Hi I am sort of new. Last time I posted I was undergoing tests for RA and having IVF. I am interested to hear from anyone who has experienced similar symptoms. Intially I had pain in my fingers which spread to elbow, knees and hips. The pain was intermitant and never in more than a couple of joints at a time. My blood tests apart from a very slightly raised RF on first test have all been negative. I began IVF injections and overnight the pains virtually diappeared a few weeks later we were successful and I got pregnant and all signs of arthritis went into remission. Devastatingly I miscarried at 13 weeks and over the next 2 weeks my symptoms returned first slightly in my fingers, then progressively in every joint. This time several at once and more painfully than before. I have no swelling, no stiffness and whilst one joint can be very painful and aching for about an hour the pain vanishes as quickly as it came and moves somewhere else. The rheumatologist I saw diagnosed bad palendromic arthritis not RA due to lack of swelling and neg blood tests, but couldn't treat due to ivf. I am following gps advice treating pain with paracetomol and praying it doesn't get too bad before we try again hopefully in a couple of months, but am worried sick and would appreciate any help or advice anyone can give. The pain of the arthritis on top of the grief of losing the baby has been very difficult to bear.

This is such a sad post to read angel, I'm so sorry for what you've had to go through.
I have no experience with RA and pregnancy but there are many on here who do.

Thanks for your replies. Everyone is very lovely here. Can't believe the year we've just had. Beginning of last year my other half went in for a routine hernia op which turned out to be a huge growth which we were told could be cancer. The stress & shock of which seemed to trigger this arthritis pain which got worse. We then found out the operation to remove it had reduced his fertility & ICSI was our only option. Then we finally thought our luck was changing when I got pregnant and now all this. I keep thinking our luck has to change soon!

Hi Angel, so sorry to hear about your loss. It must be one of the hardest things to bear. Like others I was fortunate to have my 4 children before RA struck. I can only begin to imagine your pain. I hope your husband is well now, and that he is clear of illness. When you feel ready to try again at least you know that IVF works. As for the arthritis, stress, as I'm sure you know will not help, and having faced so much recently, it is not too surprising your joints are complaining. I am sure you will get replies from people who know more about your pain, and that Emilys pm will help you. Thinking of you x

Hi Angel

So sorry you've had all these awful things happen to you. Hope things get better really soon.

It does seem to me as though hormones may play a part sometimes in RA, lots of women develop it when they're pregnant or menopausal, so I'm not surprised to hear the IVF treatment made a difference to the pain symptoms.

Fingers crossed that the pain disappears completely - it can happen! And everything goes well for you.

Anthea

Dear angel
Just to simply say i'm so sorry for your loss and for the difficulties you describe,
i really do hope you keep posting and we can be support to you and become friends,
Take care, with love from Liz xxxxx

Hi Angel

I'm deeply saddened to read about your miscarriage.

However, there is a huge amount of hope for you. My daughter (she doesn't have RA by the way) lost twins at 9 weeks last year and also lost a baby previously to that.

HOWEVER after 6 years of IVF we have two beautiful grandchildren, both of who were conceived when Lucy had almost given up hope. So, please never give up hope.Please join in on the forum as often as you can and you will make friends and be encouraged and supported.

Much love
Jeanxxxx

Oh Angel, what a terrible, terrible time for you. I'm so glad people can give you some real practical support and understanding of what you are going through. It does seem that quite a few of us have been through multiple and complex life problems, it makes you wonder how much this triggers our arthritis. The RA/ pregnancy consultant sounds a good idea.

I do hope you find some chinks in this dark tunnel soon

sending you lots of love
Alison

Dear Angel
I am so sorry you are going through a very difficult time.
We have been trying for a baby, for about six months so all very new to us. I had failed sulphasalazine and hydroxychloroquine, my rheummy wants me to start methotrexate but only after we have had a baby. I tried initially to continue without treatment, but like you experienced excruciating pain and had anumber of very painful flare ups. I am now on a low dose steroid, I was very reluctant to take these whilst TTC but had to try somethiing as the RA was so active.
I hope you will get lots of good advice and support from your IVF doctor. Please don't give up hope. In my professional life I am a health visitor and I meet parents everyday who have suffered terrible loss like you and have gone on to have children.
Love Clairexx

Hi Angel,
When you saw the rheumatologist did you get a follow up appointment?
If not, the best thing is to go back to your Gp and see if he can fast track an appointment for you.
Are you just taking paracetamol for the pain? You could try co-codamol, that shouldn't do any harm while you are inbetween treatments or see if your GP will give you something stronger.
I've just seen that you said the rheumatologist signed you off, so you will be better going back to your GP.
You could also ring the NRAS helpline tomorrow and see if they can help. They may be able to put you in touch with someone who has been through a similar experience.
I hope you manage to get some sleep.

Doreen xx