Pain in joints that wakes you up at night

[Smiling Angel]

Hi fellow BTers! I don't really know where to post this thread, but I figured that this forum would be a safe bet!

I am beginning to worry about how badly I am feeling lately. I was/am normally on the SD forum, but these Sx are way beyond back pain. I have recently been Dxed w/ an acute 'crisis phase', if you will, of hereditary spherocytosis, which, of course, I was born with, but wasn't actually Dxed until I was in my 40s. No biggie - my daughter was Dxed first, and her oncologist/hematologist asked to test me, it being hereditary and all.... Well, that's all well and good, but since this past March, when I started a new job which required a long commute for nearly 5 months, I found myself increasingly tired, and then my feel (ankles) started to swell, so off to the doctor I went. I come to find out that my hematacrit reading is 25.5, when it should normally be around 33-38, I believe, and my hemoglobin ct is 9.5, and that should really fall in the 11-15 point range. The latest is that my oncologist is talking very seriously about taking out my spleen, which is basicly the only treatment for this problem, since one of the spleen's functions is to destroy aged RBC - which I don't need any help with, as HS means I already have fragile RBC. So the RBC don't usually live to maturity, and I have more young RBC than mature ones. Later today, I have to have a CAT scan of my spleen so that the doctor can see if my spleen is enlarged - he said he feels it upon physical examination.

To add to my problems, I am now experiencing severe pain in both my knees, my right shoulder and elbow, and, tonite, I'm awakened by these problems and also a really sore, achy feeling in the back of my head/neck area - the kind of pain you get when you have a bad cold or maybe the flu. The pain was so bad, I actually had to get up and take two extra vicodin, when I already take Kadian - 30 mg, bid. Now I'm starting to worry - what could be the cause of all of this pain?? My knees have gotten so bad that it makes it very hard to go from a sitting to a standing position - my knees have to basically have time to re-adjust. I have been investigating fibromyalgia, which may or may not have any part in this latest pain mess....

Can someone point me in the right direction in investigating the source of my pain? I really could use all the help that I can get :o . If you've made it this far in this long post, thank you and I would appreciate any insight you can give me into where to even look for answers besides, of course, my doctors ;) .

Thanks again! Smiling Angel

[buriedinbooks]

Hi Smiling Angel...

Have you been examined by a rheumatologist?

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which first began many years ago with pain in feet and hands. It later traveled to many other areas of my body (shoulders, knees, neck).

Hope you find an answer soon and can ease your pain.

Gentle ehugs, Carly

[Smiling Angel]

Thanks, Carly, for the info! At this moment, I am all 'doctored out'. I have been running from nephrologist (poss. kidney problems), to cardiologist (needed a stress test), to oncologist (for my anemia) and have undergone 3 blood tests (I'm anemic, yet they keep taking my blood ;) ), a kidney and a spleen ultrasound, and, this afternoon (I'm off today - NJ gives state workers off for Columbus Day!) I have to go for a CAT scan of my spleen. In addition, my husband says I should go to an ortho to check out my knees , but haven't made any appointments for that yet, I'm more concerned about have my spleen removed :eek: .

I appreciate your input, and I do have a sister and her daughters that have some unusual arthritic conditions, so that might be a possibility, too!

Smiling Angel http://bestsmileys.com/angles/12.gif

[razzle51]

just get your PCP to order a ANA test and it will let you know if you need to see a Rheum

[Tbackpain1]

Hey Smiling Angel,

It isn't uncommon for folks with hemolytic anemia disorders to experience joint pain during a "crisis" phase. I checked out my pathophysiology books and I noted that while most of the articles on joint pain are related to sickle cell anemia, it's also mentioned for hereditary spherocytosis. The only treatment listed is to provide analgesics while in crisis phase and to get the blood counts back to a normal range.

Hopefully your CAT scan this afternoon will give you more answers.

Theresa

ps- your grandbaby avatar is such a cutie!!

[Smiling Angel]

Thanks, T - i barely made it thru drinking thru the CAT scan stuff - it made me gag! Thanks for the info, I hope that the joint pain is related to my anemia, so once that is fixed, I should hopefully feel better. Did I tell you that my nephro wants to start me on Procrit? I was encouraged by that, but my insurance co. will only pay for the Procrit thru the mail - it IS very expensive, I am told.

BTW, I DID receive your e-mail about my dtr - she is much better now - it must have been the not smoking that made her *****y.

Hugs, Jacquie

PS Thanks for the compliment on my Grandbaby! We just saw him today, he is so very entertaining - and I have never seen such a happy baby!

[uvamomb]

A negative ANA test does NOT mean you don't have arthritis. It is not 100% accurate. Just wanted you to be aware of that so that you wouldn't not go to the Rheumy.
Hope you feel better soon,
Kathy

[suede]

Hi, I'm sorry I haven't the time to read all the replies, I have an app. with my rheumy.
I want to say I have had spine problems now for over 7yrs at all 3 levels and up until about a yr and half ago I blammed all my pains on my spine until my PCP did the blood work up and my ANA keep comming back positive.
I was having the same problem as you with joint pain that woke me up and was horrible.
Long story short these problems had nothing to do with my spine, I have lupus and after being treated for that the pain is under much better control.
I understand being burnt out on drs feel the same way but it may be worth it to be sure.
Lots of luck, Linda

I wanted to add that the dr also says that I have FM as an underlying condition to the lupus, as a matter of fact my kness are as you say and have gotten so bad I am considering injections today, we have a nre 3 month old grandson and I'm afraid to try and stand up with him.

[Peter B]

Hello Jacquie,

I saw read in your post about the possibility of seeing an Ortho. If you need any names, I'm your man. I've seen a few. Obviously I'm in NJ so, depending on where you live or how far you're willing to travel, let me know if you need a few names. Actually my experiences with Orthos' covers about half the state.

Pete

[AngylHeart]

Uvamomb is correct, "A negative ANA test does NOT mean you don't have arthritis. It is not 100% accurate. Just wanted you to be aware of that so that you wouldn't not go to the Rheumy."

I have RA with negative ANA results, however, the rest of my labs are so abnormal, that my RA considers me a special case and interprets my labs based on MY history and not what is considered the norm. He claims that I am an a typical RA patient, so it is a MUST that I see a Rhematologist - it is essential with all my RA issues, fybromyalgia, etc.

Smiling Angel (I lost my "smile" long ago), your symtons sure sound a lot like mine. Like buriedinbooks, my pain & swelling started in my hands and feet but at this point, just about every joint in my body aches, particulary when sleeping or resting. My feet swell so severely that I often can't get even the loosest pair or shoes on, except my slippers.

Since you are having so many labs done, i would request that they go ahead and screen for ANA, test you sed rate, etc.

good luck,

AngylHeart

[Headspin]

Hey Smiling Angel,

That CT scan dye makes me sick to. I have several joint pains that do not necessarily wake me up in the night, but they make for a very uneasy night, and once I wake up in the morning, I am at about an 8.5 - 10 pain level from not moving. The reason I don't move is due to Oxycontin, so I am thinking about cutting back on it. I try to take over-the-counter medications right before bed to help loosen up the joints. My Family Practise Doctor has worked with me 100% in all of this. I tried working with some pain docs in the beginning, but my regular doctor has worked out the best for me.

-Craig-

[buriedinbooks]

Oh, Gloria...

After all you have been through, I am so sorry to hear that RA might have to be added to all your "challenges."

As you know, my RA confronted me prior to any spinal concerns/surgeries.

In the past 19 years I had medical experts in RA offer me everything from a basic asprin rx (20 a day) to the latest and costly TNFs.

Please email when you can and let me know which docs you have visited. I have always wanted to try AP Therapy but my rheumy doesn't believe in it.

Must admit, however, that a few years ago my PCP put me on Zithromax for an ear infection and viola...my RA went into remission for a few weeks. It was wonderful. My rheumy dismissed any connection...sigh.

Do the best you can today and know that I am thinking of you.

Carly in Pennsylvania

[Debbie T]

I have lupus too & the joint pain is severe. RA & lupus both can respond to antibiotics for some people. I'm on daily oral antibiotics & a course of IV antibiotics for lupus -- it makes a huge difference in the joint pain & fatigue. I still feel horrible but at least I can get out of bed.

[Debbie T]

I can tell a difference in how I feel after just 48 hours on daily antibiotics (some work, some don't work - doxycillin works the best for me). I get IV antibiotics when I'm in a really bad flare-up to get them in my system faster. Some people can take daily antibiotics for 2 months then stop & they will keep feeling better for months. I'm afraid to stop taking them because I don't want to get back to where I can't get out of bed.