Miscellaneous stuff...

[Guest guest]

I've not ever posted here before, but I've read an awful lot on here! I'm like

the lady who just posted that she looked up RA when diagnosed and didn't look

again because she was a little freaked out. ME TOO! I was diagnosed about 1.5

years ago now and was scared to dearh to take Mtx! Now I take 8 pills a week

and other than folic acid, that's it. I only take Prilosec if needed, which

*knock wood* hasn't been in a while. I take a daily vitamin and Calcium tabs

too.

I had some heart issues, but they seem to be holding steady so I just take

cholesterol med for that. It becomes challenging for me to determine if anything

and everything that happens to me is RA related.

So, here's what I've learned so far from my own experiences AND this great

group:

1. I hate taking the medicine like most of you, but it sure does help. I feel

1000% better than before I took it. Some of you have said you don't want to take

it. I didn't like the pain and swelling. I am afraid of the medicines, but I'm

MORE afraid of the damage NOT taking it could cause.

2. My hair thinned a little, but not as much as my imagination had me. In my

mind's eye, I'd be bald! LOL I'm not. I wear my hair below my shoulders and I'm

an old goat of 59! I look terrible in short hair, so this is how it will

stay I fear.

3. I haven't changed any of the fun things I did before my diagnosis (I can

still ride my little 250 motorcycle, so I'm a happy camper about that). I just

manage how and when I do it more. I plan more. I prepare more. I go to bed a

little earlier.

4. I take a 5x7 notebook with me to EVERY doctor appointment I have. I write

down my BP, his instructions, whatever happens. (Sometimes I sit in my car and

write additional notes before I forget them. I won't even wait till I get home

because I've forgotten them that quickly.) With my notebook, I can always refer

back to it accurately AND I write my questions for my Rheumy in there, refills I

need, etc. Last time I didn't even have any questions and he saw my notebook and

said, " OK, bring on the questions " . LOL

5. Lastly, I try to keep a balance between what I'm AFRAID will happen and what

ACTUALLY happens. I think some of the doctors are not impressed by my research

online, LOL, so I try to be careful of how I ask because I've learned from here

that we all react differently to this odd disease and the medicines.

Sorry for such a lengthy post, but I just need to say this group has been so

helpful for a lurker like me. Thanks to you all...you're so supportive.

Marilyn M in PA