New Diagnosis

Hello

This is my first post, so I’ll try not to ramble on. Diagnosed with Seronegative RA in Jan following crippling pain in all of my joints, minimal swelling and fatigue, 3 months off work. My bloods are normal apart from slightly raised CRP, ESR and ANA.
Since stopping prednisone end of Jan I commenced on 10mg of oral methotrexate which has been titrated over 6 months to 20mg injections as the tablets were helping but still suffering pain. Throw a couple of Kenalog injections in there too.
Last Friday I woke up and eyes were swollen shut, oedema in both eye lids, no redness or pain. This has happened in the past but not so severely and my nurse just dismissed it. Along with red blemish that comes and goes across my cheeks and nose.
Pain in my shoulders, knees and hands also coincided with swollen eyes. My rheumatologist has now taken me off methotrexate and I’m back on Prednisone, which feels like I’ve gone backwards I’m not convinced I have RA after some research I’m thinking Lupus, but what do I know!
anyone else have similar experience

Tess

Comments

  • MaryL44
    MaryL44 Moderator Posts: 85

    Hello  @Tess652  and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

    Our website is a mine of information so do look at it. You might be particularly interested in:

    Also, our community members will have vast experience so keep checking back here for their responses.

    You have my sympathy. I have recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and I'm finding it a lot to take in. If you have doubts about your diagnosis do go back to your medical team and discuss.

    Please keep posting now you are here and let us know how you are getting on.

    Best wishes

    Mary

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,880
    edited 2. Jul 2024, 09:21

    Gosh that sounded scary @Tess652

    I am glad at least you have the steroids for now although long term that's obviously not ideal.

    Hopefully they will have tested for Lupus (ANA) when they did your bloods, but the rash you are talking about yes I see why you are wondering…

    I hope you are back at rheumatology soon and can discuss this with them?

    Whichever it is though you are so welcome here we are a genuinely good community and will support you in any way we can

    Take care

    Toni x