Hello,

I am a 44 year old male. I have a BMI of 35 and so I understand that I need to lose weight.

For several years old patientI've had arthritic problems (nothing terribly severe). But, it will suddenly onset and then leave. It is normally symetrical (both knees, both ankles, et al). I have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel syndrome in my left hand. Right hand no, but it was not tested although I have similar symptoms.

A couple of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients who are friends have independently told me that my symptoms resemble RA somewhat and that I should see a Doc. Doc did bloodtest about 6 years old patientago and was negative.

A week ago Saturday, I got out the car after a long drive and had joint pain and stiffness throughout my body and it was NOT that way when I got in the car. Since then, I've had morning stiffness every day that lasts for a few ours. My hands, which have been perennially stiff and sore for about 6-9 months, have also had problems. I've also had pain in stiffness constantly in one knee and one shoulder.

Went to see Doc again. He asked if any of affected joints are noticeably RED, SWOLLEN, or HOT. When I could not definitively say "yes" he immediately says he sees no indication of inflammation and that he really believes it is Osteoarthritis. There is SOME redness and swelling, but I couldn't absolutely say yes.

Does OA ever just suddenly onset like I've had in the last two weeks since that Saturday when it appeared out of the blue? Wouldn't OA been more specific to certain joints? Should I consider seeing another Doc? Because I have no insurance he prescribed an NSAID and asked that I report back in 30 days rather than jumping to expensive labs to look for RA indicators. But, based upon online research (which can be meaningless I know), things do seem to indicate inflammatory arthritis rather than OA.