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Hi all:

I am a 44-year-old mom of 3 who has just been told I have RA. Last

fall I finally got my GP to listen to me when I said I didn't feel

well. He originally diagnosed polymyalgia, but I have undergone

further testing with a renal specialist (also have kidney disease and

diabetes). He says I've got RA, and is sending me to a rheumy.

I have pain in my jaw, neck, shoulders, upper arms, wrists, hands,

hips, ankles, thighs, knees, ankles and feet. I get so tired

sometimes that I just have to nap.

I have been taking Prednisone, but am decreasing and trying to rid of

it. The Plaquenil is being doubled to 400mg/day, and I take a host of

other meds for my other things.

This is pretty terrifying. It's impossible to make other people

understand how I feel. My hubby is trying, and he notices when I have

better days. I was doing well earlier this summer, but crashed again.

Does anyone have any hints for dealing with pain? Especially my hands

and hips, which cause agony and keep me from sleeping. It's the worst

in the morning, evening, and if it's damp. I also really notice

problems with changes in the weather. I live on the " wet " coast of BC.

Thanks for listening! Can't wait to learn all I can.

Leanne