According to my doctor I don’t have RA, but feel I have a lot of the symptoms. Family history paternal grandmother; pain, swollen and tender skin around joints on elbows and knees; lose of flexibility in fingers, wrists and knees. I have been having the joint symptoms for over six months and thought it was from an intensive gym class that I’ve been taking. But after giving it up, I’ve had no improvement.

Most recently I had a full week of what I think was a flare, at which point I went to the doctor. He did order the necessary tests, which all came back within normal range except that I’m anemic. I checked with him on the results and he said I need to be on cymbalta, which I’m pretty sure is an antidepressant.

I have ongoing back pain issues, so I think he’s just blowing me off and basically thinking I’m a hypochondriac. It sounds like a lot of people have had a hard time in getting a correct and timely diagnosis and wondering if you have any tips on what I should do next?

Thanks for your help, and wishing you all the best!

At this present moment I am having horrible pain in my finger joints. We are trying to arrange the methotrexate to help, but presently not doing anything. I am looking to any suggestions to help relieve this burning, throbbing, aching in my fingers and they are inflammed(hot). I have had cortisone injections into them but don’t want to do them too often. I know many of you out there with RA experience this-so tell me what can I do? I have too many things that need to be done in life, and do not like getting depressed about this pain!

Thank you
sheryl