Re: Cecilia's post

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

I am not new to the group but figured I'd introduce myself again.

My name is . I'm 24 and was diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis

(RAA) and AS in November 1999 when I was 22.

I was in my last semester at college in Pennsylvania when my symptoms

started. Over 2 weeks I went from perfectly healthy to unable to use the

entire left side of my body. I could hold things, couldn't write (I'm left

handed), couldn't walk -- I couldn't even dress myself.

My symptoms started in Sept. '99. Between Sept. and Nov. I saw 12

different doctors that looked at my SED rate, which was 145, and say " Gee,

something's really wrong but I don't know what. " One doctor even told me to

come back in 6 months if it got worse!

Anyway, I usually have lots to say but I'll respond to Cecilia's post

first. I was lucky, sort of, that my arthritis started when it did.

Despite some opinions, I stayed at school through the end of my semester.

After 4 years, I wasn't going to give up when I was so close to finishing.

The good part was I graduated. The bad part was I completed wore myself

out, physically and emotionally.

I, too, was in denial about my disease and kept up my hectic life. By

the time I returned home (NYC) for XMAS I was worn out. Under doctors'

advisement I took 6 months off to rest, confirm my diagnosis, and find a

medication regime that worked. It was a good decision because I was still

under my dad's insurance plan, but pride swallowing that I had to return

home after college without a job.

When it was time to return to the working world I was ready. The best

advice I can give you is to do what's right for you and explain to your

husband that you need his support in your decision. By the time my parents

& family saw me at XMAS, I looked okay (due to the prednisone) so they

didn't understand what was really going on in my body. I took several

visits to my rheumatologist and family doctor for them to truly understand

what was happening.

Good luck. Sorry for the ramble everyone.

Take care,

Culpeper, VA

Has anyone found that taking an extended time off has helped their RA? I'm

new to this disease and my usual way of dealing with things is just to

bulldoze my way through them. I'm hopeful that the meds are working and that

it's just a matter of having my body adjust to them so I can get on with

>things. Any input is welcome.

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>Thanks,

>gloria

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