New here

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Harold. I don't like the way my doctor responded to my

complaints. This last visit to the nurse practitioner was his

practice's last shot. Fortunately, she's great and I feel hopeful

knowing she's giving me something to alleviate this daily pain. She

did order a whole round of blood tests, anti-ccp included. Thanks for

the info; I see I have at least 5 of the criteria. I'll know more

when xrays and mri's are done.

Thanks,

>

> Welcome back. RA can be a hard disease to diagnose and I like what

your

> Nurse Practitioner did for you in ordering a Medrol pack. That's a

strong

> anti-inflammatory and I think it is more useful in identifying

inflammation

> than any blood test. You might also ask about a blood test for

anti-CCP

> that is like the rheumatoid factor test but less likely to give a

false

> positive. The American College of Rheumatology has seven criteria

for

> diagnosing RA and because RA can be so variable they only require

any four

> of them to be positive for a diagnosis.

>

> 1. Morning stiffness, lasting for at least an hour, present

daily for

> at least 6 weeks

> 2. Arthritis of 3 or more joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks

> 3. Arthritis of the hand joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks

> 4. Symmetric arthritis, lasting for at least 6 weeks

> 5. Rheumatoid nodules

> 6. Positive rheumatoid factor (blood test)

> 7. Joint changes on x-ray

>

>

>

> There are also over 100 different kinds of inflammatory arthritis

and

> although RA is the most common there are many others that have some

symptoms

> in common with RA. It often takes a good rheumatologist a year or

more to

> come to a definite diagnosis so don't give up on trying to get a

diagnosis.

> However, I am disappointed in your doctor in not giving your

symptoms more

> consideration and treatment. If you can get a second opinion I

would

> suggest it.

>

>

>

> http://www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/booklets/6033/6033.htm

>

> The link above is to a booklet that I like to give a lot of

information

> about RA. Keep us posted on how you are doing and God bless.

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Rheumatoid Arthritis

> [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of

> Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 8:05 AM

> Rheumatoid Arthritis

> Subject: new here

>

>

>

> Well, not really new. I joined this group probably a year ago when I

> suspected these flare

> ups I was having might be RA. After 4 years of this (yes, I'm

slow!) I

> finally went to a

> rheumy. He was recommended by a coworker and I was warned that he

was a good

> doctor,

> but had a crummy bedside manner. I went anyway. My RA, ESR, and CRP

were

> only slightly

> elevated, and the joints I complained about he said were not joints

> typically affected by RA

> (hips, shoulders, elbows occasionally, & knees). He fixated on my

right hand

> thumb joint,

> which was very swollen and tender (Couldn't hold my hairbrush or

open a

> bottle of water,

> or let my 3 year old students high five me). He said that was osteo

and all

> he could do was

> give me a cortesone shot which did help some. Anyway, he said he

couldnt do

> anything

> until I was in pain, so come back when I was in pain. He also said

he

> thought it might be

> Palindromic Rhuematism, but just keep taking the celebrex I was on.

> I was discouraged at a definitive diagnosis (not that I WANT RA, I

just want

> relief), so I

> didn't look for answers anymore until this last flare up a few

weeks ago. I

> had pnuemonia

> and on top of that a flare up while I was 1000 miles away on

vacation. I was

> miserable. I

> finally went back the other day and saw the nurse practitioner

instead of

> the doctor. I LOVE

> HER! She listened to my list of complaints and was very concerned

for me.

> She prescribed

> medrol for one week to get the inflammation under control (and 2

days before

> rheumy

> appt. I had cortesone shots in my feet so I could walk- been

hobbling for

> over a year). She

> also prescribed valtorin (?) instead of the celebrex which wasn't

covered by

> my insurance,

> and is getting me started on plaquenil after my eye exam. She also

> prescribed MRI's of my

> wrists, hands, and hips. (The wrist pain is new since last year- so

I'm

> worried about

> progressive damage).

> I'm 45 year old female who has fought & won the battle against

Hepatitis C

> (6 years clear

> now), and I feel this diagnosis may be connected to the interferon

I took

> for the hep c. I

> value a good support group; it helped me tremendously though the

hep c

> issues, and now

> I'm vice pres of a hep c 501c3 non profit helping others without

insurance

> get treatment &

> medical care. I look forward to learning about this disease and the

> medications, side

> effects, so I can be a good advocate for my own health.

> I would appreciate any feedback from you to help me learn & deal

with this.

> Take care,

>

> PS. Sorry for writing a novel!

>

> ._,___

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Deborah; that was interesting. It seems they don't think

there is a connection with hep c and RA. Our gastroenterologists,

however, have seen a high correllation of people with hep c and other

autoimmune type diseases such as lupus,RA, diabetes, and other

illnesses. I have to wonder what the connection is. I have thought

mine might be from the interferon treatment, although I had joint

pain before I treated. It was just constant, not the terrible flare

ups I started experiencing about 2 years after treatment was over.

Was it aggravated by the treatment or did it just progress? I may

never know.

> >

> > Welcome back. RA can be a hard disease to diagnose and I

like what

> > your Nurse Practitioner did for you in ordering a Medrol pack.

That's a

> > strong anti-inflammatory and I think it is more useful in

identifying

> > inflammation than any blood test. You might also ask about a

blood test for

> > anti-CCP that is like the rheumatoid factor test but less likely

to give a

> > false positive. The American College of Rheumatology has seven

criteria for

> > diagnosing RA and because RA can be so variable they only require

any four

> > of them to be positive for a diagnosis.

> >

> > 1. Morning stiffness, lasting for at least an hour, present

daily

> > for at least 6 weeks

> > 2. Arthritis of 3 or more joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks

> > 3. Arthritis of the hand joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks

> > 4. Symmetric arthritis, lasting for at least 6 weeks

> > 5. Rheumatoid nodules

> > 6. Positive rheumatoid factor (blood test)

> > 7. Joint changes on x-ray

> >

> >

> >

> > There are also over 100 different kinds of inflammatory arthritis

and

> > although RA is the most common there are many others that have

some symptoms

> > in common with RA. It often takes a good rheumatologist a year

or more to

> > come to a definite diagnosis so don't give up on trying to get a

diagnosis.

> > However, I am disappointed in your doctor in not giving your

symptoms more

> > consideration and treatment. If you can get a second opinion I

would

> > suggest it.

> >

> >

> >

> > http://www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/booklets/6033/6033.htm

> >

> > The link above is to a booklet that I like to give a lot of

information

> > about RA. Keep us posted on how you are doing and God bless.

> >

> >

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

> >

> > *From:* Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:

> > Rheumatoid Arthritis ] *On Behalf Of *

> > *Sent:* Sunday, July 16, 2006 8:05 AM

> > *To:* Rheumatoid Arthritis

> > *Subject:* new here

> >

> >

> >

> > Well, not really new. I joined this group probably a year ago

when I

> > suspected these flare

> > ups I was having might be RA. After 4 years of this (yes, I'm

slow!) I

> > finally went to a

> > rheumy. He was recommended by a coworker and I was warned that he

was a

> > good doctor,

> > but had a crummy bedside manner. I went anyway. My RA, ESR, and

CRP were

> > only slightly

> > elevated, and the joints I complained about he said were not

joints

> > typically affected by RA

> > (hips, shoulders, elbows occasionally, & knees). He fixated on my

right

> > hand thumb joint,

> > which was very swollen and tender (Couldn't hold my hairbrush or

open a

> > bottle of water,

> > or let my 3 year old students high five me). He said that was

osteo and

> > all he could do was

> > give me a cortesone shot which did help some. Anyway, he said he

couldnt

> > do anything

> > until I was in pain, so come back when I was in pain. He also

said he

> > thought it might be

> > Palindromic Rhuematism, but just keep taking the celebrex I was

on.

> > I was discouraged at a definitive diagnosis (not that I WANT RA,

I just

> > want relief), so I

> > didn't look for answers anymore until this last flare up a few

weeks ago.

> > I had pnuemonia

> > and on top of that a flare up while I was 1000 miles away on

vacation. I

> > was miserable. I

> > finally went back the other day and saw the nurse practitioner

instead of

> > the doctor. I LOVE

> > HER! She listened to my list of complaints and was very concerned

for me.

> > She prescribed

> > medrol for one week to get the inflammation under control (and 2

days

> > before rheumy

> > appt. I had cortesone shots in my feet so I could walk- been

hobbling for

> > over a year). She

> > also prescribed valtorin (?) instead of the celebrex which wasn't

covered

> > by my insurance,

> > and is getting me started on plaquenil after my eye exam. She also

> > prescribed MRI's of my

> > wrists, hands, and hips. (The wrist pain is new since last year-

so I'm

> > worried about

> > progressive damage).

> > I'm 45 year old female who has fought & won the battle against

Hepatitis C

> > (6 years clear

> > now), and I feel this diagnosis may be connected to the

interferon I took

> > for the hep c. I

> > value a good support group; it helped me tremendously though the

hep c

> > issues, and now

> > I'm vice pres of a hep c 501c3 non profit helping others without

insurance

> > get treatment &

> > medical care. I look forward to learning about this disease and

the

> > medications, side

> > effects, so I can be a good advocate for my own health.

> > I would appreciate any feedback from you to help me learn & deal

with

> > this.

> > Take care,

> >

> > PS. Sorry for writing a novel!

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Doctors. When it comes to RDs, you get good ones, bad ones, and the good ones that are having bad days. I went in with a bad jaw flare, I could barely talk.My jaw will never be the same. My RD wanted to inject me with steriod and prescribed a medrol pack. I didnt take either. I asked for an anti biotic therapy and he refused. I was more than a bit miffed. It was at the end of the day and he was behind seeing patients. He has never seen me in a severe flare like that. He was ill equipped that day to listen or to effectively deal with me. Doctors quick fix is steriod. Since I have osteoporosis already I wont go up on my dose more than a few mgs. I have already suffered occult fractures around my hip and am trying everything I can to keep my hips healthy. Prednisone leeches calcium right out of the bone so be sure to ask to keep your diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to absorb it. You KNOW your body, I KNOW my body. Before I was diagnosed with RA, the doctor at that time said palendromic rheumatism. Next it was LUPUS. If you can, get to an immunologist, and have a new sed rate and ANA tests done. I went through everything from lyme to HIV before my RA showed up. Good Luck!!!!!! Deborah

On 7/16/06, Harold Van Tuyl <hvantuyl@...> wrote:

Welcome back. RA can be a hard disease to diagnose and I like what your Nurse Practitioner did for you in ordering a Medrol pack. That's a strong anti-inflammatory and I think it is more useful in identifying inflammation than any blood test. You might also ask about a blood test for anti-CCP that is like the rheumatoid factor test but less likely to give a false positive. The American College of Rheumatology has seven criteria for diagnosing RA and because RA can be so variable they only require any four of them to be positive for a diagnosis.

Morning stiffness, lasting for at least an hour, present daily for at least 6 weeks

Arthritis of 3 or more joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks

Arthritis of the hand joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks

Symmetric arthritis, lasting for at least 6 weeks

Rheumatoid nodules

Positive rheumatoid factor (blood test)

Joint changes on x-ray

There are also over 100 different kinds of inflammatory arthritis and although RA is the most common there are many others that have some symptoms in common with RA. It often takes a good rheumatologist a year or more to come to a definite diagnosis so don't give up on trying to get a diagnosis. However, I am disappointed in your doctor in not giving your symptoms more consideration and treatment. If you can get a second opinion I would suggest it.

http://www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/booklets/6033/6033.htm

The link above is to a booklet that I like to give a lot of information about RA. Keep us posted on how you are doing and God bless.

From:

Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:

Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 8:05 AM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: new here

Well, not really new. I joined this group probably a year ago when I suspected these flare ups I was having might be RA. After 4 years of this (yes, I'm slow!) I finally went to a rheumy. He was recommended by a coworker and I was warned that he was a good doctor, but had a crummy bedside manner. I went anyway. My RA, ESR, and CRP were only slightly elevated, and the joints I complained about he said were not joints typically affected by RA (hips, shoulders, elbows occasionally, & knees). He fixated on my right hand thumb joint, which was very swollen and tender (Couldn't hold my hairbrush or open a bottle of water, or let my 3 year old students high five me). He said that was osteo and all he could do was give me a cortesone shot which did help some. Anyway, he said he couldnt do anything until I was in pain, so come back when I was in pain. He also said he thought it might be Palindromic Rhuematism, but just keep taking the celebrex I was on.

I was discouraged at a definitive diagnosis (not that I WANT RA, I just want relief), so I didn't look for answers anymore until this last flare up a few weeks ago. I had pnuemonia and on top of that a flare up while I was 1000 miles away on vacation. I was miserable. I finally went back the other day and saw the nurse practitioner instead of the doctor. I LOVE HER! She listened to my list of complaints and was very concerned for me. She prescribed medrol for one week to get the inflammation under control (and 2 days before rheumy appt. I had cortesone shots in my feet so I could walk- been hobbling for over a year). She also prescribed valtorin (?) instead of the celebrex which wasn't covered by my insurance, and is getting me started on plaquenil after my eye exam. She also prescribed MRI's of my wrists, hands, and hips. (The wrist pain is new since last year- so I'm worried about progressive damage). I'm 45 year old female who has fought & won the battle against Hepatitis C (6 years clear now), and I feel this diagnosis may be connected to the interferon I took for the hep c. I value a good support group; it helped me tremendously though the hep c issues, and now I'm vice pres of a hep c 501c3 non profit helping others without insurance get treatment & medical care. I look forward to learning about this disease and the medications, side effects, so I can be a good advocate for my own health.I would appreciate any feedback from you to help me learn & deal with this.Take care,PS. Sorry for writing a novel!

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Deborah. I was told it might be palindromic rhuematism, too, but I suspected otherwise. I'm only on the medrol for one week, so I'm trying not to eat too much (already overweight!), and just looking forward to relief. I actually feel pretty good today, it's only my third day on the steriods. Take care, Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote: Doctors. When it comes to RDs, you get good ones, bad ones, and the good ones that are having bad days. I went in with a bad jaw flare, I could

barely talk.My jaw will never be the same. My RD wanted to inject me with steriod and prescribed a medrol pack. I didnt take either. I asked for an anti biotic therapy and he refused. I was more than a bit miffed. It was at the end of the day and he was behind seeing patients. He has never seen me in a severe flare like that. He was ill equipped that day to listen or to effectively deal with me. Doctors quick fix is steriod. Since I have osteoporosis already I wont go up on my dose more than a few mgs. I have already suffered occult fractures around my hip and am trying everything I can to keep my hips healthy. Prednisone leeches calcium right out of the bone so be sure to ask to keep your diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to absorb it. You KNOW your body, I KNOW my body. Before I was diagnosed with RA, the doctor at that time said palendromic rheumatism. Next

it was LUPUS. If you can, get to an immunologist, and have a new sed rate and ANA tests done. I went through everything from lyme to HIV before my RA showed up. Good Luck!!!!!! Deborah On 7/16/06, Harold Van Tuyl <hvantuyl@...> wrote: Welcome back. RA can be a hard disease to diagnose and I like what your Nurse Practitioner did for you in ordering a Medrol pack. That's a strong anti-inflammatory and I think it is more useful in identifying inflammation than any blood test. You might also ask about a blood test for anti-CCP

that is like the rheumatoid factor test but less likely to give a false positive. The American College of Rheumatology has seven criteria for diagnosing RA and because RA can be so variable they only require any four of them to be positive for a diagnosis. Morning stiffness, lasting for at least an hour, present daily for at least 6 weeks Arthritis of 3 or more joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks Arthritis of the hand joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks Symmetric arthritis, lasting for at least 6 weeks Rheumatoid nodules Positive rheumatoid factor (blood test) Joint changes on x-ray There are also over 100 different kinds of inflammatory arthritis and although RA is the most common there are many others that have some symptoms in common with RA. It often takes a good rheumatologist a year or more to come to a definite diagnosis so don't give up on trying to get a diagnosis. However, I am disappointed in your doctor in not giving your symptoms more consideration and treatment. If you can get a second opinion I would suggest it. http://www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/booklets/6033/6033.htm The link above is to a booklet that I like to give a lot of information about RA. Keep us posted on how you are doing and God bless. From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto: Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 8:05 AMRheumatoid Arthritis Subject: new here Well, not really new. I joined this group probably a year ago when I suspected these flare ups I was having might be RA. After 4 years of this (yes, I'm slow!) I finally went to a rheumy. He was recommended by a coworker and I was warned that he was a good doctor, but had a crummy bedside manner. I went anyway. My RA, ESR, and CRP were only slightly elevated, and the joints I complained about he said were not joints typically affected by RA (hips, shoulders, elbows occasionally, & knees). He fixated on my right hand thumb joint, which was very swollen and tender (Couldn't hold my hairbrush or open a bottle of water, or

let my 3 year old students high five me). He said that was osteo and all he could do was give me a cortesone shot which did help some. Anyway, he said he couldnt do anything until I was in pain, so come back when I was in pain. He also said he thought it might be Palindromic Rhuematism, but just keep taking the celebrex I was on. I was discouraged at a definitive diagnosis (not that I WANT RA, I just want relief), so I didn't look for answers anymore until this last flare up a few weeks ago. I had pnuemonia and on top of that a flare up while I was 1000 miles away on vacation. I was miserable. I finally went back the other day and saw the nurse practitioner instead of the doctor. I LOVE HER! She listened to my list of complaints and was very concerned for me. She prescribed medrol for one week to get the inflammation under control (and 2 days before rheumy appt. I had cortesone shots in my feet so I could walk- been hobbling for over

a year). She also prescribed valtorin (?) instead of the celebrex which wasn't covered by my insurance, and is getting me started on plaquenil after my eye exam. She also prescribed MRI's of my wrists, hands, and hips. (The wrist pain is new since last year- so I'm worried about progressive damage). I'm 45 year old female who has fought & won the battle against Hepatitis C (6 years clear now), and I feel this diagnosis may be connected to the interferon I took for the hep c. I value a good support group; it helped me tremendously though the hep c issues, and now I'm vice pres of a hep c 501c3 non profit helping others without insurance get treatment & medical care. I look forward to learning about this disease and the medications, side effects, so I can be a good advocate for my own health.I would appreciate any feedback from you to help me learn & deal with this.Take care,PS. Sorry for writing a

novel!

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[Guest guest]

- Low Salt, Low Carb, High Protein. Take Viactiv. Get bone density tests too. Steriod starts leeching calcium out of your bones immediately so act accordingly. Hugs, Deborah P.S. I know steriod stimulates the hunger response in your pituitary so craving food will be strong, but eating lots of fruits and veggies will help. Plain Chicken and all lean meat including turkey and chicken are a staple. Avoid Pasta, Bread, and potato. I think rice in small measures is fine. Drink lots of low fat milk. Ice Milk is great if you need a sweet something or fresh fruit. I swear by that myself. Remember also that steriod will make you numb. You wont feel pain and will want to run around doing everything. Try to avoid this, since you can damage joints in the meantime. Try to stay as active, (walking) etc as you can while on the medrol pak. Hugs, Deborah

On 7/17/06, cynthia runyon <runyonc2001@...> wrote:

Thanks, Deborah. I was told it might be palindromic rhuematism, too, but I suspected otherwise. I'm only on the medrol for one week, so I'm trying not to eat too much (already overweight!), and just looking forward to relief. I actually feel pretty good today, it's only my third day on the steriods.

Take care,

Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...

> wrote:

Doctors. When it comes to RDs, you get good ones, bad ones, and the good ones that are having bad days. I went in with a bad jaw flare, I could barely talk.My jaw will never be the same. My RD wanted to inject me with steriod and prescribed a medrol pack. I didnt take either. I asked for an anti biotic therapy and he refused. I was more than a bit miffed. It was at the end of the day and he was behind seeing patients. He has never seen me in a severe flare like that. He was ill equipped that day to listen or to effectively deal with me. Doctors quick fix is steriod. Since I have osteoporosis already I wont go up on my dose more than a few mgs. I have already suffered occult fractures around my hip and am trying everything I can to keep my hips healthy. Prednisone leeches calcium right out of the bone so be sure to ask to keep your diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to absorb it. You KNOW your body, I KNOW my body. Before I was diagnosed with RA, the doctor at that time said palendromic rheumatism. Next it was LUPUS. If you can, get to an immunologist, and have a new sed rate and ANA tests done. I went through everything from lyme to HIV before my RA showed up. Good Luck!!!!!! Deborah

On 7/16/06, Harold Van Tuyl <

hvantuyl@...> wrote:

Welcome back. RA can be a hard disease to diagnose and I like what your Nurse Practitioner did for you in ordering a Medrol pack. That's a strong anti-inflammatory and I think it is more useful in identifying inflammation than any blood test. You might also ask about a blood test for anti-CCP that is like the rheumatoid factor test but less likely to give a false positive. The American College of Rheumatology has seven criteria for diagnosing RA and because RA can be so variable they only require any four of them to be positive for a diagnosis.

Morning stiffness, lasting for at least an hour, present daily for at least 6 weeks Arthritis of 3 or more joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks Arthritis of the hand joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks Symmetric arthritis, lasting for at least 6 weeks Rheumatoid nodules Positive rheumatoid factor (blood test) Joint changes on x-ray

There are also over 100 different kinds of inflammatory arthritis and although RA is the most common there are many others that have some symptoms in common with RA. It often takes a good rheumatologist a year or more to come to a definite diagnosis so don't give up on trying to get a diagnosis. However, I am disappointed in your doctor in not giving your symptoms more consideration and treatment. If you can get a second opinion I would suggest it.

http://www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/booklets/6033/6033.htm

The link above is to a booklet that I like to give a lot of information about RA. Keep us posted on how you are doing and God bless.

From:

Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:

Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 8:05 AM

Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: new here

Well, not really new. I joined this group probably a year ago when I suspected these flare ups I was having might be RA. After 4 years of this (yes, I'm slow!) I finally went to a rheumy. He was recommended by a coworker and I was warned that he was a good doctor, but had a crummy bedside manner. I went anyway. My RA, ESR, and CRP were only slightly elevated, and the joints I complained about he said were not joints typically affected by RA (hips, shoulders, elbows occasionally, & knees). He fixated on my right hand thumb joint, which was very swollen and tender (Couldn't hold my hairbrush or open a bottle of water, or let my 3 year old students high five me). He said that was osteo and all he could do was give me a cortesone shot which did help some. Anyway, he said he couldnt do anything until I was in pain, so come back when I was in pain. He also said he thought it might be Palindromic Rhuematism, but just keep taking the celebrex I was on. I was discouraged at a definitive diagnosis (not that I WANT RA, I just want relief), so I didn't look for answers anymore until this last flare up a few weeks ago. I had pnuemonia and on top of that a flare up while I was 1000 miles away on vacation. I was miserable. I finally went back the other day and saw the nurse practitioner instead of the doctor. I LOVE HER! She listened to my list of complaints and was very concerned for me. She prescribed medrol for one week to get the inflammation under control (and 2 days before rheumy appt. I had cortesone shots in my feet so I could walk- been hobbling for over a year). She also prescribed valtorin (?) instead of the celebrex which wasn't covered by my insurance, and is getting me started on plaquenil after my eye exam. She also prescribed MRI's of my wrists, hands, and hips. (The wrist pain is new since last year- so I'm worried about progressive damage). I'm 45 year old female who has fought & won the battle against Hepatitis C (6 years clear now), and I feel this diagnosis may be connected to the interferon I took for the hep c. I value a good support group; it helped me tremendously though the hep c issues, and now I'm vice pres of a hep c 501c3 non profit helping others without insurance get treatment & medical care. I look forward to learning about this disease and the medications, side effects, so I can be a good advocate for my own health.I would appreciate any feedback from you to help me learn & deal with this.Take care,PS. Sorry for writing a novel!

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls.

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[Guest guest]

Hello , Welcome to our group. No worries about writing a novel -- many of us tend to do that (especially me). I just got married in May and I'm still catching up on my emails. I'm 28 & was dx'd with arthritis when I was 22 & in my last semester at college. I can appreciate your Hep C experience -- my mom was on Seldane D for allergies many moons ago & got Hep as a result. Many of us have been through many doctors, meds and diagnosises. My symptoms are all on my left side, which is my dominant side. I was sent for a brain CT scan (brain tumor), blood tests (mono, lupus, lyme, etc), a shrink (depression) ... etc. When I was 1st dx'd with arthritis I was told I had Reactive Arthritis, when commonly affects 1 side of the body -- however, it typically occurs in men over 40 & is triggered by an infection (I had an eye infection that was uvitis but looked like pink eye). My rheumy of 6 years (who

passed away in March) eventually dx'd me with Juvenile RA with adult persistence. I had been a dancer in my teens & had a number of sports related injuries that may have been mini episodes of RA. I am also big on dvocating for my health. In fact, I've gone through 4 PCP's because they didn't like me telling them how to treat me. Take care, Steph in VA <runyonc2001@...> wrote:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Never underestimate the power of a small, dedicated group of people to change the world -- indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

AmeriCorps Alums -- We're Still Getting Things Done

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[Guest guest]

,

Sounds like you're getting appropriate treatment from the nurse

practitioner. Great! In my view, there would be no connection between

your hep c and the RA symptoms.

Sierra

>

> Well, not really new. I joined this group probably a year ago when

I suspected these flare

> ups I was having might be RA. After 4 years of this (yes, I'm

slow!) I finally went to a

> rheumy. He was recommended by a coworker and I was warned that he

was a good doctor,

> but had a crummy bedside manner. I went anyway. My RA, ESR, and CRP

were only slightly

> elevated, and the joints I complained about he said were not joints

typically affected by RA

> (hips, shoulders, elbows occasionally, & knees). He fixated on my

right hand thumb joint,

> which was very swollen and tender (Couldn't hold my hairbrush or

open a bottle of water,

> or let my 3 year old students high five me). He said that was osteo

and all he could do was

> give me a cortesone shot which did help some. Anyway, he said he

couldnt do anything

> until I was in pain, so come back when I was in pain. He also said

he thought it might be

> Palindromic Rhuematism, but just keep taking the celebrex I was on.

> I was discouraged at a definitive diagnosis (not that I WANT RA, I

just want relief), so I

> didn't look for answers anymore until this last flare up a few

weeks ago. I had pnuemonia

> and on top of that a flare up while I was 1000 miles away on

vacation. I was miserable. I

> finally went back the other day and saw the nurse practitioner

instead of the doctor. I LOVE

> HER! She listened to my list of complaints and was very concerned

for me. She prescribed

> medrol for one week to get the inflammation under control (and 2

days before rheumy

> appt. I had cortesone shots in my feet so I could walk- been

hobbling for over a year). She

> also prescribed valtorin (?) instead of the celebrex which wasn't

covered by my insurance,

> and is getting me started on plaquenil after my eye exam. She also

prescribed MRI's of my

> wrists, hands, and hips. (The wrist pain is new since last year- so

I'm worried about

> progressive damage).

> I'm 45 year old female who has fought & won the battle against

Hepatitis C (6 years clear

> now), and I feel this diagnosis may be connected to the interferon

I took for the hep c. I

> value a good support group; it helped me tremendously though the

hep c issues, and now

> I'm vice pres of a hep c 501c3 non profit helping others without

insurance get treatment &

> medical care. I look forward to learning about this disease and the

medications, side

> effects, so I can be a good advocate for my own health.

> I would appreciate any feedback from you to help me learn & deal

with this.

> Take care,

>

> PS. Sorry for writing a novel!

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Corry, glad to see you hear . johnCorry <corry@...> wrote: Hello everyone I would like to introduce myself. I am 71 years old and have suffered with FMS for the last 20 years. Now this has gone over to RA but the kind that wanders around my body. One day my hand the next my foot or shoulder..... Then I am free for a week perhaps longer to start again somewhere else. I am on 400mg Celebrex and scared of it because I have high blood pressure and do not want to invite a heartattack. Oddly enough this RA business only started this past winter and right now it is relatively calm. So hopefully my summer will be pleasant. I live in the country which helps me a lot since there is a lot of peace and quiet around me. Anyway I don't wnat to make it too long but hope to find some solutions on this list and perhaps I will be able to help someone also regards Rev Corry http://www.corrysrockart.nethttp://www.corrystuart.comhttp://www.corrystuart.nethttp://www.earthmelodies.comhttp://www.stellanovastudio.com

See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

Nice sites Corry interresting and cute !Corry <corry@...> wrote: Hello everyone I would like to introduce myself. I am 71 years old and have suffered with FMS for the last 20 years. Now this has gone over to RA but the kind that wanders around my body. One day my hand the next my foot or shoulder..... Then I am free for a week perhaps longer to start again somewhere else. I am on 400mg Celebrex and scared

of it because I have high blood pressure and do not want to invite a heartattack. Oddly enough this RA business only started this past winter and right now it is relatively calm. So hopefully my summer will be pleasant. I live in the country which helps me a lot since there is a lot of peace and quiet around me. Anyway I don't wnat to make it too long but hope to find some solutions on this list and perhaps I will be able to help someone also regards Rev Corry http://www.corrysrockart.nethttp://www.corrystuart.comhttp://www.corrystuart.nethttp://www.earthmelodies.comhttp://www.stellanovastudio.com

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Hello, I'm one of the newbies; have found myself here the hard way

after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 44 (now in

remission.) At least now I know the reason for a lifetime of

illness. Seems that " untreated " celiacs are at high risk for NHL.

I'll mostly be reading. Need the support right now. As for the diet,

I'm staying away from sugar until my immune and digestive system

improves. Take care all. Debbie

[Guest guest]

Well, you are lucky if its in your genetics the doctors know what to look for right away. It took them a year to diagnose me because my RA factor took time to manifest. Your reaction is completely normal. You arent crazy. Your pain and inflammation is real. Get medication to control your inflammation and pain asap. There is a dormant switch inside your genetic code that predisposes you to getting this disease. Advocate for yourself. Find out all you can. Your quality of life can only improve with medication and getting a handle on your disease. Do not forget that RA is a parasitic disease and will eat you alive if left untreated. I would see a therapist about chronic illness and its effects, especially pain. Do not deny your genetics. Accept it and make this the first day to live without pain and curb the disease process. Research Remicade and other biologics which are one of the most effective treatments targeting the inflammation cascade at the cellular level. Find the Arthritis Foundation chapter in your city or town and attend a meeting or call them for referrals and advice. I was a former support group leader. If you have other questions, feel free to ask. Deborah B.

On 8/9/07, kidsdogsandchaos <kidsdogsandchaos@...> wrote:

Hi,I kinda feel in the corner right now because I dont have a clue what Im doing here. I guess I will start by introducing myself. Im a 36 yr Mom to 5 kids I live in So Cal. My mom and grandma and great grandma have RA and now its my turn I guess. Im also being tested for Lupis. I have had pain in my knees and hips for many many yrs. I chalked it up to childbirth and running after kids and lifting them. The last

several yrs it started in my ankles and now my wrists and fingers. My joints in my hands are swollen,my sis said if I had hair on them I would have man hands...humm didnt quite know how to respond to that one. Somedays it hurts so darn bad and others Im ok....is that the norm?? I guess I need reasurrance Im not crazy, growing up we always thought arthritis was an old lady problem.My family and friends give me that " look " when I try to tell them what Im feeling. That makes me feel more insaine. Geez I hope Im making sence. Maybe Im feeling sorry for myself. I hope to be able to talk to some of you soon if I havent scared anyone hahhha

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Gloria. Got good news at Dr office today. The main problem is two ruptured disks and the attending problems and with rest, should be not much more than 4 more weeks for it to get better!.

Figure I can handle that!<G> Thanks for the prayers. My dau took me to grocers after Dr apt and lunch, so got a lot done today. Lookin' UP!!!--Lee---- glokay20022002 <glokay20022002@...> wrote:>> Hi,>> I am Gloria from Ok., and will be happy to put you on our prayer list. I> belong to a small country Baptist church and it has been my saving> grace. Not a day goes by without someone calling to check in on me. I> have not been as depressed since we have joined this church.>> Keep us posted.>> God Bless,>> Gloria>