Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Hi all! I was officially diagnosed with RA about a month ago but have been suffering with the pain of RA for about 6 months. I am trying to get more information on RA, how it will affect me in the future, and what I can expect in the coming months. Just to give a little background....for the past 3 years I have run a marathon annually. I always had some aches and pains associated with training, but nothing too seroius. In June I started to notice swelling, heat and pain in my wrists, fingers and elbows, but started the marathon training in early July anyways. At the same time I was finishing up planning on my August wedding. The pain persisted, worsened and spread to my feet, ankles and shoulders as the days went on...I had to stop training and running all together. I figured it was stress related and would go away after the wedding was over. I went to 2 different doctors in July and August until one referred me to a Rheumatologist. The Rheumatologist had me take several blood tests to see if I tested positive for Lupus or the RA factor and a couple other things. All the blood work came back normal but the Rheumatologist said that it was obvious to her that I had RA, by looking at my hands, eventhough the RA factor was not present in my blood yet. I have been taking Plaquinil and one other medication for about a month now. I must admit I forget to take it sometimes. I know it takes awhile for the medication to get in the system. I still seem to be having " bad " days and some " okay " days. Anyways....sorry for the long post. Any information would be wonderful. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 Hi there my name is Jolene. im the mother of five kids three still at home. I was hit hard with complex regional pain syndrome last year. All the tests for ra came back negative but i had all the signs. Also got hit with psoriaisis as well Long story short i finally got a second opinion from another rheumatologist. He did a crp test on me normal is around .6 mine was 6.8 He started me on a low 5 mg of prednisone within a couple weeks i was up again. Mind you i spent about three months if not more in bed. Also had a breakdown due to all of this. Anyways to make a long story short. Heidi here on the list helped me through my first dose of Methatrexate which i am not a med person either. So its been three weeks, i went to doctor yesterday without a can or walker, and he was so very happy. I am concerned about the meds, but i have talked to many people on some meds who have not had any problems. So its either i walk or im in bed the rest of my life. I also have blood work once a month to keep an eye on my liver and kidneys. Just though id share my story. Jolene In a message dated 3/26/2008 9:48:23 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, McNacks@... writes: Hi Jodie, I was diagnosed with RA at 44, I had two kids in high school and one in grade school. Overnight I went from a do it all mom to on the sofa for 6 weeks until I could get into the Rheumy office. Luckly I was referred to a great doc. I was started on methotrexate (3 a week) and have been mostly fine since then, ocassionally I have a small flare, like right now, my left heel is killing me when I walk but still nothing that would keep me down. I only take Tylenol if the pain gets too bad. I did add Remicade to the mix 8 months ago because the mtx wasn't hitting all my issues and my doc said that it was less toxic to the body, they were the right words to say to me, I hate meds period. So look on the bright side, you may only end up with a mild or moderate case. Best Wishes, mary in pa [ ] Just Diagnosed With RA Hi Everyone, My name is Jodie, I'm 37 years old, I have three children who are 2, 9, and 11. My doctor called today with the results of my blood work drawn last Thursday. She said that I have Rheumatoid arthritis. I have an appointment to dicuss treatment next Monday and I'm hoping to hear from some of you what your experiences are with the medications you are taking for RA. I am concerned with some of the side effects associated with the medicines that I have read about. I'm in a lot of pain, especially in the mornings. It's very hard to walk across the floor and painful to lift my daughter out of her crib. I would like to know what medications are working for you in eliminating the pain as well as combatting the disease. Thanks in advance for your replies. I'm still reeling from the news and feeling very overwhelmed and scared. Jodie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030\ 000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Jodie I am new to this too, I have not taken much but some nsaids. I am working on a correct diagnosis and getting to the right doctor. I understand you problems, I have trouble lifting my 16 month out of the crib, putting top on my 6 week olds bottle, snapping the snaps on their clothes (I have 5 kids, 12, 6, 4, 16 months, 6 weeks)....I am very interested to hear what they put you on and how it works for you......... amber **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030\ 000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 This weekend is my year anniversary for my Diagnosis for RA. I was diagnosed at 25 with severe RA. I am a teacher (special eduction) and couldn't stand up to teach my kids, couldn't chase them when they tried to run, or get to an emergency in a hurry. I was started on Prednisone and it was a miracle. I could walk again. I went on remicade and had a reaction. We tried orencia in September and I am getting back to my old self. I took myself off prednisone at Christmas because I just didn't like the way I felt. I do have flare ups once in a while mainly due to weather. You will find relief and feel better. Larissa --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 hi larissa, how long were you on PREDNISONE? as for orencia,is that in pill form or its an injection? im so HAPPY to know or chat with you,someone who KEEPS TRYING, PAIN OR NO PAIN. im the same way sometimes but it CAN BE HARD WITH AN 11YR.OLD DAUGHTER. oh, is it o.k. to just get off the meds. yourself? i have tried that before & the dr. TOTALLY chewed me OUT.. im GLAD you are not in much PAIN!! god bless.melynda gamez 3/27/08 1:18p.m.cst. [ ] Re:Just Diagnosed With RA This weekend is my year anniversary for my Diagnosis for RA. I was diagnosed at 25 with severe RA. I am a teacher (special eduction) and couldn't stand up to teach my kids, couldn't chase them when they tried to run, or get to an emergency in a hurry. I was started on Prednisone and it was a miracle. I could walk again. I went on remicade and had a reaction. We tried orencia in September and I am getting back to my old self. I took myself off prednisone at Christmas because I just didn't like the way I felt. I do have flare ups once in a while mainly due to weather. You will find relief and feel better. Larissa --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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