Newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis

June 25, 2006

Hi,

I am still not convinced that I have this disease, but I do know something is

terribly wrong with my body. I have had problems with my back over the years.

What I was told was either a muscle spasm, or degenerative disk disease. This

has happened to me less than 10 times. But when it did I could barely move.

Anyway...I don't know if it has anything to do with what is wrong with me now. I

have been having pain basically all over my body, at different times. It was in

my neck, my arms and hips really bad for a while. That went away then it has

been in my left calf down to my heel, in that tendon region. Anyway...it's hard

to explain it all. Through as series of blood tests my Dr. told me I had a high

rheumatoid factor. It was 108 the first time. To make a long story short, I went

to a Rheumatologist and he tested me 7 months later and the rheumatoid factor

was 180. He also did a CCP antibody test and it was 52H. He said this confirmed

a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. He

gave me a prescription for Prednisone 2 10mg tablets a day for 7 days. Then

call him back and let him know if it helped. It did not...I was feeling better

before I started taking it. I had some kind of eye infection or something going

on the same day I started taking the medicine. Anyway...I am waiting for him to

call me back and tell me what to do next. I have been trying to make some

informed decisions on this, if in fact I do have this disease. I have been

reading different alternative ways to treat it and about medications. I am at a

loss to decide what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I work 5-6 nights a week 8 hours at a time on my feet. I have been having more

and more trouble just making it through the night. Also I have mind numbing

fatigue. I just don't understand what is happening to my body.

Thank you,

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