new member

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I agree with Jennie. I know some primary doctors (and even

some rheumatologists) take the position of " well, it could be, but

let's just wait and see if it gets worse. " The problem is, it takes

most people many months to get in to see a rheumy for the first time

and most of the medications take several more weeks/months to start

being effective.

My primary doctor made an appt for me with a rheumatologist after an

initial bout of joint pain, even though he (primary) didn't think I

had RA at the time. (I also had a positive RF.) By the time my appt

came six months later, I was having no pain and no swelling, and

almost cancelled the appt, but I decided to go anyway since it's so

hard to get that initial appt. My rheumatologist put me on Celebrex

and told me to come back in three months or so. Just a few weeks

before the second appt, I started to flare big-time. My doctor put

me on Plaquenil, Prednisone, and eventually methotrexate. I still

had to wait several weeks to get the pain under control, but if I

hadn't had that intial appt at the rheumy doctor's, I'd probably

still be waiting for some relief. So in my opinion, if you've got a

positive RF and you've had some joint pain--even if it's not bad at

the moment--it's good to get your foot in the door with a

rheumatologist.

Oh, and by the way, welcome to the group. :-)

>

> Darlene,

>

> I would ask to be referred to a rheumatologist, or if your

insurance

> does not require a referral, just go see one. With an elevated RA

> factor and joint pain, you need to be evaluated further by a

> specialist. It is difficult to diagnose RA, because there is no

one

> test to say you have it or to rule it out.

>

> RA is diagnosed by monitoring your blood work, your symptoms and if

> you are suspected to have RA, trying some RA drugs and seeing how

you

> respond. You are best served by having this evaluation done by a

> rheumatolgist, as this can be a difficult disease to treat.

>

> Jennie

>

> --- In , " Darlene " <dashcraft1@w...>

wrote:

> >

> > Hi everyone and thanks for letting me join the group! I'm

Darlene,

> 49 yrs

> > old and I am confused. I was diagnosed with Fibro about 12 yrs

ago

> and in

> > the past year have started having joint pain and stiffness in

> multiple

> > joints. I went to my PCP and he did some labs, including an

> arthritis panel.

> > He told me at the visit that I have arthritis.

> >

> > When the labs came back, the RA factor was elevated and the nurse

> called to

> > tell me but just said there was some inflammation going on and to

> keep

> > taking my celebrex. I tried to question her but couldn't get any

> answer

> > other than -- it could be RA and might be something else. No

follow

> up or

> > anything.

> >

> > I couldn't sleep last night because i kept thinking about it. I

> feel like I

> > need more info than my doctor is giving me. Do you think I should

> go to

> > another doctor or should I just sit back and see what develops?

> I've heard

> > that early treatment improves outcome but maybe it's too early to

> make the

> > diagnosis. I don't know what to do or think.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Darlene

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jennie,

So far, everyone i've asked has said the same thing. I need a referral to go

to a rheumatologist and I am hesitating to ask my PCP. I've been very

anxious all day trying to decide if I should go to another doctor for a

second opinion or try to open communication with my existing doctor. I've

been going to him for less than a year and he is always in a hurry and seems

to minimize everything. I don't even have a follow-up appointment and don't

know what he expects me to do. The nurse just said to keep taking the

celebrex. End of conversation. I had to take an ativan earlier because I was

approaching a panic attack. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist next

friday and if I can wait that long will ask her opinion about the labs and

my situation. She has a copy of my lab work.

It is stressful to switch doctors. I don't know what to do.

Darlene

-- [ ] Re: new member

Darlene,

I would ask to be referred to a rheumatologist, or if your insurance

does not require a referral, just go see one. With an elevated RA

factor and joint pain, you need to be evaluated further by a

specialist. It is difficult to diagnose RA, because there is no one

test to say you have it or to rule it out.

RA is diagnosed by monitoring your blood work, your symptoms and if

you are suspected to have RA, trying some RA drugs and seeing how you

respond. You are best served by having this evaluation done by a

rheumatolgist, as this can be a difficult disease to treat.

Jennie

>

> Hi everyone and thanks for letting me join the group! I'm Darlene,

49 yrs

> old and I am confused. I was diagnosed with Fibro about 12 yrs ago

and in

> the past year have started having joint pain and stiffness in

multiple

> joints. I went to my PCP and he did some labs, including an

arthritis panel.

> He told me at the visit that I have arthritis.

>

> When the labs came back, the RA factor was elevated and the nurse

called to

> tell me but just said there was some inflammation going on and to

keep

> taking my celebrex. I tried to question her but couldn't get any

answer

> other than -- it could be RA and might be something else. No follow

up or

> anything.

>

> I couldn't sleep last night because i kept thinking about it. I

feel like I

> need more info than my doctor is giving me. Do you think I should

go to

> another doctor or should I just sit back and see what develops?

I've heard

> that early treatment improves outcome but maybe it's too early to

make the

> diagnosis. I don't know what to do or think.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Darlene

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Darlene,

Do feel it is stressful to switch doctors because you think the

doctor will take it personally? I don't believe he will. He

probably has so many patients that he can't care for them properly.

My guess that he knows this deep down, and would change the situation

if he could. Our health system in this country makes it hard for

doctors to practice the way he wants.

Write down what you want to ask him. Remember, he is not an

important person in your life, and if he gets offended you are

asking, you don't ever have to see him again. Consider something

like this:

" I would like a referral to a rheumatologist for a second opinion "

Think about the response you might get from the nurse or doctor.

They might object. They might say, " Why " and you can say, " The

friends and family I spoke with think it's a smart idea to get a

second opinion, and I agree. " My guess is they'll just give it to

you. But if they don't, just say well then I will be switching to

another PCP and end the conversation. You don't have to worry what

they think. You won't be the first patient they've lost and you

won't be the last. Even good doctors loose patients for all kinds of

reasons. It isn't a reflection on you or him.

You can do this. People ask for second opinions all the time - it's

expected. And you really need it.

Jennie

>

> Thanks Jennie,

>

> So far, everyone i've asked has said the same thing. I need a

referral to go

> to a rheumatologist and I am hesitating to ask my PCP. I've been

very

> anxious all day trying to decide if I should go to another doctor

for a

> second opinion or try to open communication with my existing

doctor. I've

> been going to him for less than a year and he is always in a hurry

and seems

> to minimize everything. I don't even have a follow-up appointment

and don't

> know what he expects me to do. The nurse just said to keep taking

the

> celebrex. End of conversation. I had to take an ativan earlier

because I was

> approaching a panic attack. I have an appointment with my

psychiatrist next

> friday and if I can wait that long will ask her opinion about the

labs and

> my situation. She has a copy of my lab work.

>

> It is stressful to switch doctors. I don't know what to do.

>

> Darlene

>

>

>

> -- [ ] Re: new member

>

>

> Darlene,

>

> I would ask to be referred to a rheumatologist, or if your

insurance

> does not require a referral, just go see one. With an elevated RA

> factor and joint pain, you need to be evaluated further by a

> specialist. It is difficult to diagnose RA, because there is no

one

> test to say you have it or to rule it out.

>

> RA is diagnosed by monitoring your blood work, your symptoms and if

> you are suspected to have RA, trying some RA drugs and seeing how

you

> respond. You are best served by having this evaluation done by a

> rheumatolgist, as this can be a difficult disease to treat.

>

> Jennie

>

> --- In , " Darlene " <dashcraft1@w...>

wrote:

> >

> > Hi everyone and thanks for letting me join the group! I'm

Darlene,

> 49 yrs

> > old and I am confused. I was diagnosed with Fibro about 12 yrs

ago

> and in

> > the past year have started having joint pain and stiffness in

> multiple

> > joints. I went to my PCP and he did some labs, including an

> arthritis panel.

> > He told me at the visit that I have arthritis.

> >

> > When the labs came back, the RA factor was elevated and the nurse

> called to

> > tell me but just said there was some inflammation going on and to

> keep

> > taking my celebrex. I tried to question her but couldn't get any

> answer

> > other than -- it could be RA and might be something else. No

follow

> up or

> > anything.

> >

> > I couldn't sleep last night because i kept thinking about it. I

> feel like I

> > need more info than my doctor is giving me. Do you think I should

> go to

> > another doctor or should I just sit back and see what develops?

> I've heard

> > that early treatment improves outcome but maybe it's too early to

> make the

> > diagnosis. I don't know what to do or think.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Darlene

> >

[Guest guest]

Jennie,

I have been giving a lot of thought to what you said and I think you are

right.

I think I'm afraid that I will over-react and ask to see a rheumy when I don

t need one. My pain levels are low today but I have been so fatigued. I

slept almost the entire day. i would get up for 20-30 minutes and then lay

back down and go to sleep.

I think I will wait a few days and see how things look then. I'm reading

every post and getting lots of info. I am emotionally drained right now and

need to get back to clear thinking. I feel like I'm not making much sense

right now. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your

encouragement! I wish there was a more clear-cut diagnosis for RA. Not

knowing is really hard...

Darlene

-- [ ] Re: new member

>

>

> Darlene,

>

> I would ask to be referred to a rheumatologist, or if your

insurance

> does not require a referral, just go see one. With an elevated RA

> factor and joint pain, you need to be evaluated further by a

> specialist. It is difficult to diagnose RA, because there is no

one

> test to say you have it or to rule it out.

>

> RA is diagnosed by monitoring your blood work, your symptoms and if

> you are suspected to have RA, trying some RA drugs and seeing how

you

> respond. You are best served by having this evaluation done by a

> rheumatolgist, as this can be a difficult disease to treat.

>

> Jennie

>

> --- In , " Darlene " <dashcraft1@w...>

wrote:

> >

> > Hi everyone and thanks for letting me join the group! I'm

Darlene,

> 49 yrs

> > old and I am confused. I was diagnosed with Fibro about 12 yrs

ago

> and in

> > the past year have started having joint pain and stiffness in

> multiple

> > joints. I went to my PCP and he did some labs, including an

> arthritis panel.

> > He told me at the visit that I have arthritis.

> >

> > When the labs came back, the RA factor was elevated and the nurse

> called to

> > tell me but just said there was some inflammation going on and to

> keep

> > taking my celebrex. I tried to question her but couldn't get any

> answer

> > other than -- it could be RA and might be something else. No

follow

> up or

> > anything.

> >

> > I couldn't sleep last night because i kept thinking about it. I

> feel like I

> > need more info than my doctor is giving me. Do you think I should

> go to

> > another doctor or should I just sit back and see what develops?

> I've heard

> > that early treatment improves outcome but maybe it's too early to

> make the

> > diagnosis. I don't know what to do or think.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Darlene

> >

[Guest guest]

Darlene,

I agree with you about not knowing, it is hard. Maybe it would help

to make a list of the things you are not able to do. If you have to

sleep all day, you are not able to function. And if you can't

function, something is wrong. If you have a list of the things that

are wrong, that make you not able to function as you did before, then

you can see right there that you are justified in getting a second

opinion. Fatigue is a common symptom of RA, so it makes sense to go

down that road and find out if you do or do not have it. There is

nothing wrong with getting a second opinion, even if there is a

chance you might not have RA. It's smart to be cautious. It is fine

to take a couple days and see how it goes, but make that list so you

can see for yourself whether you think there is something wrong.

Jennie

>

> Jennie,

>

> I have been giving a lot of thought to what you said and I think

you are

> right.

>

> I think I'm afraid that I will over-react and ask to see a rheumy

when I don

> t need one. My pain levels are low today but I have been so

fatigued. I

> slept almost the entire day. i would get up for 20-30 minutes and

then lay

> back down and go to sleep.

>

> I think I will wait a few days and see how things look then. I'm

reading

> every post and getting lots of info. I am emotionally drained right

now and

> need to get back to clear thinking. I feel like I'm not making much

sense

> right now. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your

> encouragement! I wish there was a more clear-cut diagnosis for RA.

Not

> knowing is really hard...

>

> Darlene

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Krissy. Welcome to the group. I am 34 and I've had RA for just

over a year, and I grew up watching my mom suffer with RA (and still

do). I live in PA. I think you'll find this group has a very

diverse group of men and women and our moderators post a lot of

information on the latest research and other resources. It really is

a great group.

--- In , " krisanna80 " <krisanna80@y...>

wrote:

>

>

> My name is Krissy. I am 24 years old and have had RA since I was

16.

> There are no support groups in my area (Albany, GA) and sometimes I

> get a little frustrated with things and need people who understand

to

> talk too. Hopefully this group will help and I can help some others

> as well. My email is krisanna80@y... - Thanks, Krissy

[Guest guest]

Hi Cheryl and welcome to the board. I am sure you will get a lot

from being a part of this group. While a lot of us have RA, many

have lupus, fibro and other diseases, or some combination of them.

Jennie

--- In , " mrscam1994 " <mrscam1994@y...>

wrote:

>

>

> Hi All,

> My name is Cheryl.I have been dx with lupus,fibro,and a whole big

> list of things that go with all of these " pleasant " illnesses.

> I am 36,i have 3 kids,a son who is also dx with fibro,and a

> husband in the military.

> I hope to make many new friends here,and that you will include

> me in your conversations.(lol) I love to chat and get to know

> people.

> Lupie Hugs,

> Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Hi Jennie,thanks for the welcome. yes,i am finding out that many diseases have

overlapping syndromes.there is so much info out there,and after a while it all

gets sooo confusing,maybe here i can straighten some of it out......I went for

my monthly blood work today,and they have added blood fasting sugars and and

insulin levels to my list,now i am wandering if diabetes could be a part of the

problem with my kidneys and what not.it is defin. something to

consider.well,once again,thanks for the welcome!!

Lupie hugs,

Cheryl

Jennie G <xponder70@...> wrote:

Hi Cheryl and welcome to the board. I am sure you will get a lot

from being a part of this group. While a lot of us have RA, many

have lupus, fibro and other diseases, or some combination of them.

Jennie

--- In , " mrscam1994 " <mrscam1994@y...>

wrote:

>

>

> Hi All,

> My name is Cheryl.I have been dx with lupus,fibro,and a whole big

> list of things that go with all of these " pleasant " illnesses.

> I am 36,i have 3 kids,a son who is also dx with fibro,and a

> husband in the military.

> I hope to make many new friends here,and that you will include

> me in your conversations.(lol) I love to chat and get to know

> people.

> Lupie Hugs,

> Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Cheryl! Sorry about your lupus, fibromyalgia, and

other diagnoses.

I sincerely hope your husband stays safe wherever he is.

Of course you can be in on the conversations!

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] New member

>

>

>

> Hi All,

> My name is Cheryl.I have been dx with lupus,fibro,and a whole big

> list of things that go with all of these " pleasant " illnesses.

> I am 36,i have 3 kids,a son who is also dx with fibro,and a

> husband in the military.

> I hope to make many new friends here,and that you will include

> me in your conversations.(lol) I love to chat and get to know

> people.

> Lupie Hugs,

> Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Krissy! Sorry that you've had RA for so long - and in your

youth.

Hope you find the understanding and support you're looking for right

here.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] New Member

>

>

>

> My name is Krissy. I am 24 years old and have had RA since I was 16.

> There are no support groups in my area (Albany, GA) and sometimes I

> get a little frustrated with things and need people who understand to

> talk too. Hopefully this group will help and I can help some others

> as well. My email is krisanna80@.... - Thanks, Krissy

[Guest guest]

Welome Cheryl and Krissy...I'm pretty new here too and already I have

found everyone here to be very friendly and helpful...I think you'll

like it here!

> >

> >

> > Hi All,

> > My name is Cheryl.I have been dx with lupus,fibro,and a whole big

> > list of things that go with all of these " pleasant " illnesses.

> > I am 36,i have 3 kids,a son who is also dx with fibro,and a

> > husband in the military.

> > I hope to make many new friends here,and that you will include

> > me in your conversations.(lol) I love to chat and get to know

> > people.

> > Lupie Hugs,

> > Cheryl

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have kidney involvement, they did a kidney biopsy to see if it was diabetes or

lupus;

mine turned out to be diabetes related. They said it made a difference how it

was

treated. I see Nephrologist monthly or more now.

Janiniowa

> >

> >

> > Hi All,

> > My name is Cheryl.I have been dx with lupus,fibro,and a whole big

> > list of things that go with all of these " pleasant " illnesses.

> > I am 36,i have 3 kids,a son who is also dx with fibro,and a

> > husband in the military.

> > I hope to make many new friends here,and that you will include

> > me in your conversations.(lol) I love to chat and get to know

> > people.

> > Lupie Hugs,

> > Cheryl

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Krissy,....I want to get my welcome in too! This is a wonderful

group of people, and I hope you enjoy your stay here. We have

wonderful moderators, who give so much information. If you have a

question, you will get them answered, hugs Tawny

--- In , " krisanna80 " <krisanna80@y...>

wrote:

>

>

> My name is Krissy. I am 24 years old and have had RA since I was

16.

> There are no support groups in my area (Albany, GA) and sometimes I

> get a little frustrated with things and need people who understand

to

> talk too. Hopefully this group will help and I can help some others

> as well. My email is krisanna80@y... - Thanks, Krissy

[Guest guest]

Welcome Cheryl! I'm sorry to hear about your dx's, but glad that

your here. You have found a great group of people. I am looking

forward to get to know you, and just know your always welcome here, T

--- In , " mrscam1994 " <mrscam1994@y...>

wrote:

>

>

> Hi All,

> My name is Cheryl.I have been dx with lupus,fibro,and a whole big

> list of things that go with all of these " pleasant " illnesses.

> I am 36,i have 3 kids,a son who is also dx with fibro,and a

> husband in the military.

> I hope to make many new friends here,and that you will include

> me in your conversations.(lol) I love to chat and get to know

> people.

> Lupie Hugs,

> Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Welcome Krissy. Sorry for your reasons for being here, but glad you found

us. You will find many wonderful caring and understanding people here.

a

>

>

>

> My name is Krissy. I am 24 years old and have had RA since I was 16.

> There are no support groups in my area (Albany, GA) and sometimes I

> get a little frustrated with things and need people who understand to

> talk too. Hopefully this group will help and I can help some others

> as well. My email is krisanna80@.... - Thanks, Krissy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

So far, the response I have gotten has been great. My RA is moderate. I have

nodules on one of my elbows and somehow, the podiotrist (spelling is off) said

the the disease had gotten into my pinky toe on my right foot and pushed the

" proximal phalanx " out and dislocated it self from my 5th metatarsel -

(actually pretty scarry looking, looks like i have a tumor growing out the side

of my foot.) but it practically causes no pain which i am thankful for! But it

causes me to have a very wide shoe!! about a EE b/c it is so wide. but i still

an able to use all my limbs which I am thankful for. I do have problems bending

my left wrist - its been that way for such a long time. but I love reading the

posts. If anyone has any questions for me, please let me know!

Krissy

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Krissy,

Welcome to the group. I am a little slow because I only have the

internet at work I am still trying to read all the posts. I have not

been here long myself. I have had RA for about a year now. I am 39.

Everyone has been very helpful to me.

Beth

>

> So far, the response I have gotten has been great. My RA is

moderate. I have nodules on one of my elbows and somehow, the

podiotrist (spelling is off) said the the disease had gotten into my

pinky toe on my right foot and pushed the " proximal phalanx " out and

dislocated it self from my 5th metatarsel - (actually pretty scarry

looking, looks like i have a tumor growing out the side of my foot.)

but it practically causes no pain which i am thankful for! But it

causes me to have a very wide shoe!! about a EE b/c it is so wide. but

i still an able to use all my limbs which I am thankful for. I do have

problems bending my left wrist - its been that way for such a long

time. but I love reading the posts. If anyone has any questions for

me, please let me know!

>

>

>

> Krissy

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

Welcome to the group. I hope you find as much comfort and help here as

I have.

Beth

>

>

> Hi All,

> My name is Cheryl.I have been dx with lupus,fibro,and a whole big

> list of things that go with all of these " pleasant " illnesses.

> I am 36,i have 3 kids,a son who is also dx with fibro,and a

> husband in the military.

> I hope to make many new friends here,and that you will include

> me in your conversations.(lol) I love to chat and get to know

> people.

> Lupie Hugs,

> Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Hi. I am also 34 and I've had RA for a little over a year. It is

unusual to get a diagnosis before seeing a rheumatologist. Usually

doctor will suspect RA, and let the rheumatologist assess you and

make a diagnosis. A diagnosis is usually made over time, obvserving

your symtpoms and reactions to RA treatments. What did your doctor

say? Were any medications prescribed for you? When do you see the

rheumatologist?

This is a great diverse group of men and women with RA and other

diseases. a and , our moderators, post all kids of research

and information. If you visit the website, you can read through past

postings and get up to speed on RA, latest treatments, and the way a

lot of us cope with having a chronic illness.

Please, as as many questions as you can think of. We're all here to

answer and help.

Jennie

--- In , " karamid3232 " <karamid3232@y...>

wrote:

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I am a 34 yr. old female who just got RA diagnosis TODAY. I am the

> type that will read everything i can get my hands on about a health

> issue. i also have found that support groups like this one are

> extremely helpful. the dr. said i am in the very early stages of

RA

> and she referred me to a rheumatologist. so right now I am just

> looking for anyone that can give me info. or tell me how far this

> thing could progress. i am pretty panicked right now.

>

> thanks

[Guest guest]

Hi. It's me again. I also meant to say don't panick. There is more

known about effective treatment of RA today more than any time in the

past. Having RA used to mean disfigurement and disability. Today,

with aggressive treatment with medication people with RA have a good

chance at leading fairly normal lives. Knowing about the latest

drugs is important, but it can be overwhelming at first. So stick

around, read a lot and ask lots of questions.

Jennie

--- In , " karamid3232 " <karamid3232@y...>

wrote:

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I am a 34 yr. old female who just got RA diagnosis TODAY. I am the

> type that will read everything i can get my hands on about a health

> issue. i also have found that support groups like this one are

> extremely helpful. the dr. said i am in the very early stages of

RA

> and she referred me to a rheumatologist. so right now I am just

> looking for anyone that can give me info. or tell me how far this

> thing could progress. i am pretty panicked right now.

>

> thanks

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group! Please don't panic.

First, do go and see a rheumatologist to get a confirmation of the

diagnosis. If it is indeed RA, keep in mind that not everyone has severe

disease. Treatment and monitoring of RA is far better today than it has

been in prior years. Even for those with the most severe RA, there is

much hope for the future.

Our list owner and lead moderator, a, has compiled a wealth of

information on RA and other rheumatic diseases at her Web site:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net

You can learn much there. Specific questions can be asked of the group,

and we'll do our best to attempt to answer them.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] New Member

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I am a 34 yr. old female who just got RA diagnosis TODAY. I am the

> type that will read everything i can get my hands on about a health

> issue. i also have found that support groups like this one are

> extremely helpful. the dr. said i am in the very early stages of RA

> and she referred me to a rheumatologist. so right now I am just

> looking for anyone that can give me info. or tell me how far this

> thing could progress. i am pretty panicked right now.

>

> thanks

[Guest guest]

I think it's perfectly normal to automatically think the worst, but

try not to panic too much, especially since you haven't seen a

rheumatologist yet. When I first started having random joint pain,

my primary doctor was convinced that I did not have RA because my

symptoms didn't fit the pattern. He ran a rheumatoid factor test

along with lupus, lyme disease, and everything else but he was

convinced that the pain was due to low thyroid since I also had some

swelling in my thyroid gland. Well, a few days later as I was

driving 70mph down a highway to see my parents, his nurse called and

said, " you appear to have rheumatoid arthritis. We're sending out

some prescriptions, you need to get your hands xrayed asap, and I've

made you an appointment with a rheumatologist. " I almost drove off

the road! Then I called my husband in hysterics about it. When I

went back to the doctor a couple of weeks later, he said that my RF

test was positive but my xrays were clear, and he STILL believed that

I did not have RA. So his nurse sort of jumped the gun a bit.

OK, in my case it turned out that I DO have it, but it wasn't until a

year later that my rheumatologist was able to make that diagnosis

based on all my symptoms, not just a single blood test. The point

I'm trying to make is that sometimes primary doctors (or their

nurses, I guess) are quick to call the problem RA when there's really

not enough evidence there yet. So just hang in there and try not to

panic. BTW, with the medication I'm on, I currently have ZERO

symptoms--really no pain at all and no drug side effects--and my

doctor says he's very hopeful that my case will be relatively mild.

I feel very fortunate so far, and like said, it doesn't always

turn out to be severe.

In , " karamid3232 " <karamid3232@y...>

wrote:

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I am a 34 yr. old female who just got RA diagnosis TODAY. I am the

> type that will read everything i can get my hands on about a health

> issue. i also have found that support groups like this one are

> extremely helpful. the dr. said i am in the very early stages of

RA

> and she referred me to a rheumatologist. so right now I am just

> looking for anyone that can give me info. or tell me how far this

> thing could progress. i am pretty panicked right now.

>

> thanks

[Guest guest]

The first thing to do is DO NOT PANICK! Worry or anxiety will cause it to

get worse, so start by gtting your emotions under control. It took me a long

time to get that through my head. Even now, after 15 years with this mess, I

still cause it to get stronger sometimes, but it reminds me each time.

My MD diagnosed me on the first visit for this problem. He took a while to

give me prednesone, and then only 5 mg per day. It really helped at that

time. After a couple of months, he sent me to a Rheumy, and the rest is

history. You, personally, don't have much control over the RA, it's more

like it controls you, at least it is in my case. Not meaning to scare you,

but I was bedridden for about 2 years, and now it's just a battle with

fatigue and depression more than the pain being caused. I haven't found meds

that work for that so far. If any of you bottle meds for the " don't's " let

me know.

Dennis

[ ] New Member

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I am a 34 yr. old female who just got RA diagnosis TODAY. I am the

> type that will read everything i can get my hands on about a health

> issue. i also have found that support groups like this one are

> extremely helpful. the dr. said i am in the very early stages of RA

> and she referred me to a rheumatologist. so right now I am just

> looking for anyone that can give me info. or tell me how far this

> thing could progress. i am pretty panicked right now.

>

> thanks

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Lynn-

I just joined the site last week myself. I had my explant surgery of saline implants about a week and a half ago. I am very sorry to hear about how ill you have been. It must have been so rough...especially when I'm sure you just want to care for your son. You have come to the right place. It is really difficult to explain to most people how you feel when you are really sick. Even the most supportive and understanding people will never feel your symptoms or the frustration as you do. All the women here know exactly what it is like.

I was only extremely ill for about four months...although I had my implants for seven years and was manifesting symptoms over a year ago. I was lucky to find out my implants were most likely the problem rather quickly. I am still recovering from surgery and waiting for my neuro and auto-immune symptoms to disappear, but I am very hopeful. I was told last month that I probably had MS but my MRI came up clean so they cleared me of that. It was such a huge relief...except that they still did not know what it was. Many, many doctors have assured me that it is not my implants, but I think otherwise. I started researching on my own when the doctors could not give me a diagnosis and told me to see a psychologist. Yet...I was getting physically sicker everyday. Then...I read so many stories of sick women with the same exact symptoms and no hope from doctors and they all had implants. There is no such thing as a coincidence this huge so I went and got rid of those "toxic bags" (as the girls here say).

Are you going to be having explant any time soon? I live in Boston, but I went to Dr. Kolb in Atlanta. She did an excellent job and was very understanding. Where are you located at?

Christy

[Guest guest]

Dear Lynn,

Your symptoms are so much like other implant women,

they are almost predictable! Why the toxic bags are

still on the market simply cannot be explained, except

for greed.

It's very important to get your implants out properly.

The key words are " en bloc " . . . That means removing

the capsule that surrounds your implant with the

implant still inside. They may drain the saline off

first, but if they were to cut open the capsule, and

find it full of contaminated saline, that would most

likely spill into your chest cavity. A good doctor

will also put in drains to prevent fluid accumulation.

We have a list of plastic surgeons we recommend in

case the doctor you have in mind won't do. You needn't

be disfigured . . . If a doctor tells you that you

will, you have the wrong doctor.

As for the legal issues, at this time we don't know of

any attorneys who are taking cases. That doesn't mean

that there aren't attorneys out there quietly getting

settlements. A recent discussion here says that one of

the manufacturer's has been a " no show " when it comes

time to go to court . . . and the judge throws the

case out! How this can happen, I have no idea! There

is a statue of limitations issue. . . That usu sally

starts when you first realize your implants are making

you ill. Make sure you document how you made the

connection.

If you do think you have a case, you cannot take

custody of your implants . . . We do have a doctor who

analyzes the contents of the implant and can tell you

what bacteria is in there, and if there was an implant

defect.

The good news is that you can regain most, if not all

of your health. You will need to be diligent in

working on your health . . . diet is very important,

plus a healthy lifestyle. . . We have a lot of

suggestions for detoxing, and products in the

archives.

Far too many children have been affected by implants.

Anita, one of the ladies here, is working with her son

very hard to get him detoxed so he can live a normal

life. The son of another lady here had to follow an

extremely strict, organic diet as a child and appears

to have overcome his problems.

You are so very fortunate to have a loving, supportive

husband! He must be a wonderful man. . . Just wait

until he sees the real you coming back! Far too many

men couldn't handle the apparently unending problems

and left!

It's normal to feel depressed, stressed and angry when

you are so sick, dissed by doctors, and unable to

understand what's happened. However, it's time to

concentrate on the positive now you know. Harboring

negative feelings steals energy that you will need to

recover.

Check the first link below to find the archives.

Wander around all you want. If you have any questions,

fire away. We have a wonderful group of women here who

want to help.

Hugs and prayers,

Rogene