Newbie to the group but not to RA

November 13, 2010

My name is Anne and I am 37 years old. I was diagnoised with RA in July 2005

but I had it since I was 16 or 17 and the pain and swelling would only last a

day and I would just take a tyneol. I went to my family doctor when my right

knee pain wouldn't stop with tyneol and I was told that I did have arthritis in

my knee and they did blood work and thats when my life changed. I have been

seeing my arthritis doc since August 2005 and I do love him and his staff. When

I first met my RA doctor he told me that I really have Lupus but it can take

awhile for it to show up in my blood work. I do have one cousin who has Lupus

but not RA and it took her 10 years for it to show up in her blood work. My RA

doctor told me that I have both of them already but he will keep testing me for

Lupus until my blood work comes back for sure postive.

This year has been really diffcult for me because I lost my job (I only had a 3

day notice that my job was being cut at the first of the year) and I was 8 days

short of being there 5 years. With me losing my job that also meant I lost my

health insurance. I was doing Remaide IV infusions along with Methotrexate,

Nabumetone and Hydrochloriquine and I was doing pretty well. I had to go from

the Remaide to Humaria shots and I am able to get them for free since I am

unemployed and its better than nothing.

Back in the summer I noticed my lower back would start hurting me after I would

load the dishwasher or take clothes out of the washer to put in the dryer and on

my last doctor visit my arthritis doctor told me that the RA has gone to my

lower spine. The last 3 months have been really hard with my RA. Just doing

the daily stuff has been a challenge for me. Just walking to the mailbox (about

150 feet from my house) is a challenge. I have a handicapped sign that I use

only when I have too and I try to push myself as much as I can.

I know you all can relate with me but I do have a question and I will be asking

my RA doctor about it too.

Does anyone notice sharp pains that come and go? I will be watching tv with my

feet up or sleeping and I will get a sharp pain in my hip and the pain makes my

leg move and it will be so intense then about 5 mins. later the pain is gone. I

have noticed it mainly in the hips, knees and feet but sometimes I get it right

under my under arm. The pain isn't charley horses but I really can't explain

it. This has been going on for about 2 months now. I would apperiate any help.

Thanks,

Anne

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