New to this group

[Guest guest]

My name is Rita. I am 51 years old and live in Bakersfield

California. I have had fibromyalgia since I was 15 years old. I just

got diagnosed with RA several weeks ago. I did not diagnosed with FM

until 1994 and have had it for 36 years. When the doctor did labs back

then the tests for RA were false positive. I had one rheumatologist

tell me 10 years ago that I have RA and put me on Plaquenil. I am not

sure if I have had RA this long. I started having hand pain in

December. My present rheumatologist did labs and x-rays of my hands

and tailbone. They showed early signs of RA. My hands and fingers are

puffy and swollen. When I went to see last week she put me on

Methotrexate 10mg which I started 2 days ago. Two hours after I took

the Methotrexate I started coughing and I have felt awful since. I

have a runny nose, sore throat, cough, burning eyes and have a dull

headache. Has anyone ever had this problem with Methotrexate? I am

going to call my doctor and let her know. Does anyone know of any

Arthritis Support Groups in Central California?

Rita

[Guest guest]

Welcome ,

You have found a wonderful group for information and friends. We have a

awesome moderator, who takes care of us. I'm sorry your having such

difficulty. I understand, you just need to find out whats causing so

much pain. You've been around RA all your life, so you know the

symptoms.

Are you seeing a rheumy? They know what to look for. You will find

answers here, to help you along your path. I hope you stay awhile.

Good luck, and keep us posted, Tawny

>

> Hello everyone. I am new to this group. In fact, I haven't ever

> joined a forum before. I'd like to share my story and see if it's

> relatable. My name is . I am 34 years old and I'm a nurse.

> I speciallize in neonatology (newborns). My mother and maternal

> grandfather have RA. When I was about 29 I began having symptoms of

> RA. I had major unrelated surgery last winter and now my RA is

> getting bad. I had many blood tests to diagnose RA, but they all

> turned up negative. I haven't had my blood drawn for it since the

> surgery because I fear it, too will be negative. Not that I want

> RA. I just want a REASON for my pain. My body hurts all over and

> stems from every single joint. I swear, every joint from my fingers

> to my toes hurt! I have minor swelling in every joint, but pitting

> edema below my knees by the end of the day. I am so tired all the

> time and in so much pain. Motrin isn't touching the pain anymore. I

> am a single mother (men!) and I fear that I won't be able to do my

> job too many more years if I can't get this under control. Who is

> going to pay my bills? They call me " butterfingers " at work because

> I drop everything. I have no strength in my hands. I also have to

> do things like start IV's on infants and draw their blood every day.

> My fingers and hands hurt so bad every time! I feel like people I

> work with just think I'm lazy and can't take a little body aches and

> pains. Am I just a wimp? Anxious to hear back from you. I am off

> to work now.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to the group. You are NOT a wimp! We'll just

set that record straight right from the get-go and be done with it.

You need to see a Rheumatologist. It is possible to have RA with

negative blood work - I do and so do many others. I'm a butterfingers

as well - you should see my trying to pick up something small - its

almost impossible and if I hang onto it and not drop it, its a

miracle. You are not alone. You are not a wimp. Please keep us posted.

I wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers.....Doreen

>

> Hello everyone. I am new to this group. In fact, I haven't ever

> joined a forum before. I'd like to share my story and see if it's

> relatable. My name is . I am 34 years old and I'm a

> nurse. I speciallize in neonatology (newborns). My mother and

> maternal grandfather have RA. When I was about 29 I began having

> symptoms of RA. I had major unrelated surgery last winter and now

> my RA is getting bad. I had many blood tests to diagnose RA, but

> they all turned up negative. I haven't had my blood drawn for it

> since the surgery because I fear it, too will be negative. Not

> that I want RA. I just want a REASON for my pain. My body hurts all

> over and stems from every single joint. I swear, every joint from

> my fingers to my toes hurt! I have minor swelling in every joint,

> but pitting edema below my knees by the end of the day. I am so

> tired all the time and in so much pain. Motrin isn't touching the

> pain anymore. I am a single mother (men!) and I fear that I won't

> be able to do my job too many more years if I can't get this under

> control. Who is going to pay my bills? They call me " butterfingers "

> at work because I drop everything. I have no strength in my hands.

> I also have to do things like start IV's on infants and draw their

> blood every day. My fingers and hands hurt so bad every time! I

> feel like people I work with just think I'm lazy and can't take a

> little body aches and pains. Am I just a wimp? Anxious to hear back

> from you. I am off to work now.

>