especially

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I feel so for you - I just joined this group also. I'm 44 and just found out I

have RA although I still have not been to the rheumatologist. Today my general

doctor took a second blood test for RA factor. My first one was high. I have

all the " classic textbook " RA symptoms. To top it off, I took a Prednisone pill

my husband had (he has polymyalgia rheumatica!!! We are a team, I tell ya') and

it made me feel SO much better, that just seems to cinch the fact of RA disease.

I was mostly struggling with my hands before I had the Prednisone. They hurt,

burn, and tingle so badly I can't sleep and I struggle with a lot of basic

feats.

I just quit taking the Pill about two weeks before I got the RA symptoms. I

can't help but wonder if RA is not hormonally induced. I've been doing a lot of

reading on RA and have found a few books that say it probably is. Sure seems

fishy to me. Tempted to go back on the Pill just to see what happens. But, I

won't.

I can't imagine pain in the neck and of course, I fear for my own future as

well. I have had neck pains and spasms since I had a bad car wreck at age 18

and fractured the 7th vertebrae. It isn't fun, I know. Sometimes I take a

muscle relaxer for it.

I'm surprised that you are still suffering so with all the meds you are on. It

sounds like you are taking the " right " things.

I'll say a little prayer for you right now, hon -

Kath

Also, would love any advice on how to deal with the emotional

pain..when the physical pain started in my neck..it was like oh my

gosh I am really sick..then finding nodules in my hands..and a drug

list that is longer than my grocery list..

Thanks for listening,