Questions from an RA newbie...

[Guest guest]

Though anyone can answer (the more the better) these are directed mostly toward

those here who have only had RA for 5 years or less.

1) How long have you had RA?

2) How long after diagnosis did you wait before taking a DMARD?

3) Do you take a pain medication in addition to your DMARD?

4) What is your current RA factor ratio?

5) Did your RA come on suddenly and go into all joints at once, or is it a slow

progression - joint to joint slowly?

I ask these questions because as I read all of your posts I wonder at my own

diagnosis.  My doctor said my RA factor was very high, and indeed the

progression has been swift.  It started in my left shoulder last November, moved

into each hand separately, then my right shoulder, my feet, neck and jaw.  The

onset was quick and it took about four months before I experienced pain in most

joints.  I now hurt in all joints except those of my spine, unless I take an

NSAID (Ibuprofen).  I take 6 tablets a day of those, keep my body moving alot,

and take herbals and so far am still doing well.  I read your posts and hear

your stories and commiserate first-hand with everyone's pain, but I wonder why I

wouldn't be right there with you on this.  I've pondered asking for an almost

monthly RA factor test to monitor its ups and downs in a more realtime

fashion so I can better understand what would cause those ups and downs based on

my diet, activity, etc

Please don't take what may seem to be an emotionless scientific inquiry as a

mockery of anyone's condition here.  That is not at all my intent.  I am almost

one year into this disease and still haven't started on anything major like

DMARDs and wish to experiment as much as I can with different ideas before I

pollute my system with such powerful drugs.