Rheumatoid Arthritis Q & A

In your opinion is there compelling evidence that smoking may cause RA in genetically susceptible individuals?

I have RA for 3 years now. My mother also has RA. I have an identical twin sister who has been complaining that she is stiff and sore lately. What is the chances that she could have RA and where can I find more information about twins with RA?

My doctor prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection I one year ago (March 2006). I was supposed to take it for ten days but after taking day 7 of the medicine I could barely get out of bed. My feet, ankles, back, shoulders and neck ached with pain. I got off the Levaquin and eventually had to go to my internist with these continuing symptoms. My Sedimentation rate was very elevated and she sent me to a Rheumotologist, who has been treating me for 11 months. I had none of these symptoms BEFORE taking the Levaquin and I feel sure this drug has caused this lingering pain and fatigue. My Rheumotologist has diagnosed me with Rheumatoid Arthritis and I feel it is no coincidence that this ailment came upon me because of taking Levaquin. Has anyone else suffered these affects from Levaquin? Thank you in advance for reading this and for your response.

Can blood tests all be normal and still have RA? I was diagnosed two years ago with seronegative RA and Sjogren’s Syndrome. I have very obvious swelling in my hand and wrist. Pain is mostly mild. I do have stiffness that can last several hours to all day in my hands. However, the only abnormal blood tests was a positive ANA and slight anemia; all other tests have been normal. I currently take methotrexate, plaquenil, and celebrex for the rheumatoid arthritis. I also have basal thumb arthritis and had surgery four years ago to fix that joint.