I felt like I had a sprained ankle, then both ankles. The pain was soon all over that I couldn't walk or move without extreme pain. Then it changed to constant pain when I didn't move. Finally after 6 months of this, I tested positive for the rheumatoid factor. A couple of months on methotrexate and I developed necrotizing fasciitis. I almost died and spent a month in the hospital and had three surgeries. I have a collapsed arch in my foot and valgus in my knee/leg. I was diagnosed in 2010.

Pain started in my back and knees, then progressed to hand and fingers, and blood test showed rheumatoid arthritis.

I have been hurting for at least 2 years; first hands and wrists, then hips and then it seemed I hurt all over. I was told I had many different problems; fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. I also tested positive in the past for having human parvovirus. Then after an attack in my shoulder and several thousand dollars later, a few years and a blood test, a rheumatologist agreed it was rheumatoid arthritis; terrible pain but at least I have a diagnosis. And now I can get treatment for it.

Today I found that I"ve been misdiagnosed and told I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I went to see an orthopedic doctor because of the pain in my knees. It is debilitating at times. When they put my other diagnosis together, carpal tunnel, heavy arms, swelling in hands, pain in feet, etc., I was textbook RA. I had the blood work done and now am very angry. If any of these doctors I had seen and listened when I told them my problems, I could already be fighting this not laid up on the couch because I can"t walk. A neurologist I saw made me seem crazy and after I told him how I was, he put me down then. Two days later crossing a street, I passed out, and woke up surrounded by people. He then had paid attention and was acting concerned. So now I"ve been getting treatment for diseases I don"t have, and want to know, if anyone else had problems.

In 2000, my hands started hurting at the wrist and they felt like they were swollen. Then my knees and hips did the same thing. I was tested for RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and it was positive, so the doctor put me on ibuprofen 800, two pills every 6 hours for two weeks. That did nothing but give me acid reflux because it burned my stomach. I went back and the doctor said my 2nd RA test was negative, and told me it was normal wear and tear. Since then it has gotten worse to where my hips, elbows, knees, ankles and neck hurt 24 hours a day. I have no insurance so I can't do anything about it but suffer. I also was diagnosed with sciatica in my hips, in 2010. So, although your doctor might think they don't know what your problem is, you will just have to live with it.

I am in the process of figuring out if I have rheumatoid arthritis. I have taken the test and it came out positive but doctors are saying they want to test my blood while my hands are inflamed, not my elbows or shoulders, just my hands, and of course everything is hurting but my hands. All I know is I am scared, I am 36 years old, I have a wonderful job and family I need to stick around and be mobile for.

I had/have severe pain in my back, joints, and hands, which led to the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. I also have difficulty getting around and doing household tasks; cooking, chopping vegetables, and meats (both raw & cooked).

I was diagnosed last month by my carpal tunnel surgeon. I've been tired for 10 years. Can barely think straight. I have migraines. I have mystery pains, chest pain, feel like my feet and knees are broken. The surgeon told me to ask my GP. for a referral to another specialist. She doesn't believe him, but I do. I intend to ask him for a GP who thinks he is right. You really do only live once and I've already wasted 10 years.

I was diagnosed with RA a year ago. Life after that was a rollercoaster, with young children, a demanding job, and unsupportive husband. I am on eight tablets of MTX per week. I thought I was feeling better for a few weeks, but recently, I had a chest infection that totally drained me.

The inside of my right ankle was swollen and very painful.