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Hello:

My name is Lori and I live in southern California. I have been

experiencing many symptoms of RA over the past several months so my

doctor referred me to a rheumatologist who I saw yesterday. So far, my

blood tests are coming back negative and I don't have any obivious signs

of swelling. My hands and feet hurt alot and I have morning stiffness. I

have had tendonitis in my left wrist 3 times in the last 4 months. I have

also noticed that lately, my eyes have been very dry. My rheumatologist

feels that I may be in the beginning stages of RA and has put me on 10mg

of prednisone once a day for two weeks. I have an appointment to see him

again at that time. He says if my symptoms dissappear or improve over

the next two weeks as a result of the prednisone that would be an

indicator to him that I may very well have RA. From our conversation

yesterday he seems to be of the opinion that an aggressive course of

action would be his choice in treating this. I'm not sure exactly what

that entails, but he did mention putting me on a drug that I would take

for the rest of my life (I'm 52). I am writing today to get other's

opinions as I am new to all this and frankly very confused and scared.

Any suggestions, questions I should ask, etc. would be greatly

appreciated.

Thank you,

Lori