Introduction

[Guest guest]

Good afternoon everyone,

My name is Fonseca. I was diagnosed with RA last week. I am

52 and have been tested for RA two other times, 1993 and 1999. The

tests were SED rate and RA factor. Each time the results were

negative. However, I have experienced the same symptoms over the

years that led my doctor test me again 2 weeks ago. This time I was

given a new test (forget the name) that is very sensitive to RA and

it is positive.

My problems are in my hands, mostly my right for now. My

Rheumatologist says I am in the very early stages. She suggested I

enter a study that is being done with the combination of the drugs

Methatraxate (sp) and Minicycline. I start the study on 5/26. Until

then I am on 5mg of Prednisone daily.

I plan to begin Yoga and meditation, having read that both can be a

great help to RA. I am also becoming a vegetarian.

My Rheumatologist tells me I am very lucky that I am diagnosed so

early and with the right medication can lead a normal life.

I admit I am scared to death. I want to believe her and intend to

try to help myself any way I can, but I am so very frightened of what

*could* happen. I have also been around the block long enough to

know that while I think the world of my doctor and know she has my

best interests at heart, talking to people who live with this disease

may be the most helpful.

So, here I am!

[Guest guest]

Here are some links I found with info on this test:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25015

http://www.aruplab.com/guides/clt/tests/clt_a176.jsp

----- Original Message -----

From: pretty24355

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 3:06 PM

Subject: Re: Introduction

Hi ,The test is called CCP. It is supposed to detect some sort of antibody.