I don't usually post here. Found the site for IBS. I've had back pain for 20+ years lately it seems to be getting worse. The last few days has been BAD. I was wondering if RA pain is effected by the weather? I can't seem to find a doc to do the simple blood test for RA, but from reading post on this site I think I have the symtoms of it. thanks Patty
Hi Patty and welcome to HW.
In my case, weather greatly affects my RA. Makes me hurt much more.
As for finding a doc to do the test, any doc can perform RA Factor, it is a simple blood test. If necccessary go to a Rheumatologist, they will do it for you.
Glad you are here and hope you keep on posting,
flopsie
Don't walk in front of me....I may not follow
In my case, weather greatly affects my RA. Makes me hurt much more.
As for finding a doc to do the test, any doc can perform RA Factor, it is a simple blood test. If necccessary go to a Rheumatologist, they will do it for you.
Glad you are here and hope you keep on posting,
flopsie
Don't walk in front of me....I may not follow
Don't walk behind me....I may not lead
Walk beside me..and be my friend...
Albert Carnus
and Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth
Help HealingWell.com continue to help others. Donate Today....http://www.healingwell.com/donate/
co-moderator for Arthritis and Anxiety/Panic
Around here you have to be refered to a Rheumatoliogist. I'm going to go back to my PCP and throw a fit till I get him to order the test for me. I think my age is part of the problem (41).
Weather can most definitely affect arthritis!
Your PCP could run the test on your RA factor as well, but since that is not the tell-all test - you should get that referral to the rhuematologist as well to be examined.
Good luck. I hope you feel better soon!
**
**
It affects mine also infact I hate to see winter come because of it.My dad say's the same thing he has RA as well.
Thanks
Thanks
Curley......
a.k.a.Mela...........
Patty,
I used to pooh pooh it, the whole weather thing and arthritis. It sounded crazy to me for years...thinking people use it as an excuse.
I have severe active RA.
about 4 years ago, I was working @ an oral surgeon's office...and the office manager came up to me and said one day.."I don't mean to pry...but I've noticed for the past few months that when it's raining & storming...you don't walk up stairs too well...are you an arthritic?" 
And that was when it really hit me. I never used to pay attention to it, but it was true. I would get tremendous flares especially when storm fronts would come in.
This summer I asked the rheummy if it was a crock. He said absolutely NOT. He said I should see the influx of people who come in during damp spells. He gave me a good analogy of how a door gets stuck and is difficult to open when it's moist and damp out...a creeky house too...so the same system goes with the OA and RA joints.
Also, allergens in the air can effect RA! Mold, weeds, grass etc...
Pretty interesting stuff.
I hope you feel better soon.
What meds are you on???
Erin