New

September 6, 2006

Hi All

I've been reading messages for a few days and thought I should post a

message. I am new to the board. And relatively new to Stills. I was

diagnosed in Feb 2004 by a Rheumatologist who made the diagnosis my first

visit. After I was hospitalized a few months later, it seemed none of the

docs could quite agree on/figure out exactly what I had. I had all the

typical symptoms when sick the first time, high fevers (thought I had the

flu), body aches, and then the rash (mine wasn't like the pics I've seen

though) and finally the joint pain. Not too much joing swelling, but the

pain was unbearable...wrists, ankles and knees and sometimes hips and once

my shoulder. Anyway, after about 8 months of illness I went into remission.

Of course that's when I decided I never had the disease to begin with

because I suddenly felt like my old self. So, for the last 18 months I've

been well. Until this summer and I started having some of the same symptoms

that hovered after my acute hospitalization. Myalgias, feeling feverish but

not really having a fever, losing my hair, fatigue. Mostly the myalgias

though and induced by cold, humidity, too much walking. I haven't been

working so I've been able to sleep when I need to which I have a suspicion

has kept me from a full-out flare.

Anyway, I have moved since I was diagnosed and don't even have an

established regular doc, much less a Rheumatologist. So, I've been putting

it off for months now hoping it'll go away, which it hasn't. Had my

creatinine checked (kidney function) because when I was hospitalized I was

in kidney failure (probably as a result of allergic reaction to Naprosyn vs.

vasculitis????). Kidney's seem ok, but my blood pressure is back up and

uncontrolled. Which brings me to ask, is there a recommended drug for

hyptertension and Stills?

So, I'm in the process of trying to understand if I really have this disease

and not wanting to admit that the stories are way too familiar. Which is

what brings me here. I'm trying to learn more and feeling down about it.

Though, if these latest symptoms are the worst it ever gets again, I should

be thankful after reading what others are going through. I am thankful, but

remember all to well how my life was so changed when I was in constant pain.

I suddenly felt old and debilitated and very depressed. I am trying to

avoid that situation again.

Well, sorry to ramble. Hi to all and my thoughts are with you all in your

pain.

Camerin

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