Re: New Member with many quesitons...

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group. I hope you do not have RA but if you do you have come

to the right place for information. We all understand where you are coming

from and feel free to vent. I can't say my RA started the same as yours but

I have so many other things going on I just attributed it to one of them. If

your lab comes back negative push for and MRI. That is the best way to find

RA as 40% or so never have positive lab work showing RA. Again welcome and

let us know how things are going.

Heidi M

On 12/15/07, zenmaria1 <zenmaria@...> wrote:

>

> Hi All,

>

> I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> This one was more painful. (same hand)

>

> Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

>

> Appreciate any help...

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

My RA started like this. I was migratory, that is, moving around from

joint to joint. Eventually it became bilateral, but it was not at

first. I hope that you don't have it, but if you do, this is a good

place to get information and support.

Sue

On Saturday, December 15, 2007, at 11:54 AM, zenmaria1 wrote:

>

> Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

[Guest guest]

Hi , I am new also. My RA started in my hands, both of them at the

same time. My large knuckle joints would get very red, hot, and

swollen. It seemsed to spread very quickly to all the joints in my

fingers, then my writsts with the right side being worse. I also have

problems with both hips and knees and in the last 3 months, my feet.

Have you seen a rheumatoligist yet? You really need to be seen and got

on some medications to stop the progression of this evil disease. It

will very quickly destroy your life if left unchecked.

I have been diagnosed with RA and Fibro, and depression. I look forward

to getting to know the members of this group. I am looking for support

of people who understand what I am going through. I am also looking

forward to helping in any way I can.

Rosemary

> >

> > Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints

at

> > first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> > this will just get worse...

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, !

There are many forms of arthritis, but, if you suspect RA, you should

go see a rheumatologist ASAP.

If you mean by " the first joint " the one closest to your nail, that

joint (the DIP) is usually not affected by RA.

Not an MD

On Dec 15, 2007 10:54 AM, zenmaria1 <zenmaria@...> wrote:

> Hi All,

>

> I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> This one was more painful. (same hand)

>

> Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

>

> Appreciate any help...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, ,

I want to add some things I haven't seen anyone else write.

First, be a little patient with your doc. RA is often confusing and

difficult to diagnose in the beginning. It starts in almost as many

different ways as there are patients. Mine started as a whole series

of aches and pains that came and went for a couple of years before I

got hammered.

There aren't any medically-proven preventive measures. Since nobody

really knows how or why it starts, nobody knows how for sure to head

it off at the pass. If you read around on the Internet there's a lot

of anecdotes about stuff that might or might not work for you.

Don't assume that anything will get worse. There is accumulating

evidence that such assumptions actually can make things worse. My

first rheumatologist told me that some percentage of RA patients have

one flare after which the disease goes away. And there are also people

for whom it never really gets bad.

Since you probably have to assume something, I'd assume that the

problem with your finger is not RA and that it's not going to ever get

any worse than it now is.

HTH.

Stan

>

> Hi All,

>

> I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> This one was more painful. (same hand)

>

> Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

>

> Appreciate any help...

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am not a doctor but maybe it could be Osteo.....I have RA and I have it

from my jaws to my toes....all joints. I started out with my legs,

hands, fingers (all of them) and feet.

I always hurt on both sides also. Come to think of it, I have never had

a finger or hand or foot or leg hurt but always

both sides.

If you think you may have this disease then I recommend you find a

doctor that your comfortable with and he can order

tests for you. There is nothing you can do to prevent this and there is

no cure.

There are some good medications out there, I take two injections of

embrel a week and also mobicox. But once again

you need a diagnosis before treatment.

I am 46 and there are days that I feel 146....LOL. I am a performer and

so I keep going but do have the right pain meds

to allow that.

I hope you find out what your pain is and I only hope it is not RA.

Merry Christmas,

Corinne

zenmaria1 wrote:

>

> Hi All,

>

> I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> This one was more painful. (same hand)

>

> Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

>

> Appreciate any help...

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have recently had alot of pain in my wrists and hands - I have been diag. with

R.A. for about 7 years. I am on Enbrel injections. My Rheumy prescribed

Darvocet N - 100 tabs. I have previously taken Vicodin, but my doc says Vicodin

causes more problems than it solves when taken for chronic type pain. Any

experience with Darvocet relieving pain?? just got my Rx today - Lilian

<Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@...> wrote: Welcome,

!

There are many forms of arthritis, but, if you suspect RA, you should

go see a rheumatologist ASAP.

If you mean by " the first joint " the one closest to your nail, that

joint (the DIP) is usually not affected by RA.

Not an MD

On Dec 15, 2007 10:54 AM, zenmaria1 <zenmaria@...> wrote:

> Hi All,

>

> I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> This one was more painful. (same hand)

>

> Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

>

> Appreciate any help...

>

>

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

Hi Lilian!

My rheumatologists haven't given me any Darvocet for

pain lately for the RA but I was given it awhile back

for the FMS. Although, I still had pain, it was

atleast dulled somewhat. I get very sick when I take

vicodin but on darvocett I didn't have the side

effects I got with the other med.

--- Lilian Macauley <lilmacauley@...> wrote:

> I have recently had alot of pain in my wrists and

> hands - I have been diag. with R.A. for about 7

> years. I am on Enbrel injections. My Rheumy

> prescribed Darvocet N - 100 tabs. I have previously

> taken Vicodin, but my doc says Vicodin causes more

> problems than it solves when taken for chronic type

> pain. Any experience with Darvocet relieving pain??

> just got my Rx today - Lilian

>

> <Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@...>

> wrote: Welcome, !

>

> There are many forms of arthritis, but, if you

> suspect RA, you should

> go see a rheumatologist ASAP.

>

> If you mean by " the first joint " the one closest to

> your nail, that

> joint (the DIP) is usually not affected by RA.

>

>

> Not an MD

>

> On Dec 15, 2007 10:54 AM, zenmaria1

> <zenmaria@...> wrote:

> > Hi All,

> >

> > I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was

> pretty vague and not

> > helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe

> I have it.

> > Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle

> join in my pinky,

> > gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and

> the skin gets very

> > tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me

> that much. On two

> > occassions the first joint on my index finger had

> the same symptoms.

> > This one was more painful. (same hand)

> >

> > Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in

> just a couple joints at

> > first? Are there any preventive measures I can

> take? I assume that

> > this will just get worse...

> >

> > Appreciate any help...

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them

> fast with Search.

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Never miss a thing. Make your home page.

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

Lilian,

I took Darvocet for awhile, but it made me so incredibly sick to my stomach that

I had to quit. I take Acetamenphine with Codeine (Tylenol 3) - which is

marginally helpful. In the past, I have been afraid to move on to Vicodin

because I hear so much about people becoming addicted. This past summer,

however, I had a pinched nerve and was given Vicodin, and used it a few times

for my RA pain. I found it to be much more effective, but I'm still afraid to

use it on a regular basis.

Amy

Re: [ ] New Member with many quesitons...

I have recently had alot of pain in my wrists and hands - I have been diag. with

R.A. for about 7 years. I am on Enbrel injections. My Rheumy prescribed Darvocet

N - 100 tabs. I have previously taken Vicodin, but my doc says Vicodin causes

more problems than it solves when taken for chronic type pain. Any experience

with Darvocet relieving pain?? just got my Rx today - Lilian

<Rheumatoid.Arthriti s.Support@ gmail.com> wrote: Welcome, !

There are many forms of arthritis, but, if you suspect RA, you should

go see a rheumatologist ASAP.

If you mean by " the first joint " the one closest to your nail, that

joint (the DIP) is usually not affected by RA.

Not an MD

On Dec 15, 2007 10:54 AM, zenmaria1 <zenmariacomcast (DOT) net> wrote:

> Hi All,

>

> I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> This one was more painful. (same hand)

>

> Couple questions... .is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

>

> Appreciate any help...

>

>

------------ --------- --------- ---

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

> as I'm allergic to codeine>>>>>>

>

,

How does it affect you?

Thanks,

Pris

**************************************

See AOL's top rated recipes

(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)

[Guest guest]

Amy - you're note was very helpful. I took 2 Darvocet tabs this morning and

have been throwing up ever since then - awful nausea. The directions said to

take with food - I had a banana - maybe that wasn't enough. It helps me to know

that it probably is the Darocet that is making me so sick. Thanks - Lilian

A H <cleo2557@...> wrote: Lilian,

I took Darvocet for awhile, but it made me so incredibly sick to my stomach that

I had to quit. I take Acetamenphine with Codeine (Tylenol 3) - which is

marginally helpful. In the past, I have been afraid to move on to Vicodin

because I hear so much about people becoming addicted. This past summer,

however, I had a pinched nerve and was given Vicodin, and used it a few times

for my RA pain. I found it to be much more effective, but I'm still afraid to

use it on a regular basis.

Amy

Re: [ ] New Member with many quesitons...

I have recently had alot of pain in my wrists and hands - I have been diag. with

R.A. for about 7 years. I am on Enbrel injections. My Rheumy prescribed Darvocet

N - 100 tabs. I have previously taken Vicodin, but my doc says Vicodin causes

more problems than it solves when taken for chronic type pain. Any experience

with Darvocet relieving pain?? just got my Rx today - Lilian

<Rheumatoid.Arthriti s.Support@ gmail.com> wrote: Welcome, !

There are many forms of arthritis, but, if you suspect RA, you should

go see a rheumatologist ASAP.

If you mean by " the first joint " the one closest to your nail, that

joint (the DIP) is usually not affected by RA.

Not an MD

On Dec 15, 2007 10:54 AM, zenmaria1 <zenmariacomcast (DOT) net> wrote:

> Hi All,

>

> I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> This one was more painful. (same hand)

>

> Couple questions... .is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

>

> Appreciate any help...

>

>

------------ --------- --------- ---

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

I would put my money on it being the darvocet! At one point when I was taking a

medication that made me sick, my doctor gave me something else to take with it

to try to counteract the problem. I found that to be just too much! The

Tylenol 3 doesn't make me sick, but I think after taking it for so many years I

may have built up some sort of resistence to it, if that is possible. It use to

work very well.

Amy

Re: [ ] New Member with many quesitons...

I have recently had alot of pain in my wrists and hands - I have been diag. with

R.A. for about 7 years. I am on Enbrel injections. My Rheumy prescribed Darvocet

N - 100 tabs. I have previously taken Vicodin, but my doc says Vicodin causes

more problems than it solves when taken for chronic type pain. Any experience

with Darvocet relieving pain?? just got my Rx today - Lilian

<Rheumatoid. Arthriti s.Support@ gmail.com> wrote: Welcome, !

There are many forms of arthritis, but, if you suspect RA, you should

go see a rheumatologist ASAP.

If you mean by " the first joint " the one closest to your nail, that

joint (the DIP) is usually not affected by RA.

Not an MD

On Dec 15, 2007 10:54 AM, zenmaria1 <zenmariacomcast (DOT) net> wrote:

> Hi All,

>

> I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> This one was more painful. (same hand)

>

> Couple questions... .is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> this will just get worse...

>

> Appreciate any help...

>

>

------------ --------- --------- ---

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

I take Darvacet N-100 for pain as I'm allergic to codeine so can't

take most other pain relievers. I haven't had any stomach problems

with it. It does help me - I can tell when it's worn off.

Good luck,

On Dec 16, 2007 3:28 PM, Lilian Macauley <lilmacauley@...> wrote:

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I have recently had alot of pain in my wrists and hands - I have been diag.

> with R.A. for about 7 years. I am on Enbrel injections. My Rheumy prescribed

> Darvocet N - 100 tabs. I have previously taken Vicodin, but my doc says

> Vicodin causes more problems than it solves when taken for chronic type

> pain. Any experience with Darvocet relieving pain?? just got my Rx today -

> Lilian

>

> <Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@...> wrote: Welcome, !

>

>

> There are many forms of arthritis, but, if you suspect RA, you should

> go see a rheumatologist ASAP.

>

> If you mean by " the first joint " the one closest to your nail, that

> joint (the DIP) is usually not affected by RA.

>

>

> Not an MD

>

> On Dec 15, 2007 10:54 AM, zenmaria1 <zenmaria@...> wrote:

> > Hi All,

> >

> > I have not been diagnosed with RA (my doc was pretty vague and not

> > helpful - looking for a new one) but I do believe I have it.

> > Occassionally, (every few months or so) the middle join in my pinky,

> > gets swollen and red. It aches when I bend it and the skin gets very

> > tight (when bended). Overall it does not bother me that much. On two

> > occassions the first joint on my index finger had the same symptoms.

> > This one was more painful. (same hand)

> >

> > Couple questions....is this how RA starts - in just a couple joints at

> > first? Are there any preventive measures I can take? I assume that

> > this will just get worse...

> >

> > Appreciate any help...

> >

> >

>

> ---------------------------------

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In most cases, Vicadin isn't addictive in normal doses. I started off with

Tramadol/Ultram and it did nothing at all. Then came the Darvocet. It did a

little but the added Acetaminophen caused me hot flashes. Vicadin was better

but I graduated to Lortab, Vicadin in a larger dosage. Still not enough

help, so now I'm on Morphine Sulphate and have no apparent addiction, but

the pain comes back full strength if I miss a dose or 2. The only side

effect or possible addiction was with Vicadin but it wasn't a problem for

me.

Dennis in eastexas

Re: [ ] New Member with many quesitons...

>

> I have recently had alot of pain in my wrists and hands - I have been

> diag. with R.A. for about 7 years. I am on Enbrel injections. My Rheumy

> prescribed Darvocet N - 100 tabs. I have previously taken Vicodin, but my

> doc says Vicodin causes more problems than it solves when taken for

> chronic type pain. Any experience with Darvocet relieving pain?? just got

> my Rx today - Lilian

[Guest guest]

When I take codeine it feels like my throat is closing up and I can't breathe.

On Dec 17, 2007 4:19 PM, <NELLIESTAR@...> wrote:

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> > as I'm allergic to codeine>>>>>>

> >

>

> ,

> How does it affect you?

> Thanks,

> Pris

>

> **************************************

> See AOL's top rated recipes

> (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I tried hydrocodone but because I have asthma it kept

making me really nervous on how it could surpress the

respiratory system. I also worried about it

interacting with my Lunesta or Xanax. I'm trying the

new Ultram ER to see how that works. I've been on

many medications that have the tendency to become

addictive but one doctor once explained that not

everyone becomes addicted.

--- betnden@... wrote:

> In most cases, Vicadin isn't addictive in normal

> doses. I started off with

> Tramadol/Ultram and it did nothing at all. Then came

> the Darvocet. It did a

> little but the added Acetaminophen caused me hot

> flashes. Vicadin was better

> but I graduated to Lortab, Vicadin in a larger

> dosage. Still not enough

> help, so now I'm on Morphine Sulphate and have no

> apparent addiction, but

> the pain comes back full strength if I miss a dose

> or 2. The only side

> effect or possible addiction was with Vicadin but it

> wasn't a problem for

> me.

>

> Dennis in eastexas

>

> Re: [ ] New Member with many

> quesitons...

> >

> > I have recently had alot of pain in my wrists and

> hands - I have been

> > diag. with R.A. for about 7 years. I am on Enbrel

> injections. My Rheumy

> > prescribed Darvocet N - 100 tabs. I have

> previously taken Vicodin, but my

> > doc says Vicodin causes more problems than it

> solves when taken for

> > chronic type pain. Any experience with Darvocet

> relieving pain?? just got

> > my Rx today - Lilian

>

>

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