new member

Posted May 15, 2003 · May 15, 2003

Hi Jen.

So sorry to hear that you are feeling the effects of methotrexate.

Unfortunately, I have taken it by mouth and with subcutaneous

injections. It made me want to sleep for days and days and days. It

also made me very nauseated and I often threw up. It eventually

started giving me mouth sores. I can understand how you are losing

weight because when I took methotrexate it made me have no appetite

at all. I never had a problem giving myself an injection, but make

sure that you always rotate the sites each week. Since you are on a

very low dose of methotrexate your body may adjust to it and the side

effects may go away completely! I know it usually takes 6-8 weeks to

get the full benefit of methotrexate. I hope this helps you and I

hope you do well with the methotrexate, but if the side effects do

not go away, I would tell my MD and see if there isn't anything else

you could possibly take.

Take Care!

Marci.

> > I understand you apprehension about taking MTX. It really is a

> scary drug

> > to take, but it also is the oldest and most reliable. The

majority

> of

> > people taking it have no problems with it providing they take

folic

> acid

> > with it. I was on the oral for awhile, but the GI side effects

> were really

> > bad. My best friend was the bathroom. I went on the injections

> and had no

> > side effects. It wasn't effective for me so I stopped. Good

luck

> with your

> > decision.

> > a

> >

> > > Ihave just joined and am very interested in reading all your

> > > comments. I was diagnosed about two years ago with RA. My dr.

> > > started me off on plaquenil and now wants me to start wit

> > > methotrexate. I am a little scared to do so, so if any of you

> are on

> > > that could you please share your experiences with me. I was

> supposed

> > > to start it last week but I guess I will start this weekend. I

> am a

> > > secretary and have pain lifting the phone and things like

that.

> I am

> > > still working and have not even discussed not working. I don't

> know

> > > what I would do. Thanks for listening and I look forward to

> hearing

> > > from everyone.

> > >

Posted May 19, 2003 · May 19, 2003

Jen,

There are several articles on MTX at my website:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/drugs.html#mtx

There are many members that give themselves injections. They say the first

time is the worse. I'm lucky that I have a husband that gives me my

injections. I remember how mtx affected my stomach, and I'd gladly endure

the few seconds of a needle prick rather than the constant upset stomach.

a

> I'm new to this and was looking to find more info on MTX. I just

> started it 4 weeks ago on a very low dose. I've experienced very few

> side effects but was wondering if fatigue was normal? Also, is it

> hard to give yourself a shot? I'm am quickly losing weight and can't

> afford the upset stomach I constantly have.

>

> Smiles, Jen

Posted May 22, 2003 · May 22, 2003

Hi

Glad your in the group! Man sounds like you have your hands full. Let us

know what you find out and if there is anything I can do to help!

Rhiannon, TX

Bryce 10.5 months

>From: " cdmolnar13 " <CdMolnar@...>

>Reply-Plagiocephaly

>Plagiocephaly

>Subject: new member

>Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 22:04:51 -0000

>

>Hi everyone,

>

>I've been lurking for a while.

>

>My daughter is 8 1/2 months, and I've decided we need to

>address her facial asymmetry now, rather than waiting another month,

>like our ped first suggested. She first showed a flat spot around

>four months old. I started repositioning immediately. (I've read

>about positional plagiocephaly before) The flat spot is very minimal

>now, but I noticed the facial asymmetry around 6 months and it hasn't

>improved. With all the reading I've done, I'm still not sure if it's

>positional or cranio. Besides not having much of a flat spot, she

>has no forehead bossing, just one side of her face appears larger

>than the other. The larger eye is crossing occasionally, and her jaw

>doesn't meet on the larger side, which is why I don't want to let

>this go any longer.

>

>I called CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) today to make an

>appointment with neurosurgery for an evaluation. They are supposed

>to call me back, as " we are in the middle of patient care hours " .

>Huh? You can't make an appointment? And since it's after hours now,

>they will call in the morning when I'm at work. :-(

>

>This sounds like it's going to be a fun journey. Hearing about the

>insurance issues - ugh. I already know that no one at CHOP except

>the hospital itself and anesthesiology are in our PPO network. So

>I'm looking forward (hah) to the out-of-network co-pays. And then

>figuring out if they will pay for a band or helmet. And weekly

>adjustments - the hospital is an hour away on a good traffic day.

>(which are few and far between)

>

>My oldest son just got a 4 month furlough from cardiology, (after

>four days in the past four weeks) so it's 's turn now, and then

>about when she's done, either banding or surgery, it will be my other

>daughter's turn with cardiology to see if she needs surgery or not.

>At least I have one kid who doesn't appear in CHOP's patient records

>(yet! LOL)

>

>I would love to hear from other moms with experience with

>neurosurgery/plastic surgery at CHOP.

>

> mom to , 10, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, heart

>transplant at 6 weeks, , 9, Abigail Rose, 2 1/2, bicuspid aortic

>valve and patent foramen ovale, and Alice, 8 1/2 months, either

>plagio or cranio.

>Central Bucks County, PA

>

_________________________________________________________________

Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*

http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

Posted May 22, 2003 · May 22, 2003

--- In Plagiocephaly , " cdmolnar13 " <CdMolnar@a...>

wrote:

>

Hi Chris--I live in Chester County and went last week w/my son

(Ryder,5mo) to chop--we brought his side flat spot up to his

pediatrician and he referred us--Anyway--we met w/ dr sutton and his

nurse--they were very laid back and felt repositioning was a priority-

-although they talked a bit about helmets etc...they were not eager

for us to do it---all of this was ok w/ me b/c i personally believe

it's ok not to have the perfect head shape!! even though it angers me

that there isn't more education from pediatricians on repositioning

early on---actually, it turns out my son's flat spot is not from

being too much on his back--ready for this??---he was too much in the

front pack!!! he faced me the whole time (I was working) sleeping for

hours--always more to one side than the other!--julia

> Hi everyone,

>

> I've been lurking for a while.

>

> My daughter is 8 1/2 months, and I've decided we need to

> address her facial asymmetry now, rather than waiting another

month,

> like our ped first suggested. She first showed a flat spot around

> four months old. I started repositioning immediately. (I've read

> about positional plagiocephaly before) The flat spot is very

minimal

> now, but I noticed the facial asymmetry around 6 months and it

hasn't

> improved. With all the reading I've done, I'm still not sure if

it's

> positional or cranio. Besides not having much of a flat spot, she

> has no forehead bossing, just one side of her face appears larger

> than the other. The larger eye is crossing occasionally, and her

jaw

> doesn't meet on the larger side, which is why I don't want to let

> this go any longer.

>

> I called CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) today to make

an

> appointment with neurosurgery for an evaluation. They are supposed

> to call me back, as " we are in the middle of patient care hours " .

> Huh? You can't make an appointment? And since it's after hours

now,

> they will call in the morning when I'm at work. :-(

>

> This sounds like it's going to be a fun journey. Hearing about the

> insurance issues - ugh. I already know that no one at CHOP except

> the hospital itself and anesthesiology are in our PPO network. So

> I'm looking forward (hah) to the out-of-network co-pays. And then

> figuring out if they will pay for a band or helmet. And weekly

> adjustments - the hospital is an hour away on a good traffic day.

> (which are few and far between)

>

> My oldest son just got a 4 month furlough from cardiology, (after

> four days in the past four weeks) so it's 's turn now, and

then

> about when she's done, either banding or surgery, it will be my

other

> daughter's turn with cardiology to see if she needs surgery or

not.

> At least I have one kid who doesn't appear in CHOP's patient

records

> (yet! LOL)

>

> I would love to hear from other moms with experience with

> neurosurgery/plastic surgery at CHOP.

>

> mom to , 10, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, heart

> transplant at 6 weeks, , 9, Abigail Rose, 2 1/2, bicuspid

aortic

> valve and patent foramen ovale, and Alice, 8 1/2 months,

either

> plagio or cranio.

> Central Bucks County, PA

Posted May 22, 2003 · May 22, 2003

Hi,

Welcome to the group! I know we have members that use/are using CHOPS

and I'm sure they'll reply to you as soon as they see your post. I

just wantted to say welcome!

--- In Plagiocephaly , " cdmolnar13 " <CdMolnar@a...>

wrote:

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I've been lurking for a while.

>

> My daughter is 8 1/2 months, and I've decided we need to

> address her facial asymmetry now, rather than waiting another

month,

> like our ped first suggested. She first showed a flat spot around

> four months old. I started repositioning immediately. (I've read

> about positional plagiocephaly before) The flat spot is very

minimal

> now, but I noticed the facial asymmetry around 6 months and it

hasn't

> improved. With all the reading I've done, I'm still not sure if

it's

> positional or cranio. Besides not having much of a flat spot, she

> has no forehead bossing, just one side of her face appears larger

> than the other. The larger eye is crossing occasionally, and her

jaw

> doesn't meet on the larger side, which is why I don't want to let

> this go any longer.

>

> I called CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) today to make

an

> appointment with neurosurgery for an evaluation. They are supposed

> to call me back, as " we are in the middle of patient care hours " .

> Huh? You can't make an appointment? And since it's after hours

now,

> they will call in the morning when I'm at work. :-(

>

> This sounds like it's going to be a fun journey. Hearing about the

> insurance issues - ugh. I already know that no one at CHOP except

> the hospital itself and anesthesiology are in our PPO network. So

> I'm looking forward (hah) to the out-of-network co-pays. And then

> figuring out if they will pay for a band or helmet. And weekly

> adjustments - the hospital is an hour away on a good traffic day.

> (which are few and far between)

>

> My oldest son just got a 4 month furlough from cardiology, (after

> four days in the past four weeks) so it's 's turn now, and

then

> about when she's done, either banding or surgery, it will be my

other

> daughter's turn with cardiology to see if she needs surgery or

not.

> At least I have one kid who doesn't appear in CHOP's patient

records

> (yet! LOL)

>

> I would love to hear from other moms with experience with

> neurosurgery/plastic surgery at CHOP.

>

> mom to , 10, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, heart

> transplant at 6 weeks, , 9, Abigail Rose, 2 1/2, bicuspid

aortic

> valve and patent foramen ovale, and Alice, 8 1/2 months,

either

> plagio or cranio.

> Central Bucks County, PA

Posted May 22, 2003 · May 22, 2003

Glad you decided to post your introduction. We're glad you have

joined us. We have numerous members from PA so hopefully you will get

some good feedback. Sounds like an eval with the specialist will be

in order to rule out cranio, however, if you have seen some

improvement with repositioning you may be okay. Still a good idea to

get a diagnosis from a specialist.

Let us know when you have an appointment all set up.

Marci (Mom to )

Oklahoma

--- In Plagiocephaly , " cdmolnar13 " <CdMolnar@a...>

wrote:

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I've been lurking for a while.

>

> My daughter is 8 1/2 months, and I've decided we need to

> address her facial asymmetry now, rather than waiting another

month,

> like our ped first suggested. She first showed a flat spot around

> four months old. I started repositioning immediately. (I've read

> about positional plagiocephaly before) The flat spot is very

minimal

> now, but I noticed the facial asymmetry around 6 months and it

hasn't

> improved. With all the reading I've done, I'm still not sure if

it's

> positional or cranio. Besides not having much of a flat spot, she

> has no forehead bossing, just one side of her face appears larger

> than the other. The larger eye is crossing occasionally, and her

jaw

> doesn't meet on the larger side, which is why I don't want to let

> this go any longer.

>

> I called CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) today to make

an

> appointment with neurosurgery for an evaluation. They are supposed

> to call me back, as " we are in the middle of patient care hours " .

> Huh? You can't make an appointment? And since it's after hours

now,

> they will call in the morning when I'm at work. :-(

>

> This sounds like it's going to be a fun journey. Hearing about the

> insurance issues - ugh. I already know that no one at CHOP except

> the hospital itself and anesthesiology are in our PPO network. So

> I'm looking forward (hah) to the out-of-network co-pays. And then

> figuring out if they will pay for a band or helmet. And weekly

> adjustments - the hospital is an hour away on a good traffic day.

> (which are few and far between)

>

> My oldest son just got a 4 month furlough from cardiology, (after

> four days in the past four weeks) so it's 's turn now, and

then

> about when she's done, either banding or surgery, it will be my

other

> daughter's turn with cardiology to see if she needs surgery or

not.

> At least I have one kid who doesn't appear in CHOP's patient

records

> (yet! LOL)

>

> I would love to hear from other moms with experience with

> neurosurgery/plastic surgery at CHOP.

>

> mom to , 10, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, heart

> transplant at 6 weeks, , 9, Abigail Rose, 2 1/2, bicuspid

aortic

> valve and patent foramen ovale, and Alice, 8 1/2 months,

either

> plagio or cranio.

> Central Bucks County, PA

Posted May 22, 2003 · May 22, 2003

Hi

Its good to see you coming out of lurkdom and joining in on this

fun! ;o)

I live in Philadelphia, but we didn't go to CHOP. We took the twins

down to Saint 's Hospital for Children, and they were

really awesome about making an appointment for us. We had to wait

like just a week and half and we got a Saturday appt. It might be

worthwhile to check to see if any providers there are in-network.

What insurance do you have?

I'm hoping with all my might that this is indeed just plagio and that

you won't have to deal with cranio. Please be sure to keep us up to

date!

Niki

Kaylie & Danny (STAR grads)

Phila., PA

--- In Plagiocephaly , " cdmolnar13 " <CdMolnar@a...>

wrote:

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I've been lurking for a while.

>

> My daughter is 8 1/2 months, and I've decided we need to

> address her facial asymmetry now, rather than waiting another

month,

> like our ped first suggested. She first showed a flat spot around

> four months old. I started repositioning immediately. (I've read

> about positional plagiocephaly before) The flat spot is very

minimal

> now, but I noticed the facial asymmetry around 6 months and it

hasn't

> improved. With all the reading I've done, I'm still not sure if

it's

> positional or cranio. Besides not having much of a flat spot, she

> has no forehead bossing, just one side of her face appears larger

> than the other. The larger eye is crossing occasionally, and her

jaw

> doesn't meet on the larger side, which is why I don't want to let

> this go any longer.

>

> I called CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) today to make

an

> appointment with neurosurgery for an evaluation. They are supposed

> to call me back, as " we are in the middle of patient care hours " .

> Huh? You can't make an appointment? And since it's after hours

now,

> they will call in the morning when I'm at work. :-(

>

> This sounds like it's going to be a fun journey. Hearing about the

> insurance issues - ugh. I already know that no one at CHOP except

> the hospital itself and anesthesiology are in our PPO network. So

> I'm looking forward (hah) to the out-of-network co-pays. And then

> figuring out if they will pay for a band or helmet. And weekly

> adjustments - the hospital is an hour away on a good traffic day.

> (which are few and far between)

>

> My oldest son just got a 4 month furlough from cardiology, (after

> four days in the past four weeks) so it's 's turn now, and

then

> about when she's done, either banding or surgery, it will be my

other

> daughter's turn with cardiology to see if she needs surgery or

not.

> At least I have one kid who doesn't appear in CHOP's patient

records

> (yet! LOL)

>

> I would love to hear from other moms with experience with

> neurosurgery/plastic surgery at CHOP.

>

> mom to , 10, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, heart

> transplant at 6 weeks, , 9, Abigail Rose, 2 1/2, bicuspid

aortic

> valve and patent foramen ovale, and Alice, 8 1/2 months,

either

> plagio or cranio.

> Central Bucks County, PA

Posted May 23, 2003 · May 23, 2003

Welcome to the group that all of us think of as our 2nd " family. " Sorry that it

was the RA and other things that brought you here. You may rave, rant, vent,

share, learn, and all the other things that go with having a disease such as

this. We're here for you!

You will love and a, our moderator and owner. They keep us up to date

on everything and if you have a question about anything, besides everyone giving

their info, these lovely ladies search for an answer.

Where are you located? I'm in CA and there are people at all points across the

US and Canada plus our star - momma to be - in Mauritoris off the coast of S.

Africa. They will be introducing themselves to you shortly and you will get to

know and love all of them.

Take care and hope to see you post often.

Jan in CA +/:=)

<sjbaker@...> wrote:

Hi- I'm new to rheumatiod arthritis, but I have had Crohn's Disease

for about 6 years. I just recently had my first bad flare. I have

started remicade and am awaiting my 3rd dose. I am so glad to have

found this group. When are your chats? I would love some coping

tips. I'm 29, and have an 8yr. old daughter. Thanks,

Posted May 24, 2003 · May 24, 2003

Hi . Welcome to our group. We don¹t have scheduled chats, but anyone

is free to use the chat room. We use this forum as our chat room.

Sorry you're flaring. I hope the remicade helps you.

Enteropathic arthritis-

This term is given to the arthritis which may accompany ulcerative colitis

or Crohn's disease. About 10-20% of Crohn¹s disease and ulcerative colitis

patients can develop peripheral joint arthritis.

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3098.htm

Rheumatic Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Diseases

The term ³enteropathic arthritis² describes joint manifestations that occur

in conjunction with gastrointestinal disease. The clinical picture of this

entity is still evolving and has gained importance from advances in

knowledge regarding gut pathophysiology and cell trafficking. It is very

important to keep enteropathic arthritis in the differential diagnosis of

patients with unexplained arthritis and to obtain detailed history, complete

physical examination, and appropriate testing. These arthritic syndromes can

be treated symptomatically, but long-term therapy should be directed at the

underlying cause.

http://www.arthritis.org/research/bulletin/vol51no2/51_2_summary.asp

a

> Hi- I'm new to rheumatiod arthritis, but I have had Crohn's Disease

> for about 6 years. I just recently had my first bad flare. I have

> started remicade and am awaiting my 3rd dose. I am so glad to have

> found this group. When are your chats? I would love some coping

> tips. I'm 29, and have an 8yr. old daughter. Thanks,

>

Posted May 24, 2003 · May 24, 2003

Welcome, !

Sorry about your diagnoses. My former SIL has Crohn's disease. It is a

big challenge for her to manage it. Part of the problem for her is that

it took WAY too many years to get her diagnosis.

I hope the Remicade works for you.

If you ever want to chat at a specific time, you can always post a

message to the group and see if anyone will join you.

[ ] New Member

> Hi- I'm new to rheumatiod arthritis, but I have had Crohn's Disease

> for about 6 years. I just recently had my first bad flare. I have

> started remicade and am awaiting my 3rd dose. I am so glad to have

> found this group. When are your chats? I would love some coping

> tips. I'm 29, and have an 8yr. old daughter. Thanks,

Posted May 24, 2003 · May 24, 2003

Hi GG, welcome to this great group

I dont post often but it is so comforting to come here when you need

to vent. Sorry to hear you were disgnoes with RA...boo

I have had it since 1996. I am 39 and holding and have 3 kids to

raise, so I know what you are going thru.

Try not to be so hard on yourself. SOmtimes I get sooooo mad when I

cant even open a jar or turn the ignition in my truck. I have

always rebelled against this disease...maybe that keeps me fighting!

anyways best wishes to you

Judy in CA

--- In , " ragyrl2002 " <godsgyrl2000@j...>

wrote:

> Hi,

>

> I'm 30 years old and was diagnosed with RA in Oct. 2002. I have

also

> been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and suffer from chronic back

pain.

> Would love to talk to people with same condition and hear about

their

> experiences and insight.

>

> I am a Christian and believe in prayer so I will pray for you and

be

> there for you emotionally and spiritually when you need me.

>

> I have two boys ages 2 & 3 whom are both very demanding at this

age

> who wear me out beyond belief on top of the RA & FMS.

>

> Hope to talk to lots of people soon.

>

> Bye,

>

> GG

Posted May 24, 2003 · May 24, 2003

Hi Judy,

Sorry to hear you've suffer with RA for son long, and thanks for the

sympathy and understanding. It's so nice to hear from someone who " gets

it " , you konow what I mean? Your comment about opening up a jar is so

true, just this morning after cleaning up the kitchen I felt as if I had

just run a marathon, my body was weak,my hands were shakey, and I was

breathing fast. It's probably more of my Fibromyalgia than the RA, but

they are so closesly related it's either one or the other for me these

days. I justwoke up from a two hour nap and still feel weak and shakey.

Frustrated doesn't begin to explain how this makes me feel. I mean I'm

only 30 for goodness sake. But, I know this is a part of God's great

plan so I'm standing firm on that.

Hope to hear from you again soon. Tell me more about yourself, marriage,

career, kids, etc. I live in , NV in case I didn't post that,

my parents along with my 16 yr old sister and 28 yr old brother live in

Rowland Heights, familiar with that area? What part of Cali. are you

in?

Take care,

G.G.

On Sat, 24 May 2003 16:42:07 -0000 " ladydback " <ladydback@...>

writes:

Hi GG, welcome to this great group

I dont post often but it is so comforting to come here when you need

to vent. Sorry to hear you were disgnoes with RA...boo

I have had it since 1996. I am 39 and holding and have 3 kids to

raise, so I know what you are going thru.

Try not to be so hard on yourself. SOmtimes I get sooooo mad when I

cant even open a jar or turn the ignition in my truck. I have

always rebelled against this disease...maybe that keeps me fighting!

anyways best wishes to you

Judy in CA

--- In , " ragyrl2002 " <godsgyrl2000@j...>

wrote:

> Hi,

>

> I'm 30 years old and was diagnosed with RA in Oct. 2002. I have

also

> been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and suffer from chronic back

pain.

> Would love to talk to people with same condition and hear about

their

> experiences and insight.

>

> I am a Christian and believe in prayer so I will pray for you and

be

> there for you emotionally and spiritually when you need me.

>

> I have two boys ages 2 & 3 whom are both very demanding at this

age

> who wear me out beyond belief on top of the RA & FMS.

>

> Hope to talk to lots of people soon.

>

> Bye,

>

> GG

Posted May 24, 2003 · May 24, 2003

Hi Judy,

I too was dia. w/ RA in '96. I'm 43 and

have two kids, 17 & 20. The jar and ignition

difficulties...I didn't think I'd ever find someone

who understood... This group is a Godsend..

Warm thoughts and prayers to all.

Posted June 14, 2003 · June 14, 2003

Hi ,

Sounds like you and I are about at the same point in our Dx. Hopefully we can

learn together.

Noreen, the other newbie

[ ] New Member

Hello, I am 50 yoa and was very recently diagnosed with RA. I have

not had a chance to discuss it much with my Rheumatologist yet but

have been doing some reading on the internet. The report from x-rays

of my knees say early signs of RA. I have had other problems before

that may be related. I started having problems about 5 years ago

with my hands. The dx at that time was Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for

which I had surgery on one hand (didn't seem to help much). I did

not have a repetative motion job so I think that might be related to

RA. Next I had trouble with my feet, then my neck and now in my

knees. My RA factor was negative 2 years ago when it was last

checked, sed rate is normal but C-reactive protein is elevated. My

white count has been above normal since December. I am very

interested in reading some of the past messages as I would like to

have as much info as possible. I look forward to learning much from

the Group.

Posted June 14, 2003 · June 14, 2003

Welcome, Rene!

Sorry about your recent RA diagnosis and that you aren't feeling well,

but I'm glad you found us.

Has your rheumatologist started you on any medications yet?

[ ] New Member

> Hello, I am 50 yoa and was very recently diagnosed with RA. I have

> not had a chance to discuss it much with my Rheumatologist yet but

> have been doing some reading on the internet. The report from x-rays

> of my knees say early signs of RA. I have had other problems before

> that may be related. I started having problems about 5 years ago

> with my hands. The dx at that time was Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for

> which I had surgery on one hand (didn't seem to help much). I did

> not have a repetative motion job so I think that might be related to

> RA. Next I had trouble with my feet, then my neck and now in my

> knees. My RA factor was negative 2 years ago when it was last

> checked, sed rate is normal but C-reactive protein is elevated. My

> white count has been above normal since December. I am very

> interested in reading some of the past messages as I would like to

> have as much info as possible. I look forward to learning much from

> the Group.

Posted June 14, 2003 · June 14, 2003

-Yes, she (my Rheumatologist) immediately started me on Prednisone

and said we would discuss treatment options when I came back in 3 wks.

-- In , " " <Matsumura_Clan@m...>

wrote:

> Welcome, Rene!

>

> Sorry about your recent RA diagnosis and that you aren't feeling

well,

> but I'm glad you found us.

>

> Has your rheumatologist started you on any medications yet?

>

> [ ] New Member

>

> > Hello, I am 50 yoa and was very recently diagnosed with RA. I

have

> > not had a chance to discuss it much with my Rheumatologist yet but

> > have been doing some reading on the internet. The report from x-

rays

> > of my knees say early signs of RA. I have had other problems

before

> > that may be related. I started having problems about 5 years ago

> > with my hands. The dx at that time was Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for

> > which I had surgery on one hand (didn't seem to help much). I did

> > not have a repetative motion job so I think that might be related

to

> > RA. Next I had trouble with my feet, then my neck and now in my

> > knees. My RA factor was negative 2 years ago when it was last

> > checked, sed rate is normal but C-reactive protein is elevated.

My

> > white count has been above normal since December. I am very

> > interested in reading some of the past messages as I would like to

> > have as much info as possible. I look forward to learning much

from

> > the Group.

Posted June 16, 2003 · June 16, 2003

Welcome Rene. You'll learn a lot about RA from our group. We've have many

knowledgeable members and we've got a lot of experience with all the

treatments available. Please feel free to ask any questions.