Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

I'm not quite sure where to jump into this group. But I need some help and information. I came down with what I feel is Lyme Disease 10 months ago. I have had ove 100 viles of blood taken in that time. Still they have found nothing untl last week. They did a Rheumatoid Factor Blood screening. Finally something came up. But my Neurogist dosen't know what it is. I have an aapt. with a Rheumologist in a month. My Rheumatoid Factor is 71UI/ml. Normal is 15IU/ml.
Can anybody out there let me know what this may mean?
Thanks,
Sundance

I’m looking for some direction, guidance, info help. So here is my story. I am currently 52 years old. (Female) Up until 2013 I felt healthy, no issues with arthritis etc. I started doing CrossFit in 9/13. (I was 46 years old) I loved doing it, lost weight, felt great, got into great shape. But shortly after startung CrossFit my hips started to hurt. I thought it was just muscle aches etc. kept going. I began limping, pain etc. In 2015 I saw an orthopedic who gave me some injections and suggested I had tendinitis, and arthritis. But the pain just kept getting worse. By 4/16 I decided to see another orthopedic. After X-rays and MRI I found out I had a torn labrum and bone on bone arthritis. I had my first hip replacement in 9/16. Three years after starting CrossFit! In 5/17 I had my second hip replacement. In 5/18 ai could barely use my shoulder, went to the orthopedic, discovered I was totally bone on bone arthritis and I had a total shoulder replacement. Since then slowly all of my joints are being destroyed. Currently I need my right thumb joint replaced. My hands ache horribly. My ankles hurt. My neck hurts. I have radiating pain in different joints at different times. I feel like a mess. I have horrible inflammation in my body everyday. I never knew what inflammation was until 2013. If I do any heavy duty house work or exercise I am in pain for 3 days.Two years ago I found my biological mother. I am adopted. She has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was 30 and encouraged me to see a rheumatologist. She informed me that she has tested serum negative for rheumatoid arthritis all her life, but has the diagnosis and is on meds. I decided to see a rheumatologist last summer. After looking at my records and examining me he informed me that he thought I had severe osteoarthritis. He recommended that I keep taking my anti inflammatory and return of my symptoms worsen. He didn’t test my blood. I felt frustrated and uncertain as to what to do next. I continue to take anti-inflammatory medication but my joints keep getting worse. I also have inflammation in my eyes now. I’m much more tired and overwhelmed. I’ll just add that I have been a counselor for 22 years and do not have a physically stressful job. I sit and talk to my clients. I am completely baffled by what is happening to my body and need some help! Any information Or suggestions would be great! I am considering going to another rheumatologist for a second opinion. Any recommendations in the Buffalo area would be appreciated. Thanks for listening. Lisa

I’m looking for some direction, guidance, info help. So here is my story. I am currently 52 years old. (Female) Up until 2013 I felt healthy, no issues with arthritis etc. I started doing CrossFit in 9/13. (I was 46 years old) I loved doing it, lost weight, felt great, got into great shape. But shortly after startung CrossFit my hips started to hurt. I thought it was just muscle aches etc. kept going. I began limping, pain etc. In 2015 I saw an orthopedic who gave me some injections and suggested I had tendinitis, and arthritis. But the pain just kept getting worse. By 4/16 I decided to see another orthopedic. After X-rays and MRI I found out I had a torn labrum and bone on bone arthritis. I had my first hip replacement in 9/16. Three years after starting CrossFit! In 5/17 I had my second hip replacement. In 5/18 ai could barely use my shoulder, went to the orthopedic, discovered I was totally bone on bone arthritis and I had a total shoulder replacement. Since then slowly all of my joints are being destroyed. Currently I need my right thumb joint replaced. My hands ache horribly. My ankles hurt. My neck hurts. I have radiating pain in different joints at different times. I feel like a mess. I have horrible inflammation in my body everyday. I never knew what inflammation was until 2013. If I do any heavy duty house work or exercise I am in pain for 3 days.Two years ago I found my biological mother. I am adopted. She has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was 30 and encouraged me to see a rheumatologist. She informed me that she has tested serum negative for rheumatoid arthritis all her life, but has the diagnosis and is on meds. I decided to see a rheumatologist last summer. After looking at my records and examining me he informed me that he thought I had severe osteoarthritis. He recommended that I keep taking my anti inflammatory and return of my symptoms worsen. He didn’t test my blood. I felt frustrated and uncertain as to what to do next. I continue to take anti-inflammatory medication but my joints keep getting worse. I also have inflammation in my eyes now. I’m much more tired and overwhelmed. I’ll just add that I have been a counselor for 22 years and do not have a physically stressful job. I sit and talk to my clients. I am completely baffled by what is happening to my body and need some help! Any information Or suggestions would be great! I am considering going to another rheumatologist for a second opinion. Any recommendations in the Buffalo area would be appreciated. Thanks for listening. Lisa

Hi @lisaangela I wanted to join @lioness and @johnbishop in welcoming you to Connect. You may have noticed I moved your message to the group John suggested so that you can connect with others who have similar symptoms.

I also wanted to introduce you to fellow Connect members @kozlo52 @annapocono and @boomerexpert as they all have Rheumatoid Arthritis and may be able to offer you support.

Back to you @lisaangela I think going to another rheumatologist would be a great idea. Have you done any research into other ones in your area?

@lisaangela Welcome to connect we aren't Drs but help with our experience .With all you have are you under. Dr ,s care ?If not you need to see a rheumatologist Good luck I hope you post again

I met with a rheumatologist last summer. He viewed all of my x-rays and records from my orthopedics regarding my hip replacements and shoulder replacement. He examined me. Then told me he thought I have severe osteoarthritis because of the joints that are effected. He did not do lab work. He informed me that the anti-inflammatory that I am taking is appropriate. He then said I could continue getting my script from my primary. If my symptoms worsened to give him a call. I was really disappointed. I haven’t been back. Since then both my hands are bad. Now my feet and neck are bothering me everyday. My eyes are super dry. I get fatigued easily and have inflammation every day. Prior to 2013 and doing that intense workout program I never had a problem. Didn’t even know what inflammation felt like. I am in no way wanting to have a diagnosis of RA. But I find it unbelievable that I have this much osteoarthritis at 52 especially considering I have a sedimentary job! Thanks for listening. Any input would be great!