intro

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm new to the group. I'm not diagnosed with RA, but with UCTD. Last

November my rheumy said if my RA factor came back + he would diagnose with RA.

It was negative, but my ANA at 5,120. I'm looking for a new rheumy because I

saw residents all three times and the Dr. for about 5 minutes at the end,

leaving before I could ask him anything. Haven't seen him since January anyway,

as he wanted me to follow up with neuro first, now time to go back I don't think

so!

Hoping to be able to identify with some on this list because I get inflamation

and stiffness in my joints, and also muscle pain and stiffness in my thighs.

Sometimes it's hard to walk and all times slow on stairs hills forget it, much

better taking my time on level ground. Happy to say pulled myself out of a bad

flare up in June and have been able to stand and walk for longer periods of

time.

The rheumatologist I picked to follow up with is on the internet making speaches

about the wonders of Vioxx and Celebrex. I'm a little concerned because I tried

Vioxx and thought it not as effective as the 2,400 mg/day of motrin. When I

told the resident that last time she kind of looked at me funny. There are many

bad things being said about these drugs, and I'm not sure I want to go to a Dr.

who promotes them so strongly. If anyone knows of a good rheumy in CT, please

respond privately. Not sure if the drug is being over-promoted or the negative

publicity is hype or both. Used to take 5 mg of prednisone a day and that was

the best. Had to wean off it in Feb for tests for neuro and need to stay off a

little longer for rheumy to take blood. What a difference tho in quality of

life with prednisone.

I'm looking forward to being part of this group.

Deb

---------------------------------