Re: New member and new to RA

[Guest guest]

Welcome . Glad you found us but sorry for the reasons you're

here. You are right that this disease affects everyone differently.

Not only that, but the medications may work for one person but not

others. Then you have the people that have side effects from

medications and others that have none. Some get lucky and find

something that works right away and others may be resistant to

everything they try. This disease is indeed a puzzle in it's cause

and it's treatment.

You'll hear stories here that may scare you, and others that give you

relief. I can tell you that you'll learn a lot here, maybe more than

you want to know. We don't allow snake oil peddlers here, so the

information will be from sources such as the Arthritis Foundation,

Hopkins, Mayo Clinic etc.

I've had RA for 25+ years. My first rheumatologist told me that I'd

be in a wheelchair before I was 30. I am still not in one at age 51.

I have what is considered aggressive RA because it is erosive to the

bones. I've had both knees replaced, can use a few ankles when they

perfect them, and am praying that the meds keep me from having other

joints replaced. My disease has been slowed down by Enbrel, which

I've been on since 1998. Recently I've added methotrexate to help it

along.

The meds you are on can take up to 3 months to be effective. You can

find lots of information on the website I've made for our group:

http://arthritissupport.info/

a

On Apr 13, 2006, at 6:04 PM, kbr64151 wrote:

> Hi everyone. My name is and I am from KC. I just found out in

> the last month that I have RA.

>

> I have a million questions but really do not know where to start.

>

> I guess my first question is, Since I am just learning about the

> disease, I am not sure what information is real and what isn't. Where

> is the best place for the truth? " Not every thing is alright as long

> as you take pills. " Or " you are going to be on totally disability

> with in 10 years. "

>

>

> I understand everyone is different with this disease. But what is

> consider a mild case. Is achey all the time considered mild?

>

> Since I just started with the drugs Hydroxtchloroquine and

> nabumetone, how long before they start working or maybe they are

> working and I do not know what is " normal " for me now.

>

> Sorry. I will stop for now. I really frustrated by this. As I am

> sure you all have felt or still feel.

>

> Thank you for letting me vent a little!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>