23 year old-Being sent to a Rheumatologist:

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cindysocal7

Posted Tuesday, October 27, 2009 7:25 PM

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Last Login: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:46 PM
Posts: 9, Visits: 29

Hello,

My name is Cindy. I am a 23 year old Army wife and mother to two (2 year old and 4 month old). In the last 2 months I have had progressively worse pains/twitches/burning feelings in my extremities: started with my hands and feet and spread to my arms, shoulders, neck, knees, legs and hips.

I was referred to an Internal medicine doctor who poked at me with this little device for about 15 minutes and he quickly sent me for 6 viles of blood and x-rays of my hands. He is referring me to a Rheumatologist. I was told, after speaking to my mom that evening that several women in our family suffer from Arthritis; however, most of them weren't diagnosed until their late 30's early 40's.

I have been told my many people that 23 is "too young" to have R.A. or any other form of arthritis; however, it seems the doctor is confident that the Rheumatologist will diagnose me with some form of Arthritis (or maybe fibromyalgiak-which is also in my family).

I feel like a 70 year old woman and I am 23... I am in a ton of pain because they can't give me anything due to me nursing my 4 month old still.

Anyone been through this? What should I expect? Is it really unlikely that i have arthritis considering my family history of it? Any help, advice, insight would be great because I am getting a bit nervous.

Thanks!

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CoachWife

Posted Saturday, November 21, 2009 12:56 AM

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Last Login: Saturday, November 21, 2009 1:28 AM
Posts: 3, Visits: 3

I am right there with you! I am 25. Until a year and a half ago, I felt great. Now, I'm in pain all the time. My internist checked for basic ra symptoms which were all negative and proceeded to diagnose me with oa. I'm still not sure it's correct, but we don't have insurance right now, so a trip to a rheumatologist will have to wait. I hate being so young and feeling like this. I hope you get some answers soon. Best wishes

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Turtlegirls

Posted Sunday, November 22, 2009 10:42 AM

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Last Login: Thursday, March 04, 2010 9:54 AM
Posts: 1, Visits: 49

There are a lot of pain medications used in treating arthritis, a lot of these medications are safe while breastfeeding.

Here is a great link.

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/aap-approved-meds.html#Steroids

You can also ask you dr. to speak with Dr Thomas Hale, he is the top expert on medications and breastfeeding. This is a link to his website

http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/index.html

Take care

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J Potter

Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2010 3:38 AM

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Last Login: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 3:44 AM
Posts: 1, Visits: 2

I know this was an older post but I'm wondering the outcome? Any word or changes for you? You made a comment about being to young for this. You are but it doesnt know that. Thats why many children suffer from Juvenile Arthritis. Autoimmune is a mother effer.! Being an Army Wife doesn't your medical cover a Rheumy since the internal med doc is refering you to one? You need tgo find out what those lab results were and what labs he drew on you. You need to give more info here also or on many other groups out there for people like us. You are not alone! We all had this point in our life thinking why but why or not me not me but thats the luck we have been given. Many have drugs and treatments that work for them and they learn to function. Unless your like me and been to Mayo in AZ and Johns Hopkins in MD with no help yet. While being on high doses of steroids and chemo meds. I have a Son and a young Wife that pay for this with me. I also have a profession that I just started to get into and make good money after 9 yrs of doing it to wind up on disibility. I went from taking good care of the sick to being the sick. I lost my home my truck all of the dream is gone but I'm not in the cold ground yet and thats what you have to grasp. Once again there are plenty of people out there that will help you along with this. I hope you are feeling better by now and got some good answers. Please fill us in.

Joshua

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Stefunny

Posted Friday, January 22, 2010 6:04 AM

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Last Login: Saturday, March 06, 2010 11:42 AM
Posts: 42, Visits: 108

Hello Cindy!

I know how you feel! I was only turning 17 when i got officially diagnosed by a paediatric rheumatologist, though i've had symptoms as a kid. I'm now turning 20. I got transferred to my present adult rheumy after i turned 18. I was diagnosed with RA even at age 17, but my present rheumy recently said that mine was a case of JRA that progressed into adult RA.

Most people around me don't understand the pain i've gone through. Even when i'm in nursing school, people around me are telling me that i'm too young for it. They don't understand the technicalities of an autoimmune disease. My family isn't too empathetic about my condition, so in reality, i'm in this fight alone. I've a couple of friends who are very concerned, and these are friends who are willing to listen. But i'm reluctant to even confide in them- they have their own problems. I shouldn't load more burden on them.

I should actually mention that i have absolutely ZERO family history of RA or autoimmune diseases(OA doesn't count). My 2 other siblings grew up with the same pain as i had, but they outgrew it, leaving me with further joint involvement and worsening of the disease.

Can i actually ask what medications and treatment are you on now?

I personally find exercising(though gently) very helpful with the pain and stiffness. Hot showers in the morning are the best for morning stiffness. Stay active by moving around the house, or even swimming if possible, will help you tremendously.

All the best, and feel free to message me if you have any other questions! Smile

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luvsbugs

Posted Friday, January 22, 2010 6:26 PM

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Last Login: Thursday, March 11, 2010 12:03 PM
Posts: 18, Visits: 24

Yes I went through this also! I was 28 at the time but felt like I was 90. In less than 4 months I went from hiking mountains to sitting in my bathtub crying with pain. I hurt everywhere and the only thing that helped was warm water. Nothing drives me crazier than when people say you are to young to have arthritis! I always respond by telling people that even babies can have it.

I know you feel scared and alone now but just hold on! Once you get your diagnosis and stop nursing the doctor will give you meds that will make you feel like your YOUNG self again! I'm back to hiking mountains and living the life I did before RA with a few adjustments. (I'm not the first to the top anymore but I still get there!)

Diagnosed Nov. 2006, currently taking Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). Supplementing Folic Acid, Vit. B, C, D and Iron.
Staying healthy and strong through exercise and positive thinking!

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