Top 10 Rheumatoid Arthritis facts your rheumatologist wants you to know

[@rebabc3352]

I’m 43. I’ve had a fever for a month with no other symptoms. All tests showed no sign of infection. Then suddenly my right knee swelled up and became very painful. A&E thought it might be gout. Then two days later my other knee, both ankles, both wrists and both middle fingers started swelling. I am now waiting for blood test to check CRP levels. I’m really scared and worried about what I’m going to hand to live with and the possible deformities it can cause. I’m not sharing my worries with family members yet so I guess this is why I’m sharing my worries with strangers lol.

[@TheFlowerQueen]

I was diagnosed at 28 right after my first was born. I was so scared at the time, but now I know it's not as big a deal as I first thought. I avoid fried foods, saturated fats and processed food (all of them make the symptoms worse) and I stay active and I do okay most of the time! You got this!

[@MegaJGarrison]

I was diagnosed 4 years ago. Just get some treatment fast. That helps the destruction. There’s a lot of biological. It’s a new world though. I’m on Rinvoq.

[@joemurphy710]

I’ve had it since I was 13. I’m 58 now. It’s much harder to deal with when you’re older. Compensations turn into osteoarthritis.

[@jaminschmitt]

42 year old male. Was sick for two weeks and suddenly one night my right hand fingers became very stiff and it was painful to grab things. Now having this issue every morning for the last two months I'm convinced I have RA. If I'm not using my fingers significantly the stiffness takes over so it's not just a morning thing. This sucks. :(

[@emaria161]

I had Graves Disease, like my mom, major migraines, TIA, Stiffness in joints, swelling, sudden fatigue for at least 20 yrs. Diagnosed sjogren for severe unknown dehydration, now bones hurt and my eyes are blurry see double and have denervation. Nobody listens because all blood tests are normal for my age, despite Positive ANA, anca, ved etc. Diagnosed osteoarthritis. Nodules in lungs normal. 2 failed knee surgeries so nobody will touch me. Now mostly in bed, but thankfully I was able to volunteer several times and even went to Ukraine last year. Miss helping people and taking walks in the nature Thank you for being compassionate. God bless you

[@christinejeffery5489]

I'm sorry you're going through this...I have the same problem and drs said I had osteoarthritis, but nothing shown up in X-rays or ultrasound, so they told me i had osteoarthritis instead🤷‍♀️ I go to bed early now as I have to get off my feet, I'm only 60 , and going to bed at 6pm now😢. My mum and Grandma had same symptoms 😢. Hope you feel better soon ..Take care 🙏

[@Leescraftyside82]

My grandmother had it. My uncle was diagnosed in his 40’s, his daughter was diagnosed at 19 and I was diagnosed right after I turned 40. Now, my younger cousin, 12 years old, was just diagnosed and my cousin on my dads side has had it for quiet some time and she just had the joints replaced in her toes. She is 3 years older than me. I think I just received a double whammy of genetics with it being on my mom and my dads side both.

[@dangranville9115]

Look at Whole food plant diet videos on KZbin that reverse these diseases

[@colemansines9722]

My 17 year old daughter had an IgA RF over 500! Her IgG was high, but not as high as A. IgM was normal. She was positive for dry eyes due to inflammation source. Could you discuss more co-diseases and how a child would have scores like that

[@provingdemonchild7233]

I'm 50 this year as a child I had juvenile rhumatoid arthritis I now have uncontrold rhumatoid arthritis! I have had both thumbs fused and have had nodules removed from voicebox and larynx I also have fibromyalgia on top

[@dhw14]

Good God, I am so sorry. Hope you are ok....

[@catzndolz61]

Go get N.A.C. !!!!!

[@ellagadiparthi5679]

Ma’am, mine is on my thumbs, the nodes. My test came out negative for RA. Or at least it’s real close to registering but I don’t know what I have. I’m so nervous and confused..

[@MultiMharding]

Me too same thing 😂

[@marisapaola9010]

Me too. I had pain in my lungs for two years! It was dismissed as pleurisy after dozens of antibiotics I finally demanded a lung specialist, went in for a biopsy...turned out to be TB, which caused cysts on the brain, luckily it hadn't become terminal. All I needed was an x-ray but the dr made a diagnosis, the wrong one, without tests. If you read the literature it says RA can be controlled and with meds it shouldn't affect your life..this is BS, anyone with JA is the worst affected. I don't want to frighten you, just want you to make better decisions. Work from home if you can, poverty and isolation are huge factors. I was told for the first ten years to try this drug then another. There is no magic bullet today, well not for me and many others. Prepare for the worst, I didn't. Drugs today are extremely toxic and it's a balancing act to extend our lives. Best wishes my darling 🐨

[@alexamartin6163]

Chronic joint pain, swelling with positive RF of 90, but negative antibody. My rheumatologist has now decided to not seek a diagnosis but just refer me to a physiotherapist instead. I feel so let down

[@nancy9478]

Find another doc who will treat you.

[@jasonhufton5128]

Thanks for some great info 👍🏻

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day Doctor and greetings from Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺 love your channel I am 65 and twenty years ago I developed Rheumatoid ,fibromyalgia and osteoporosis I have major problems I have had two total knee replacements and left hip replacement. I do get a rash which is very itchy and I scratch it till it bleeds the joint replacements are painful but I’ve had Staph in one knee and one hip and it destroyed just about my normal flora in my gut and bowl and I found out a year ago I have a small pancreas. I did forget that I have Sjogrens which is really terrible, I find your channel very interesting and I have subscribed kind regards John

[@simhifree2416]

At 62 years old , I was diagnosed with RA , with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The only way I found out I had hashi, was that I insisted my doctor referred me to a Endocrinologist. This makes you twice as fatigued as RA.

[@misaeire]

U are just ace,at explaining simply and clearly to us who suffer from r a . I mistook some of the symptoms as part of menopause ,it was when the inflammation , fatigue and pain and stiffness got worse and lasted for longer periods ,did I go to my doctor to have it investigated it took 3years to get a diagnoses ,as I m sero negative and 3 consultants ,thank god I have a good consultant now ,and u are a great help and comfort and educational .

[@marciaperdue1553]

I've been recently diagnosed with RA and am extremely appreciative that I have found you. Thank you, thank you!!

[@Martes29]

Likewise

[@imperialchalice]

I was just diagnosed with this and have had all of these complications. It’s so scary…but at least I have an answer now.

[@patti9339]

I have never had an exam that you describe in the 3.5 years since I was diagnosed. They just check my hand joints. And make sure I can move my arms and legs. Never had my spine checked and have never had X-rays. I did have an ultrasound of my liver which didn’t show anything. And all other structures/organs that were visible were fine.

[@patti9339]

@Demian ALIKA I have the antibodies, so they tell me I can never be cured for that reason. That said, I started an anti inflammatory diet and stopped taking my medications. I haven’t had any issues. No flare-ups and zero stiffness. My doctor would always ask me how stiff I am in the mornings. I’ve never been stiff in the mornings to the point I cannot get out of bed for 15+ minutes like most folks. Sometimes I wonder if I really have RA, but my rheumatoid factor was 290, so labs don’t lie - right??

[@naziastanikzai5997]

@@patti9339your comments gives hope to many ppl. I am happy for u that u can manage it well. I just have got joint pain all over the body and have b12 deficiency . I am worried about that I may have RA . Hopefully not but I got happy reading ur comment

[@TheLuminousOne]

i love this woman, amazing insights

[@NanayJaja]

I was diagnosed of RA 26 years ago. I was 16 then.

[@vinaykmr118]

You can reverse it in 41 days ....try it with good vegan life style

[@chrisrousseau4223]

Thank you for fantastically informative videos. Your are doing patients and their doctors a great service in setting conditions for productive appointments and discussions. I wonder if there would be enough material for you to do a video specifically on Late Onset (or Elderly Onset) RA; the difference with Early Onset (or Youth Onset) RA and how the symptoms often resemble PMR. The articles I have read are not quite as accessible as your explanations.

[@infamous1857]

May have been diagnosed at 21 but I’ve been in pain since I was like 14. Gonna get the final results soon but my dad has it and my gran on my moms side had it

[@heatherthompson3670]

My consultant onl ever looks at my fingers. He’s never looked at anywhere else despite it affecting knee, ankle and shoulders, arms and wrists at times

[@marie_171]

I wish I came across your videos when I discovered I had R.A. Newly diagnosed people have so many questions and finding answers is satisfying and remove worries.

[@debbiebryan8157]

Can you please talk about RA Nodules. I have them on my arms, stomach and thighs, chest X-ray and Liver.

[@corneliajooste2391]

What if I have all the physical symptoms but my bloodtests are negative?

[@ConnectedRheumatology]

It can be tougher to diagnose, but there are a minority of patients who will have "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis' - meaning they have RA without the labs. I recommend asking your doctor if this could be a possibility. Good luck!

[@junenriquez6601]

what are the reasons/factors for rheumatoid arthritis to attack? My son, are experiencing that, base his lab result and interpreted by his doctor. But why, he is only 23 years of age? Is there a chance to cure it and avoid the worse? If the question is "can it be controled?" and probably the answer is "yes." But my question is "can it be cured or if it is for a life time?" Sorry, but i badly needs an answer... I love him!

[@dotmac6480]

I was diagnosed 22years ago now 66 still going medication has straightened out my joints but that was trial and error as some drugs didn't agree with me. I must admit I've had long periods I've been fine but can have flare ups but you come to know yourself when you need to take things a bit easier. Good diet and suitable exercise helps.

[@vinaykmr118]

Vegan life style and intermittent fasting will cure this ......try for 41days u will notice change

[@noname-yy1ws]

Can Sjögren’s syndrome cause synovitis? I have had joint pain in a lot of my joints and did an ultrasound on my hands and showed active inflammation. But due to not having visible swelling or deformities, my doctor didn’t diagnosis me with RA. My blood work for RH factor was negative, but I had some abnormal early sjogrens panel and like 2 other labs show some autoimmune stuff going on so she diagnosed me with sjogrens. I also had a really high RNP but my doctor said it doesn’t really mean anything she doesn’t think.

[@debbiejoe2658]

Hi doctor. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's early this year, then diagnosed with RA a few months later. My Sjogren's symptoms are pretty severe, and the doctor has told me it's progressed quite a bit. On the other hand, my RA symptoms aren't as severe and I still have "good" joint days My question is:is Sjogren's still considered secondary? Trying to understand which came first. Thank you!

[@ConnectedRheumatology]

That's a good question and this is actually a situation that comes up alot - I have a vid on Sjogren's, so I'd recommend watching that. Before trying to figure out if your Sjgoren's is primary or secondary, I would want to be certain you have RA. Joint pain, swelling and a +RF blood test are part of Sjogren's Syndrome and if those were the only factors that led to the RA diagnosis, an argument could be made that everything you are experiencing is from Sjogren's. If your doc clarifies that you also had a +CCP antibody blood test (which is much more specific for RA and not seen in Sjogren's) or you had x-ray changes in your joints that are seen with RA, then you most likely have RA with secondary Sjogren's. But given the fact that your joint symptoms aren't as severe, this is less likely, but not impossible and I've certainly been surprised before. Asking your doc about your CCP antibody and X-ray results will help clear this up. Hope this helps!

[@debbiejoe2658]

Thank you! My Rheumatologist also suspected it to be Sjogren’s related, but did a separate blood test and ultrasound to confirm. My ESR also got under control after taking Methotextrate. Your videos are great (of course, already watched the Sjogren’s video!). Please keep them coming as these conditions aren’t talked about enough due to their nature of “rarity”.

[@patcushing4209]

If only doctors were as thorough as you😢

[@xenakiddle]

Does a positive result for the Jo-1 antibody confirm rheumatoid lung disease? What was first diagnosed as PF in the lungs now seems to be much higher percentage of inflammation.

[@dhw14]

What kind of meds can someone take for RA if we have allergies to anti-inflammatories? Is there any help for us?

[@marie_171]

You should check with your doctor. Common meds are hydroxy-chloroquine and methotraxate but there are several others.

[@hardeepkogar]

How RA is diagnosed .pls inform .

[@mariabonilla5732]

I have lupus and RA also diabetes

[@peneloperoseleckie4981]

I was only diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I had knee replacement surgery. By then my hands were badly disfigured but by doctor just prescribed pain killers. Never sent for tests. My rheumatologist only looks at my hands and feet and the blood test once every 6 months, 15 minute consult as he is the only rheumatologist for miles. My hands and feet are slowly getting worse. My medication is Methotrexate, vimovo, be-tab folic acid and menacal.7 I'm 77 and live on my own, is there anything else I can do myself,

[@marilyn6556]

I was on methotrexate and I got atypical pneumonia from it. I had to go off of it, and I am now taking hydroclorquine.(spelling?) It has worked well for me. I also get infusions every 8 weeks. I am doing better now that I am taking both meds. I have had my knees replaced, and revised because the first surgeon was awful. My knees are good now, but my feet are bad, and my hands ache all the time. My back is a mess, and I have had to have surgery on my lower back. I have stenosis and scoliosis of the spine. My back hurts all the time, and I take some pain meds for it. A person just has to keep going! Sometimes I just want to sit back and do nothing.

[@jeffwang8687]

Hi doctor, I have positive anti ccp, elevated crp and esr but rf and ana are negative and no physical symptoms, do I have ra?

[@ConnectedRheumatology]

Of course it's impossible for me to say, but it certainly warrants a close look. I would be want to dig into why these labs were checked in the first place. We always like to start with symptoms first and then the labs. I'd recommend asking your doc why they were checked and if you need to see a rheumatologist (if you haven't already).

[@jeffwang8687]

@@ConnectedRheumatology thanks for your message .

[@jeffwang8687]

@Demian ALIKA you are a liar, and you will have ra for sure

[@misaeire]

Is a hip laberalbtear ,a take of the ,dr

[@murlocmerc]

Can RA effect muscles? such as thigh muscle pain/Tendon pain?

[@skyechambers1968]

My consultant says it's bursitis - I have steroid injections their brilliant-

[@murlocmerc]

@Demian ALIKA don’t listen to this guy. He either didn’t have RA to begin with, or is in remission from something unrelated to taking herbs, or shilling. RA can not be cured by herbs, it’s a degenerative disease for a reason. Being honest and upfront, shame for trying to deceive.

[@gillianashley1820]

I have sero negative RA, so I winced along with everything you said! Thanks for the clarity.

[@ConnectedRheumatology]

You are so welcome

[@JodBronson]

Find me!

[@sharonwells9593]

I also have sero-negative Rheumatoid disease. It took Rheumatologist about 15 years to diagnose me. I have Chronic Kidney Disease stage 4, so I cannot take anything but steroids for acute attacks. The fatigue and soreness is so bad, I struggle with light housekeeping and can't indulge in vigorous physical activity. I was a surgical PA for many years and worked long hard hours sometimes with little sleep. Which I believe made me ore susceptible to the systemic Rheumatoid disease.

[@tinareinforth973]

Me too it's a difficult one..know yr pain❤

[@cynthiawilliams4093]

Hello I was diagnosed with Rheumatiod Arthritis through blood results, they did say something that they think I have lupus, but I don't have the rash. I don't have a rheumatologist, because there is none in my area that accepts my insurance. I have so many questions, because I also have Raynaud's. How do I know the difference between Rhuematoid arthitis and Raynaud's? Lately, my fingers and hands want to cramp and curl up. I know it has to do with it being so cold outside. However, I do where insulated thermal gloves when I go out in the fridged cold weather, but the cold goes right to my legs and instantly I am fighting my hands not to cramp or curl. Someone said that was the first stages of hypothermia. Is this true?

[@820926firo]

Could be the early stage of RA. I was like constantly cramping before and now my RA attacking my joint, swelling finger and toes and ankles, when get cold, muscle become stiff, it's difficult to walk stable now. In my teenage years my ankles easily swell and my thigh cramping and swell if i do heavy load movement, then in my late 30s i was constantly cramping every night. Now my Ra attacking my hand and feet, it gets hard to do everyday work especially in the morning.

[@DeloiseDanzy-w5l]

What is Ra

[@damariszuckschwert9489]

Rheumatoid Arthritis 😊 RA

[@wrtavares]

The one I saw didn’t do anything but look at my blood work.

[@KIRI-iz]

Good day doctor, I'm 16 and have been diagnosed with RA since 6 years ago. I've been to the doctor when i was ten because of a swollen knee. They told me i had to get a knee wash surgery because i had bacteria in my knee causing the swelling apparently. Doctor after that surgery the swelling got bigger and never went down since and was after diagnosed with RA. I've not been to the doctor's in two years because they lost my file. That and covid. Since then a lot more parts of my body being affected rn I would like to know what i can do to stop this. I hate not being able to run. I've even forgot the feeling of it. It's very painful. Also, I've always had bad migraines so can RA cause that as well?

[@KIRI-iz]

I tried showing my dad this video and he's insisting that all these symptoms and effects of RA is only in the ilder age group amd that i don't count. Despite having quite a lot of symptoms.

[@fad3_xd201]

I completely understand what your goin through I’m 16 and a few years ago my knees swelled up pretty bad I went to the doctors and they had to drain a lot of yellow liquid out of it. Since then it’s been getting better but it’s getting worse in my wrists and ankles. There are a few things I would recommend that helped me with my knees and ankles a lot. Just for your information we use a lot of natural remedies and homeopathic medicines. I’ve been using a medicine called Arnica and I’ve been taking it ever since I’ve been 12 and I would recommend using the arnica cream for pain and arnica pellets for inflammation and other things. On other thing that helped me and idk if this is just me specifically but when my RA was getting bad I tried changing my diet to no gluten or dairy and after about a year it showed a big difference and I can finally run normally again. This is a weird one but CBD could help a lot to and I’m not talking about the one that can make you high, it’s just a crème you can put on wherever it hurts. Last thing I would recommend is exercise for me I’m really active and even tho sometimes it hurts it’s bad if you don’t move your joints because it could actually make it worse. Well anyways there’s more I could prob say but I’m kinda in a rush so hopefully one of these things helped you out🙏

[@KIRI-iz]

@@fad3_xd201 THANK YOU THIS HELPS A BUNCH.

[@fad3_xd201]

@@KIRI-iz yeah ofc 😊

[@joannerodriguez6716]

My doctor told me I’m in so much pain that it interrupts my sleep 😴 making me have migraines

[@pursedelighted9020]

I have been told I have oteoarthris but I lose weight can barely walk knots in fingers I think it is something else.

[@chrisirobinson4577]

Just diagnosed 4 months ago as I was turning 40. It has progressed from one hand to both hands and feet this quickly. Any recommendations for a doc in Oklahoma?

[@gunjeetdhillon5043]

Have you got the diagnosis

[@lindagibson744]

Can nodules be removed from fingers of the hand? Surgically or otherwise?

[@dadaygonzales3942]

Doctor, the Rheumatoid arthritis can be operate?, Now I'm suffered the pain, I can't even walk already, Watching from Malaysia.

[@ConnectedRheumatology]

Yes, in cases where the joints have suffered from ongoing inflammation and have permanent damage, surgery and/or joint replacement may be necessary. However, before going into surgery, one’s inflammation must be controlled, in order to have the best outcome from the surgery. Hang in there!

[@JodBronson]

Find me!

[@DeloiseDanzy-w5l]

I have that

[@awablingdemztam714]

Am 25years of age now! an I have RA 😢 and it’s so painful 😣 😢 And I want you to advise me🙏

[@ellagadiparthi5679]

Thank you Dr. Ortiz. It makes me feel a little bit more confident that I may have rheumatoid arthritis, although it looks borderline on the test for RA

[@homosapien.a6364]

Hi, I haven’t diagnosed with it yet, My first symptom was extreme fatigue which effects everything in your life literally. For a year or so, then last month I was sitting and stood up really quick and one of the knees made a cracking sound and so painful I couldn’t fully extend it I had to sit and kinda move my foot in the air around and it went back to normal, the next day I woke up with terrible pain, and that was the case until a week ago my other knee started to show similar symptoms, I went to the doctor and they haven’t diagnosed me yet, they gave me a jell (diclofenac sodium) and I have to use it twice a day, I’m male and 18, my mom says that one of her aunt and her sister have it. It’s definitely genetic, though one of the doctors I met told me I have the knee pain because I was vegan, which ironically not true, meat and dairy isn’t good for RA

[@pavik9795]

Are you suffering from RA now

[@melissarobertseverette4002]

I have the nodules u spoke about and you are the 1st doctor I've heard speak about them. All of the doctors that look at my hands are amazed. They started on my elbows and are now on my hands so severe that I'm humiliated to show my hands anywhere now. Thank you so much for sharing all of this w us that are experiencing doctors not nearly as clear and concise as you are ❤

[@donnababel652]

It’s me! Yikes!

[@justcheckingchicken1357]

What you don’t realise doctors are not as diligent as you .. pass you off with pain meds … CANT GET APPOINTMENT TO SEE A DOCTOR ANY MORE

[@daisym.buriel]

Doc my hands is my problem Middle finger Ang thumbs

[@wood18net]

!

[@nicidevine6670]

You are wrong about that too

[@evewallace9587]

Rd

[@pamrussell5120]

The mum

[@Guinnessdog77]

Research mycoplasmas

[@SuperMassman]

SUGGESTION: your voice is echoing off the walls. Your using a VERY cheap microphone in an enclosed area with hard bare walls... UPGRADE YOUR EQUIPMENT, you need soft cloth on the walls, hang rugs etc. You can even hand some cheap foam on the ceilings and walls out of site. Don't forget the ceiling.. I can tell it's a hard flat surface... None of this has to be pretty as no one will see it😀👍

[@amanyselim420]

Why are you laughing?

[@With-one-wing]

No good news.

[@gujaratautogas6915]

Ra.fis.klinik

[@DeloiseDanzy-w5l]

I have that