intro

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm JoAnn, and I just joined this list. I am experiencing what I

think must be RA, or something related. I have had aches/pains for

over a decade, but tests have never shown anything conclusive.

However, I have a strong family history of RA, among other problems,

and I'm going in for more tests soon. My dad has had RA for about 40+

years now, and has had most of his joints replaced, his ankles are

fused, you name it. He now suffers from severe sciatica, and is

more disabled than he ever was, darn it. He's 77 years old, and I

admire him so much for staying active for SO long, despite his pain

(which he's had all MY life, since I'll be 40 in November).

My sister is now going on disability w/her RA; she's 48 and suffering

terribly. She is on methotrexate and prednisone, I think. Dad has been

on everything over the years, and is currently on methotrexate and

Enbrel.

My concerns are, of course, that the tests will show nothing, as

usual. I am having horrible stiffness/pain in my right shoulder, down

my arm, elbow, into my wrists on both sides....Ankles, knees, hips

hurt, too. No real swelling, although I have hot joints. But the worst

thing right now, other than pain, is that I'm exhausted and weak.

I " look " fine, so no one gets it. My husband is sympathetic, and

believes me when I'm struggling w/the weakness.

I am also the mother of six children, ages 22 months through 15 years.

Only my oldest is in school; the others homeschool. That's going okay,

despite my pains. It actually helps for me NOT to have to run all over

from one school to another, if you know what I mean. I've had them in

school before, and I found that more difficult to manage. We also have

special needs; I have a couple of kids on the autistic spectrum, as

well as dealing with sensory integration disorder and speech delay

w/my youngest....Whew. He recently qualified for OT and speech therapy

in our home, thank GOD. That will help (less running around to

appointments).

Anyway, I joined this list hoping to learn more from you, and to learn

how to give myself what I need. I am used to putting myself last, and

I see now that I cannot do that! I won't be of any use to my kids if I

can't manage this more effectively.

I am not taking anything at this point, but I hope to get in to the

rheumatologist this week for tests. I can't take Motrin at all; it

wrecks my stomach. I thought I had Crohn's disease last year after

taking Motrin (after I tore 3 ligaments in my right ankle, missing the

last couple of steps while carrying down a full laundry basket, ouch).

I am still suffering from whatever happened to my stomach/colon at

that point, but the stomach pains are gone. (My mom died from

complications of Crohn's disease 9 years ago, when she was just 59

years old.) I don't know if Tylenol would help w/the pain. I am still

nursing my youngest, and don't think he'll wean for at least 6 months.

I know there must be some drugs compatible w/nursing; anyone know what

might be a possibility?

Thanks for being here!

JoAnn