Over a year ago, immediately after I gave birth to my son, I began to have joint stiffness in my feet and hands. Over this last year, this has progressed to my knees and elbows. This pain is worse in morning and after sitting. I have had blood work done and the only thing that was high was my C-reactive protein. My RA Factor was okay. Has anyone had any similar circumstances?

Hi, I don't know if there is any evidence of pregnancy starting RA but my symptoms started 12 years ago after falling over and banging my elbow it wasn't seriously hurt but within a few days I was in A&E with severe pain in my wrists. After a few months I was eventually diagnosed with having RA. Before the fall I was perfectly healthy. There may be a web site with some information for you. Hope someone else can answer your question.

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J*

Hi Spreedog,
I started having symptoms of RA very soon after the birth of my second child. My daughter was born the last of July(1999) and by November I could barely move. I too have never had RA factor show up in my bloodwork. There are many factors in play when RA flares up, in my case the combination of genetics(my mom is severely effected by RA) and a huge amount of stress (the birth was very difficult, by the Grace of God we have a healthy daughter). Does anyone in your family have RA or another autoimmune disease? Was there stress in your life? Did you have a cold that could have been a virus? Have you seen a Rhuematalogist? Hope you are being treated and have some relief!
Connie

Hiya Spreedog,

When browsing this page earlier, I read a post about birth control pills & RA.... it was very interesting.... couldn't find it now...lol.... I do recall it being quite a ways back.....

Anyway - thought I would point it out....maybe it would be of interest to you....

Cheers, Christy