Hi there, Im new to this board, but actually just popped in to ask about it. Im 21 years old, and 6 months pregnant. Since the age of 14 I started to get sever pains in my hands, thumb, and most joints, and over the years, I seemed to have started to get it in anckles, knees and wrist. When I was about 16 my doc, did mention breafly about could be arthuritus, but ive never said anything about it since. I know it is a silly thing to say, but im kinda nervous about asking the doctor about it (it's a different doc now) because, I have to go to the doctors on regular occations about other things, and I just wonder if it is all just in my head. My husband is great about it, and if it really starts to hurt, he will rub my hand which seems to help as it is warming it up.
I was just wondering if anyone knew any other things that I could maybe try before it drives me crazy? or any advice would be appreaciated. If it comes to it, I will go to the doctors, but really dont want to if possable.
Many thanx,
Claire

Any time your body sends a pain signal it is trying to tell you something, like your overdoing it, or you came in contact with something you shouldn't have, etc. Don't ignore them. If you feel uneasy about talking to your doctor about it, then could I suggest you keep a log of when you get these pains. I spent several years reading all I could to determine the cause of a problem one of my children was experiencing. During that time I read a number of books on allergies. Joint pain was mentioned many times in the majority of these books. It was found by these doctors that certain foods, cosmetics, basically anything consumed, applied, or even inhaled could cause joint pain or any number of allergic reactions.
By keeping a log of good days and bad days, what you eat, which makeup you use, whether you used cleaning products, etc and then reviewing this information in a couple of weeks you may be able to determine what might be causing your pain.
Far too many people are too quick to pop a pill when they feel pain without taking a moment to stop and think about what they may have done differently in the past few hours that may have initiated this pain to begin with.
With my son, I found his allergen was something he was eating, his favourite food group. His allergic reaction was epileptic seizures. We changed his diet, weaned him off the anti-convulsants and he has been seizure free for over 14 years now. The doctors may scoff at this approach, but it worked for us.
Hope this helps you.

Thanx mom4all for that reply, I never really thought of it maybe that kinda thing, ill do that and see what happens. Sorry I didnt reply sooner ive been away a bit the last few days. Im gona be moving this coming thrusday, so I guess I could ask my new doc when im regestered with them about that idea, wait and see.
Thanx again, it is a intresting way to try and see.

Claire,
Until you see the doctor, you might want to try warm baths and/or bags of frozen peas on sore areas. (I prefer warmth but my Rheumy says use cold.) Massage is good too - make use of your husband! You also might want to try exercise - don't go crazy especially if you haven't been exercising before. Maybe go for a long walk with the hubby. The first couple of days may be tough, but keep it up unless you feel your body is telling you to stop.

You also might want to keep a log of particular pains, how long they last, their intensity, any fevers, and even what you eat during the day. That kind of stuff can be helpful to the doc.