Does this sound like osteoarthritis or RA?

[cardinal]

Originally Posted by janet23

Thanks for your input. I don't know if you are male or female or your ages, but if you are female, I have another question: do hormones affect your joint pain? I am 49, had a partial hysterectomy 7 years ago, and have been trying various degrees of HRT on for size after getting off Premarin, which I had taken since my surgery. I've read about joint pain and hormone imbalance, but I'm not sure if that's what this is. If I don't see improvement in the next day or 2, I'm probably going to call my dr. and see if he can work me in earlier than my appt. date. Thanks!

Hi Janet, I am 48 female, yes I too had a partial hysterectomy in my early 20's and then the remaining ovary removed a few yrs ago. I have heard that the lack of hormones, along with losing those body parts effects our bodies in so many ways. I tried hrt but gave it up, now I am trying DHEA and found some relief from that. Trying to get a doctor to really "listen" and not just prescribe anti D's is getting so upsetting for me!!! I just got back from my pm and only spoke with his "assistant" for bp ck and then tossed out the door. My problem is no health insurance so they don't want to spend time with me.

[Susanbrennan80]

I also have RA that lives mostly in my wrists and hands. I had pain and swelling and a solid mass of flesh over the tops of my hands so that it looked as tho' I had no knuckles at all. My Dr. put me on Methotrexate, Embrel and Mobic and the swelling went away but most of the pain stayed. I can live with that as it only really bothers me on stinky rainy cool days. Who needs a weather man? I had another Dr. prescribe percocet for another problem and found that I have a life again. I can crochet, knit, latch hook, sew, I can even use a knife and fork again. The percocet is a low dose and I am careful with it. My RA is also in my feet, knees (OA) there, hips and shoulders, and I'm beginning to suspect my spine may be involved also. I just spent 9 days in the hospital and the only place they could find to put an IV was the base of my wrists, yes, I had two of them, and when they blasted, they moved them to the backs of my hands. I'm still trying to get over those. By the way I'm female on the other side of young, but I hurt just like you guys do. Good luck to you all.

[janet23]

I really appreciate the input you all have given me. Yesterday I decided to experiment more and put my hormone patch back on full strength. The day before I had ditched the Mobic, which didn't seem to help much, and resumed taking Bextra(yes, I know the risks). I think the hormones played a definite part because the pain is not as bad now, but the swelling seems to be worse in the mornings. At least I wasn't awakened in the night by the pain. It's funny you mentioned crocheting, Susan, because several months ago I began a crochet project (new to that) and that's when this hand thing got started. Needless to say, I've had to put my crocheting aside. I am a teacher, and when holding a pen/pencil becomes a chore, that's not good!