Guest guest Posted January 15, 2011 Report Share Posted January 15, 2011 Hello, My name is and I was just diagnosed with RA exactly one month ago. This as been devastating for me, I am 31 and also a triathlete and ran my first marathon in November. I was having alot of joint pain during training mostly in my upper extremities, but still managed to train. After my marathon I finally decided to go to the MD to see why I was having this severe joint pain, after many tests and a 2nd opinion, RA was the diagnosis. (all my initial rheumatoid tests were neg) Then the rheumatologist did one more test that was sent off, it took 10 days to come back, but it was def. positive for RA. I am having a really hard time dealing with this, I just cry most of the time and it is consuming my thoughts constantly. How do you overcome this? I have been out of my flare now for almost a month and the MTX has caused so much fatigue. Does anyone else have fatigue that bad? How do you get motivated? Any suggestions are welcomed. I live in a small town and there are no local support groups around here so I feel this is all I have. I have really enjoyed reading the posts and I dont feel so alone anymore. Thanks everyone. , TX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2011 Report Share Posted January 15, 2011 Hey , The first step in dealing with RA for me was getting used to the idea and understanding that it does not have to be as debilitating as we first think. Once I grasped that concept I have handled it much better. Mind you, it took until the meds kicked in to help me get over the worst of it - the shock. I one day decided not to be a victim of this insipid disease and get on with life. You will get to this place once the pain is under control. Believe me. I too am a mild case and am handling it very well now after 12 months since diagnosis. I felt fatigue but overcame it eventually. I would have my husband help me with most things and drive me to and from work. Once home I would sit on the bed and fall asleep. Now I am much better although in December my white cell count dropped below normal and I started feeling tired again. I find that NOT reading sad stories about RA more encouraging than reading them. We all react differently to the disease so we will not all have the same symptoms. I have been able to keep positive once the pain subsided and was under control as I am able to do normal things now as if I never had RA. So there are positives to look forward to. Keep positive and find a great Rheumy and stick with them. You will hae good and bad days and once your meds are right you will have more good days than bad. The bad days will become a nagging ache or swelling and nothing like the initial pain felt prior to diagnosis. Chin up. I will says some prayers for you. Annie (Australia) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Hi ! We all feel for you here! I just wanted to let you know that I was diagnosed a little over a year ago, and since my diagnosis I started running. I figured I had to do something to fight this disease. I ran three 5ks and one 10k last year! It is now officially my first full year as a runner!! I am 41, and the last time that I actually ran was in high school and that was a mile and a half because we were forced!!! The meds are no fun! I am currently taking a self-injectable, Humira every other week. I have very minimal side effects with it! Hopefully you will find the right medication that stops your disease from progressing and doesn't make you feel too bad! The fact that you are a triathlete and ran a marathon should help you! And congratulations on you marathon - how awesome! Don't let this disease keep you down. Move when you can!!! If you want to e-mail me privately please do, and there is also an awesome group on facebook called RA chicks!!! I wish you the best! Donna, Colorado > > Hello, > My name is and I was just diagnosed with RA exactly one month ago. This as been devastating for me, I am 31 and also a triathlete and ran my first marathon in November. I was having alot of joint pain during training mostly in my upper extremities, but still managed to train. After my marathon I finally decided to go to the MD to see why I was having this severe joint pain, after many tests and a 2nd opinion, RA was the diagnosis. (all my initial rheumatoid tests were neg) Then the rheumatologist did one more test that was sent off, it took 10 days to come back, but it was def. positive for RA. I am having a really hard time dealing with this, I just cry most of the time and it is consuming my thoughts constantly. How do you overcome this? I have been out of my flare now for almost a month and the MTX has caused so much fatigue. Does anyone else have fatigue that bad? How do you get motivated? Any suggestions are welcomed. I live in a small town and there are no local support groups around here so I feel this is all I have. I have really enjoyed reading the posts and I dont feel so alone anymore. Thanks everyone. > > , TX > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Hi --I remember very well the feeling of fear, sadness, anger,-overwhelming thoughts of the worst. I am a Physical Therapist and had seen the worst joint deformaties which used to be the norm. I was Dx 71/2 yrs. ago; and had RA for at least 2 yrs. before diagnosis. Getting early treatment is very important--eventually you will find what works best for you. Fatigue has been one of the hardest things to overcome--methotrexate alone does not do that for me; but the addition of Enbrel made a huge difference. There have been many ups and downs--but my initial fear of the unknown and doomsday thinking went away--they have to. One day at a time applies to more than addiction. Finding a good Rheumatologist you can trust and talk to is very important; as well as educating yourself and being your own advocate---much easier these days with the internet and almost unlimited information. Good luck ! Oh, I have been running for 32 years ---some of these past years there are times I can't, but I work back into it. When I was diagnosed I thought that was over---no more races or speed for me--but I have learned to be grateful just to be " out there " --no matter how slow. Louise > > Hello, > My name is and I was just diagnosed with RA exactly one month ago. This as been devastating for me, I am 31 and also a triathlete and ran my first marathon in November. I was having alot of joint pain during training mostly in my upper extremities, but still managed to train. After my marathon I finally decided to go to the MD to see why I was having this severe joint pain, after many tests and a 2nd opinion, RA was the diagnosis. (all my initial rheumatoid tests were neg) Then the rheumatologist did one more test that was sent off, it took 10 days to come back, but it was def. positive for RA. I am having a really hard time dealing with this, I just cry most of the time and it is consuming my thoughts constantly. How do you overcome this? I have been out of my flare now for almost a month and the MTX has caused so much fatigue. Does anyone else have fatigue that bad? How do you get motivated? Any suggestions are welcomed. I live in a small town and there are no local support groups around here so I feel this is all I have. I have really enjoyed reading the posts and I dont feel so alone anymore. Thanks everyone. > > , TX > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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