Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, something else? Which DR?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could have both a torn cartilage and something else.
The clicking and shifting is indicative of an orthopedic problem. Go see one.
Also see a rheumatologist. That fluid should be drawn out and examined.

I’ve seen the orthopedist 3 times already. I’m hoping the rheumatologist embedded in an ortho practice will finally be able to diagnose me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My knee has been swollen and filled with fluid since mid-June. I did not injure it; it came on randomly and then pain spread up and down my leg and body into joints, muscles, and bones.

ER assumed torn meniscus and referred to ortho after ruling out DVT.

Ortho predicted torn meniscus in multiple spots but CT scan followed by MRI w|o contrast only showed “early beginnings of arthritis.” Ortho originally said it’s doubtful that could be the cause of so much fluid, swelling, and pain.

Primary doctor assumed something more systemic, but blood work didn’t point to anything.

Now I’ve been told to see a rheumatologist for suspected arthritis.

I’m 50. I’ve never had anything like this before, and it seems odd that arthritis would have a rapid onset throughout my entire body.

I’m in pain when I’m in bed—both legs, hips, shoulders, ankles, wrists, etc. hurt even when I’m just sitting or laying down.

Does anyone with arthritis or fibromyalgia see any similarities here?

Is a rheumatologist my next step?

Par for the course unfortunately for autoimmune issues. They can lie dormant for most of your life.

I do think it is autoimmune. I just want someone to figure it out, diagnose me, and help manage the symptoms and/or my expectations.

Having two doctors (ortho and GP) basically shrug their shoulders and say it’s probably arthritis but (1) they don’t know why I have so much fluid in my knee (for months), and (2) my symptoms/pain aren’t presenting in a classic way (since it’s full body pain in muscles and joints as well as some bones) is really frustrating. And being in pain 24/7 is really wearing on me—and affecting my sleep.

I don’t see the rheumatologist until the end of September, so I have another month of this nonsense. Sigh.

Well, if you want something sooner than September, go to LabCorp and get the rheumatology panel run. Then you’ll have some answers before you even meet with the rheumatologist. It’s pretty standard test that they run against the most common autoimmune disease diseases.

My primary DR already did this, but nothing jumped out.

Your C-reactive protein (CRP) was normal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd go to a rheumatologist to rule out autoimmune stuff. But I would also see a good PT because they can really help reduce inflammation. They can also help you strengthen the muscles around your knee to support your joint.

Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion and points to a nervous system that is overstressed for a long period of time. Are you a person who is very stressed out? If so, you could also look into ways to calm your nervous system which can help with pain and be a longer term answer.

Nothing in this response regarding fibromyalgia is true. Stop spreading misinformation.

Fibro is a diagnosis of exclusion, but I have not heard of anything along the lines of the rest of the post. There is a blood test, but don't know how reliable it is.

[Anonymous]

Do you have any GI symptoms?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am OP. My knee was similar to yours - I could barely drive, only walk short distances, had to use crutches at times. It sucked.

But a few years later after PT and working on reducing stress in my life and also working on calming my body down, I am able to walk 4-5 miles and have a normal life. (Still not playing tennis, but I can function and go places.). I'm telling you this because if it's arthritis, you can do things to get your life back. Lots of PT, pilates to strengthen muscles and working on reducing stress response to my life.

7:01 PP here and I'd love to hear more about this. Did you see someone to help with this? or follow a program? or just general stress reduction?

I have worked on my nervous system mostly through a program called Primal Trust. Check it out. It has helped me get my life back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd go to a rheumatologist to rule out autoimmune stuff. But I would also see a good PT because they can really help reduce inflammation. They can also help you strengthen the muscles around your knee to support your joint.

Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion and points to a nervous system that is overstressed for a long period of time. Are you a person who is very stressed out? If so, you could also look into ways to calm your nervous system which can help with pain and be a longer term answer.

Nothing in this response regarding fibromyalgia is true. Stop spreading misinformation.

Please educate me more about fibromyalgia. My limited understanding is that it is a diagnosis of exclusion, that it is frequently treated with gabapentin or Lyrica which reduce nerve pain (coming from nervous system) or with SSRIs which I imagine lower stress levels. What am I missing?

[Anonymous]

Def see a rheumatologist

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd go to a rheumatologist to rule out autoimmune stuff. But I would also see a good PT because they can really help reduce inflammation. They can also help you strengthen the muscles around your knee to support your joint.

Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion and points to a nervous system that is overstressed for a long period of time. Are you a person who is very stressed out? If so, you could also look into ways to calm your nervous system which can help with pain and be a longer term answer.

Nothing in this response regarding fibromyalgia is true. Stop spreading misinformation.

Please educate me more about fibromyalgia. My limited understanding is that it is a diagnosis of exclusion, that it is frequently treated with gabapentin or Lyrica which reduce nerve pain (coming from nervous system) or with SSRIs which I imagine lower stress levels. What am I missing?

it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Problem is most exclusions are perfunctory and lazy doctors do a couple of tests, find nothing, and call it fibro, possibly blocking a diagnosis o something else. One has to wonder why 90% of those diagnosed with fibro are women. A fibro diagnosis can also carry stigma when you see other doctors.

[Anonymous]

I would see a rheumatologist if you haven't yet.

Even if not autoimmune in nature, they know the body and joints like no one else IME and can help guide you toward a good next step. I like Dr Bunker at Medstar G'town.