Newbie and more ?'s

[Guest guest]

Since this is still new to me, and before I go for my 2nd visit.

Again I am on Mobic and sulfadine sp? and started on May 6th and finally on

Memorial Day weekend saw some good improvements. I have found since then till

today, my right hand is tight, does not look swollen but feels thicker and while

my strength is lower I am now painting and doing needlework and my knees are

compromised but feeling much better. Ankle swelling is down and I can walk

pretty well. This is a good deal of improvement. Along with feeling better and

not as fatiqued I have been doing some exercises too, and have cut way down on

tylenol too. So I have improved, now while not going overboard in any way, I am

expecting my next visit to hold more blood tests and x-rays to see how my body

is doing with all this, but will I not get results until the visit after. If I

ask for updates will they send them? I know many of you have had this longer

and have gone through more dr. visits. Are there some key things to ask. I

remember him saying I have RA and what he'd like to try med wise, that not too

much showing on xrays, but should I ask what level I have it and you all seem to

be on the embrel's etc. should I be on that to nip it hard or if I have a

lighter case and getting relief it's all working? I am happy with med result

now and know it can change but I guess I am afraid we are being too easy going

on it.

Any comments?

Thanks,

REnee

[Guest guest]

I would have the RD take blood tests as well as a physical exam to measure the sed rate and active disease you exhibit.  You can ask about a biologic. Would you see more inprovement. might also ask about a bone scan for osteo arthritis.  Since RA is invisible inside the bones, that test will make sure your bones are strong before starting on a chemotherapy or biologic protocol.  Please be your own advocate.  Go to www.arthritisfoundation.org  to get more information.  Yours, Deborah

On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 8:13 PM, reneehearttoheart <reneehearttoheart@...> wrote:

Since this is still new to me, and before I go for my 2nd visit.Again I am on Mobic and sulfadine sp? and started on May 6th and finally on Memorial Day weekend saw some good improvements. I have found since then till today, my right hand is tight, does not look swollen but feels thicker and while my strength is lower I am now painting and doing needlework and my knees are compromised but feeling much better. Ankle swelling is down and I can walk pretty well. This is a good deal of improvement. Along with feeling better and not as fatiqued I have been doing some exercises too, and have cut way down on tylenol too. So I have improved, now while not going overboard in any way, I am expecting my next visit to hold more blood tests and x-rays to see how my body is doing with all this, but will I not get results until the visit after. If I ask for updates will they send them? I know many of you have had this longer and have gone through more dr. visits. Are there some key things to ask. I remember him saying I have RA and what he'd like to try med wise, that not too much showing on xrays, but should I ask what level I have it and you all seem to be on the embrel's etc. should I be on that to nip it hard or if I have a lighter case and getting relief it's all working? I am happy with med result now and know it can change but I guess I am afraid we are being too easy going on it.

Any comments?Thanks,REnee