Newly Diagnosed

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

How does your life change with CML? What you will get eventually after the

shock wears off is a " new " normal. Life will go on with the inconvenience of

various aches, pains, fatigue, nausea, or whatever side effects you get from the

Gleevec. Everyone seems to be effected a little differently. In my daughter's

case, she has fatigue beyond description most days, nausea (takes Zofran 8 mg.),

diarrhea at times, and has been hospitalized multiple times for dehydration and

gastritis, her skin has been effected in that she lost her freckles and her red

hair has turned white. But, we are thankful for hair. Fortunately, she seems

to be the exception. She is now on 800 mg. Gleevec, having started on 600 mg in

May 2005.

The good news: Gleevec has given the gift of time to CMLers while a cure is

found. We are hopeful. Very hopeful.

Find a doctor who has other CML patients. Because it is rare, 4400 new cases

a year, it is hard to find a doctor who knows the front line treatment for CML.

Best wishes.

Sue

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

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Small

Business.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Sue for the information about gleevec. My health insurance hasn't yet

approved the prescritption so I haven't taken any. I already have bone pain and

sometimes get so tired I can hardly stand it. But it sounds like there's at

least hope for a better life. Thanks for taking time to respond to me.

Margaret

Loggin <loggin23@...> wrote:

Margaret,

How does your life change with CML? What you will get eventually after the shock

wears off is a " new " normal. Life will go on with the inconvenience of various

aches, pains, fatigue, nausea, or whatever side effects you get from the

Gleevec. Everyone seems to be effected a little differently. In my daughter's

case, she has fatigue beyond description most days, nausea (takes Zofran 8 mg.),

diarrhea at times, and has been hospitalized multiple times for dehydration and

gastritis, her skin has been effected in that she lost her freckles and her red

hair has turned white. But, we are thankful for hair. Fortunately, she seems to

be the exception. She is now on 800 mg. Gleevec, having started on 600 mg in May

2005.

The good news: Gleevec has given the gift of time to CMLers while a cure is

found. We are hopeful. Very hopeful.

Find a doctor who has other CML patients. Because it is rare, 4400 new cases a

year, it is hard to find a doctor who knows the front line treatment for CML.

Best wishes.

Sue

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

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Small

Business.

[Guest guest]

Thanks .

say, wasn't there also something at one point regarding calcium interfering with

Gleevec? Does anyone remember anything about that?

chris in minn

Re: [ ] newly diagnosed

Hi Therese --

I am currently in the process of letting a foot fracture heal -- it broke

somewhat spontaneously -- just while walking and a slight misstep. This is

the third fracture I have had in the past two years. I have been on 400 mgs

Gleevec for 3 years. I am becoming more and more convinced that the

fractures are related to the Gleevec and/or the cml. Anyone have any

thoughts on this??

in Minn

[Guest guest]

--- In , " Finsand " <chrisfinsand2@...>

wrote:

>> say, wasn't there also something at one point regarding calcium

interfering with Gleevec? Does anyone remember anything about that?

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

Hi

The issue with calcium is only if you take it at the same time as

Gleevec. Calcium is known to interfere with the absorption of other

drugs so it shouldn't be taken with most other drugs.

If you avoid taking calcium for 2hrs before and after Gleevec, you

should be fine. Most of us do benefit from calcium so there's no

reason to not take it at all, just don't take it at the same time as

the Gleevec.

Take care,

Tracey

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much, Tracey! I'll start the calcium right away, goodness knows I

need it as I am intolerant of dairy products.

chris in minn

Re: [ ] newly diagnosed

>> say, wasn't there also something at one point regarding calcium

interfering with Gleevec? Does anyone remember anything about that?

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

Hi

The issue with calcium is only if you take it at the same time as

Gleevec. Calcium is known to interfere with the absorption of other

drugs so it shouldn't be taken with most other drugs.

If you avoid taking calcium for 2hrs before and after Gleevec, you

should be fine. Most of us do benefit from calcium so there's no

reason to not take it at all, just don't take it at the same time as

the Gleevec.

Take care,

Tracey

[Guest guest]

Angelia

I think a lot of the drugs that we take for arthritis take awhile to kick in.

Not sure

about relafin. Do you have anything for pain? I take tylenol arthritis

strength and that

helps me sleep some.

Joy

Angelia GORHAM <angeliam88@...> wrote:

Hi- I am newly diagnosed with RA and am 37 years old and in the past

have never been sick and have no health problems. My symptoms started suddenly

in early December and have progressed. My bloodwork is still negative though.

The doctor wanted to start me on Methotrexate right away but I am fearful of the

drug. I am currently using fish oil, Zyflammend and a few other herbs my

accupuncturist recommended, including getting accupuncture. The past week the

pain has been so bad during the night that I can't sleep anymore. I can manage

during the day but its worse while lying still. I had a prescription for Relafen

which I didn't fill until today and am considering taking it tonight before bed

so I can handle the pain and get sleep.

Is there any chance of a remission without having to take these drugs? Has

anyone had any luck with alternative therapies. Does the fact that my bloodwork

is negative help any? I'm really scared about this. I have four young children

and its been very difficult doing the things I used to do and this has all come

about in the past 2 1/2 months. Any advice would be welcome!

--

Angelia

angeliam88@...<mailto:angeliam88@...>

[Guest guest]

Angelia,

You need to start on a DMARD such as methotrexate just as soon as

possible. Early, aggressive treatment is the best way to prevent joint

damage, which is irreversible. Of course the medications for RA are

scary when you read all the possible side effects. I remember when I

was first diagnosed and my rheumy gave me the brochure on mtx to read.

I thought to myself that if it didn't kill me, it might help me, LOL.

But they have to list all of the side effects that anyone had. No one

person is going to have all of them; you might be lucky and have none

of them. If you do, though, the med can be discontinued and something

else tried. Any alternative therapies should be in addition to a DMARD.

Many people have seronegative RA, and the joint damage can be just as

bad as in seropositive RA.

At present, my RA is in great control with Enbrel. I hope that yours

soon will be, too.

Sue

On Friday, February 23, 2007, at 03:46 PM, Angelia GORHAM wrote:

> Is there any chance of a remission without having to take these drugs?

> Has anyone had any luck with alternative therapies. Does the fact

> that my bloodwork is negative help any? I'm really scared about this.

> I have four young children and its been very difficult doing the

> things I used to do and this has all come about in the past 2 1/2

> months. Any advice would be welcome!

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Angelia!

The best advice I can give you is to follow your rheumatologist's advice and

begin methotrexate or another disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).

Early and aggressive treatment is necessary to get the disease under

control.

Not an MD

[ ] newly diagnosed

> Hi- I am newly diagnosed with RA and am 37 years old and in the past have

> never been sick and have no health problems. My symptoms started suddenly

> in early December and have progressed. My bloodwork is still negative

> though.

>

> The doctor wanted to start me on Methotrexate right away but I am fearful

> of the drug. I am currently using fish oil, Zyflammend and a few other

> herbs my accupuncturist recommended, including getting accupuncture. The

> past week the pain has been so bad during the night that I can't sleep

> anymore. I can manage during the day but its worse while lying still. I

> had a prescription for Relafen which I didn't fill until today and am

> considering taking it tonight before bed so I can handle the pain and get

> sleep.

>

> Is there any chance of a remission without having to take these drugs?

> Has anyone had any luck with alternative therapies. Does the fact that my

> bloodwork is negative help any? I'm really scared about this. I have

> four young children and its been very difficult doing the things I used to

> do and this has all come about in the past 2 1/2 months. Any advice would

> be welcome!

> --

> Angelia

[Guest guest]

--- In , " Angelia GORHAM " <angeliam88@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi- I am newly diagnosed with RA and am 37 years old and in the

past have never been sick and have no health problems. >

>

The doctor wanted to start me on Methotrexate right away but I am

fearful of the drug. >

I'm really scared about this...

Any advice would be welcome!

Everthing has side effects. Side Effects of Aspirin:

Damage to the lining of your stomach, prolonged bleeding time,

wheezing, breathlessness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, chronic

catarrh & runny nose, headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, GI

upset, GI bleeding, ulcers, rash, allergic reactions, hives,

bruising, abnormal liver function tests, liver damage, and hepatitis.

If you take too much, the toxic effect is Kidney Damage, severe

metabolic derangements, respiratory and central nervous system

effects, strokes, fatal hemorrhages of the brain, spleen, liver,

intestines & lungs and death.

You are going to have to get over your fear of medicine and face the

fact you have a choice: Give in to your fears and allow the disease

to further damage your body, or educate yourself about the medicines

that are out there and what works best for you.

The day you wake up completely unable to move, every fiber of your

body screaming and on fire, pain so intense that you will think that

this is madness in and of itself, will most likely scare you more

than any side effect of any drug.

Life's a crap shoot for all of us.

And that includes modern medicine.

Instead of being scared of everything, be grateful that we all have

so many choices.

The side effects can be scary.

But the pain and damage are scarier.

Good Luck,

Shauna

[Guest guest]

Sorry about your reasons for joining the group!! YOu just have to

stay strong and you can't let this disease get you down. It's so

easy to just feel bad for yourself and sit and do nothing, and there

are days where you just have to sit, but you have to remember to

enjoy life and keep going because there are many more things out

there that are worse. My friend at work, she's a lot older than me

(I'm 22, had RA for 6 years now), just found out that she has to

start stronger meds for her RA, and she said something to me that

helps me when I'm feeling down. She said that she was driving along

feeling sorry for herself, wondering why this happened to her, and

then it dawned on her that this is God's gift to make her stronger,

and to remember that at least we are still able to feel pain, and

even though we can barely move somedays, at least we can still move.

About the MTX (methotrexate) I would suggest starting it. I was on

it for a few years, recently quit because I was on a dosage that made

me sick, and since I'm getting to an age where I might get married

and have kids soon, my Dr. thought it wise for me to stop and let it

get out of my system so there would be less chance of birth defects.

I'm on Enbrel and absolutely love it, but you just have to remember

that every responds differently to all of these types of medications.

I have never heard of anyone going into remission when they aren't on

medicine, I'm not saying that it isn't possible, but I've never heard

of it. I, personally, would rather deal with the side effects when

they happen and be able to enjoy life now for as long as I can. I

had asked my Dr. about fish oil, and she said that you have to take

so much of it for it to be effective that you'd have to take about 30

capsules a day and at that rate, the oil can " leak out of you. " So

many people don't take it at that rate, but if you feel a difference

while on it, then by all means, keep taking it. Just remember to

tell your doctor about all of the vitamins, alternative medicines you

are taking because even though they are all natural, they can still

interact with drugs. Cherry pills (or cherry juice, but it's really

bitter) help with inflammation too, but be sure to ask before

starting those.

I hope this helps, sorry it's so long,

Autumn

[Guest guest]

Hi Angelia,

I'm Steph in Virginia. Where do you live?

I agree with the others that have posted. I'm 29 and was diagnosed (dx'd)

in 1999 when I was 22. I was never really sick until I got RA either. My meds

are: Ibuprofen (nsaid), Methotrexate (dmard), Sulfasazine (dmard), Folic Acid

(required with MTX), Prednisone (steroid), Flexerill (muscle relaxer) and

Remicade (biologic). I compare my meds to eating in a Chinese restaurant (1 from

column A, 1 from column B & the occasional dessert).

I was concerned with MTX when my rheumy suggested it. However, he

explained that my best chance of improving my quality of life was treating my RA

agressively ASAP. I started MTX 6 weeks after I was dx'd (4 months after

symptoms 1st started) and I started Remicade 6 months after that. I have had the

same meds for 7 years without any side effects.

Personally I have only used alternative methods to compliment my meds. I

have tried massage, reflexology and a few others but not acupunture.

Sadly, your chances of remission without meds is slim, from my research

and discussions with my doctors. Regarding negative bloodwork, was your

rheumatoid factor negative? Mine has always been negative (called seronegative

RA) but my ESR and CRP were very high at my onset.

Take care,

Steph in VA

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[Guest guest]

Hello ,

I know exactly where you are coming from. My RA came on suddenly in July last

year, two days after my 40th Birthday. Like you my bloodwork for the RA Factor

was negative, and I resisted trying MTX, tried everything else first. My advice

is don't be scared of it. I have been on it now for about 6 weeks, and for the

first time my ESR (I think that's it) blood levels are normal and I had

forgotten how much pain I was in previously until this weekend when I have had

a flare. But go with it, I had heard lots of scary stories, but in my case the

few negatives are far outweighed by the positives. Good luck

Pennie in Australia

[ ] newly diagnosed

> Hi- I am newly diagnosed with RA and am 37 years old and in the past have

> never been sick and have no health problems. My symptoms started suddenly

> in early December and have progressed. My bloodwork is still negative

> though.

>

> The doctor wanted to start me on Methotrexate right away but I am fearful

> of the drug. I am currently using fish oil, Zyflammend and a few other

> herbs my accupuncturist recommended, including getting accupuncture. The

> past week the pain has been so bad during the night that I can't sleep

> anymore. I can manage during the day but its worse while lying still. I

> had a prescription for Relafen which I didn't fill until today and am

> considering taking it tonight before bed so I can handle the pain and get

> sleep.

>

> Is there any chance of a remission without having to take these drugs?

> Has anyone had any luck with alternative therapies. Does the fact that my

> bloodwork is negative help any? I'm really scared about this. I have

> four young children and its been very difficult doing the things I used to

> do and this has all come about in the past 2 1/2 months. Any advice would

> be welcome!

> --

> Angelia

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

I feel for you Robin. I am sorry you have to add this to your list of junk

to deal with. It has been a part of my life for so long I don't remember not

having it. I was 12 when I was dx'd and am now 29. I am glad that you were

able to find a good place like this for support though. Zoni

From: Robin [mailto:armywife222@...]

Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 9:23 PM

Subject: [ ] Newly diagnosed

Hi Everyone,

Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to fight

other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I wanted

to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to know

all of you.

Robin

[Guest guest]

Robin,

I sure know the feeling. Just take a little time for it to sink in,

and you have come to the right place. You will find so many wonderful

people who will help you through this awful disease. Just know you

will never be lonely here, and if you need someone to chat with, email

me anytime. Big hugs your way, Tawny

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

> suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

> too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

>

> ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to

fight

> other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I

wanted

> to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to know

> all of you.

>

> Robin

>

[Guest guest]

Robin,

Hi, my name is and i am 26. I was in a car accident when I was 18.

I now have fibrmyalgia, degenerative dics disease, degenerative arthritis in my

low spine, arthritis in my knee, a buldging disc at L4-L5, along with some other

things. My mom was dx with ra in march. I know what it is like to be scared and

angry. Right now I am waiting for results of my cancer test. I know what it is

like to be young and in pain. I have had alot of problems with doctors because

of my age, but even when I get angry with the doctors or my problems I try to

tell myself to remember to keep my head up. I have to believe that one day I

will have a doctor that will help me. I believe that this group will help you

and how you are feelng. I have met a few people that have problems like me and

it really helps to have people to talk to that know what you are going through.

I mean you can talk to anyone about your problems but unless those people

unfortunately live with the pain and the

problems that you do , they really don't understand. So just try to keep your

head up and if you ever need to just talk or vent ( I know how that is) please,

feel free to e-mail me. I will always be here to listen.

--

Robin <armywife222@...> wrote:

Hi Everyone,

Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to fight

other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I wanted

to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to know

all of you.

Robin

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

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Answers - Check it out.

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

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[Guest guest]

Robin I am sorry you have to be here too!!! You will go through stages with

RA. I finally found the right mix of medications so I am doing real well, a

month ago I was on crutches but I am now walking and jogging again.

Marsha

-- [ ] Newly diagnosed

Hi Everyone,

Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to fight

other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I wanted

to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to know

all of you.

Robin

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[Guest guest]

Robin:

I'm 36 and was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. Have RA, Fibro & SS. It's a

tough blow. Some days you just want to give up and other days, you find the

strength to go on. I draw my strength from God. Without Him, I don't think I

would have made it this far.

Let me encourage you to educate yourself and your family. It helps when they

understand what you are dealing with and hopefully, they will be willing to help

and support you. We are all here for you - no matter how bad it gets - we stand

with you in your struggle.

May God bless and comfort you today.

in Texas

Robin <armywife222@...> wrote:

Hi Everyone,

Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to fight

other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I wanted

to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to know

all of you.

Robin

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry about your dx. I was diagnosed over a month ago, and I've learned a

lot from this

board. Yeah...I feel too young too. I'm 29, and I have a 14mo old. Everyone on

this board

has been an inspiration. I REFUSE to let this disease beat me. I might have a

few slow days,

but when I have a good day, I take full advantage of it, and you know what? I

appreciate

my good days soooo much more! I get more excited at my accomplishments. If you

ever

have a bad day or need to vent, we can cheer you up, and someone on this board

will tell

you their story to get you motivated again. Yes, you have a crappy illness, but

don't let it

win!

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

> suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

> too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

>

> ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to fight

> other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I wanted

> to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to know

> all of you.

>

> Robin

>

[Guest guest]

thanks, Zoni. Wow...12 years old! Dang, that is too young! I guess

the upside to more junk is meeting some amazing people with amazing

strength. WTG....you show great courage in the face of adversity!

>

> I feel for you Robin. I am sorry you have to add this to your list

of junk

> to deal with. It has been a part of my life for so long I don't

remember not

> having it. I was 12 when I was dx'd and am now 29. I am glad that

you were

> able to find a good place like this for support though. Zoni

>

>

>

> From: Robin [mailto:armywife222@...]

> Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 9:23 PM

>

> Subject: [ ] Newly diagnosed

>

>

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

> suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

> too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

>

> ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to

fight

> other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I

wanted

> to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to

know

> all of you.

>

> Robin

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Awww, thanks Tawny. I feel a little less lonely already! Thanks so

much for the offer of email support. may just take you up on it some

time!

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

> > suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized.

I'm

> > too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

> >

> > ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to

> fight

> > other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I

> wanted

> > to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to

know

> > all of you.

> >

> > Robin

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

Good Lord, girl! You've had alot to deal with! Boy, can I relate to

the " too young syndrome " ! That's what it was like to get a dx of

cancer at 27...or my stroke at 25....or my RA at 37! Can be a bit

frustrating...okay, ALOT frustrating! I always say to the

doc, " don't talk numbers, cuz that'll curse me for sure. don't say

i'm too young, cuz you'll just confirm the

dx " !

thanks for stretching out a hand to a too-young-but-feeling-really-

old woman from rural Manitoba!

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

> suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

> too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

>

> ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to

fight

> other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I

wanted

> to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to

know

> all of you.

>

> Robin

>

>

>

>

>

>

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

> Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from

someone who knows.

> Answers - Check it out.

>

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

> Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on

Travel.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin,

Welcome to the group and my condolences for having to be here LOL. I also

am too young to feel this old but I'm 50.I really shouldn't be, I remember

my Mom turning 50 like it was yesterday. Oh well. At least if we have to

have RA there are many new meds and new research on the horizon. I am

keeping my fingers crossed ( or maybe I should say leaning to the right)

sorry I couldn't resist. I figure if I can't laugh about it, it can beat me

and I refuse to allow that. I refuse to say I'm middle aged till I'm 60 (

making me live to be the ripe ole age of 120). I have had lots of problems

and sometimes its hard to keep going but I will, we all will and we have

each other to help us get thru it.Stroke at 47, Diabetes, High blood

pressure, IC, Fibro. RA and graves disease. So welcome to the club and

remember there is always someone older... Keep smiling it will keep ya

going. By the way I hope this makes sense I am having a really bad Fibro fog

day today. If not I will translate when the head clears.

Heidi

On 6/19/07, Robin <armywife222@...> wrote:

>

> ,

>

> Good Lord, girl! You've had alot to deal with! Boy, can I relate to

> the " too young syndrome " ! That's what it was like to get a dx of

> cancer at 27...or my stroke at 25....or my RA at 37! Can be a bit

> frustrating...okay, ALOT frustrating! I always say to the

> doc, " don't talk numbers, cuz that'll curse me for sure. don't say

> i'm too young, cuz you'll just confirm the

> dx " !

>

> thanks for stretching out a hand to a too-young-but-feeling-really-

> old woman from rural Manitoba!

>

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

> > suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

> > too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

> >

> > ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to

> fight

> > other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I

> wanted

> > to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to

> know

> > all of you.

> >

> > Robin

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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

> > Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from

> someone who knows.

> > Answers - Check it out.

> >

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

> > Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on

> Travel.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin,

I was 40 when I was diagnosed and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

For years I was scared, especially when I saw someone with RA

in a wheelchair or someone with their hands deformed......I did not

want to have that disease. I have a wonderful doctor who reminded

me that the treatments today are so much more effective than they

use to be. Even though there is no cure (yet) there are lots of meds

to slow down the process.

I am diagnosed for 5 years now and I still have no deformities. I wear

splints sometimes on my hands and fingers and that really helps. I have

this

from my jaws to toes.

If you have any questions pls feel free to email me here or privately...

corinne@...

Everything will be ok........

hugs,

Corinne

ps: I do understand that your over whelmed

marshahostetler wrote:

>

> Robin I am sorry you have to be here too!!! You will go through stages

> with

> RA. I finally found the right mix of medications so I am doing real

> well, a

> month ago I was on crutches but I am now walking and jogging again.

> Marsha

>

> -- [ ] Newly diagnosed

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

> suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

> too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

>

> ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to fight

> other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I wanted

> to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to know

> all of you.

>

> Robin

>

>

>

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>

[Guest guest]

Robin,

I am right there with you. I was just diagnosed with RA also and I am

just turning 40 in October. I've had Fibromyalgia for 6 years now so

when my joints started hurting also it was hard to figure out what was

going on. At least now we know why we are hurting and can hopefully

stop the progress of this disease early on. Even though I kind of

knew I might have RA it hit me like a Mac Truck when my Rheumy

actually said it. I was stunned! I'm new to this board also so

hopefully I will be seeing you around.

Hugs,

S.

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Well, today was the day. I received my dx of RA. Although, I

> suspected that it was coming, it hit me harder than I realized. I'm

> too darn young, IMHO....just 37.

>

> ly, I'm scared, lonely,angry and I'm too darn exhausted to fight

> other fight (10 years cancer-free also). This was not a group I wanted

> to join....but having said that...looking forward to getting to know

> all of you.

>

> Robin

>

[Guest guest]

Robin,

Glad your feeling better, just hang in there. What type of meds has

the doctor put you on? There are a lot of different meds. Check out

www.arthritis.org lot of information there. You can also pick out

some pamphlets, and they will send them through the mail, free of

charge if your in the US. Great, to show to friends and family.

Seriously, I'm always around if you need to vent. Hugs, Tawny