New member

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Sue. Your post was comforting

E Abbott

I love my dogs... and I OWN them!

I support separation.. AND I VOTE!

Re: [ ] New member

I have been on Enbrel for over five years, and it works wonderfully

well to control my pain and inflammation. As far as side effects, the

only one that I have is the feeling of no pain. I don't get infections

often, either. Just because all of those horrible possible side effects

are listed for Enbrel, that doesn't mean that you will get any of them.

I am lucky enough not to, and you may be, too. You won't know until you

try. I am a lot more afraid of the side effects of RA, the crippling

damage it can cause.

I wish you the same good luck that I have with Enbrel.

Sue

On Monday, June 2, 2008, at 04:45 AM, petaldachs wrote:

>

> I would like to hear from Enbrel patients, what their experiences

> have been, and what they have learned about the more serious and

> possibly fatal side effects that may occur.

>

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2:53 PM

[Guest guest]

Hi , and welcome to our wonderful group.  Sorry you have RA, and OA as

well.  I have

RA, and have never taken Humira.  I am on MTX. injections, Placquenil, Pred.,

Sulfazaline,

Actonal, Cal./ vit. D, Leucovorin, Magnesium, and Prilosec.  I too, have a very

bad stomach, that is why I take MTX inject. instead of the pills.  The pills

made me so deadly sick, I couldn't stand it anymore. I have been on all these

meds. for 5 1/2 years.  It took awhile for all these meds. to start working, and

doing their job.  I am now in the process of trying to get off of Pred.  I am

doing it slowly, and so far so good.  I am taking 2.5 mg. every other day, and

hopefully I will be off them Aug. 9th..  I am feeling very good, just a few

aches and pains that the pain meds. take care of. I am still tired, but not as

bad as in the past.  I do try to rest each day, and pace myself while doing

things.  I just take one day at a time.  I also don't take anything that

has Aspirin in it because it kills my stomach. I do take 2 Prilosec everyday,

and my stomach is fine.  I hope this helps you, and I hope you will have pain

free days soon.

Hugs,

Barbara    

From: marycant2 <marycant2@...>

Subject: [ ] new member

Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 5:11 PM

Hi i'm new to the group. i was diagnosed with RA in feb 2008, and i

have OA which required a spinal fusion in march 2006. i was started on

methotrexate and prednisone. when that didn't do the trick she added

humira to the group along with actonel. at this point my stomache is

all torn up cause i usally have to take ibuprofen a couple times a day

for pain. my stiffness since starting the humira is slightly better

but the fatigue is what kills me the most. i have two teen age son's

that are active in school and it kills me to follow them but i guess it

will just have to kill me then cause i'm not going to miss anything.

well just wandered if anyone has any encouraging words.

[Guest guest]

HI ,

Welcome to the group.I take MTX as well as Humera. I was going to stop the

MTX as it seemed it no longer helped much. My hands and wrist are the worst

part of it for me. This group is gret everyone here has been wonderful to me

and I have lerned tons. is a wealth of knowledge herself, she slways

seems to find the right articles and does so often. So again welcome, glad

to have you here with us.Sorry you have the Dx.

Heidi M

On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 10:43 PM, Barbara Creedon <bcreedon@...>

wrote:

> Hi , and welcome to our wonderful group. Sorry you have RA, and OA

> as well. I have

> RA, and have never taken Humira. I am on MTX. injections, Placquenil,

> Pred., Sulfazaline,

> Actonal, Cal./ vit. D, Leucovorin, Magnesium, and Prilosec. I too, have a

> very bad stomach, that is why I take MTX inject. instead of the pills. The

> pills made me so deadly sick, I couldn't stand it anymore. I have been on

> all these meds. for 5 1/2 years. It took awhile for all these meds. to

> start working, and doing their job. I am now in the process of trying to

> get off of Pred. I am doing it slowly, and so far so good. I am taking 2.5

> mg. every other day, and hopefully I will be off them Aug. 9th.. I am

> feeling very good, just a few aches and pains that the pain meds. take care

> of. I am still tired, but not as bad as in the past. I do try to rest each

> day, and pace myself while doing things. I just take one day at a time. I

> also don't take anything that has Aspirin in it because it kills my stomach.

> I do take 2 Prilosec everyday, and my stomach is fine. I hope this helps

> you, and I hope you will have pain free days soon.

> Hugs,

> Barbara

>

>

>

> From: marycant2 <marycant2@... <marycant2%40>>

> Subject: [ ] new member

> < %40>

> Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 5:11 PM

>

> Hi i'm new to the group. i was diagnosed with RA in feb 2008, and i

> have OA which required a spinal fusion in march 2006. i was started on

> methotrexate and prednisone. when that didn't do the trick she added

> humira to the group along with actonel. at this point my stomache is

> all torn up cause i usally have to take ibuprofen a couple times a day

> for pain. my stiffness since starting the humira is slightly better

> but the fatigue is what kills me the most. i have two teen age son's

> that are active in school and it kills me to follow them but i guess it

> will just have to kill me then cause i'm not going to miss anything.

> well just wandered if anyone has any encouraging words.

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group. I have not had RA that long, so you will

probably be the one giving me some advice. This is a great group with

many caring and supportive members. is our moderator and post

some great articles for understanding and learning.

I hope you get as much out of this group as I do.

Shirley

>

> i have just signed up, just found web site, hope to get your

approval.

> have had surgeries an waiting for 2 more would like to hear from

other

> members. hope to hear from you soon. thankyou sandra

>

[Guest guest]

Hi sandra

Welcome to the group. This is a great place to come and talk with people

who know what you are going through. Feel free to ask questions or offer

your opinion

Heidi M

On Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 1:16 PM, mystay516 <mystay516@...> wrote:

> i have just signed up, just found web site, hope to get your approval.

> have had surgeries an waiting for 2 more would like to hear from other

> members. hope to hear from you soon. thankyou sandra

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

As far as your dog goes I just got a leash that I can put around my

waist like a belt.

It makes a world of difference. I'm also training my dog to wear a

doggy-backpack so

he can carry his own water etc. Which makes it a little easier on me.

-Margaret

On Sep 15, 2008, at 9:39 AM, c j wrote:

> Hello, My name is Charlotte and I have some questions about

> rheumatoid arthritis. I have had recurring joint pain for years,

> but has worsened in the past two years. After going round with my

> family doc, I was refered to a pain management clinic, still with

> no diagnosis. Being treated with much skeptisism by this clinic

> (part of their " process " was much bloodwork, xrays, seeing a their

> psychologist for an evaluation, physical therapy evaluation) I was

> refered to a rheumatologist. He ordered more bloodwork, which came

> back normal, I think, but he said he is very concerned that I am

> developing rheumatoid because of the abnormal shape of my index

> finger joints on both hands, where I have the most pain. I have

> attempted some research online and have learned enough to be more

> confused. I am to see the rheumatologist again in six months, but

> wonder if there is anything I can do in the meantime to help. Any

> information or suggestions would be

> greatly appreciated. I am having difficulties in everyday

> activities involving the use of my hands, primarily in taking care

> of my dog guide. Thanks in advance, Charlotte

> " How we fall into grace. You can't work or earn your way into it.

> You just fall. It lies below, it lies beyond. It comes to you,

> unbidden. " Rick Bass

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Charlotte,

Welcome to the group. I'm fairly new here too and just getting my

bearings with all this stuff around RA and associated inflammatory

arthritis issues. SOOO much to read and learn. One thing I have

discovered is that not all medical professionals have the same

approach or knowledge concerning this disease and you really have to

follow your gut as to whether or not you're being taken in the right

direction. Your comment about the use of a guide dog tells me that

you're already accustomed to using all your senses when you're

starting a journey and this isn't unlike that. If you feel you need

to change direction and aren't being led in the right direction,

change Rheummys and someone who you totally trust.

If you do in fact have RA then a good diagnosis is essential to start

getting the right treatment. There are two goals with the

treatment. One is managing the pain, and you can achieve that with a

good doc regardless as to whether or not you have RA or some other

arthritic condition but the other goal is remission. If you have RA,

chances are it's going to get worse over time ultimately causing

destruction of the joints and potentially disfigurement. Just

managing the pain doesn't deal with this and that's why an accurate

diagnosis is essential.

You've come to the right place to learn and get support from probably

the most knowledgeable and caring group of people of any support

group. Feel free to post your thoughts, feelings, fears and pains as

often as necessary. Also share your victories and joys. We like

that too. Hang in there.

Bob

>

> Hello, My name is Charlotte and I have some questions about

rheumatoid arthritis.  I have had recurring joint pain for years, but

has worsened in the past two years.  After going round with my family

doc, I was refered to a pain management clinic, still with no

diagnosis.  Being treated with much skeptisism by this clinic (part

of their " process " was much bloodwork, xrays, seeing a their

psychologist for an evaluation, physical therapy evaluation) I was

refered to a rheumatologist.  He ordered more bloodwork, which came

back normal, I think, but he said he is very concerned that I am

developing rheumatoid because of the abnormal shape of my index

finger joints on both hands, where I have the most pain.  I have

attempted some research online and have learned enough to be more

confused.  I am to see the rheumatologist again in six months, but

wonder if there is anything I can do in the meantime to help.  Any

information or suggestions would be

> greatly appreciated.  I am having difficulties in everyday

activities involving the use of my hands, primarily in taking care of

my dog guide.  Thanks in advance, Charlotte

>   " How we fall into grace. You can't work or earn your way into it.

You just fall. It lies below, it lies beyond. It comes to you,

unbidden. " Rick Bass

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

WELCOME CHARLOTTE, well so far so good. u have done bloodwork, x-rays ect.

that's a start!!!!!!!!!!  yes sometimes it starts in the hands,mine started in

my knees .. i too can relate to activities of daily living. sometimes it's sooo

difficult. i too have a dog, peanut. he's AWESOME, i believe dogs know when one

is sick & needs help or just plain protection. try to b patient, if your pain

gets worse i'd try to get an earlier appt... this group is very informative &

everyone has different stories & life experiences u soo can relate too. good

luck!!! god bless,melyndagamez 1a.m.cdt 9/19/08

[ ] New member

Hello, My name is Charlotte and I have some questions about rheumatoid

arthritis.  I have had recurring joint pain for years, but has worsened in the

past two years.  After going round with my family doc, I was refered to a pain

management clinic, still with no diagnosis.  Being treated with much skeptisism

by this clinic (part of their " process " was much bloodwork, xrays, seeing

a their psychologist for an evaluation, physical therapy evaluation) I was

refered to a rheumatologist.  He ordered more bloodwork, which came back normal,

I think, but he said he is very concerned that I am developing rheumatoid

because of the abnormal shape of my index finger joints on both hands, where I

have the most pain.  I have attempted some research online and have learned

enough to be more confused.  I am to see the rheumatologist again in six months,

but wonder if there is anything I can do in the meantime to help.  Any

information or suggestions would be

greatly appreciated.  I am having difficulties in everyday activities involving

the use of my hands, primarily in taking care of my dog guide.  Thanks in

advance, Charlotte

  " How we fall into grace. You can't work or earn your way into it. You just

fall. It lies below, it lies beyond. It comes to you, unbidden. " Rick Bass

     

[Guest guest]

Welcome Charlotte,

If your not happy with that rheumy, you should find another one. I'm

sorry your suffering, and six months waiting is horrible.

Keep us posted, and good luck, Tawny

>

> Hello, My name is Charlotte and I have some questions about

rheumatoid arthritis.  I have had recurring joint pain for years, but

has worsened in the past two years.  After going round with my family

doc, I was refered to a pain management clinic, still with no

diagnosis.  Being treated with much skeptisism by this clinic (part

of their " process " was much bloodwork, xrays, seeing a their

psychologist for an evaluation, physical therapy evaluation) I was

refered to a rheumatologist.  He ordered more bloodwork, which came

back normal, I think, but he said he is very concerned that I am

developing rheumatoid because of the abnormal shape of my index

finger joints on both hands, where I have the most pain.  I have

attempted some research online and have learned enough to be more

confused.  I am to see the rheumatologist again in six months, but

wonder if there is anything I can do in the meantime to help.  Any

information or suggestions would be

> greatly appreciated.  I am having difficulties in everyday

activities involving the use of my hands, primarily in taking care of

my dog guide.  Thanks in advance, Charlotte

>   " How we fall into grace. You can't work or earn your way into it.

You just fall. It lies below, it lies beyond. It comes to you,

unbidden. " Rick Bass

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,

I have been ill all day, and just thought I would check on the group,

and your post jumped out at me. I am very sorry your hubby is so

sick, and a lot going on.

For the last 18months, I've had problems with my lungs. My GP doc

has put me on inhalers and antibiotics. I've also had shortness of

breath, and lately, is getting bad. Along with it, is horrible

fatigue and dizziness., I also have a dry cough, sometimes I will

start coughing really bad, like I'm choking. I have to be careful

when I'm eating, I get choked very easy.

So, I'm calling my rheumy tomorrow. I'm sure they will want me to

stop all meds, when I just started them again. I am making an

appointment to see a specialist. I'm very worried. I blame

everything on RA and the pain. But, I need to wake up, and take care

of the rest of my body too. I could have RA lung problems, I've had

pericartis,(I know that is spelled wrong,) which is inflammation of

the heart, from the RA.

I think your hubby should go on with the biopsy. He needs to know

what he is up against, and get it taken care of right away. I know

he is scared, we all are. I HATE hospitals! The last time I was in

the hospital, they almost had to tie me down!

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and hubby tonight. Make him

understand how important it is for him, and the family. He will then

know what he has to do. I'm so glad you joined the group. I think,

by you joining the group, has helped me to do what needs to be done.

Thanks, and hang in there, it will get better, Tawny

>

> Hi! i have joined this group to get information for my husband. He

> has not been diagnosed with RA yet. About a month ago he started

> with joint pain all over, hands, knees, shoulders. Also he was

very

> tired and had a cough and shortness of breath. He went to his

> internist who ordered a chest xray, sed rate, RA blood test, and

> crp. The sed rate came back very high, the crp came back high, and

> the RA was slightly above normal. The chest xray came back not

good

> at all. He was sent for a ct of the lung and he has a lung disease

> with scarring in the lungs. He was sent to a pulmonologist who ran

> pulmonary function test that came back bad. The lung doctor put him

> on prednisone. He was then sent to a rheumy who ordered many, many

> lab tests. The sed rate came down a little with the prednisone, the

> crp is normal, but the RA has gone up very high. The rheumy does

not

> think he has RA but the lung doctor does. The lung and rheumy want

> my husband to have a lung biopsy to find out what is causing all of

> this. My husband wants to wait a while because he is scared of the

> biopsy. He would be in the hospital 2 days with a chest tube.

>

> Have any of you with RA had lung problems with it?

>

> Lynn J.

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

I am so sorry your hubby is going through these health issues. I

pray that everything will turn out OK.

I have not had any issues with my lungs. I hope someone here does

have some good info.for you though.

God Bless both of you,

Shirley

>

> Hi! i have joined this group to get information for my husband.

He

> has not been diagnosed with RA yet. About a month ago he started

> with joint pain all over, hands, knees, shoulders. Also he was

very

> tired and had a cough and shortness of breath. He went to his

> internist who ordered a chest xray, sed rate, RA blood test, and

> crp. The sed rate came back very high, the crp came back high,

and

> the RA was slightly above normal. The chest xray came back not

good

> at all. He was sent for a ct of the lung and he has a lung disease

> with scarring in the lungs. He was sent to a pulmonologist who ran

> pulmonary function test that came back bad. The lung doctor put

him

> on prednisone. He was then sent to a rheumy who ordered many, many

> lab tests. The sed rate came down a little with the prednisone,

the

> crp is normal, but the RA has gone up very high. The rheumy does

not

> think he has RA but the lung doctor does. The lung and rheumy

want

> my husband to have a lung biopsy to find out what is causing all

of

> this. My husband wants to wait a while because he is scared of the

> biopsy. He would be in the hospital 2 days with a chest tube.

>

> Have any of you with RA had lung problems with it?

>

> Lynn J.

>

[Guest guest]

Tawny,

I am so sorry that you this sick! Please let us know how your office

visit goes.

You sound so very ill to me. I am worried about you.

You will be in my prayers, Sweetie.

Shirley

>

> Hi Lynn,

>

> I have been ill all day, and just thought I would check on the

group,

> and your post jumped out at me. I am very sorry your hubby is so

> sick, and a lot going on.

>

> For the last 18months, I've had problems with my lungs. My GP doc

> has put me on inhalers and antibiotics. I've also had shortness

of

> breath, and lately, is getting bad. Along with it, is horrible

> fatigue and dizziness., I also have a dry cough, sometimes I will

> start coughing really bad, like I'm choking. I have to be careful

> when I'm eating, I get choked very easy.

>

> So, I'm calling my rheumy tomorrow. I'm sure they will want me to

> stop all meds, when I just started them again. I am making an

> appointment to see a specialist. I'm very worried. I blame

> everything on RA and the pain. But, I need to wake up, and take

care

> of the rest of my body too. I could have RA lung problems, I've

had

> pericartis,(I know that is spelled wrong,) which is inflammation

of

> the heart, from the RA.

>

> I think your hubby should go on with the biopsy. He needs to know

> what he is up against, and get it taken care of right away. I

know

> he is scared, we all are. I HATE hospitals! The last time I was

in

> the hospital, they almost had to tie me down!

>

>

> My thoughts and prayers go out to you and hubby tonight. Make him

> understand how important it is for him, and the family. He will

then

> know what he has to do. I'm so glad you joined the group. I

think,

> by you joining the group, has helped me to do what needs to be

done.

> Thanks, and hang in there, it will get better, Tawny

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

I welcome all prayers:) I have been sick the last couple of days,

but today has been the worst. I took the humira on Friday, and mtx

on Saturday, and of course I've been taking my folic acid.

The symptoms I believe are from the mtx:fatigue,fever, and fever. I

feel like I have the flu, sort of.

Then, the shortess of breath, oh yeah!! I've been having it for

awhile. I decided to wash my hair, bad idea. I washed it, and was

so out of breath, I had to sit down for awhile. I needed to dry the

hair, even worse. So fatigued, and then the shortness of breath, I

just had to go to bed, and that is when the dizziness also started.

It finally sunk in this hard head, I need some help.

I will call my rheumy tomorrow, and let her know. Then I will call

the specialist, I've already found one, hope he is good. Thanks for

your concern, you are always there for us, thanks Shirley.

>

> Tawny,

> I am so sorry that you this sick! Please let us know how your

office

> visit goes.

> You sound so very ill to me. I am worried about you.

> You will be in my prayers, Sweetie.

> Shirley

>

>

[Guest guest]

get well soon.god bless,melyndagamez

[ ] Re: New Member

Shirley,

I welcome all prayers:)  I have been sick the last couple of days,

but today has been the worst.  I took the humira on Friday, and mtx

on Saturday, and of course I've been taking my folic acid.

The symptoms I believe are from the mtx:fatigue,fever, and fever.  I

feel like I have the flu, sort of.

Then, the shortess of breath, oh yeah!! I've been having it for

awhile.  I decided to wash my hair, bad idea.  I washed it, and was

so out of breath, I had to sit down for awhile.  I needed to dry the

hair, even worse.  So fatigued, and then the shortness of breath, I

just had to go to bed, and that is when the dizziness also started. 

It finally sunk in this hard head, I need some help.

I will call my rheumy tomorrow, and let her know.  Then I will call

the specialist, I've already found one, hope he is good.  Thanks for

your concern, you are always there for us, thanks Shirley..

>

> Tawny,

> I am so sorry that you this sick! Please let us know how your

office

> visit goes.

> You sound so very ill to me. I am worried about you.

> You will be in my prayers, Sweetie.

> Shirley

>

>

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

[Guest guest]

Tawny,

Your comment about help. I can't help but ask you, what would you

tell someone else? You must ask for help until you are well enough

to do it yourself. If you don't have help right then, ask yourself

is it something that has to be done now?

Please don't push yourself. It will only take you longer to get

better.

I cherish the ability to pray for others. God can do what I can't.

Hang in Honey and make those call early tomorrow so that you can get

the ball rolling. PLEASE?

God Bless you,

Shirley

>

> Shirley,

>

> I welcome all prayers:) I have been sick the last couple of days,

> but today has been the worst. I took the humira on Friday, and

mtx

> on Saturday, and of course I've been taking my folic acid.

> The symptoms I believe are from the mtx:fatigue,fever, and fever.

I

> feel like I have the flu, sort of.

>

> Then, the shortess of breath, oh yeah!! I've been having it for

> awhile. I decided to wash my hair, bad idea. I washed it, and

was

> so out of breath, I had to sit down for awhile. I needed to dry

the

> hair, even worse. So fatigued, and then the shortness of breath,

I

> just had to go to bed, and that is when the dizziness also

started.

> It finally sunk in this hard head, I need some help.

>

> I will call my rheumy tomorrow, and let her know. Then I will

call

> the specialist, I've already found one, hope he is good. Thanks

for

> your concern, you are always there for us, thanks Shirley.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Melynda, I appreciate it, Tawny

--- In , Melynda Gamez <melyndagamez@...>

wrote:

>

> get well soon.god bless,melyndagamez

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

Good question! I have always been the one to keep everyone together,

and take care of everything. I'm still doing it, Shirley. It never

gets done, unless I do it. I can lay in bed for a year, and gosh I

would hate to see what my house looks like.

That is why, I'm not really getting much better. I will be the first

one to say it. My family just don't understand, they don't realize

what I go through. Maybe, because I still hobble around, and do it.

I get tired of it at times. I would love for someone to cook me

dinner, or to ask me if I need something. It just has never happened

to me.

I would like to be able to take care of myself. I always tell others

to take it easy, and get rest. I fully mean it too. I'm hoping

other members are able to do it, and have family to wait on them.

I'm sure there are some in the same boat I'm in, holding it together.

I love everyone here. You are my support that I have. I know you

all aren't around to put me to bed, but your there in so many other

ways. Thanks for your support, and I will call the doctor early, T

> >

> > Shirley,

> >

> > I welcome all prayers:) I have been sick the last couple of

days,

> > but today has been the worst. I took the humira on Friday, and

> mtx

> > on Saturday, and of course I've been taking my folic acid.

> > The symptoms I believe are from the mtx:fatigue,fever, and

fever.

> I

> > feel like I have the flu, sort of.

> >

> > Then, the shortess of breath, oh yeah!! I've been having it for

> > awhile. I decided to wash my hair, bad idea. I washed it, and

> was

> > so out of breath, I had to sit down for awhile. I needed to dry

> the

> > hair, even worse. So fatigued, and then the shortness of breath,

> I

> > just had to go to bed, and that is when the dizziness also

> started.

> > It finally sunk in this hard head, I need some help.

> >

> > I will call my rheumy tomorrow, and let her know. Then I will

> call

> > the specialist, I've already found one, hope he is good. Thanks

> for

> > your concern, you are always there for us, thanks Shirley.

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn and group;

Hi lynn and welcome to our humble group. I love our group and the

people are kind and caring here. I have RA, fibro, and osteo. I

also have pulmonary arterial hypertention. I dont think it is from

RA.

It is best to get the biopsy done and over with but I can understand

his feelings of anxiety. I have got a lot of information since I

joinded this group. I truly hope you and your husband finds the

answers you need.

gentle hugs

Clora

> Hi! i have joined this group to get information for my husband.

He

> has not been diagnosed with RA yet. About a month ago he started

> with joint pain all over, hands, knees, shoulders. Also he was

very

> tired and had a cough and shortness of breath. He went to his

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Melynda,

I appreciate all your prayers, Tawny

--- In , Melynda Gamez <melyndagamez@...>

wrote:

>

> get well soon.god bless,melyndagamez

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Christa,

Sorry for all your going through. I hope your doctor can find a

diagnose soon. To me, it's the waiting thats hard to deal with. I am

glad the prednisone is helping you. I know having a young child, you

need to be able to keep up with them.

I will keep you in my prayers, and I hope you don't have RA.

Keep us posted, Tawny

>

> Hi,

> I recently joint the RA Support group and would like to introduce

> myself. I am 31 years old and a mom to a 5 year old son, who I

> homeschool. In May I contracted the Parvovirus (Fifth's Disease) and

> began having joint/muscle pain and fatigue. I have continued to have

> these symtpoms since then. My primary care doctor had told me that

> the symptoms from the Parvovirus should only last about six weeks,

> and if the symptoms continued, to see a Rheumatologist. I waited 3

> months to make an appointment to see a Rheumatologist, convinced that

> the symptoms would eventually go away (sometimes the symptoms get

> better for a few days, but then come back). I finally got the blood

> work results from the Rheumatolgist last week. It showed

> inflammation, which the doctor said could either STILL be from the

> Parvovirus or from Rheumatoid Arthritis. I just have to wait and

> see... However, she gave me Prednisone to help with the symptoms,

> which has definitely taken " the edge off " . I have a little more

> energy and less pain . I also had to get my wedding ring cut off

> because my knuckles have swollen so much.

> I have reading posts from other members, and my prayers go out to

> all of you who have been suffering for so long. It has definitely

> helped put my pain in perspective, since I've only been having these

> symptoms for 5 months.

> Christa

>

[Guest guest]

WELCOME CHRISTA, i'm glad that the pred. works for u... when i have severe pain

my joints swell also, but to the point

sometimes i can't move... i have an 11 yr.old daughter, alyssa & it can b hard

at times to keep up but i try my HARDEST

cuz she's all i have. well i hope u feel better soon. god bless, melynda gamez

[ ] Re: New member

Welcome Christa,

Sorry for all your going through.  I hope your doctor can find a

diagnose soon.  To me, it's the waiting thats hard to deal with.  I am

glad the prednisone is helping you.  I know having a young child, you

need to be able to keep up with them.

I will keep you in my prayers, and I hope you don't have RA.

Keep us posted, Tawny

>

> Hi,

> I recently joint the RA Support group and would like to introduce

> myself. I am 31 years old and a mom to a 5 year old son, who I

> homeschool. In May I contracted the Parvovirus (Fifth's Disease) and

> began having joint/muscle pain and fatigue. I have continued to have

> these symtpoms since then. My primary care doctor had told me that

> the symptoms from the Parvovirus should only last about six weeks,

> and if the symptoms continued, to see a Rheumatologist. I waited 3

> months to make an appointment to see a Rheumatologist, convinced that

> the symptoms would eventually go away (sometimes the symptoms get

> better for a few days, but then come back). I finally got the blood

> work results from the Rheumatolgist last week. It showed

> inflammation, which the doctor said could either STILL be from the

> Parvovirus or from Rheumatoid Arthritis. I just have to wait and

> see... However, she gave me Prednisone to help with the symptoms,

> which has definitely taken " the edge off " . I have a little more

> energy and less pain . I also had to get my wedding ring cut off

> because my knuckles have swollen so much.

> I have reading posts from other members, and my prayers go out to

> all of you who have been suffering for so long. It has definitely

> helped put my pain in perspective, since I've only been having these

> symptoms for 5 months.

> Christa

>

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

[Guest guest]

Christa,

Welcome to the group. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you

so much for the prayers.

Shirley

>

> Hi,

> I recently joint the RA Support group and would like to

introduce

> myself. I am 31 years old and a mom to a 5 year old son, who I

> homeschool. In May I contracted the Parvovirus (Fifth's Disease)

and

> began having joint/muscle pain and fatigue. I have continued to

have

> these symtpoms since then. My primary care doctor had told me that

> the symptoms from the Parvovirus should only last about six weeks,

> and if the symptoms continued, to see a Rheumatologist. I waited 3

> months to make an appointment to see a Rheumatologist, convinced

that

> the symptoms would eventually go away (sometimes the symptoms get

> better for a few days, but then come back). I finally got the

blood

> work results from the Rheumatolgist last week. It showed

> inflammation, which the doctor said could either STILL be from the

> Parvovirus or from Rheumatoid Arthritis. I just have to wait and

> see... However, she gave me Prednisone to help with the symptoms,

> which has definitely taken " the edge off " . I have a little more

> energy and less pain . I also had to get my wedding ring cut off

> because my knuckles have swollen so much.

> I have reading posts from other members, and my prayers go out

to

> all of you who have been suffering for so long. It has definitely

> helped put my pain in perspective, since I've only been having

these

> symptoms for 5 months.

> Christa

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Christa. Have you written before about your

Parvo Virus? It seems I have heard this before. My daughter had Fifth

Disease as a child and I remember being surprised when I read here

that it was also called Parvo - especially since I only thought dogs

got Parvo. I pray that your symptoms are strictly PV related and go

away soon. Keep us posted. We care......Doreen

>

> Hi,

> I recently joint the RA Support group and would like to introduce

> myself. I am 31 years old and a mom to a 5 year old son, who I

> homeschool. In May I contracted the Parvovirus (Fifth's Disease)

> and began having joint/muscle pain and fatigue. I have continued to

> have these symtpoms since then. My primary care doctor had told me

> that the symptoms from the Parvovirus should only last about six

> weeks, and if the symptoms continued, to see a Rheumatologist. I

> waited 3 months to make an appointment to see a Rheumatologist,

> convinced that the symptoms would eventually go away (sometimes the

> symptoms get better for a few days, but then come back). I finally

> got the blood work results from the Rheumatolgist last week. It

> showed inflammation, which the doctor said could either STILL be

> from the Parvovirus or from Rheumatoid Arthritis. I just have to

> wait and see... However, she gave me Prednisone to help with the

> symptoms, which has definitely taken " the edge off " . I have a

> little more energy and less pain . I also had to get my wedding

> ring cut off because my knuckles have swollen so much.

> I have reading posts from other members, and my prayers go out to

> all of you who have been suffering for so long. It has definitely

> helped put my pain in perspective, since I've only been having

> these symptoms for 5 months.

> Christa

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Doreen,

No, I haven't written before about the Parvovirus. I know, it's

funny that they call Fifth's Disease the Parvovirus when adults get

it...When I told one of my friends I had the Parvovirus, she

said " isn't that what dogs get? " . You would think that they could

have come up with a unique name .

Thanks for caring! I'm really happy that so many members believe in

the power of prayer!

> >

> > Hi,

> > I recently joint the RA Support group and would like to

introduce

> > myself. I am 31 years old and a mom to a 5 year old son, who I

> > homeschool. In May I contracted the Parvovirus (Fifth's Disease)

> > and began having joint/muscle pain and fatigue. I have continued

to

> > have these symtpoms since then. My primary care doctor had told

me

> > that the symptoms from the Parvovirus should only last about six

> > weeks, and if the symptoms continued, to see a Rheumatologist. I

> > waited 3 months to make an appointment to see a Rheumatologist,

> > convinced that the symptoms would eventually go away (sometimes

the

> > symptoms get better for a few days, but then come back). I

finally

> > got the blood work results from the Rheumatolgist last week. It

> > showed inflammation, which the doctor said could either STILL be

> > from the Parvovirus or from Rheumatoid Arthritis. I just have to

> > wait and see... However, she gave me Prednisone to help with the

> > symptoms, which has definitely taken " the edge off " . I have a

> > little more energy and less pain . I also had to get my wedding

> > ring cut off because my knuckles have swollen so much.

> > I have reading posts from other members, and my prayers go out

to

> > all of you who have been suffering for so long. It has definitely

> > helped put my pain in perspective, since I've only been having

> > these symptoms for 5 months.

> > Christa

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

I don't live in San Diego, but I used to live in Los Angeles. I loved my rheumy

in Pasadena (where I used to live). His name is O'Conner. His number is

(626) 795-4116. I would call his office to see if they can recommend a rheumy

in your area, if no one can recommend someone for you in San Diego. I hope your

daughter feels better.

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm looking for diagnosis or treatment for my 21 yr old daughter who has had

on/off symptoms since middle school. Can someone recommend a Rheumatologist

Doctor or clinic in North County San Diego area? Is it difficult to get seen,

does one need a primary care referral first? My daughter has had her hands and

knees x-rayed due to swelling and stiffness/pain, she also periodically has

fatigue, rashes, sun sensitivity, hair loss, elevated ana, anxiety symptoms.

Regarding x-rays nothing was diagnosed b/c the x-rays looked normal. Thanks,

>

>