Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] In the past 6 months I have experienced bilateral hand pain and wrist pain. In addition, I have long term shoulder pain, jaw pain, and some knee pain. Rheumatologist said I had fibromyalgia, but i fear it is really rheumatoid arthritis. RF, CCP, ESR, LUPUS ARE NEGATIVE. slightly elevated CRP now and in the past. I feel lousy!! any thoughts? 63 yr old female
[|AI|]  Hello, I can understand your concern. As your tests show negative for RF, ESR, CCP, Lupus, you do not have rheumatoid arthritis. I can describe you how you can differentiate between arthritis and fibromyalgia. Arthritis is a degenerative joint problem associated with the aging process. It is related with the bone pain. So if you think that the pain you have is increased while having joint movements or the joints make sounds while moving them, then you have osteoarthritis. Firbomyalgia is a disorder associated with muscles. Joints or bones are not involved in this pathology. In addition, this disorder is associated with sleep problems, excessive fatigue, and specific trigger points which will start or increase pain in the muscles. In addition, if you will stay inactive, sit in a place for a long time or after waking up from sleep, you will feel the joints are unable to move and then eventually it will improve. However, both diseases will require long term analgesics to control pain. You can visit a pain clinic or neurologist for alternate ways to manage pain. I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing Chat Doctor. I wish you feel better soon. Best,