Have had strep throat 3 times in the last year. Last time was August 22nd. Have not felt well all year. Have been moody, irritable, extremely fatigued and have had swelling to lower extremities including to my hands and face. Long story short--developed wrist pain after painting that did not go away and actually became worse with some tingling in my thumbs and pain on the top side of both hands esp. to the thumb/wrist/pinky areas. Wore braces and took Ibuprofen with no relief. Was informed that i had Carpel Tunnel and then Ortho said I had Tendonitis but I wanted lab done. RF came back at 50 and sed rate at 30. all other lab tests negative for Lupus etc. Went to see Rhuematology and he could not tell me if I had RA or not and was put on a 9 day course of Prednisone and then return in 2 months to see how I am doing. I just feel that there is something that is being missed. I am 42 years old, healthy, active person. I feel that the swelling of my extremities, hands and face are cause for concern and all three doctors have shrugged it off including my fatigue. Have gained weight and have been unable to lose weight with diet and exercise. Did have a TSH drawn this summer also which came back normal. I am going to see an internist but unable to get in until 2wks from now. Sometimes I feel like I could have hypothyroidism. What do you think? Thankyou