opiate. Opiates work with the central nervous system, where anti inflammatories or muscle relaxers don't. Tramodol will help the pain associated with the inflammation (probably rheumatoid arthritis) in your body, i.e. wrist fingers and shoulders. My RA doc will put me on steroids for a 10 or 15 day cycle, which also will help with inflammation.
Not knowing your age...its hard to guess if you have osteoarthritis too (the "older folk" crud)
I can't tell you what to do, but typing will affect shoulders, upper arms and neck, tremendously. I take my time when I type...not that often...
The fingers sound like rheumatoid...do your feet ever feel like you have pebbles in them as you walked? If you have not already, make a return appt. with the rheumatologist.
Try soaking hands in really warm, soapy water, gently massage each finger and your hands. A form of Acu Pressure I suppose. Be sitting down while doing this, so your body can relax. Let your hands just float in the water too. If possible...include your wrists in the soak. If you feel like your hands got puffier in the warm water, rinse in cool water afterwards. Can do the same with your feet too.
Your shoulders sound like mine! A warm, moist compress and RELAXING some where quiet. Streching and rolling shoulders front and back will loosen them up a little.
You type all day, you deserve to get a massage...a GENTLE one. Ask your boss to promote a 10 minute per typist massage day!
I will let you ponder this info...try a couple suggestions...let me know if it made a difference for you. I'd love to hear I helped someone :)
Demand answers from your "health care providers"!! YOU ARE your ONLY RESOURCE!!
much luck! :) Weffette
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