RE: New and Not confirmed diagnois yet

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the update. I’m surprised that your

rheumatologist did not start you on a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic

Drug) just in case it is some kind of inflammatory arthritis. Osteoporosis

is totally different from RA because osteoporosis is loss of bone strength that

comes most commonly from taking corticosteroids such as Prednisone or in

postmenopausal women. You might be thinking of Osteoarthritis that is a

wear-and-tear arthritis quite different from inflammatory arthritis like RA or

Lupus.

I think everyone goes through some stages of acceptance and sorrow

about loss of function is quite common, and this can easily show up as weeping

spells and depression. Many people with chronic illnesses seem to get

some relief from this by anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications. You

might ask one of your doctors about this.

I think the TV ads show the results that happen with perhaps the

top one percent of RA patients on their best days. After all, they want

to sell their product and they don’t care about educating people. I

think most people get back to perhaps 80% of what they were like before RA

while a few don’t come close to their former selves. It is

important to get early and aggressive treatment to reduce the risk of permanent

joint damage. Once that happens there is no return to your former self,

but some relief can be achieved with joint replacement surgery. The

objective is to avoid the damage as much as possible.

When I first glanced at your latest message I noticed the 89 and

thought “she is even older than I am” and then I noticed it was a

year and not an age. (I’m 81.)

I’m not medically trained but I do read a lot and I try to

be accurate. Please write again if you have additional questions.

God bless.

From: Rheumatoid Arthritis

[mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of reneehearttoheart

Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 5:54 AM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: New and Not confirmed diagnois yet

Hi,

I have been a fibromyalgia patient since 89, after this past Christmas I came

down with a few flare ups that turned into some RA symptoms and have been

seeking answers since I turned into a zombie and homebound.

My dr. put me on Cymbalta to try and get the fm to ease and in the meantime

took some blood work. After two weeks of Cymbalta and no effect on me the blood

work showed an ANA factor and that I was severly vitamin D deficient. Gave me

anti inflammatory and 50,000 units of vit D to take for two months once a week

and hooked me up with an RA doctor.

Also showed a high RH factor of 233.

The anti inflammatory helped but am still stiff and having symptoms. I was so

bad and aid I couldn't wait another month to get into RA dr. she prescribed

methylpredisone which helped tremendously but didn't take it all away. Three

days after that was finished some symptoms came back and got in to see RA dr.

Didn't expect a miracle on that day but he examined and took x-rays, and more

blood. Said none of this is fm, which by the way is treating me very well now.

Which is good, who needs double the pain. He said there is something underlying

there but would wait until May 1 to put it all together and that I could take

two of the anti inflammatory pills, which is also good, hoping it will make me

feel much better.

My main problem now is a swollen index finger and hands are tight and weakened.

Top of foot and base of ankle hurt, and sometimes swell and my knees are

killing me. But I am at least moving better and not so tired as I was when this

started.

I am sure something will show up and hate that I have to wait until May 1,

however a month oago I had to wait until April 15th for my first RA apt. and

thought that was so far.

I have a question, one can any of you tell me if you have or how osteoporis,

and how much that differs from regular RA. And I have been having weaping

spells and wonder if that goes along with this stuff. And one final question,

like with fm, sure you all have ups and downs but do any of you really feel

better and just live life like the tv ads show when you are on this medicine or

do you have to change it frequently cause it bottom out and needs adjusting.

Hoping to get answers soon. May 1 can't come too soon for me.

Hope you all have a good day.