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Recent blood work

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Opelousas, LA

I have RA and at my recent appointment blood test were done because some days I need help just to get up from a sitting or laying position, also bruise easily, and shaky hands every so often. Today got a call from nurse and need to go back so they can retest me due to elevated muscle enzymes. Has anyone ever had that and what could it be?

March 5, 2021
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the shared experience of elevated muscle enzymes and worsening muscle pain with rheumatoid arthritis, with several... Read more

Members connected over the shared experience of elevated muscle enzymes and worsening muscle pain with rheumatoid arthritis, with several describing feeling weak, bruising easily, and struggling to accept their diagnosis despite trying multiple medications like Humira, Enbrel, Orencia, and Symponi with varying results. Several members shared their own unexpected complications, including critically low potassium and magnesium levels requiring hospitalization, side effects from medications like gabapentin causing fatigue and memory issues, and doctors suggesting additional diagnoses like fibromyalgia or testing to rule out MS. A recurring theme was the emotional difficulty of accepting an RA diagnosis and the frustration of searching for answers when symptoms persist despite treatment, met with warmth, mutual prayers, and encouragement to stay strong.

A myRAteam Member

I too present with muscle aches and are continuing to get worse. I am on 1x per month injectable Symponi, I was on ENrel and it stopped working, on Hunira with terrible sight injection reaction, Xeljanz and Orencia both injactable which I noticed shortness of breath, now Symponi. MY RA doc recently said I also have fibromyalgia and have been on 300 mg of gabapentin, good drug but makes you very tired and forgetful. Not taking gabapentin any longer. As far as your muscle aches, I am curious to see what they tell you, my Doc wants me to have a EMG to rule out MS, not sure what to do anymore.

March 8, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Thank you Linda and prayers going up for you. I just wish there was a quick fix for this stuff!!!

April 6, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Yes it is hard to accept aas I am having trouble with my blood praying for you

April 5, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Frank, bless you. I would never have thought my life would turn out like this. I've always been healthy, exercised, ate healthy (no meat) and worked. Of course, RA doesn't care who it harms. I'm the first in my family who has ever had the disease. Just alot of unanswered questions I have and trying to accept the fact that I have RA. I think that is my biggest issue, my unwillingness to accept the fact that I have it!!!
Frank, stay strong buddy and you're in my prayers!!

March 16, 2021
A myRAteam Member

I too was hospitalized for extremely low potassium, turns out it was from a water/blood pressure pill I was taking. This happened just last week and I was going crazy between the COVID vaccines and just starting orencia I was sure it was one of them. It’s crazy.

March 15, 2021

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