need answers

[needhelp758]

I am a 36 yr old female living with pain on a daily basis for the last 20 yrs.  I remember seeing a pediatrician for knee pain when I was 15 yrs old.  The pain/swelling/stiffness/heaviness has progressively became worse over the years.  Everyday I experience some type of joint pain, however, it is mostly in my legs/knees.  I have seen orthopedics, neurologist, family physician, ER doctors all say I have some arthitis but nothing I take or do relieves the pain.  I have missed alot of work due to the pain and not being able to walk.  This past experience with my condition was as follows...Tuesday-pain swelling heaviess some loss of motion in Right leg...Wed- range of motion was completely gone and pain was unbearbable.  Weight bearing was impossible.  Thursday pain was a little better but still present..range of motion still very limited. This continued until Saturday when symptoms completely went away in Right leg.  However, now the exact same symptoms are present in my left leg.  Today is starting on like Tuesday was for my right leg.  I predict that I will experience the same course of symptoms which will last about 5 days.  I have seen many doctors and no one is giving me any answers.  Please help.  I have 4 young boys that need their mother to take care of them.  I need to find help.  Thanks


This discussion is related to Need treatment advise.

[RubyWitch]

You've seen just about every kind of doctor except the right one!
msnova is correct, you need to be evaluated by a rheumatologist. I find it a bit strange that the other doctors have not referred you to one.
The first thing your rheumo is going to do is diagnose the EXACT type of arthritis you have. There are three types of arthritis and depending on which type you have, that will determine the treatment.
There are incredible new drugs out there for arthritis, but some of them carry pretty scary warnings, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons in great detail with your doctor.
You absolutely do not have to suffer daily, chronic pain any longer. Find a good rheumatologist and get your life back!
Peace
Greenlydia  

[msnova74]

I would suggest a rheumatologist.  What you are describing sounds like something more than garden variety arthritis.