Newby

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with RA just a month ago so I'm still learning about

this twist in my life. I'm joining to hear from others who have

navigated this disease.

I'm in my mid 50s, educator, married. Usually fairly active. Like

working in the yard, painting ceramics, photography and working on my

computer.

Much of what I've realized about what my body was doing comes from

hindsight...remembering different events after the diagnosis. I can

remember a week long period about 30 years ago when every joint in my

body hurt. It passed so I figured it was 'flu' but it was so weird, I

never forgot it. (My rheumatologist says that was probably the

start.) Nothing since then until about 3 years ago when both my hands

started hurting when I tried to open jars or grip something. Then

about a year ago, they started hurting anytime I used them. Painting

or holding my camera was murder. I figured I was 'getting old' and

had osteoarthritis. Then, I started having periods when I was sure I

was coming down with the flu...I'd ache all over, but then it would

pass with no further development. I started with extreme exhaustion

all the time and my hands and feet hurt any time I used them, my

hands were very swollen and my ankles would get very tired and achy

if I stood too long. Finally, went to the dr and had blood tests,

etc. Was hit with the diagnosis (which was a shock as my husband's

grandfather had RA and was extremely crippled and bedridden the last

years of his life). Xrays show no joint damage in my hands but I've

already got joint damage and bone erosion in my feet and ankles. Then

another facet started...the joints in my hands and feet would HURT

even without using them. It feels like someone has my voodoo doll and

is shoving knitting needles here and there. I have to grit my teeth

and hold my breath till each pain eases, but then it will move to

another joint. The swelling and those stabs had eased off a lot a

week ago so I did some gardening and that set everything back off

again even worse than before.

My rheumatologist prescribed methotrexate but we've had to back off

on the dosage as we think it caused heart palpitations. Only been on

that 3 weeks. I am trying different OTC antiinflammatories for the

pain and feel that 800mg of ibuprofen does better than any other, so

far. I'm wearing 2 wrist splints at night and during some activities

in the day. (This typing is taking me some time as I keep quitting

and then come back to it.)

So, that's me in a large nutshell. I've shared all this as a way to

introduce myself to the group and to find out if my experiences

are 'typical' enough to warrant suggestions or information as to what

I can expect in the future.

One question that I do have is about these things, flares and

remissions. I had thought that the pain all through my joints was the

flare and remission would give me relief from pain. But, then I

started getting those stabs through my hands and feet almost

continually. They have eased off in the past day somewhat but my

hands and feet still hurt if I use them (I find walking barefoot or

with sandals sends shocks through different joints in my feet...solid

shoes feel better. And I'm a Florida girl!) I have to time how long

I walk or stand or I know my ankles will give out. Is this still a

flare period? Will this get better or is this probably my life and

the flares will be worse periods?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. Everyone here is wonderful. I take Cymbalta, Humera

and was taking MTX but I am stopping it as I can't stand the side effects. I

take a number of other meds for various things. I have Fibro, IC, Osteo, and

DJD. This is a great place to come and meet friends, get/give advice or just

to vent.

Heidi M

On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 2:11 PM, nwb73 <nwb73@...> wrote:

> Hi,

> I was diagnosed with RA just a month ago so I'm still learning about

> this twist in my life. I'm joining to hear from others who have

> navigated this disease.

> I'm in my mid 50s, educator, married. Usually fairly active. Like

> working in the yard, painting ceramics, photography and working on my

> computer.

> Much of what I've realized about what my body was doing comes from

> hindsight...remembering different events after the diagnosis. I can

> remember a week long period about 30 years ago when every joint in my

> body hurt. It passed so I figured it was 'flu' but it was so weird, I

> never forgot it. (My rheumatologist says that was probably the

> start.) Nothing since then until about 3 years ago when both my hands

> started hurting when I tried to open jars or grip something. Then

> about a year ago, they started hurting anytime I used them. Painting

> or holding my camera was murder. I figured I was 'getting old' and

> had osteoarthritis. Then, I started having periods when I was sure I

> was coming down with the flu...I'd ache all over, but then it would

> pass with no further development. I started with extreme exhaustion

> all the time and my hands and feet hurt any time I used them, my

> hands were very swollen and my ankles would get very tired and achy

> if I stood too long. Finally, went to the dr and had blood tests,

> etc. Was hit with the diagnosis (which was a shock as my husband's

> grandfather had RA and was extremely crippled and bedridden the last

> years of his life). Xrays show no joint damage in my hands but I've

> already got joint damage and bone erosion in my feet and ankles. Then

> another facet started...the joints in my hands and feet would HURT

> even without using them. It feels like someone has my voodoo doll and

> is shoving knitting needles here and there. I have to grit my teeth

> and hold my breath till each pain eases, but then it will move to

> another joint. The swelling and those stabs had eased off a lot a

> week ago so I did some gardening and that set everything back off

> again even worse than before.

> My rheumatologist prescribed methotrexate but we've had to back off

> on the dosage as we think it caused heart palpitations. Only been on

> that 3 weeks. I am trying different OTC antiinflammatories for the

> pain and feel that 800mg of ibuprofen does better than any other, so

> far. I'm wearing 2 wrist splints at night and during some activities

> in the day. (This typing is taking me some time as I keep quitting

> and then come back to it.)

> So, that's me in a large nutshell. I've shared all this as a way to

> introduce myself to the group and to find out if my experiences

> are 'typical' enough to warrant suggestions or information as to what

> I can expect in the future.

> One question that I do have is about these things, flares and

> remissions. I had thought that the pain all through my joints was the

> flare and remission would give me relief from pain. But, then I

> started getting those stabs through my hands and feet almost

> continually. They have eased off in the past day somewhat but my

> hands and feet still hurt if I use them (I find walking barefoot or

> with sandals sends shocks through different joints in my feet...solid

> shoes feel better. And I'm a Florida girl!) I have to time how long

> I walk or stand or I know my ankles will give out. Is this still a

> flare period? Will this get better or is this probably my life and

> the flares will be worse periods?

> Any help will be greatly appreciated.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group as well...I have been diagnosed with an

inflammatory auto immune disease with connective tissue disease,

not sure which brand I am blessed with yet. My feet both me as well

I havent recieved sharp stabing pains yet but I do have trouble with my

toes and my arches..my xrays show bone spurs in both heels. My RA have me some

heat pads with mediction on them (sorry not sure what they are)

and told me to get over the counter arch supports and that should work

for now....best of luck to you...wishing all a pain free day...

[Guest guest]

Wow. This whole thing sounds like it could be my story... like the aching hands

years ago - I thought it was osteo, but then the wrists, ankles and feet started

bothering me about a year ago. And the aching body in the past... so many times

I thought I got hit with a 24-hour bug because of my body ached so bad. But then

the next day it would be gone. As far as the flares and remissions go, I read

that the damage done by the RA causes the development of osteo-arthritis in the

joints, so even if we're in remission from the RA, we're still going to have the

pain from the osteo.

I know this doesn't help...

[ ] Newby

Hi,

I was diagnosed with RA just a month ago so I'm still learning about

this twist in my life. I'm joining to hear from others who have

navigated this disease.

I'm in my mid 50s, educator, married. Usually fairly active. Like

working in the yard, painting ceramics, photography and working on my

computer.

Much of what I've realized about what my body was doing comes from

hindsight...remembering different events after the diagnosis. I can

remember a week long period about 30 years ago when every joint in my

body hurt. It passed so I figured it was 'flu' but it was so weird, I

never forgot it. (My rheumatologist says that was probably the

start.) Nothing since then until about 3 years ago when both my hands

started hurting when I tried to open jars or grip something. Then

about a year ago, they started hurting anytime I used them. Painting

or holding my camera was murder. I figured I was 'getting old' and

had osteoarthritis. Then, I started having periods when I was sure I

was coming down with the flu...I'd ache all over, but then it would

pass with no further development. I started with extreme exhaustion

all the time and my hands and feet hurt any time I used them, my

hands were very swollen and my ankles would get very tired and achy

if I stood too long. Finally, went to the dr and had blood tests,

etc. Was hit with the diagnosis (which was a shock as my husband's

grandfather had RA and was extremely crippled and bedridden the last

years of his life). Xrays show no joint damage in my hands but I've

already got joint damage and bone erosion in my feet and ankles. Then

another facet started...the joints in my hands and feet would HURT

even without using them. It feels like someone has my voodoo doll and

is shoving knitting needles here and there. I have to grit my teeth

and hold my breath till each pain eases, but then it will move to

another joint. The swelling and those stabs had eased off a lot a

week ago so I did some gardening and that set everything back off

again even worse than before.

My rheumatologist prescribed methotrexate but we've had to back off

on the dosage as we think it caused heart palpitations. Only been on

that 3 weeks. I am trying different OTC antiinflammatories for the

pain and feel that 800mg of ibuprofen does better than any other, so

far. I'm wearing 2 wrist splints at night and during some activities

in the day. (This typing is taking me some time as I keep quitting

and then come back to it.)

So, that's me in a large nutshell. I've shared all this as a way to

introduce myself to the group and to find out if my experiences

are 'typical' enough to warrant suggestions or information as to what

I can expect in the future.

One question that I do have is about these things, flares and

remissions. I had thought that the pain all through my joints was the

flare and remission would give me relief from pain. But, then I

started getting those stabs through my hands and feet almost

continually. They have eased off in the past day somewhat but my

hands and feet still hurt if I use them (I find walking barefoot or

with sandals sends shocks through different joints in my feet...solid

shoes feel better. And I'm a Florida girl!) I have to time how long

I walk or stand or I know my ankles will give out. Is this still a

flare period? Will this get better or is this probably my life and

the flares will be worse periods?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

Hi...

Thanks , I didn't know that, the osteo-arthritis angle and gee I feel good

knowing there's yet another complication! LOL! I've decided having RA is like

being that guy with the sign, " the world is gonna end! " We've all seen the

cartoons, but if you were really that guy I guess you'd just have to live with

it and take each day as it comes. Being new to all of this myself I am still

learning to take each day as it comes and I'd seriously rather be informed than

not. I specifically ask my Rheumatologist if my flare-ups incur damage and she

kind of brushed the question off, but common sense told me it wasn't good. So

when I asked the group about filing for SSDI the answer was a resounding YES and

I feel better about it now for a couple of reasons. First, I know I can't work

and even when I do things I know shouldn't my body is saying, " are you crazy? "

Second, I don't think I'm not in the mood to sacrifice my good days so some

schmuck can buy another condo in Colorado. As is the ca

se with my former employer, a man who I spoke to for an hour every morning for

nine years, will no longer even acknowledge he got an e-mail from me when he

found out I have RA. I tried to tell him it wasn't contagious! Ah, but me thinks

he's avoiding me for other reasons, it's strange when you find out who you're

friends really are. Anyway, there's lots of friends in this group and I

appreciate your post.

Stan

--------- [ ] Newby

Hi,

I was diagnosed with RA just a month ago so I'm still learning about

this twist in my life. I'm joining to hear from others who have

navigated this disease.

I'm in my mid 50s, educator, married. Usually fairly active. Like

working in the yard, painting ceramics, photography and working on my

computer.

Much of what I've realized about what my body was doing comes from

hindsight...remembering different events after the diagnosis. I can

remember a week long period about 30 years ago when every joint in my

body hurt. It passed so I figured it was 'flu' but it was so weird, I

never forgot it. (My rheumatologist says that was probably the

start.) Nothing since then until about 3 years ago when both my hands

started hurting when I tried to open jars or grip something. Then

about a year ago, they started hurting anytime I used them. Painting

or holding my camera was murder. I figured I was 'getting old' and

had osteoarthritis. Then, I started having periods when I was sure I

was coming down with the flu...I'd ache all over, but then it would

pass with no further development. I started with extreme exhaustion

all the time and my hands and feet hurt any time I used them, my

hands were very swollen and my ankles would get very tired and achy

if I stood too long. Finally, went to the dr and had blood tests,

etc. Was hit with the diagnosis (which was a shock as my husband's

grandfather had RA and was extremely crippled and bedridden the last

years of his life). Xrays show no joint damage in my hands but I've

already got joint damage and bone erosion in my feet and ankles. Then

another facet started...the joints in my hands and feet would HURT

even without using them. It feels like someone has my voodoo doll and

is shoving knitting needles here and there. I have to grit my teeth

and hold my breath till each pain eases, but then it will move to

another joint. The swelling and those stabs had eased off a lot a

week ago so I did some gardening and that set everything back off

again even worse than before.

My rheumatologist prescribed methotrexate but we've had to back off

on the dosage as we think it caused heart palpitations. Only been on

that 3 weeks. I am trying different OTC antiinflammatories for the

pain and feel that 800mg of ibuprofen does better than any other, so

far. I'm wearing 2 wrist splints at night and during some activities

in the day. (This typing is taking me some time as I keep quitting

and then come back to it.)

So, that's me in a large nutshell. I've shared all this as a way to

introduce myself to the group and to find out if my experiences

are 'typical' enough to warrant suggestions or information as to what

I can expect in the future.

One question that I do have is about these things, flares and

remissions. I had thought that the pain all through my joints was the

flare and remission would give me relief from pain. But, then I

started getting those stabs through my hands and feet almost

continually. They have eased off in the past day somewhat but my

hands and feet still hurt if I use them (I find walking barefoot or

with sandals sends shocks through different joints in my feet...solid

shoes feel better. And I'm a Florida girl!) I have to time how long

I walk or stand or I know my ankles will give out. Is this still a

flare period? Will this get better or is this probably my life and

the flares will be worse periods?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

Sorry to hear your not getting help on your health. Try omega 3 for

inflammation and seek a new

doc. I believe your entitled to your test resul

ts.

Good luck on the smoking, thatsa challenge.

My mom kicked the habit after 40 yrs using nicot

ine gum and lots of prayer!

Colene from CO

Re: [ ] newby

Hi there Colene,

I am 56..NO ONE will give me a diagnosis, though I have been to a lot of

doctors, all the tests show RA positive, Lupus positive, Sjogrens positive.

Yes, And I have Raynaud's. It is very much under control...It is mixed with my

high blood pressure meds.

Yes I am a smoker....trying to cut down to 6-10 a day...this is tough too.

Jan

[Guest guest]

Hi, Colene,

Welcome to the group. I'm sure you'll get useful information here.

, our wonderful moderator, keeps us educated about these

autoimmune diseases by posting articles relative to our questions.

If you have one autoimmune disease, you are more susceptible to having

others, and it seems that you have three.

Some members here use the injectable mtx and find that it gives them

fewer side effects. The nausea and dizziness might be from the mtx.

You might ask your rheumatologist about this possibility. RA makes you

tired, and hopefully when your doctor finds the right cocktail of

drugs for you, some of the fatigue will go away.

Good luck, and ask any questions you may have.

Sue

On Mar 26, 2011, at 11:40 AM, Colene wrote:

> Hi Everyone. My name is Colene. I'm 41 and newly diagnosed with

> RA. I've been taking mtx and folic acid for a month now and it

> seems to be helping a little. I'm on a low dose to start and feel

> hopeful about it. I've also been taking omega 3 twice a day and

> that also has made a difference.

>

> I have felt very tired...I describe it to my family as fuzzy brain

> because that's what it feels like. I've also had nausea and

> dizziness.

>

> I have a feeling I've had this for years but not until 4 months ago

> was my flair so bad it got me to the doc.

>

> I'm also hypothyroid and have reynauds...anyone eles with these?

> I'm curious if there is a connection with RA.

[Guest guest]

Hi there Colene,

I am 56..NO ONE will give me a diagnosis, though I have been to a lot of

doctors, all the tests show RA positive, Lupus positive, Sjogrens positive.

Yes, And I have Raynaud's. It is very much under control...It is mixed with my

high blood pressure meds.

Yes I am a smoker....trying to cut down to 6-10 a day...this is tough too.

Jan

________________________________

From: Colene <cleancolene25@...>

Sent: Sat, March 26, 2011 11:40:49 AM

Subject: [ ] newby

 

Hi Everyone. My name is Colene. I'm 41 and newly diagnosed with RA. I've been

taking mtx and folic acid for a month now and it seems to be helping a little.

I'm on a low dose to start and feel hopeful about it. I've also been taking

omega 3 twice a day and that also has made a difference.

I have felt very tired...I describe it to my family as fuzzy brain because

that's what it feels like. I've also had nausea and dizziness.

I have a feeling I've had this for years but not until 4 months ago was my flair

so bad it got me to the doc.

I'm also hypothyroid and have reynauds...anyone eles with these? I'm curious if

there is a connection with RA.

Colene from CO.