New to RA

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: remipain

> I do not have ANY joint swelling or redness. my

lab tests all came back negative; One rheumathologist told me that I " MIGHT "

have RA and wanted to place me on Enbrel; Another one said he

is not sure what I might have, it could be RA, but he did not want me

to be on enbrel because I do not have any joint swelling and no

evidence of synovitis. I'm not sure what to do ; but one thing for

sure: I'm real scared as to what is awaiting me.

Anyone who had experience with Enbrel?

I haven't taken it yet, but it's a pretty serious drug. I can see why one of

your docs would be unsure about using it since you have no joint swelling and

your lab tests are negative.

Nina

[Guest guest]

Hi there, and welcome to the list!

My pain began in my feet, and I had quite a journey before being diagnosed.

I'm wondering what other tests were done for you....?

Xrays did not show any evidence of damage in my feet. It wasn't until I had

an MRI that all the damage to my foot joints was discovered. I was then

started on methotexate. During the half year or so I took that drug, the pain

started in my knees, hands and wrists, and enbrel was added to the mix.

If I were you, I'd ask about other tests that will help determine the source

of the foot pain before starting the drugs. Do you have another doctor's

appt coming up?

Kirsten Kraushaar, MN

[Guest guest]

My test came back negative, as well. Except for the SED rate and

CRP. Those were both high. My doc still isn't sure if I have RA,

either, but he is trying the RA meds to see. I went on Enbrel last

September and it has been helpful. So he tends to think it IS RA

but just says I'm a big question mark!! It's worth a try. If it

doesn't work, stop taking it. I noticed a difference by the second

week. It didn't take it all away, but it sure made life a lot

easier to live!! I didn't get the joint swelling for over 2 years.

Now I do get it in my hands and my right ankle. It's difficult to

know what to do when things don't seem to be black and white. Those

gray areas are difficult to figure out.....Marina in Ohio

>

> i'm 31....... i've been having pain in both my feet for the past

one

> year.... It really started as nothing; very little pain in my feet

when

> I first get up and it used to last for a minute or so. Now, I get

real

> bad pain in the morning when I first put my feet on the floor out

of

> bed that gets a little better in 10 to 15 mins , but i keep having

pain

> on and off all day long.I do not have ANY joint swelling or

redness. my

> lab tests all came back negative; One rheumathologist told me that

> I " MIGHT " have RA and wanted to place me on Enbrel; Another one

said he

> is not sure what I might have, it could be RA, but he did not want

me

> to be on enbrel because I do not have any joint swelling and no

> evidence of synovitis. I'm not sure what to do ; but one thing for

> sure: I'm real scared as to what is awaiting me.

> Anyone who had experience with Enbrel?

> thanx a million.

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am Tracie. I was just curious if you were ever tested for

plantar fasciitis. I had that a few years back before my RA

diagnosis and Cortisone shots in my heel by a podiatrist really

worked. Your story sounds familiar in that everytime I got up in

the morning it would hurt like the dickens for about 10-15 minutes.

Then if I would sit periodically during the day and go to get up

same thing pain but not lasting as long. I compared it to stepping

on spikes; excruciating at first. Well, let me know if they ever

checked you out for that. I am just curious like I said, but you

can never have too much information right? Take care and good

luck. I am also looking at possibly trying Enbrel or Humira. Ughh.

Tracie in Maine.

> >

> > i'm 31....... i've been having pain in both my feet for the past

> one

> > year.... It really started as nothing; very little pain in my

feet

> when

> > I first get up and it used to last for a minute or so. Now, I

get

> real

> > bad pain in the morning when I first put my feet on the floor

out

> of

> > bed that gets a little better in 10 to 15 mins , but i keep

having

> pain

> > on and off all day long.I do not have ANY joint swelling or

> redness. my

> > lab tests all came back negative; One rheumathologist told me

that

> > I " MIGHT " have RA and wanted to place me on Enbrel; Another one

> said he

> > is not sure what I might have, it could be RA, but he did not

want

> me

> > to be on enbrel because I do not have any joint swelling and no

> > evidence of synovitis. I'm not sure what to do ; but one thing

for

> > sure: I'm real scared as to what is awaiting me.

> > Anyone who had experience with Enbrel?

> > thanx a million.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/20/2005 8:23:15 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Remipain

writes:

New to RA

Hi ... I ma sorry you have that pain -- I have it too, but I have elevated

ESR, ANA and CRP, but negative RF. The feel are painful! I empathize!

Love and Prayers,

Beth

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

RA, or any other health challenge, is NOT a show-stopper!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[Guest guest]

First off welcome to the group. You are in right place for advice, and

understanding as what you are going thru. First you need time to let it soak

in then read,and learn all you can.I have never taken Voltarin but with any

med that effects your stomach, take it with milk, a cracker or even a full

meal.Meds are different in that what it causes for one person may not be the

same in your case.You should never feel guilty for having a disease. A three

year old may not understand why Mommy can't go outside because its cold but

look for things you can do with you child in the house, reading etc. Just

know we are all here to help and support one another. Again, welcome to the

group.

Heidi M

On 12/12/07, rorasmom <rorasmom@...> wrote:

>

> Hi. I was just diagnosed with RA and Fibromyalgia. I am in extreme

> pain and the doctor just started me on Voltarin. Does it hurt your

> stomach as much as it says? I also need some advice on how to cope..

> I was just diagnosed 48 hrs ago and it hasn't all set in yet. I have

> a 3 year old and feel extremely guilty on what I can and can't do with

> her right now.. How do I explain to her whats going on? Please help..

> Thanks!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I started taking voltaren and then had to start on

protonix for heartburn..

The voltaren did help with the pain and made it easier to move.

I was afraid to take it long term though.

Does your daughter still nap? I would try to take a rest when she is

resting. I know from having babies at one time it is not easy but just take

one day at a time. Maybe take a swimming class with her... water exercise

is good for arthritis.

Hang in there!

Joy

rorasmom <rorasmom@...> wrote:

Hi. I was just diagnosed with RA and Fibromyalgia. I am in extreme

pain and the doctor just started me on Voltarin. Does it hurt your

stomach as much as it says? I also need some advice on how to cope..

I was just diagnosed 48 hrs ago and it hasn't all set in yet. I have

a 3 year old and feel extremely guilty on what I can and can't do with

her right now.. How do I explain to her whats going on? Please help..

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Hi

I am also new too RA so i know what you are going thru i finally got a apt

with rheumatologist for next week been waiting for an apt. my regular dr put

me on naproxen till i go see him and it doesn't really help takes me about 20

to 25 minutes to get going in the morning, got one question does anyone have

a burning sensation at times in different area's ?

Thanks

**************************************See AOL's top rated recipes

(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)

[Guest guest]

I get a burning sensation in joints that have been really inflamed,

usually as the inflammation is starting to subside a bit. It feels

like the skin over these joints is burning.

>

> Hi

> I am also new too RA so i know what you are going thru i finally

got a apt

> with rheumatologist for next week been waiting for an apt. my

regular dr put

> me on naproxen till i go see him and it doesn't really help takes

me about 20

> to 25 minutes to get going in the morning, got one question does

anyone have

> a burning sensation at times in different area's ?

> Thanks

>

>

>

>

> **************************************See AOL's top rated recipes

> (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In addition to RA, I have Gout, and when it flares up it really feels like the

joints and skin are on fire. It is so painful, I can't stand for anything to

touch the affected joint area, not even the sheets on the bed. It might be

something you want to ask your doctor if they've ever checked for. They would

need to check your uric acid level. Many people think that gout only occurs in

the big toe - believe me that's a myth. It can affect hands, knees, elbows,

etc.

It's probably a remote possibility, but it's worth asking about. may have

information as to whether it is common to have RA and gout.

Amy

[ ] Re: New to RA

I get a burning sensation in joints that have been really inflamed,

usually as the inflammation is starting to subside a bit. It feels

like the skin over these joints is burning.

>

> Hi

> I am also new too RA so i know what you are going thru i finally

got a apt

> with rheumatologist for next week been waiting for an apt. my

regular dr put

> me on naproxen till i go see him and it doesn't really help takes

me about 20

> to 25 minutes to get going in the morning, got one question does

anyone have

> a burning sensation at times in different area's ?

> Thanks

>

>

>

>

> ************ ********* ********* ********See AOL's top rated recipes

> (http://food. aol.com/top- rated-recipes? NCID=aoltop00030 000000004)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have only been diagnosed for 6 week. I have had symptoms for quite

sometime. It has progressed so rapidly since january I am really

worried. I feel like noone understands. I went to my Rdoc on monday,

she told me that my xrays do not look like a 42 year old woman. It has

now affected my back, hands,wrist,feet,ankles and now starting in my

knees and elbows. She found 2 spots on my aurto viewing the xray. She

ran a blood test for heart disease and now I have an apt to get an

ultra sound on my stomach on Monday. I am tired. I hurt, not so much an

unbearable pain, but a constant pain. I have been having burning in my

elbow all morning. Am I headed right towards becoming disabled ?? Is

this all real ?

[Guest guest]

mine started around44. i am now 53. in 2003 i was put on disability. it

affects every joint in my body. meds help but do not cure. there is no

remission you have it every day. dont give up hope meds will help you tolerate

it. be agressive in treatment. if offered biologic drugs take up on them

quickly. i am on humira and wish it had been available when i was first

diagnosed. i was a court administrator and had to give it up. it hurts inside

and out,mentally and physically, i hate looking at my body. i don't even

recognize it. find a good dr and tell them everything and push them for the

correct treatment. rita

[ ] New to RA

I have only been diagnosed for 6 week. I have had symptoms for quite

sometime. It has progressed so rapidly since january I am really

worried. I feel like noone understands. I went to my Rdoc on monday,

she told me that my xrays do not look like a 42 year old woman. It has

now affected my back, hands,wrist, feet,ankles and now starting in my

knees and elbows. She found 2 spots on my aurto viewing the xray. She

ran a blood test for heart disease and now I have an apt to get an

ultra sound on my stomach on Monday. I am tired. I hurt, not so much an

unbearable pain, but a constant pain. I have been having burning in my

elbow all morning. Am I headed right towards becoming disabled ?? Is

this all real ?

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total

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[Guest guest]

that makes alot of sense. drugs can affect your heart. she has your safety in

mind. i have restrictive lung disease due to the ra. that is a bitch (pardon

my language), shortness of breath, etc. i take azfuludine, evoxac, humira,

prednisone as needed for flares, methoxerate, celebrex, etc. i am on fentyl

pain patches. i chage them every 3 days. if you read about ra it is the most

crippling disease there is. but there are different degrees to what people

have. i was noticing tuesday, in my rheumys office they were having a run/walk

for ra. the nurse mentioned it to me and then said sorry i shouldn't have said

that you can barely get in here. then they are others sitting in the waiting

room with sandals on, heels on, talking about weekends hiking, sex with their

partners and i am just wanting to live to the next weekend and not be broke up

or in such pain i cant move. maybe you will be one of the lucky ones that it

doesn't overtake you. six

weeks is not that long in between visits. mine are usually 12 weeks unless i

really complain. now i go every 4 weeks because of the pain patches. which

they can prescribe for only 30 days at one time. if you take enough meds to

make you able to function you feel like a druggy. for me it is a merry go round

and alot of praying. rita

[ ] New to RA

>

> I have only been diagnosed for 6 week. I have had symptoms for

quite

> sometime. It has progressed so rapidly since january I am really

> worried. I feel like noone understands. I went to my Rdoc on

monday,

> she told me that my xrays do not look like a 42 year old woman. It

has

> now affected my back, hands,wrist, feet,ankles and now starting in

my

> knees and elbows. She found 2 spots on my aurto viewing the xray.

She

> ran a blood test for heart disease and now I have an apt to get an

> ultra sound on my stomach on Monday. I am tired. I hurt, not so

much an

> unbearable pain, but a constant pain. I have been having burning in

my

> elbow all morning. Am I headed right towards becoming disabled ??

Is

> this all real ?

>

>

>

>

>

>

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

____________ __

> You rock. That's why Blockbuster' s offering you one month of

Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

> http://tc.deals. / tc/blockbuster/ text5.com

>

>

[Guest guest]

I do pray that I am one of the lucky ones and I am sorry for your

pain. It is just progressing so fast. Im just so tired, so tired and

so drained. I just keep thinking if the pain will go away maybe I

will have some energy left. I do still work, it takes everything out

of me. My passion is cooking, I love to cook and entertain. Right now

today, I just want to lay down..thank you for taking the time to talk

to me...

>

> that makes alot of sense. drugs can affect your heart. she has

your safety in mind. i have restrictive lung disease due to the ra.

that is a bitch (pardon my language), shortness of breath, etc. i

take azfuludine, evoxac, humira, prednisone as needed for flares,

methoxerate, celebrex, etc. i am on fentyl pain patches. i chage

them every 3 days. if you read about ra it is the most crippling

disease there is. but there are different degrees to what people

have. i was noticing tuesday, in my rheumys office they were having

a run/walk for ra. the nurse mentioned it to me and then said sorry

i shouldn't have said that you can barely get in here. then they are

others sitting in the waiting room with sandals on, heels on, talking

about weekends hiking, sex with their partners and i am just wanting

to live to the next weekend and not be broke up or in such pain i

cant move. maybe you will be one of the lucky ones that it doesn't

overtake you. six

> weeks is not that long in between visits. mine are usually 12

weeks unless i really complain. now i go every 4 weeks because of

the pain patches. which they can prescribe for only 30 days at one

time. if you take enough meds to make you able to function you feel

like a druggy. for me it is a merry go round and alot of praying.

rita

>

>

> [ ] New to RA

> >

> > I have only been diagnosed for 6 week. I have had symptoms for

> quite

> > sometime. It has progressed so rapidly since january I am really

> > worried. I feel like noone understands. I went to my Rdoc on

> monday,

> > she told me that my xrays do not look like a 42 year old woman.

It

> has

> > now affected my back, hands,wrist, feet,ankles and now starting

in

> my

> > knees and elbows. She found 2 spots on my aurto viewing the xray.

> She

> > ran a blood test for heart disease and now I have an apt to get

an

> > ultra sound on my stomach on Monday. I am tired. I hurt, not so

> much an

> > unbearable pain, but a constant pain. I have been having burning

in

> my

> > elbow all morning. Am I headed right towards becoming disabled ??

> Is

> > this all real ?

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

> ____________ __

> > You rock. That's why Blockbuster' s offering you one month of

> Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

> > http://tc.deals. / tc/blockbuster/ text5.com

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I worry too that my RA has progressed so fast in the past few months.

I was only diagnosed last week. Since January, the joints in my knees,

wrists, hands, and neck have been starting to hurt. Before that it was

only my feet. I'm scared too and just hoping that medication will work-

-quickly. Hopefully your Dr will call you with your test results and

you can begin treatment before the six weeks until your next

appointment.

Jodie

[Guest guest]

I would ask for a closer appointment and ask her for biologics. They stop

the progression of the disease. And I would also seek a 2nd opinion.

Jill

On 4/2/08, kmitch1966 <kmitch1966@...> wrote:

>

> -

> Right now she has me on Celebrex, I have had 2 steriod shots and for

> pain she has me on Lyrica at night and acuflex (which hasnt worked)

> during the day. I set and type all day which is already getting

> difficult. She told me if the celebrex did not work to stop taking

> it. I have stopped and cant tell the difference. When I was there

> Monday, I asked her if she was giving me anything to prevent the

> progression of the disease and she told me no. She is waiting on my

> tests results regarding my heart. What worries me, I dont have

> another apt for 6 more weeks. As fast as this is progressing, I will

> be bedridden by then. Or at least that is how I feel at this point.

>

> -- In < %40>, Rita

> Wages <rita.wages@...> wrote:

> >

> > mine started around44. i am now 53. in 2003 i was put on

> disability. it affects every joint in my body. meds help but do not

> cure. there is no remission you have it every day. dont give up

> hope meds will help you tolerate it. be agressive in treatment. if

> offered biologic drugs take up on them quickly. i am on humira and

> wish it had been available when i was first diagnosed. i was a court

> administrator and had to give it up. it hurts inside and

> out,mentally and physically, i hate looking at my body. i don't even

> recognize it. find a good dr and tell them everything and push them

> for the correct treatment. rita

> >

> >

> >

> > [ ] New to RA

> >

> > I have only been diagnosed for 6 week. I have had symptoms for

> quite

> > sometime. It has progressed so rapidly since january I am really

> > worried. I feel like noone understands. I went to my Rdoc on

> monday,

> > she told me that my xrays do not look like a 42 year old woman. It

> has

> > now affected my back, hands,wrist, feet,ankles and now starting in

> my

> > knees and elbows. She found 2 spots on my aurto viewing the xray.

> She

> > ran a blood test for heart disease and now I have an apt to get an

> > ultra sound on my stomach on Monday. I am tired. I hurt, not so

> much an

> > unbearable pain, but a constant pain. I have been having burning in

> my

> > elbow all morning. Am I headed right towards becoming disabled ??

> Is

> > this all real ?

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> __________________________________________________________

> ______________

> > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of

> Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

> > http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text5.com

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

hon I have the same fears, if this thing has come back again with this bad

of a flare then what is it doing to my joints? u know. I have 5 children to

care for and I want to be able to walk down the church isle when they get

married, be able to hold a grandchild without my hands falling apart........the

long term has really scared me into getting help. I do not want to be like my

great grand mother (I just found out about this) who was bedbound, contracted

with her arms across her chest and legs drawn up from rheumatoid arthritis (is

it hereditary??) I want to be able to do things, I do not expect to run

marathons but at least be mobile.

amber

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[Guest guest]

melyndagamez...Thank you so much...some encourgement...Im just trying to stay

positive..My doctor told me I also have neuropathy as well...I know as soon as

my doc and I find the right treatment I will be better...just tired until then.

Thank you, you made my day !

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

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total

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