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Date: 28.04.2012
From: Sarah P

Subject: Could this be RA

Hi All. I don't have a diagnosis of anything at the moment (awaiting blood tests) but for the last 4 weeks my hands and wrists have been really painful. I struggle to grip/turn things and can't carry anything even slightly heavy. The pain is particularly bad in the knuckles. Over the last few days my elbows have also started to hurt. Could this be RA? I keep thinking not, as there's no visible inflammation, it's not worse in the morning (same all day), no fatigue (well, no more than usual - I always need a good 8 hours!)and no "flu like" symptoms. I have had knee and neck problems previously, which have been treated with physio and I know I have some degeneration of my cervical spine, although that's never been investigated further. I'm also B12 deficient (cause unknown) - no clue whether that could be related (I've seen something about a link with autoimmune diseases)? I've been doing loads of online research, but there's so much info out there that I've confused myself!Is there always swelling/fatigue with RA? Any clarification about first symptoms would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance, Sarah
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Date: 28.04.2012
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Could this be RA

Hi Sarah

it could be RA but should show up in blood test for rheumatoid factor , would expext heat in the joint + maybe some redness but could easy be a lot other things causing it

as for people with Rhematoid Arthritis , the outlook is a lot better with so many good new drugs around so dont worry
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Date: 28.04.2012
From: Sarah P

Subject: Re: Could this be RA

Thanks Colin - I think I've been over thinking things! I'll wait for the test results, and stop trying to self diagnose - the internet can be dangerous sometimes! Thanks again, Sarah
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Date: 28.04.2012
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Could this be RA

Hi Sarah
It could be lots of things - my wifes mother had carpal tunnel which effects the ligaments in her wrists/hands and gave her lots of pain. She had mineral deficiencies and took manganese which took a few months to help her. It might not be that - either but hope you get an accurate diagnosis soon!
I know that B12 deficiency effects vegans and can cause mineral imbalance.
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Date: 29.04.2012
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Could this be RA

Hi Sarah, it is awful waiting on results and the internet has so much information some of it conflicting I think you are better to wait for your results. Sometimes we worry for nothing, I hope all your results are good.
Good luck and take care!!!
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