Is it possible arthritis?

Question

Okay, so I'm 18(close to 19) and I've had this chronic back pain for over a year now. I had a seizure, which led to me finding out that I had scoliosis and since then my back has been one big knot. Recently, I've been experiencing tightness and stiffness in my knuckles and hands and they've begun to get pretty swollen. I've been told it could be arthritis, so I looked it up and it very well could be. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything else like this and if it was, in fact, arthritis.

Blood work is necessary for the test for it and I'm all around mortified of blood work, so I want to have a strong idea that it's worth it, haha.

Answer 1

Yeh I have rheumatoid arthritis,  and the symptoms you describe are pretty much how I started.   However,  it doesn't mean that is your case,  it is just a possibility.  Sorry.  

Blood work is necessary because it helps to rule out diseases as well as helps to diagnose the correct condition.    With RA (rheumatoid arthritis)  sometimes the blood result the RA factor can come back negative, but it doesn't necessarily mean the disease is ruled out.

Sorry,  but you are gonna have to get blood work done.  Try and learn some relaxation techniques,  breathe.  

The sooner you get your problem diagnosed the sooner you can get treated for it.

I do wish you well.  This can't be an easy time for you.  I know how it is.   You are welcome to message me  

Answer 2

Blood work is necessary for all of what is going on with you, seizures, inflammation/swelling etc. You need to take care of yourself and get over the fear of blood work. I have a chronic illness and have my blood drawn monthly as well as injections monthly - and it is better then the alternative.