Re: 2 kids, 34 years old and new to RA

[Guest guest]

hi abby

(puts hand up) me me me

i'm 34 and have one 4 year old

i haven't seen my rheumatologist yet (booked in for nov) but have been seeing a

naturopath and have managed to keep symptoms at bay (they might have been not

too bad anyway but at least i'm eating a whole lot healthier lol)

take care

mel

[ ] 2 kids, 34 years old and new to RA

My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was attacked

by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I just

wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava and

Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

to me it is just insane.

I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group meeting

and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target for

RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

you all for the information. Abby

[Guest guest]

hi abby

(puts hand up) me me me

i'm 34 and have one 4 year old

i haven't seen my rheumatologist yet (booked in for nov) but have been seeing a

naturopath and have managed to keep symptoms at bay (they might have been not

too bad anyway but at least i'm eating a whole lot healthier lol)

take care

mel

[ ] 2 kids, 34 years old and new to RA

My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was attacked

by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I just

wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava and

Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

to me it is just insane.

I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group meeting

and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target for

RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

you all for the information. Abby

[Guest guest]

Hi Abby,

I am 35, and I have two children as well, although they are much

older than yours, which I am sure helps, self sufficient, except

for " mom's taxi service " . I was diagnosed with RA in May. I agree

that it a lot of meds but my life would be so much worse without

them. I also feel alone most of the time and have all but quit

discussing my disease with family, as they do not really understand.

I am in pain at all times, but less than when I was originally

dx'ed. I have not been to any support groups, just this one and it

has helped me a lot. I do what I can when I can and have learned to

accept some limitations. I am still coming to terms with this.

Antidepressants have helped as well. Weather changes make it worse.

I am not sure what it is to have a flare as I am in constant flare.

I would take a few pain free days. What part of the country are you

in? Cassy

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Abby,

I am 35, and I have two children as well, although they are much

older than yours, which I am sure helps, self sufficient, except

for " mom's taxi service " . I was diagnosed with RA in May. I agree

that it a lot of meds but my life would be so much worse without

them. I also feel alone most of the time and have all but quit

discussing my disease with family, as they do not really understand.

I am in pain at all times, but less than when I was originally

dx'ed. I have not been to any support groups, just this one and it

has helped me a lot. I do what I can when I can and have learned to

accept some limitations. I am still coming to terms with this.

Antidepressants have helped as well. Weather changes make it worse.

I am not sure what it is to have a flare as I am in constant flare.

I would take a few pain free days. What part of the country are you

in? Cassy

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

[Guest guest]

hi well i'm 34 and i have two kids also but mine are a little older

also 6 years and 11 years and 3 step kids 11,12,13 and i know what you

mean about it starting after you had your baby when i had my daughter

for about 5 months i was is so much pain in the mornings and well when

i went to my doctor at that time he said it was nothing nad put me on

medicene to reduce the swelling and that was it. but i still do things

with y kids if i'm having a good day i have been on the roller costers

with them and i was fine at that time with the pain but the flare that

i have been in for the past month i don't think i could i hope that

you find the support that you are looking for

melissa

[Guest guest]

hi well i'm 34 and i have two kids also but mine are a little older

also 6 years and 11 years and 3 step kids 11,12,13 and i know what you

mean about it starting after you had your baby when i had my daughter

for about 5 months i was is so much pain in the mornings and well when

i went to my doctor at that time he said it was nothing nad put me on

medicene to reduce the swelling and that was it. but i still do things

with y kids if i'm having a good day i have been on the roller costers

with them and i was fine at that time with the pain but the flare that

i have been in for the past month i don't think i could i hope that

you find the support that you are looking for

melissa

[Guest guest]

Hi abby,

my name is kerri sue. I was diagnosed with RA and sjogren's about 3 months ago

after being unable to work for 3 years because of excruciating pain and fatigue.

I am 28 years old now and the mother of two children. I have recently been taken

off methotrexate and will start on Humira, but not for a few more months,

because I have surgeries coming up and a flu shot to get and the docs don't want

to give me the humira while I am healing. I too know what its like being young

and sick. I stopped working when I was 25. I usually get the " you're young you

should be healthy speech " and odd looks when I walk down the street because I

limp. At home I don't really get out of my pajamas too much and even my sister

will say " you'd probably feel better if you'd exercise. " Being young with RA is

almost ridiculous because even doctors look at you funny when you tell them

things like it hurts to bend over and tie my shoes. I have other health problems

too, insulin resistance, heart problems,

migraines.... I might as well be 80, at least I'd be treated better. I'm sorry

for your pain and I hope that things will get better for you. Take care of

yourself first, so that you'll be able to better take care of your children. I

have found ways to be easy on my body and socialize with my children (8 & 1) at

the same time. If you'd like to talk about that, feel free to email at any time.

take care and God bless.

kerri sue

abbyhaarala <abbyhaarala@...> wrote:

My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was attacked

by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I just

wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava and

Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

to me it is just insane.

I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group meeting

and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target for

RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

you all for the information. Abby

[Guest guest]

Hi abby,

my name is kerri sue. I was diagnosed with RA and sjogren's about 3 months ago

after being unable to work for 3 years because of excruciating pain and fatigue.

I am 28 years old now and the mother of two children. I have recently been taken

off methotrexate and will start on Humira, but not for a few more months,

because I have surgeries coming up and a flu shot to get and the docs don't want

to give me the humira while I am healing. I too know what its like being young

and sick. I stopped working when I was 25. I usually get the " you're young you

should be healthy speech " and odd looks when I walk down the street because I

limp. At home I don't really get out of my pajamas too much and even my sister

will say " you'd probably feel better if you'd exercise. " Being young with RA is

almost ridiculous because even doctors look at you funny when you tell them

things like it hurts to bend over and tie my shoes. I have other health problems

too, insulin resistance, heart problems,

migraines.... I might as well be 80, at least I'd be treated better. I'm sorry

for your pain and I hope that things will get better for you. Take care of

yourself first, so that you'll be able to better take care of your children. I

have found ways to be easy on my body and socialize with my children (8 & 1) at

the same time. If you'd like to talk about that, feel free to email at any time.

take care and God bless.

kerri sue

abbyhaarala <abbyhaarala@...> wrote:

My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was attacked

by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I just

wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava and

Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

to me it is just insane.

I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group meeting

and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target for

RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

you all for the information. Abby

[Guest guest]

hi abby i feel for you . although i'm a male and have no kids . i was only

37 when it started with me. i'm now 49. good docs are hard to find anymore glad

you got a good one. hopefully they caught it soon enough. i hate to put a

damper on things. but reality must sit in. myself i can't water ski ,lift

weights. had to sell my bass guitar and numberous little things anymore either

can't or have trouble doing. and i know about ALL the drugs we must take

altogather ii take 8 differant drugs. just hang in there. and may god be

with you. enjoy the good days with your kids.. your

friend in R.A. Mike

abbyhaarala <abbyhaarala@...> wrote:My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a

baby in January and was attacked

by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I just

wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava and

Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

to me it is just insane.

I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group meeting

and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target for

RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

you all for the information. Abby

[Guest guest]

hi abby i feel for you . although i'm a male and have no kids . i was only

37 when it started with me. i'm now 49. good docs are hard to find anymore glad

you got a good one. hopefully they caught it soon enough. i hate to put a

damper on things. but reality must sit in. myself i can't water ski ,lift

weights. had to sell my bass guitar and numberous little things anymore either

can't or have trouble doing. and i know about ALL the drugs we must take

altogather ii take 8 differant drugs. just hang in there. and may god be

with you. enjoy the good days with your kids.. your

friend in R.A. Mike

abbyhaarala <abbyhaarala@...> wrote:My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a

baby in January and was attacked

by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I just

wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava and

Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

to me it is just insane.

I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group meeting

and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target for

RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

you all for the information. Abby

[Guest guest]

Hi Abby,

Welcome to the group and I am sorry about your diagnosis. I was

diagnosed last year at 38 and have three children ages 5, 11, and

14, so they are not quite as young as yours, but I am busy in a

different way. I have to say though this is my first year with all

three going to school all day and that has helped me immensely with

my RA. Just being able to rest if I am having a bad day without

watching a little one is nice and your day will come too. Our three

are in three different schools so it makes us crazy sometimes! As

far as activities go, I went down a log flume this past summer a few

times and was that fun. If I liked roller coasters, I would have

gone on that, but I am not a fan of them, LOL. You can do stuff

just differently is all. You probably cannot go to the amusement

park three days in a row for example. Plan a day, then a day of

rest, like that. You kind of learn to pace yourself. I find water

activities are my favorite as they seem to hurt my RA the least. I

feel pretty normal under water so we have picked up on the swim

activities. You learn to do different things with your children,

but they still have great quality. For example, I am concentrating

on teaching my 14-year-old daughter how to cook. We are having

fun. I have a hard time with lots of stirring and standing still

anyway so she is a huge help and we have the best conversations. I

guess I am just trying to offer you hope. Your life is changing,

but you will learn to adapt yourself and find out how to pace

yourself as you go along. I look at it as a journey. It sure has

had some major bumps, but there have been many good times too. If

you ever need to email someone, feel free to email me at

tracierae143@... YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. THESE

PEOPLE ARE AWESOME! Good luck.

Tracie

--- In , " abbyhaarala " <abbyhaarala@y...>

wrote:

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Abby,

Welcome to the group and I am sorry about your diagnosis. I was

diagnosed last year at 38 and have three children ages 5, 11, and

14, so they are not quite as young as yours, but I am busy in a

different way. I have to say though this is my first year with all

three going to school all day and that has helped me immensely with

my RA. Just being able to rest if I am having a bad day without

watching a little one is nice and your day will come too. Our three

are in three different schools so it makes us crazy sometimes! As

far as activities go, I went down a log flume this past summer a few

times and was that fun. If I liked roller coasters, I would have

gone on that, but I am not a fan of them, LOL. You can do stuff

just differently is all. You probably cannot go to the amusement

park three days in a row for example. Plan a day, then a day of

rest, like that. You kind of learn to pace yourself. I find water

activities are my favorite as they seem to hurt my RA the least. I

feel pretty normal under water so we have picked up on the swim

activities. You learn to do different things with your children,

but they still have great quality. For example, I am concentrating

on teaching my 14-year-old daughter how to cook. We are having

fun. I have a hard time with lots of stirring and standing still

anyway so she is a huge help and we have the best conversations. I

guess I am just trying to offer you hope. Your life is changing,

but you will learn to adapt yourself and find out how to pace

yourself as you go along. I look at it as a journey. It sure has

had some major bumps, but there have been many good times too. If

you ever need to email someone, feel free to email me at

tracierae143@... YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. THESE

PEOPLE ARE AWESOME! Good luck.

Tracie

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Abby, I am 42 and was diagnosed in April. I have a 4 year old son and I

remember being so grateful that he was as old as he was. I couldn't dress him,

pick him up, or even buckle him up in his car seat. He had to do it himself.

Fortunately I am now painfree with methotrexate and Humira and I can once again

do almost anything. I'm still afraid to do certain things. I have no idea

about what to expect in my future but I know it's rosier than it would have been

20 years ago.

abbyhaarala <abbyhaarala@...> wrote:My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a

baby in January and was attacked

by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I just

wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava and

Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

to me it is just insane.

I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group meeting

and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target for

RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

you all for the information. Abby

[Guest guest]

Hi Abby, I am 42 and was diagnosed in April. I have a 4 year old son and I

remember being so grateful that he was as old as he was. I couldn't dress him,

pick him up, or even buckle him up in his car seat. He had to do it himself.

Fortunately I am now painfree with methotrexate and Humira and I can once again

do almost anything. I'm still afraid to do certain things. I have no idea

about what to expect in my future but I know it's rosier than it would have been

20 years ago.

abbyhaarala <abbyhaarala@...> wrote:My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a

baby in January and was attacked

by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the baby

and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I just

wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava and

Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I have

been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication in

to me it is just insane.

I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group meeting

and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target for

RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks to

you all for the information. Abby

[Guest guest]

I wanted to say welcome to a great group. I am 32 years old and

have been diagnosed with RA a year and 3 months ago. I have my good

days and my bad I have learned that I will make the most of any

time that I feel good. I have a 10 year old son and work full time

in a daycare as a lead teacher with 2 1/2 to 3 year old.. Have days

that it is very difficult to be there but I make myself as we cannot

financially afford for me not to work My advice would be even on

days you don't feel up to being active enjoy time with the kids with

reading, singing, and anything else they like that doesn't take a

lot of energy and make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to let you

know that you came to a great support group these guys have helped

me a lot. If you want to talk you can email me at

along3@....

bye

Angie

--- In , " abbyhaarala " <abbyhaarala@y...>

wrote:

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

[Guest guest]

I wanted to say welcome to a great group. I am 32 years old and

have been diagnosed with RA a year and 3 months ago. I have my good

days and my bad I have learned that I will make the most of any

time that I feel good. I have a 10 year old son and work full time

in a daycare as a lead teacher with 2 1/2 to 3 year old.. Have days

that it is very difficult to be there but I make myself as we cannot

financially afford for me not to work My advice would be even on

days you don't feel up to being active enjoy time with the kids with

reading, singing, and anything else they like that doesn't take a

lot of energy and make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to let you

know that you came to a great support group these guys have helped

me a lot. If you want to talk you can email me at

along3@....

bye

Angie

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cassy,

I live in Michigan. In reading these messages I am so amazed at how

many people are in such pain. My Dr. tells me that I have a very

aggressive case of RA and numbers that they haven't seen in a long

time. I went from completely healthy to debilitated in about 3-4

weeks. I feel so blessed to be feeling basically normal but fear

the future. What kind of meds are you on? I hope that you can find

some relief soon. I am on Arava and Enberel and weaning from

Prednisone. I hate to give up the Prednisone but I know that it has

a lot of negative effects. But it was a blessing to get on at the

beginning of my treatment. I was literally better in 24 hours and

withing 48 hours I was pain free. I hope that I am still feeling

this good once I am off of it. Are you seeing a rheumatlogist or an

MD? That made all the difference in the world for me. The MD took

me off of Motrin (which I was eating like candy) and put me on a

time release med that took 2 weeks to kick in. It was complete

hell, the best thing he did for me was give me the referral. I wish

you well. What part of the country are you in? Abby

> >

> > My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> > by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it

was

> > so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started

in

> > my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> > and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> > husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

> just

> > wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally

in

> > June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> > diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> > pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

> >

> > I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> > endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a

young

> > age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

> and

> > Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't

go

> > all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off

of

> > Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> > increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

> >

> > I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can

I

> > still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can

I

> > ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> > just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> > flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> > been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> > to me it is just insane.

> >

> > I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

> meeting

> > and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> > offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

> for

> > RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> > you all for the information. Abby

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cassy,

I live in Michigan. In reading these messages I am so amazed at how

many people are in such pain. My Dr. tells me that I have a very

aggressive case of RA and numbers that they haven't seen in a long

time. I went from completely healthy to debilitated in about 3-4

weeks. I feel so blessed to be feeling basically normal but fear

the future. What kind of meds are you on? I hope that you can find

some relief soon. I am on Arava and Enberel and weaning from

Prednisone. I hate to give up the Prednisone but I know that it has

a lot of negative effects. But it was a blessing to get on at the

beginning of my treatment. I was literally better in 24 hours and

withing 48 hours I was pain free. I hope that I am still feeling

this good once I am off of it. Are you seeing a rheumatlogist or an

MD? That made all the difference in the world for me. The MD took

me off of Motrin (which I was eating like candy) and put me on a

time release med that took 2 weeks to kick in. It was complete

hell, the best thing he did for me was give me the referral. I wish

you well. What part of the country are you in? Abby

> >

> > My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> > by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it

was

> > so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started

in

> > my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> > and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> > husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

> just

> > wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally

in

> > June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> > diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> > pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

> >

> > I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> > endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a

young

> > age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

> and

> > Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't

go

> > all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off

of

> > Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> > increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

> >

> > I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can

I

> > still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can

I

> > ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> > just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> > flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> > been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> > to me it is just insane.

> >

> > I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

> meeting

> > and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> > offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

> for

> > RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> > you all for the information. Abby

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Before I knew what I had I went to a acupuncturist. It did no good

and she told me to get a test for RA. I was in such denial.

Figured it was those baby hormones and all. I cannot wait for you

to see the rheumy Dr. my life is so much better since I met mine.

Don't mind all the pictures of the senior citizens on the walls and

documentation. You will be told that RA is a young womens disease

but you wouldn't know it by the people in the waiting room. My Dr.

tells me not to look at the hands of the old patients. She assures

me that I will not be disfigured. Good luck to you. Let me know how

it goes in November. Abby

--- In , " P Wheeler " <pmwheeler@o...>

wrote:

>

> hi abby

> (puts hand up) me me me

> i'm 34 and have one 4 year old

> i haven't seen my rheumatologist yet (booked in for nov) but have

been seeing a naturopath and have managed to keep symptoms at bay

(they might have been not too bad anyway but at least i'm eating a

whole lot healthier lol)

> take care

> mel

> [ ] 2 kids, 34 years old and new to RA

>

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it

was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started

in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally

in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a

young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't

go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off

of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can

I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can

I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Before I knew what I had I went to a acupuncturist. It did no good

and she told me to get a test for RA. I was in such denial.

Figured it was those baby hormones and all. I cannot wait for you

to see the rheumy Dr. my life is so much better since I met mine.

Don't mind all the pictures of the senior citizens on the walls and

documentation. You will be told that RA is a young womens disease

but you wouldn't know it by the people in the waiting room. My Dr.

tells me not to look at the hands of the old patients. She assures

me that I will not be disfigured. Good luck to you. Let me know how

it goes in November. Abby

>

> hi abby

> (puts hand up) me me me

> i'm 34 and have one 4 year old

> i haven't seen my rheumatologist yet (booked in for nov) but have

been seeing a naturopath and have managed to keep symptoms at bay

(they might have been not too bad anyway but at least i'm eating a

whole lot healthier lol)

> take care

> mel

> [ ] 2 kids, 34 years old and new to RA

>

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it

was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started

in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally

in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a

young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't

go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off

of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can

I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can

I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am in DFW area, in Texas. I am on injectable methotrexate and

plaquenil for my RA.

> > >

> > > My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

> attacked

> > > by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it

> was

> > > so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It

started

> in

> > > my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

> baby

> > > and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> > > husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and

I

> > just

> > > wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching.

Finally

> in

> > > June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> > > diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone

and

> > > pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

> > >

> > > I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I

may

> > > endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a

> young

> > > age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on

Arava

> > and

> > > Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't

> go

> > > all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off

> of

> > > Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> > > increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

> > >

> > > I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future.

Can

> I

> > > still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare?

Can

> I

> > > ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful

and

> > > just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about

a

> > > flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

> have

> > > been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much

medication

> in

> > > to me it is just insane.

> > >

> > > I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

> > meeting

> > > and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> > > offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime

target

> > for

> > > RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids.

Thanks

> to

> > > you all for the information. Abby

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I am in DFW area, in Texas. I am on injectable methotrexate and

plaquenil for my RA.

> > >

> > > My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

> attacked

> > > by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it

> was

> > > so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It

started

> in

> > > my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

> baby

> > > and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> > > husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and

I

> > just

> > > wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching.

Finally

> in

> > > June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> > > diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone

and

> > > pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

> > >

> > > I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I

may

> > > endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a

> young

> > > age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on

Arava

> > and

> > > Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't

> go

> > > all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off

> of

> > > Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> > > increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

> > >

> > > I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future.

Can

> I

> > > still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare?

Can

> I

> > > ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful

and

> > > just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about

a

> > > flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

> have

> > > been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much

medication

> in

> > > to me it is just insane.

> > >

> > > I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

> > meeting

> > > and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> > > offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime

target

> > for

> > > RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids.

Thanks

> to

> > > you all for the information. Abby

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Abby,

I am 33 with 3 kids(1/12,3 1/2 and 9) I was diagnosed with RA almost a year

ago. I like you was healthy until then. I didn't take so much as an aspirin

until this hit me. Now I am on plaquenil, methotrexate,tramadol and Lortab(when

I can get it) It is so frustrating to have this and at times I feel like

crying. Before my diagnosis, I could just keep going, run run run and not stop

til

I was done with something. Now, I need an hours nap every day. It is hard but

I have found that I just accept myself and do the best I can.When I forget

that, boy do I pay for it later. Some days are better than others. This group

has a wealth of knowledge and people who you can vent to who understand what you

are going through.

Take care and know that you arent alone.

sandie

[Guest guest]

Abby,

I am 33 with 3 kids(1/12,3 1/2 and 9) I was diagnosed with RA almost a year

ago. I like you was healthy until then. I didn't take so much as an aspirin

until this hit me. Now I am on plaquenil, methotrexate,tramadol and Lortab(when

I can get it) It is so frustrating to have this and at times I feel like

crying. Before my diagnosis, I could just keep going, run run run and not stop

til

I was done with something. Now, I need an hours nap every day. It is hard but

I have found that I just accept myself and do the best I can.When I forget

that, boy do I pay for it later. Some days are better than others. This group

has a wealth of knowledge and people who you can vent to who understand what you

are going through.

Take care and know that you arent alone.

sandie