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Suggest Treatment For Severe Inflammatory Arthritis

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Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: I am 67 years old. No history of heart disease except for being born with a heart murmur but outgrew it in early childhood. Approx. 8 months ago the symptoms of arthritisver, the medication only lasts for a few hours. came upon me suddenly. My ankles, knees and hands are swollen and very painful. My back is also stiff and a little painful. I expected discomfort in old age but I thought it would come-on gradually. I was a heavy drinker and smoker for 54 years but quit 10 months ago with prayers to St. XXXXXXX I have seen a Doctor and am taking Meloxicam (7.5 mg) once a day for pain and Hydrochlorothiazide (12.55 mg) once a day for swelling. However, the meds only help for a few hours. Could this be something else?
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Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Seek further care

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your questions.

I agree with you that the type of arthritis many of us get as we get older comes on gradually. From what you describe it sounds like you have some sort of severe inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. The swelling could also come from kidney, liver or heart disease. Please see a doctor for further evaluation. You need to get an adequate diagnosis of the problem to get adequate treatment. Congratulations to you for stopping the alcohol and tobacco.

I hope you get a diagnosis and pain relief soon.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Inflammatory Arthritis

Brief Answer: Seek further care Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for your questions. I agree with you that the type of arthritis many of us get as we get older comes on gradually. From what you describe it sounds like you have some sort of severe inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. The swelling could also come from kidney, liver or heart disease. Please see a doctor for further evaluation. You need to get an adequate diagnosis of the problem to get adequate treatment. Congratulations to you for stopping the alcohol and tobacco. I hope you get a diagnosis and pain relief soon.