Re: How fast does RA progress? Newbie questions....

[Guest guest]

Penny:

Ultimately, only you can decide what's your best course, but my suggestion is

to just wait until January 2nd. The holidays are stressful enough and you are

already dealing with a lot of health issues that a two hour drive will only make

worse. It certainly sounds like RA, but of course, I am no doctor. But, I

really do not think that there is going to be some significant negative change

between now and Jan. 2nd. We're only talking about 3 weeks. You are probably

doing yourself the most harm just stressing over it. Obviously, the quicker you

get diagnosed and start treatment, the better your chances (generally speaking)

of delaying more serious damage, but like I said, I don't think 3 weeks is going

to " make it or break it " .

Try to enjoy the holidays with those you love. Take it easy when you can and

be kind to yourself. If you have an understanding family/friends, ask for a

little pampering from them. Merry Christmas!

in Texas

pennygruetz <PennyGruetz@...> wrote:

Hi!

I have had fibromyaglia for about ten years and I also have a

positive ANA test back in June 2000 and I was told to watch for RA

symptoms as my mom has it and it is possible that I have it. Well,

in October some symptoms started, but I was dealing with an

abscessed tooth and just thought that I was stressed.

My symptoms worsened and I do have an appointment for Jan 2 with a

rheumatologist. My fingers are so swollen that I can not wear my

rings and they look like little sausages and my knees are swollen

and painful. I also am having trouble with my wrists, elbows,

shoulders, hips, feet and ankles. I am kind of scared, but I believe

that I will get proper help soon. My questionb is: Am I doing my

body harm by waiting until the appointment, or should I force an

earlier appointment, which would mean driving for 2 hours or waiting

and driving for 20 minutes?

I am also an asthmatic and having IBS and digestive problems due to

stress. I am no ones princess today, but thanks for reading my post

and for any information that you can give me. Hugs, Penny

[Guest guest]

Penny,

I don't think that waiting a few weeks is going to do your joints any

harm. Jan. 2 will be here before you know it. In the area where I live,

you'd have to wait a lot longer than you're having to, because of the

scarcity of rheumatologists. Try to hang in there until then, and I

wish you well.

Sue

On Wednesday, December 13, 2006, at 08:52 AM, pennygruetz wrote:

>

> My questionb is: Am I doing my

> body harm by waiting until the appointment, or should I force an

> earlier appointment, which would mean driving for 2 hours or waiting

> and driving for 20 minutes?