Several different DX's, but no help...

[green924]

I am a 28 year-old woman. I have been dealing with a severely painful migratory-inflammatory condition for more than 9 years now, ever since the birth of my only child. I have horrible pain, swelling, stiffness, and immobility that flares up in different joints everywhere from 1 toe, my jaw, and almost every joint in between. Different Dr's have diagnosed me with serim-negative rheumatoid arthritis, palindromic rheumatism, polyarthralgia, and even MS and fibromyalgia. My blood work always comes back negative, but my general Dr and rheumatologist have both seen several of my flares. Over the last 4-5 months my flares have been progressively worsening to a point where I constantly am affected in 1 area or another. Meds either don't help or make me very sick and I don't know what to do from here.
Thanks in advance for any help, advice, or suggestions you may have.
Melanie in KY


This discussion is related to RA factor.

[txsilver]

It's hard to be a wife and mother when you feel bad.  I am sure it is rough for you right now.  I hope the journal proves useful in your quest for a dx.  Sometimes the oddest things, like dry eyes, can be a significant clue.  Do keep us posted on how you are doing and know that you can count on us for moral support!

[green924]

I have just recently started to keep a journal... I have tried before, but I will get to feeling so bad it is the last thing on my mind. It does seem like the weather is a main trigger, is that crazy? I guess it just all terrifies me because no matter what the actual DX ends up being, none of the prognosis seem very promising. My condition has gotten to a point where it has progressed so rapidly I can barely function at all. The main frustration is never knowing where I will have the flare and if it will affect my walking, lifting, or moving at all. My main concern is being a good mom to my 9 year-old and a good wife, but my rheumatologist has taken me off work so that is also a big problem.
Thanks for your help...
Melanie

[txsilver]

Based on your symptoms, the palindromic rheumatism and polyarthralgia came to my mind before I saw them as possible DXs you have received.  Since you are not getting relief from meds, it sounds like you need to continue down the DX path.  Keep changing docs until you see one who is either able to diagnose you or will engage specialists to assist in diagnosing you.  Some of us have to change docs many times before we get to one who has seen the symptoms we present.  I know it is frustrating, but it will take tenacity to get a diagnosis.
Are you keeping a journal?  Noting what pains you feel, where they occur, unassociated problems you experience, foods you ate, any triggers you can identify etc may help in the dx process.