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I am 50 and have had general fatigue and joint pain for some time now. My pcp sent me for x-rays and blood work. The bloodwork showed ana of178. She referred me to a Rheumatoligist who started me on methotrexate and naprelan750. He said that it is ra and fibromyalgia.He is sending me for more specific bloodwork after 2 weeks of treatment. Is this agressiveness normal or are ther ususally additional tests BEFORE treatment is started.
A second opinion has been helpful for a lot of people. My scleroderma started with swollen hand joints, what looked like TMJ or arthritis of the jaw, carpal tunnel, & fatigue, so go figure!
My dentist thought I had arthritis or TMJ, my carpal tunnel was released through surgery, and my fatigue has just become part of my daily living. It was my orthopedist who referred me to my rheumy who took one look at my feet (by this time more symptoms were coming around...like my feet), and told me it looked like scleroderma. Blood tests were normal, but with scleroderma, it is a disease of exceptions.
In my way of thinking, a second opinion and even a third can be beneficial. Even if it just verifies the first opinion.
I hope you get some peace with this. Support of friends and family, and prayer will help tremendously.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Community 
