How long did you diagnosis for RA take? - Arthritis Message Board

bubblegirl · 03-02-2008, 01:47 AM

I was wondering how long it took to diagnose your RA from the very 1st signs of stiffness/discomfort to the diagnosis? My husband has been told that he may be in the early stages of RA, but his tests were all clear in December! (RA factor & sed tests)

He had his first discomfort/swelling in the knuckle joint of his left hand last Easter, followed by the same symptoms in the opposite hand but the same joint in the same finger, last September. Since then he has had stiffness & discomfort in several places (shoulder, wrist & knee) that seems to vary each day in location & intensity.
He has had Xrays last December which show osteoarthritis in totally different joints (the end joints of his fingers which actaully feel fine)
Meanwhile he is very unhappy for most nmornings- aching, stiff & very uncomfortable till lunch time. He cant make a fist without pain & keeps dropping things. The doc says that time will tell if it's RA or not, but it has been such a long time frame!

My husband is 60 years old & otherwise in good health.
How long was it before others got a firm diagnosis? It's so hard waiting & wondering!

nascargirl74 · 03-02-2008, 08:07 AM

Hi- 33 Female living with RA. I found out I had RA when I was 25. My first symptoms were my shoulders. I was not able to lift my arms over my head. THis happened sudden, and with much pain. Doctors tested to see if I had Rotator Cuff Tears. I did not. They then asked me all types of questions: where I have been, what I have been eating, my exercise program(no exercise at that time-so did not appear to be an injury!). The decision was to have me go see a Rheumatologists. The docotr felt I had some type of Autoimmune disease.
When I went to the Rheumatologist they did all types of blood work, x-rays, and had me fill out more questions. They started me on Methotrexate, since my blood work did confirm I had RA.
I have really good days, and really bad days(When in a flair). I go to the gym, because exercise in crucial in helping with Flairs. I did have my ankle fused in 2006.
Best of luck!! I am sure the doctors will help your Husband. Sometimes it is best to go to a second Rheumatologists for a second opinion!!!!