Anxiety, Depression Often Go Hand-in-Hand With Arthritis

I have had osteoarthritis since my mid-twenties. Within a few days of taking a new job, I would have a severe attack. I remember going to work on crutches several times. Once, I thought I had gout in my thumb, but tests proved it just arthritis. It was extremely painful. These attacks usually lasted several days or a week, and as soon as I was comfortable in the new job, it went away. It was obvious that the anxiety over a new job was causing the attacks. This was not in accordance with the medical knowledge of that time (55 years ago). I was tested for rheumatoid arthritis, but it came back negative. Now, of course, I have the old-age arthritis caused by cartilage loss, but I didn't at that time.

Evelyn Wicke of TX 11:58PM April 30, 2012