Joint Pain

[Mama Sandy]

Ok, so here I am, the STILL uninsured whiner. My joint pain is back. Granted it is not as bad as it got before but still persistently painful every day. I have no clue what to do. Honestly, I don't foresee us being able to afford private insurance for me any time soon and we make too much to qualify for assistance.

Here is a quick rundown:
Joint pain started after birth of baby
Blood tests show RF + but inflammation (sed rate??) to be in the upper limits of normal supposedly (plan to ask for lab results)
ANA negative
Joint pain is NOT accompanied by swelling, redness or other physical signs of inflammation
Chronic dry eyes but onset was after LASIK surgery

Doc I saw for this originally said it leans towards an RA diagnosis but with the 'negative' inflammation test it was not an official diagnosis and to come back when the joint pain flared for more bloodwork and a diagnosis. Whatever the hell that means. I have to admit I do not trust that doc since he is at an income-based sliding scale clinic.

Should I go ahead and have bloodwork repeated? Maybe have a vitamin D test to see if that is the culprit? I have been having problems with my asthma and have to see a doc for a refill since my last visit was Feb of '11. So, I can ask her to draw some labwork but I am afraid to death they will actually find something and I will have TWO chronic conditions when I finally am able to get insurance (asthma and whatever this crap is). What would YOU do?

:confused:
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[Ashley]

Have you been tested for sjorgens syndrome? There's so much out there and believe me, I sympathize. That was something that popped out as a possibility though for what you've mentioned


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[SuperchargedMom]

I have pretty severe joint pain as well & tested negative for RA a few years ago. After that I gave up trying to figure it out.

I'm no help, I know... Just wanted to share that you aren't alone.


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[Heather]

I'm sorry girl. I have no advice, just hugs and support :hugs: :support:

[Paula]

Have you tried upping your Vitamin D?

that has been my focus since they refuse to treat me for my thyroid at this point...and my Vit D levels are pretty low. I have less pain in my hips, but I don't really know if it is from the Vit D or not...but it is worth a try since it is inexpensive.

[Mama Sandy]

Have you tried upping your Vitamin D?

that has been my focus since they refuse to treat me for my thyroid at this point...and my Vit D levels are pretty low. I have less pain in my hips, but I don't really know if it is from the Vit D or not...but it is worth a try since it is inexpensive.

How much do you take? Do you supplement calcium also? If so, how much of that?

I am willing to try ANYTHING at this point. I woke up this morning and my ankles and knees are all so stiff and achey it's unbearable. I took 800mg of Ibuprofen and am sitting in bed with blankets on and my ankles and knees supported by pillows. To me the pain feels very similar to what it's like when you sit with your knees straightened or bent too far for too long but it feels that way ALL the time. I find myself rolling my ankles or hyper flexing them (pulling my toes up as though I am trying to touch the front of my knees with them). Nothing really takes the pain away though.

Ashley, Sjogren's hasn't come up yet and I assume because dry skin and dry eyes are the only other symptoms I have for that besides the joint pain and they explain away the dry eyes as being due to the LASIK surgery.

Right now my biggest concern is that I have gone to the doctor twice for the joint pain already (once for the original complaint and once for the labwork follow-up from the first visit) and I don't want to even mention the joint pain because I am afraid that will be enough to any insurance to write it off as a pre-existing condition. I am pretty sure if it's something chronic the meds to treat it are pretty pricey.

:sigh: It really stinks that insurance is so expensive but right now it's a priority for me to make sure my kids are insured and that just doesn't leave enough funds for my own at this point. :(

[Jojo]

Have you looked into sjorgens? ( think that's how it's spelled)

[Jane99]

Sandy, I understand about the health insurance dance.

Have you tried Glucosamine? You can buy it OTC. In fact there are several joint supplements and herbs and medications available OTC.

I would try anti-imflamatory herbs and vitamins. See if it helps.

RA patients go through flare up, and remission periods. So I would repeat the bloodwork when you can.

[Mama Sandy]

I haven't tried glucosamine but will certainly get some. I started a multi vitamin today and am going to try Aleve now rather than the 2400mg of Ibuprofen I was taking (with little relief). I wonder if I should take it slow. Like, try the multi vitamins for a few weeks with the Aleve. Then if I need to, add in the glocosamine for a couple weeks. Then, if need be add in the vitamin D. Make sense? I really just want some damn relief. I am sooo tired and I honestly think the worst part is the fact that laying in bed puts so much pressure on my joints I get VERY little sleep because between the pain and anti sleepers it's a constant fight to get to sleep and stay asleep.:sigh:

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[Mama Sandy]

I also plan to join a gym and try to do some light exercise in hopes that strengthening my muscles will help with some relief. I just have to get my asthma under control first. I can't help but wonder if my asthma flaring up so badly is somehow related to whatever is also causing the joint pain.

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[Paula]

I take vitamin d3, 2 pills a day plus a multivitamin.

My doctor told me for joint pain to do ibuprofen - 3 pills, 3 times a day for 3 days...even if I don't feel like I need it after a dose or two...

[Mama Sandy]

I take vitamin d3, 2 pills a day plus a multivitamin.

My doctor told me for joint pain to do ibuprofen - 3 pills, 3 times a day for 3 days...even if I don't feel like I need it after a dose or two...

That was my ibuprofen schedule too but I took one Rx 800mg pill 3 times a day rather than a ton OTC. Surptisingly the Rx is reasonably priced! Also, because anti inflammatories need to " build up in your system", it is best to take them regularly. I really do not like doing that and admittedly stopped taking them when I started feeling better so now I am starting all over. Bad Sandy!

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[Jane99]

I was actually recommended Tylenol because it has fewer side effects and I have a history of stomach ulcers. My RX Tylenol does help, but I can't drive when I take it. I know other NSAIDs like Aspirin and Naproxen are given for joint pain also. My mother-in-law takes Naproxen and said it really helped her arthritis. You could also try skin creams like Capsaicin to relieve pain.

You could gradually introduce new things that way you could get a better since of what was and wasn't working. If you get a multivitamin, most have Vit D in them, so be sure not to go over the daily allowed amount if you take an additional supplement of Vit D.

Do you cook with cumin at all? It's good to combat inflammation.

The other OTC thing I know of that is recomended by doctors along side the Glucosamine is chondroitin sulfate.

If you have access to a swimming pool, try water aerobics. They say it's good for people with joint pain because it takes the weight off while still allowing you to bend and flex.


Hopefully what you try will help you manage it for a little while.

[Mama Sandy]

Cook? Me? Cumin? :hehe: Good one!! :lol:

Closest thing to a pool is my bathtub and if I put on 5 more pounds I will barely be able to soak my fat ass! :blush:

Seriously though, soaking in the tub is my only relief sometimes. I will check the vit D in my multi to see daily percentage.

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[Jane99]

:lol: Maybe you could splurge on a hot tub! I love my hot showers and baths. I get a lot of relief that way also.

[Mama Sandy]

:lol: Maybe you could splurge on a hot tub! I love my hot showers and baths. I get a lot of relief that way also.

I wish! Suppose if I could afford a hot tub I could afford insurance though. But man, a hot tub would be a much funner way to spend a few grand!!

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[theWrap]

FYI: I take 5000IUD Vit D3 daily, on top of the 800IUD in my lactation supplement.

Most of the recommendations are too low.

[Mama Sandy]

FYI: I take 5000IUD Vit D3 daily, on top of the 800IUD in my lactation supplement.

Most of the recommendations are too low.

Good to know! Thanks :)

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[Heather]

I would definitely try the Glucosimine and Chondroiton (sp). I've heard great things about those for joint pain. I also would definitely start the exercise and watch your diet. I had read about some diet that I forwarded to my SIL but can't remember what it was called. Anyway, my dad has arthritis and could barely get of of the bed 8-10 years ago. His doc kept trying all of these meds that never worked. He finally started reading up about natural remedies and the importance of diet and exercise. He goes to the gym every day now and is probably in the best shape of his life. He hasn't had problems with his joints or hands swelling up for years.

[Mama Sandy]

I would definitely try the Glucosimine and Chondroiton (sp). I've heard great things about those for joint pain. I also would definitely start the exercise and watch your diet. I had read about some diet that I forwarded to my SIL but can't remember what it was called. Anyway, my dad has arthritis and could barely get of of the bed 8-10 years ago. His doc kept trying all of these meds that never worked. He finally started reading up about natural remedies and the importance of diet and exercise. He goes to the gym every day now and is probably in the best shape of his life. He hasn't had problems with his joints or hands swelling up for years.

Maybe it is denial but that is what confuses me about my "issues". I VERY seldom get mild swelling and never redness. I would assume that is a good sign, right? I am still researching some but don't want to get all "Diagnosis Google" about it either so I am limiting it to what I am willing to try for now and not looking too much to the future. Make sense?

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[Mama Sandy]

That being said, it does sound likre glucosamine & chondroitin are worth looking into. I worked out at home today for the first time. I am nervous about hurting myself though so taking it slow. I am also checking out trainers/gyms to see what options I have for some guidance.

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[Paula]

Have you ever looked into oil pulling?

[Heather]

Yes, definitely makes sense. I would do what you're doing and go slow with the exercise.

[Mama Sandy]

Have you ever looked into oil pulling?

I have never even heard of that. What is it?

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