I have just been told my blood test was positive fo RA and an appointment was made for me with a RA Dr. I have no stiffness in hands , ankles or feet. Problem I have is constant pain in both hips which is quite tolerable in daytime, but when I lie down in bed it increases and keeps me awake. Took Lyrica , anti-inflamatories etc. no help. Since this is only place I have pain , is RA possible or likely problem? Thanks

Here is a list of criteria for RA.

Requires 4 out of the 7 criteria for diagnosis.

1.MORNING STIFFNESS greater than 1 HOUR
2. SOFT TISSUE SWELLING IN A HAND JOINT
3. SOFT TISSUE SWELLING in 3 out of 14 joint GROUPS - PIP'S, MCP'S, WRISTS, ELBOWS, KNEES, ANKLES, MTP's
4. SYMMETRICAL SWELLING IN ONE JOINT AREA
5. RHEUMATOID NODULE
6. RHEUMATOID FACTOR
7. RADIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN THE WRIST OR HANDS. (POROSIS / EROSION)

Your first visit with your rheumatologist will be longer than a regular doctor visit. He will go over your medical history, your current symptoms, the bloodwork you've had done and then will likely order bunches more. He will do a thorough physical exam and is trained to detect swelling in the joints that may not be visible just by looking.

The hip pain you describe sure sounds familiar. I discovered last winter that an electric blanket eased the hip pain well enough that I could sleep.