Is arthritis hereditary?

Type of Arthritis?

• Greetings. I understand there are over 100 different kinds of arthritis. I have one of them. So far, my rhuematologist has not been able to diagnose it, meaning that osteoarthritis is the most likely cuprit. Thing is, I am only 39 years old. I am not so much looking for a diagnosis as I am looking for information on the various types of arthritis and how they are diagnosed and treated. Some details on my condition: -- Knuckles are the worst affected, and are deteriorating quickly. The right hand is in worse shape than the left, because I am right handed and everytime I accidentally hit my knuckles against something hard, they swell and over time they become painful. The swelling never goes away. The knuckle on my left index finger is the latest member of the club, but this one does not seem to be related to a trauma, or if it is it was so light that I didn't notice it. -- The other joints most affected are the balls of my feet. I think this is from a long bike ride (Edinburgh to Athens) I did last summer. I have not gotten on my bike since I got back because of the pain in my knuckles (the pain in the balls of my feet is more recent). -- There is also pain in my left knee, which I dislocated when I was in college. I have been tested for Rheumatic Factor several times. The first one, done years ago, came out positive, but all the others have been negative. I have been plagued with periodic unexplained low grade fevers (99-100 degrees) for over a decade. They are of short duration (about 6 hours) and are accompanied by achiness in all my joints. They hit randomly, and there may be months between episodes. I have been diagnosed with a severe form of irritable bowel syndrome. A sigmoidoscopy showed chronic inflammation but the full colonoscopy results were completely normal. This ruled out Krohn's or Colitis as the cause of the arthritis. I have a chronic, untreated sinusitis condition (evidenced by brown or green flem every single morning). I probably have some form of generalized anxiety disorder (in addition to IBS I have some major GERD issues, a tendency to hyperventilate, and mitral valve regurgitation). My heart beat is irregular most of the time. I have had a few heartbreaks and I believe my response was similar to post traumatic stress disorder (i.e., an irrational fear of running into my ex in public places that kept me in my house for years). I used to suffer from chronic depression but heavy doses of remeron, effexor and neurontin have solved that problem. For the arthritis I am trying to go the supplement rather than the NSAID route. I take 2 tablets of fish oil 2-3 times daily (EPA 300 mg. and DHA 200 mg. each), 1 tablet of flax seed oil 2-3 times a day (1000 mg. ea.), 1 chondritin/glucosamine tablet 2-3 times a day (glucosamine 500 mg Chondtitin 400 mg. ea.) and one tablet of MSM 2 times a day (1,000 mg). It seems to help but I have no idea which part of this regimen is more effective than the other. (I was on a high dose of naprosyn for awhile and developed a severe case of the runs; since that time I have stuck to the supplements.) One of the theories was that I have some kind of underlying infection; the blood tests were either negative or "inconclusive." I did live in Sri Lanka for 5 months when I was 13 years old. I have yet to see an infectious disease specialist although my GP might take that route next. Which brings me back to the original question: what are the varieties of arthritis and how are they diagnosed? Any leading theories on my own condition based on the limited information provided here? Treatment suggestions/options? I would like to be armed with data next time I see my rhuematologist.

• Answer:

  Hello, sfbuckaroo-ga! I whole-heartedly sympathize with your desire to reach a proper diagnosis concerning your arthritic symptoms! It can be extremely frustrating to suffer from various aches and pains without having any clue as to their origin. Unfortunately, specific forms of arthritis can be hard to diagnose, so you are running up against a double-edged sword. I have sifted through the major types of arthritis and compiled information about indications and diagnostic testing for those types that seem most applicable to your symptoms. For the other major types, I have simply included links so that you can rule them out or pursue more information, if you desire. I have also taken the liberty of including a few references to alternative medicine, just in case you have any interest in reading about some common naturopathic reasoning behind gastrointestinal disorders and arthritic symptoms. If you have no desire to consider such a connection, you may simply ignore that part of my answer. No offense taken, I promise!! It is important to stress that Google Answers is not to be a substitute for medical diagnosis or advice. Therefore, I will refrain from providing any treatment suggestions or theories about a diagnosis and simply let the information I have provided speak for itself. ** However, if you read something of particular interest, please do not hesitate to ask for additional clarification and I will try to provide some references that speak specifically to your concerns. ********************************************************************* OVERVIEW OF TESTS FOR DIAGNOSING AND EVALUATING ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS ********************************************************************* From "Diagnosing Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases http://www.aa-healthsystem.org/fhr/Adult/arthritis/content.php?pageid=P00050 The following list includes common laboratory tests for diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases (from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases). Antinuclear antibody (ANA) =========================== Measures blood levels of antibodies, which are often present in persons with rheumatic disease. Arthrocentesis (Also called joint aspiration) ============================================== Obtaining a sample of synovial fluid in the joint for examination by inserting a thin, hollow needle into the joint and removing the fluid with a syringe. Complement ========== Measures the level of complement, a group of proteins in the blood; low levels of complement in the blood are associated with lupus. Complete blood count (CBC) ============================ Measures the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets present in a sample of blood; a low white blood count (leukopenia), low red blood count (anemia), or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) are associated with certain rheumatic diseases or the medications to treat them. Creatinine ========== A blood test to monitor for underlying kidney disease. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (Also called ESR or sed rate) ============================================================ A measurement of how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. When swelling and inflammation are present, the blood's proteins clump together and become heavier than normal. Thus, when measured, they fall and settle faster at the bottom of the test tube. Generally, the faster the blood cells fall, the more severe the inflammation. Hematocrit (PCV, packed cell volume) ==================================== Measures the number of red blood cells present in a sample of blood. Low levels of red blood cells (anemia) is common in people with inflammatory arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Rheumatoid Factor ================== Detects whether rheumatoid factor is present in the blood (an antibody found in the blood of most, but not all, people who have rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other rheumatic diseases). Urinalysis ========== Laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein; to indicate kidney disease associated with several rheumatic diseases. White Blood Cell Count (WBC) ============================ Measures the number of white blood cells in the blood; increased levels of white blood cells may indicate an infection, while decreased levels may indicate certain rheumatic diseases or reaction to medication. Imaging Techniques ==================== * X-Ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. * Computed Tomography Scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays. * Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. * Arthroscopy - a minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for conditions of a joint. This procedure uses a small, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope) which is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen; used to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joint; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation From "Diagnosing Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases http://www.aa-healthsystem.org/fhr/Adult/arthritis/content.php?pageid=P00050 == More about individual blood tests may be found in the following article: "Blood Tests For Evaluating Arthritis." http://arthritis.about.com/cs/diagnostic/a/bloodtests.htm ********************************************************* MAJOR TYPES OF ARTHRITIS AND SPECIFIC TESTING PROCEDURES ********************************************************* The Arthritis Society and Wrong Diagnosis.com are two comprehensive websites that cover the major types of arthritis. I have compiled some detailed information about the types of arthritis that seem most applicable to your symptoms, and provided links to other types of arthritis that seem less likely to be a source of your problems. The Wrong Diagnosis website is a conglomeration of links that lead down never-ending rabbit trails! You might want to investigate this site in more depth *after* you have read through the links I have compiled. It is good information but I believe you could spend an entire day on this one website!!!! Major types of arthritis compiled by Wrong Diagnosis.com * Osteoarthritis - most common type occurring with aging and "wear-and-tear". * Rheumatoid arthritis - second most common type; not caused by aging. * Psoriatic arthritis - occurring with psoriasis * Infectious arthritis Gonococcal arthritis - caused by gonorrhea Parvovirus arthritis - caused by parvovirus * Reactive arthritis - occurring after an infection. * Reiter?s syndrome * Gout http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/a/arthritis/subtypes.htm = Major types of arthritis from the Arthritis Society of Canada * Ankylosing Spondylitis * Carpal Tunnel Syndrome * Childhood Arthritis * Chronic Back Injury * Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) * Fibromyalgia * Gout * Infectious Arthritis * Lupus * Lyme Disease * Osteoarthritis * Osteoporosis * Paget's Disease * Polymyalgia Rheumatica * Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis * Pseudogout * Psoriatic Arthritis * Raynaud's Phenomenon * Reactive Arthritis * Reiter's Syndrome * Repetitive Stress Injury * Rheumatoid Arthritis * Scleroderma * Sjögren's Syndrome Homepage: http://www.arthritis.ca/custom%20home/default.asp?s=1 =============== OSTEOARTHRITIS =============== "Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females. "Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause and are referred to as primary osteoarthritis. When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis." (From Medicine.Net http://www.medicinenet.com/Osteoarthritis/article.htm ) Symptoms of Osteoarthritis (a long list!!) http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/o/osteoarthritis/symptoms.htm Types of Osteoarthritis http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/o/osteoarthritis/subtypes.htm Diagnostic Tests for Osteoarthritis ----------------------------------- Physical examination X-rays Tests to rule out other types of arthritis http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/o/osteoarthritis/tests.htm Complete overview of Osteoarthritis from the Arthritis Society http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/osteoarthritis/default.asp?s=1 ===================== RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ===================== "Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It has several special features that make it different from other kinds of arthritis (see information box in link below). For example, rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern. This means that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is also. The disease often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand. It can also affect other parts of the body besides the joints (see illustrations below). In addition, people with the disease may have fatigue, occasional fever, and a general sense of not feeling well (malaise)." (See the long list of symptoms) http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/r/rheumatoid_arthritis/symptoms.htm Diagnostic Tests for Rheumatoid arthritis ----------------------------------------- Physical exam Rheumatoid factor blood test - an antibody test Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) CBC White blood cell count ANA antibody test - useful for Pauciarticular JRA Joint x-rays http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/r/rheumatoid_arthritis/tests.htm ** For more on diagnostic testing, please read the following: "HOW IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DIAGNOSED?" University of Maryland Medicine http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_rheumatoid_arthritis_diagnosed_000048_6.htm "Rheumatoid arthritis may be difficult to diagnose. Many other conditions can resemble it and its symptoms can develop insidiously. Blood tests and x-rays may show normal results for months after the onset of joint pain. Even after rheumatoid arthritis has been diagnosed, it is extremely important to determine whether the course of the disease is benign (type 1) or aggressive (type 2) in order to treat the problem appropriately." Diseases with Similar Symptoms to Rheumatoid Arthritis: * Osteoarthritis * Infectious Arthritis * Lyme disease, septic arthritis, bacterial endocarditis, mycobacterial and fungal arthritis, viral arthritis * Postinfectious or Reactive Arthritis * Reiters syndrome (a disorder characterized by arthritis and inflammation in the eye and urinary tract), rheumatic fever, inflammatory bowel disease * Crystal Induced Arthritis * Gout and pseudogout * Other rheumatic Autoimmune Diseases: Systemic vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Still's Disease (also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) Behcet's disease * Fibromyalgia * Other Diseases: Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, hepatitis C, familial Mediterranean fever, cancers, AIDS, leukemia, bunions, Whipple's disease, dermatomyositis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, Kawasaki's disease, erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, pyoderma gangrenosum, pustular psoriasis == Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis from the Arthritis Society: http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/ra/default.asp?s=1 ==================== INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS ==================== "This is a general term used to describe forms of arthritis that are caused by infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses. Parvovirus arthritis, gonococcal arthritis, and Lyme disease are examples of infectious arthritis. In those cases caused by bacteria, early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics relieve the arthritis symptoms and cure the disease." http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/i/infectious_arthritis/intro.htm = What causes infectious arthritis? ================================= "Infectious arthritis is caused by a germ that has travelled through the body to a joint. The germ can be a bacterium, a virus or a fungus. The germ may have entered your body through the skin, nose, throat or ears, or through a wound. Often you may have already been sick as a result of the infection before it travels to the joints." "Bacteria cause most cases of infectious arthritis. The types of bacteria that might cause such infection include: gonococcus staphylococcus streptococcus pneumococcus hemophilus spirochetes tuberculosis Certain viruses can also cause infectious arthritis. They include: infectious hepatitis mumps infectious mononucleosis Fungi are the least common cause of infectious arthritis. They are usually found in: soil bird droppings certain plants, such as roses Diagnostic Testing =================== "Establishing the correct diagnosis is important, so if your doctor thinks you have infectious arthritis, he or she may ask questions about the symptoms, other medical conditions, recent travel, illnesses, and contact with people who may have had infections. He or she may also perform a physical examination, and order x-rays and other tests to find out what germ is causing the infection. This can be done by using a needle to removing a sample of fluid from the joint so it can be examined. If tuberculosis or a fungus is the suspected cause, sometimes a small piece of tissue from the joint may need to be cut away and examined. If a virus is suspected, a blood test may be done because your body develops cells called antibodies to fight off the virus. These antibodies will show up in a blood test." "People with infectious arthritis are often put in the hospital for treatment. Sometimes affected joints must be drained of excess fluid that has built up. This is done by inserting a needle directly into the joint. This procedure is usually painless. Sometimes the same joint may need to be drained several times if fluid build-up recurs. Further treatment varies depending on what type of germ has caused the infection. Your active involvement in developing your treatment plan is essential." From the Arthritis Society http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/infectious/default.asp?s=1 = Some causes of Infectious arthritis from Wrong Diagnosis http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/i/infectious_arthritis/causes.htm See Ross River virus (don't know if this applies to Sri Lanka!) http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/r/ross_river_virus/intro.htm ================== REACTIVE ARTHRITIS ================== "Arthritis developing after a digestive, urinary or other infection. This form of arthritis develops after an infection involving the lower urinary tract, bowel, or other organs. It is commonly associated with eye problems, skin rashes, and mouth sores. Reiter?s syndrome is an example of reactive arthritis." http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/r/reactive_arthritis/intro.htm = Diagnostic Testing =================== "Diagnosis may be difficult as there is no specific test that confirms reactive arthritis is present. Your doctor will probably perform a physical examination and order other tests such as x-rays and blood tests. One test called an ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) measures the level of red blood cells that are settling in the muscle. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is often high in people with reactive arthritis. If you have reactive arthritis you may also have anaemia. This is a condition of the blood that can cause you to look pale, and feel weak, sleepy and dizzy." "Other tests your doctor may perform include tests of your stool (feces), or the fluids and tissues of your urethra or joints. About half of patients with reactive arthritis have a positive HLA-B27 test. This suggests a genetic predisposition to reactive arthritis but it is not always an indication of the disease." "In many cases reactive arthritis goes away on its own within a few days or a few weeks. Some cases may take up to four months before they completely resolve. Other people have recurrent attacks. However, given treatment most people with reactive arthritis manage well. Your active involvement in developing your treatment plan is essential." See the complete overview from the Arthritis Society: http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/reactive%20arthritis/default.asp?s=1 ================= REITER'S SYNDROME ================= "Reiter's (pronounced rIt-erz) syndrome is the name of a type of reactive arthritis. Reactive arthritis is caused by some kinds of bacteria. The bacteria cause a person to get sick, and then later travel through the body to the joints between bones. The joints swell and become painful. This is called inflammation. With Reiter's syndrome the bacteria also affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, eyes, and muscles. Many people with Reiter's syndrome get better after four to five months, but about half of people who get it will be affected for several years." * Read about symptoms and causes. Diagnostic Testing ------------------- "Establishing the correct diagnosis early on is important, so if your doctor thinks you have Reiter's syndrome, he or she may ask questions about the symptoms, other medical conditions, recent travel, illnesses, and contact with people who may have had infections. Because there is a usually a lag time of several days to weeks between the infection that is the underlying cause of the arthritis and the onset of inflammation, a person might not connect the two events and so not think of mentioning the previous infection. Your doctor may also perform a physical examination, and order x-rays and other tests to find out what has caused the arthritis." "There are no specific lab tests for Reiter's syndrome. Blood tests may be done to rule out other forms of arthritis and to identify the type of bacterial infection. A blood test may also be done to check if you have the HLA B-27 tissue type. While having this tissue type may indicate that you are more at risk of developing Reiter's syndrome, a positive test for HLA B-27 does not automatically mean you have the disease." "X-rays may help with the diagnosis because only some patients have the condition called sacroiliitis (pronounced sac-ro-ill-ee-eye-tis), which is inflammation of two joints in the lower back. This inflammation may show up on the x-ray, however x-rays are more likely to be positive after someone has had Reiter's syndrome for years." "Other tests your doctor may perform include tests of your stool (feces), or the fluids and tissues of your urethra or joints. If you are a woman, if your doctor thinks you have Reiter's syndrome he or she may also perform a pelvic examination or Pap smear. These tests are done to detect whether cervicitis has occurred." See the overview from the Arthritis Society: http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/reiters%20syndrome/default.asp?s=1 ==================================================================== SOME OTHER SOURCES OF ARTHRITIS (from the Arthritis Society Website) ===================================================================== The following types of arthritis seem less applicable after reading your symptoms, so I have simply provided some links for comprehensive information. ** All of these links provide information on diagnostic testing as well ** ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/as/default.asp?s=1 DIFFUSE IDIOPATHIC SKELETAL HYPEROSTOSIS (DISH) http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/dish/default.asp?s=1 FIBROMYALGIA http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/fibromyalgia/default.asp?s=1 GOUT http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/gout/default.asp?s=1 LUPUS http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/lupus/default.asp?s=1 LYME DISEASE http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/lyme%20disease/default.asp?s=1 OSTEOPOROSIS http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/osteoporosis/default.asp?s=1 PAGET'S DISEASE http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/pagets/default.asp?s=1 POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/polymyalgia%20rheumatica/default.asp?s=1 POLYMYOSITIS AND DERMATOMYOSITIS http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/polymyositis/default.asp?s=1 PSEUDOGOUT http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/pseudogout/default.asp?s=1 PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/psoriatic%20arthritis/default.asp?s=1 RAYNAUD'S PHENOMENON http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/raynauds%20phenomenon/default.asp?s=1 REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/repetitive%20stress%20injury/default.asp?s=1 SCLERODERMA http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/scleroderma/default.asp?s=1 SJOGRENS SYNDROME http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/sjogrens%20syndrome/default.asp?s=1 == OTHER CAUSES OF JOINT PAIN =========================== Please read through the extensive list at Wrong Diagnosis.com http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/joint_pain.htm CONNECTION BETWEEN ARTHRITIS AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE ************************************************************ I know you have already explored this possibility, but it is worth reading over again, given the severity of your IBS. I understand that IBS is not the same as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, but you might want to have your physician explore this once more. From "Arthritis: Gout, Spondyloarthropathies, etc." PMREHAB Pain & Sports Medicine Associates. http://www.pmrehab.com/arthgt.htm "Enteropathic arthritis is associated with crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome in 20% of those having these diseases. Sacroiliitis develops in 20% of these patients and the arthritis is usually asymmetrical lower extremity. Fever, malaise, weight loss, and abdominal cramps are common." == According to "Diseases of the Small Bowel," by Dr. Nidiry. (January 16, 2004) "Enteropathic arthritis is associated with many infections of the GI tract." and "sometimes an infection of the GI tract can precipitate these symptoms (of IBS)" There just might be a connection there, even though your physician has previously ruled it out. I don't know....and I am obviously NOT in a position to speculate with any type of medical authority, so I am just leaving that out there in case it is worth further consideration. If you want to read the entire paper, which is quite interesting, you will need to either copy and paste the title "Diseases of the Small Bowel" or the following "cached" link into your browser: http://216.239.57.104/search?q=cache:WggrfGbXWpYJ:www.zoey.med.howard.edu/2006/Diseases%2520of%2520Small%2520Bowel-Nidiry%25201.16.04.doc+IBS+AND+enteropathic+arthritis&hl=en The paper is in the form of a word document, and the cached link may not be workable when I post the answer. ENTEROPATHIC ARTHRITIS ======================= "A form of arthritis sometimes resembling rheumatoid arthritis which may complicate the course of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or other intestinal disease." http://www.dictionarybarn.com/ENTEROPATHIC-ARTHRITIS.php The intestine connection ...Relationship of the Bowels with Arthritis," by Stanley Hayes, M.D. (Fall 2002 Southwest Missouri Regional Arthritis Center Newsletter, Arthritis News) http://www.muhealth.org/~arthritis/articles/sep02/bowels.html "Reactive and Enteropathic Arthritis," by Mary E Cronin, MD and Peter D Utsinger, MD, Best Practice of Medicine. Merck Medicus (Last modified November 14, 2001) http://merck.praxis.md/index.asp?page=bpm_report&article_id=CPM02RH391&section=report&ss=3 "Enteropathic arthritis: how do the joints talk with the gut?," by Wollheim FA. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2001 Jul;13(4):305-9. (Abstract) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11555733&dopt=Abstract&holding=f1000 ************************************************ NON-CONVENTIONAL OR NATUROPATHIC CONSIDERATIONS ************************************************ Because you have mentioned an inclination towards alternative methods (namely, supplements) of dealing with your condition, and you have a serious Irritable Bowel Syndrome including GERD, you might be open to considering the gastrointestinal-arthritis connection proposed by many naturopathic (and some conventional) physicians. Be mindful, however, that most conventional doctors are not generally open to "alternative" or "theoretical" conditions. * I want to stress that I have included this as extra information "just in case" you have an interest. Candida Overgrowth Syndrome ---------------------------- From "Candida Overgrowth Syndrome." Whole Health MD. http://www.wholehealthmd.com/print/view/1,1560,RA_560_learn,00.html I have provided some excerpts but it is best to read the article in entirety! What Causes Candida Overgrowth Syndrome? ----------------------------------------- "According to nutritionally oriented physicians who treat COS, the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics is by far the most frequent cause of the ailment. People who have been on antibiotic drugs for long periods of time--to treat acne or recurrent sinus infections, for example--are at particularly high risk for developing the disorder. Because antibiotics so effectively wipe out bacteria (both the beneficial strains and the harmful ones), they dramatically disrupt the body's delicate balance of microorganisms. Candida yeast then takes over. In addition, medications other than antibiotics can also increase the body's susceptibility to Candida overgrowth. These drugs include birth control pills and oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone), which are commonly prescribed to control inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as lupus. Other factors that can increase a person's susceptibility to COS include stress, a weakened immune system (due to any cause), a high-sugar diet, hormonal changes from pregnancy, and diabetes." Key Symptoms ------------ * Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, new sensitivities to commonly eaten foods * Fatigue, headache, depression, irritability, disorientation, dizziness, inability to concentrate * Sugar cravings, sensitivities to chemicals and perfumes, alcohol intolerance, increased susceptibility to the side effects of medications * Muscle and joint aches, ** sinusitis ** and recurrent colds, recurrent skin rashes ==== From "Coping with Arthritis," by Eugene R. Zampieron, Ellen Kamhil. Healthy & Natural Journal, Oct, 2000. http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0HKL/5_7/66918303/p4/article.jhtml?term= Dr. Alan Ebringer, professor of immunology at King's College, London, is one conventional physician who has been studying the connection between gastrointestinal bacteria and arthritic symptoms: "Researchers such as Dr. Alan Ebringer of London have discovered that autoimmune arthritis conditions are often created when the organisms in the gut, through natural selection, mimic and camouflage themselves to resemble human tissue. By doing so, the organisms are difficult to detect by the immune system. When the immune system eventually makes antibodies to the bacteria, it also begins to make antibodies to the disguised human tissue. This is the genesis of an autoimmune disease in which the body becomes "allergic" to itself and attacks it vigorously, as is seen in rheumatoid arthritis." == Two excellent books which deal with gastrointestinal problems (including IBS and GERD), abnormal intestinal bacteria and their contribution to arthritic symptoms are "Patient Heal Thyself" and "The Maker's Diet" by Jordan S. Rubin, N.M.D., Ph.D You can read more about the books and the author on the following website: http://www.gardenoflifeusa.com/company_jordan_rubin.shtml http://www.gardenoflifeusa.com/company_jordan_rubin_story.shtml I have these books and will be using the dietary and supplement recommendations to help my daughter who is afflicted with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have told her to be ready for a new eating plan when she returns from college in two weeks! She has visited conventional doctors and nothing has helped. After talking with some individuals who have been helped by the eating plan and supplement regimen included in the books, I believe it is worth an earnest attempt! This route, again, is solely up to you! It is important to stress that I do not endorse this program in any manner. == I certainly hope that the information I have provided helps to sort out and synthesize the dominant types of arthritis and the testing protocols for each one. I suggest that you print off any helpful information from this answer, or the websites which contain the extracted information, so that you can bring it along during your next doctor's visit. It will help you define your questions -not to mention surprise your physician with your take-charge personality. If only more patients would be as proactive in their medical care! Again, please do not hesitate to ask for clarification if you think I can further define any aspects of the information I have provided. Also, if you would like to pursue further information in a separate, follow-up question, I would be more than happy to oblige. You can either direct the question to me in the title, or leave it open for another researcher. Otherwise, I wish you the very best of luck in finding a diagnosis, and my best wishes for improved health! umiat Google Search Strategy varieties of arthritis diagnosing arthritis detecting rheumatoid arthritis Irritable bowel and arthritis enteropathic arthritis and Irritable bowel fevers and arthritis chronic low grade fever AND arthritis types of reactive arthritis arthritis in balls of feet enteropathic arthritis sources of joint pain irritable bowel and joint pain IBS AND enteropathic arthritis Candida overgrowth syndrome