Hello - Introduction from new Group Member

[Guest guest]

Hello all. I wanted to introduce myself. I am 35 years old, female,

diagnosed with RA last September. I've had quite a time of it... the

RA came on very suddenly (which is how it happens a lot, I've

learned from reading some of your posts) - affecting mostly my

hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and shoulders. I was put on

prednisone - which worked like a miracle. Unfortunately, because of

my personal situation (I moved from San Francisco to London in late

January), I had to leave my rheumatologist in CA shortly after

getting in to see him. I managed to see one in Florida (where my

parents live) a few times - and she put me on Plaquenil and Celebrex

(starting in March). Things seemed to be under control, until I

started waking up in the middle of the night with terrible tingling

and numbness in my hands - which eventually spread to my lower arms,

as well. My GP here in the UK thought it might be a pinched nerve,

and sent me for neck x-rays - which were normal. I went back on the

prednisone (self directed) because the pain was unbearable, and saw

my rheumatologist during a visit to the states. She immediately

recognized the problem as severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Upon

returning to the UK, I shared this information with my doctor, and

he recommended me to a plastic surgeon who does CT release surgery.

Two weeks ago, I had my second wrist operated on, and the CT is

completely gone in my first wrist (first surgery was about 5 weeks

ago), with just a bit of nerve sensitivity remaining in the second

wrist. Overall, I am happy with the surgery and the results (mainly,

the complete relief it has provided me!)

So, all that being said, I am finally " off the prednisone " for good.

With my sitatuon of being " between doctors " and also having the CT

pain, I'd been taking it on and off for almost a year. Now, I am

faced with my symptoms without the steroids. I have no idea what I

should except, or how things should feel. Just this week, I have

started waking up a bit stiff - mostly in my hands. I also notice a

lot of " popping " in my joints. I also do not have a rheumatologist

in the UK - my GP here seems to want to treat me himself. Is that

normal? Is there anyone from the UK on this list? We are on private

insurance here, as we are ex-pats, living here temporarily. Also, I

was quite active before the RA - doing bikram yoga and lifting

weights almost daily. I am also a runner... what are other people's

experiences with exercise? I hate the thought of giving it up, as it

feels like the only thing I can control lately. Finally, any

experience with Plaquenil? It seems to be working okay, but is hard

to tell because of my steroid use. I was put on Plaquenil

specfically because I am hoping to become pregnant sometime in the

nost-so-distant future. I wonder if it is a " weaker " drug.

Thanks for reading... it's nice to have some people to talk to who

actually understand how I am feeling! Best wishes to all of you out

there...

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am a 52 year old with RA diagnosed a bit more than 2 years ago. Your story

about RA resonated with me because I had CTS before I was diagnosed with RA. I

was dealing with the CTS symptoms (I remember the pain you talked about... it's

not easy to describe ~ words don't seem adequate!) before the RA diagnosis and

seeing the rheumatologist. Got as far as talking to the surgeon when I first saw

the rheumy, who told me that the CTS was caused by the RA. And sure enough, (in

my case, that is), when the RA was under control the CTS went away (though I

have to be careful with the repetitive activity stuff). I was on Plaquenil for a

year or so, and dropped that medication from the arsenal when my RA went into

" remission " . I currently take MTX, folic acid, and Humira. I imagine that

because Plaquenil is a relatively safe (mild?) DMARD for which long term effects

are known, that that is why your Dr. wants to keep you on that if you plan to

get pregnant. Even though my RA is in remission, I still have some morning

stiffness, mild to moderately achy joints depending on my activity level, and a

certain amount of creaking and popping... but there is no joint damaging

inflammation ~ I guess that makes it remission. Others on the list will know

more about the medications and pregnanacy. Good luck!

Deborah

Hello all. I wanted to introduce myself. I am 35 years old, female,

diagnosed with RA last September. I've had quite a time of it... the

RA came on very suddenly (which is how it happens a lot, I've

learned from reading some of your posts) - affecting mostly my

hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and shoulders.... Just this week, I have

started waking up a bit stiff - mostly in my hands. I also notice a

lot of " popping " in my joints.... Finally, any

experience with Plaquenil? It seems to be working okay, but is hard

to tell because of my steroid use. I was put on Plaquenil

specfically because I am hoping to become pregnant sometime in the

nost-so-distant future. I wonder if it is a " weaker " drug.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am a 52 year old with RA diagnosed a bit more than 2 years ago. Your story

about RA resonated with me because I had CTS before I was diagnosed with RA. I

was dealing with the CTS symptoms (I remember the pain you talked about... it's

not easy to describe ~ words don't seem adequate!) before the RA diagnosis and

seeing the rheumatologist. Got as far as talking to the surgeon when I first saw

the rheumy, who told me that the CTS was caused by the RA. And sure enough, (in

my case, that is), when the RA was under control the CTS went away (though I

have to be careful with the repetitive activity stuff). I was on Plaquenil for a

year or so, and dropped that medication from the arsenal when my RA went into

" remission " . I currently take MTX, folic acid, and Humira. I imagine that

because Plaquenil is a relatively safe (mild?) DMARD for which long term effects

are known, that that is why your Dr. wants to keep you on that if you plan to

get pregnant. Even though my RA is in remission, I still have some morning

stiffness, mild to moderately achy joints depending on my activity level, and a

certain amount of creaking and popping... but there is no joint damaging

inflammation ~ I guess that makes it remission. Others on the list will know

more about the medications and pregnanacy. Good luck!

Deborah

Hello all. I wanted to introduce myself. I am 35 years old, female,

diagnosed with RA last September. I've had quite a time of it... the

RA came on very suddenly (which is how it happens a lot, I've

learned from reading some of your posts) - affecting mostly my

hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and shoulders.... Just this week, I have

started waking up a bit stiff - mostly in my hands. I also notice a

lot of " popping " in my joints.... Finally, any

experience with Plaquenil? It seems to be working okay, but is hard

to tell because of my steroid use. I was put on Plaquenil

specfically because I am hoping to become pregnant sometime in the

nost-so-distant future. I wonder if it is a " weaker " drug.