Newly Diagnosed

[Guest guest]

I am 34 years old and am a criminal defense attorney. I was diagnosed with RA when I was 15. It obviously changed my life. It started with pain in my feet and sticking joints in my hands but like your disease, progressed very quickly. More overwhelming than the pain I felt was the fatigue I experienced. I started with meds and occupational therapy almost immediately and managed to get the disease moderately under control. Once I went to college, I had a more difficult time appropriately taking care of myself because I didn't want to accept the choices I had to make -- I hated not being able to do what every other student could do at such a young age. However, I suffered joint damage as a result of not controlling the disease.

I also suffered from moderate to severe depression for years, unbeknownst to me at the time. Though my doctors never discussed the likelyhood of having psychological impacts from receiving and living with a diagnosis for chronic illness, they are profound and should not be ignored. I would highly recommend counseling if you need it.

The good news is that through the help of amazing family, friends, and doctors, I have managed to create a pretty good life for myself. I completed law school and have a job that I love. When I was 22 and in the throws of a deep depression, I didn't think that I would ever be able to hold down a full-time job -- I didn't get out of bed for days at a time. I now have a busy and satisfying career and personal life. It is possible!! My best advice is to seek counseling if you need it and try to manage stress. For a long time I thought that "managing stress" was a myth. However, in the past few years I have managed to honestly evaluate what I want out of life and make choices to get what I want and let go of the rest (I think it isn't a coincidence that it took making it to my 30s to finally get it together emotionally and spiritually). I think that I had to go through a prolonged greiving cycle

after my diagnoses over the life I thought I lost. That process severely exacerbated the illness. My disease is FAR more managable when I am happy.

I don't usually post anything on this site because I am doing really well and I know so many readers are suffering. However, I want you to know that you can have a wonderful and healthy life while managing RA. Also, I think that learning to live with it has definitely shown me that I am far stronger person than I ever knew and helped me develop a strong sense on empathy and compassion which is helpful in my job and life. I wish you well!

----- Original Message ----From: nicomeit <nicomeit@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 2008 9:18:10 PMSubject: Newly DiagnosedI am a 21 years old female and was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I began having mainly knee pain over 6 months ago. It progressed pretty quickly and the pain make it hard to even walk. I was hesitant to go in to my doctor, but eventually after my hands, wrists, and shoulders began paining, and my joints began to swell I decided it was time. I was than referred to a rheumatologist. I was than diagnosed. I have started treatment, but feeling overwhelmed. I am only 21 years old?? I have so many concerns, and do not understand why this is happening to me when I am so

young.------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time!! It gets rough, but once

you get on the right medications for you it can get better.

Methotrexate can make you sick (feel nauseous, dizzy, etc.) but some

people do fine on it. Your muscles could be weak due to a flare.

When the joints swell and are hurting, the muscles around them relax

to allow them room to swell and it can be hard to get the strength up

to do things. You might try switching your diet, that can help a lot.

Fruits and veggies and a Mediterranean type diet works well for RA

patients. Try to exercise as much as possible, but only doing low

impact things. Swimming and elliptical machines are great, but be

sure to listen to your body and only do what you feel you can do.

Don't push yourself or it can cause a lot of damage. I'm sure other

people will have a lot of helpful tips as well. It's hard for people

to understand what we are going through.

~Autumn

[Guest guest]

It's probably methotrexate that you're taking. It takes a long time to

build up in your body and take effect. Sometimes the dose has to be

increased, and sometimes another DMARD (disease modifying arthritic

drug) as to be added. We have all been where you are now. Keep

complaining to the doctor and let her know what's going on with you. It

usually takes a while to find the right combination of meds for each

person, because what works for one may not work for someone else.

Hang in there, Sue

On Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at 11:38 PM, islamistheway2000 wrote:

> I joined this group before I was diagnosed. I knew what I had but my

> doctors wouldn't give me any for sures. I saw a rheumy a few weeks ago

> and even though my R Factor was negative she believed I have RA.

> Surprised I was not. Anyway, I am now taking celebrex and Meth

> something or other folic acid. I am supposed to be taking something

> for pain but it doesnt help. Now I have new things going on with me.

> I get really week in my legs and arms. I am typing and now I am

> tired. Sitting in a chair is even hard. It starts to hurt my hips and

> legs. I feel like I am falling apart. And when do you call the

> doctor. I don't even know anymore. The pain is not really bad unless

> have a flare. And now my kids are going to go to school this year and

> everyone is telling me oh now you can get a job. HA HA HA. People

> just don't understand. Amina

[Guest guest]

Hi Amina:

     Sorry to hear you aren't feeling good, and in so much pain.  Perhaps this

would be the time to call your doctor, and maybe get your pain meds. changed. 

It is trial and error, because, what works for me, might not work for you.

     I know it is very frustrating waiting for the RA med. to work.  It does

take time to find the right combination, unfortunately.  Try to hang in there,

and know we all know what you are dealing with.  We've all been there.  Wishing

you pain free days.

                                                          Hugs,

                                                          Barbara

From: islamistheway2000 <islamistheway2000@...>

Subject: [ ] Newly diagnosed

Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 8:38 PM

I joined this group before I was diagnosed. I knew what I had but my

doctors wouldn't give me any for sures. I saw a rheumy a few weeks ago

and even though my R Factor was negative she believed I have RA.

Surprised I was not. Anyway, I am now taking celebrex and Meth

something or other folic acid. I am supposed to be taking something

for pain but it doesnt help. Now I have new things going on with me.

I get really week in my legs and arms. I am typing and now I am

tired. Sitting in a chair is even hard. It starts to hurt my hips and

legs. I feel like I am falling apart. And when do you call the

doctor. I don't even know anymore. The pain is not really bad unless

have a flare. And now my kids are going to go to school this year and

everyone is telling me oh now you can get a job. HA HA HA. People

just don't understand. Amina