I am new to all of this......

[Guest guest]

Hi, my name is Delena, I was diagnosed with RA just 2 weeks ago. I

just turned 45 and have not been feeling well for over 6 weeks. I

went to my DR. 3 times for different blood-work before he tested for

RA. I live in a small Ozark communtiy in Arkansas and the closest

Rheumatologist (in our insurance plan) is in Little Rock which is 3

1/2 hours away!!! I couldn't get an appt., until Nov. 21st!

What I would love is if some of you could tell me what to expect in

that first visit to the rheumatologist. I am completely in the dark

and am a bit stressed out.I really have learned alot just reading

your posts and info......I am also a wife and mother of two sons.

Somedays the pain is unbearable, others not so bad.....I paint wood

crafts and cross stitch, I haven't been able to do either for a long

time....do you think I will be able to return to the things I love to

do? The joints affected are my wrists, knuckles (across the tops of

my fingers) and my arm/shoulders joints where they met together.

Somedays my knees hurt too but my shoulders and wrists are the worst.

Also, can you tell me about certain conditons that may make it

worselike weather, stress etc.? ANY info will be appreciated so much!

Thanks and God Bless!

Delena