New Here

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure what you're asking? Do you want to do how to keep working or what

to do if you have decided you can't continue to work?

Stan,

Seattle, Sun!

[ ] New here

Hello I was diagnsed a few weeks ago with RA I also have graves diease, nerapthy

in my

feet and legs, I have been in pain for awhile before they tested me for RA. I

live in Alaska

the cold plays a big part in the way I feel, Im alittle scared not knowing what

to except

with all this. Any info would be great. I'm a sinlge mom going on 48 . Any info

on notable

to work any more what did you do??

Thanks a bunch

Marie

[Guest guest]

HI MIMI AND EVERYBODY ELSE

THANKS FOR RESPONDING I KNOW THE DAY IS COMING WHEN I NEED TO QUIT WORK FOR

RIGHT NOW I WORK IN A PRE-SCHOOL CLASS INTENVISE RECOURSE I CAN BE VERY STRESS

FULL MOST OF THE TIME AND I ALSO NO STRESS MAKES RA WORSE IM LOOKING FOR

DIFFERENT OPTIONS RIGHT NOW. WHAT IS SSDI IKNOW WHAT SSI IS MY DAUGHTER IS ON

IT SHE WAS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA SHE IS 18 NOW IN HERE SENIOR YEAR. SO LIFE IS

BUSY

FOR ME. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS BEEN HAVING NIGHT SWEATS WITH RACING

HEART I HAVE BEEN HAVING THEM FOR SEVERAL NIGHTS. THE BAD THING ABOUT LIVING

IN FAIRBANKS ALASKA THAT THERE ARE NOW RHUMY HERE ONLY IN ANCHORAGE 350

MILES AWAY ,I'AM GOING TO SEE A INTERN SP FOR RA HOPEFULLY SHE WILL HELP ME

THANKS SO MUCH SO LISTENING TO ME. MARIE

> >

> > Hello I was diagnsed a few weeks ago with RA I also have graves

> > diease, nerapthy in my feet and legs, I have been in pain for awhile

> > before they tested me for RA. I live in Alaska the cold plays a big

> > part in the way I feel, Im alittle scared not knowing what to except

> > with all this. Any info would be great. I'm a sinlge mom going on 48.

> > Any info on not able to work any more what did you do??

> > Thanks a bunch

> > Marie

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Deb!  just read this Post and just wanted to let you know that I hope that you

are feelin better.  I'm new to this Group; I've had R.A. for about 6 or 7 years

now, but have been lucky as the past several years - i have only been taking two

200 mg. of OTC obuprofen for it, but i did have severe symptons about 6 or 7

years ago. I had Severe, unbearable pain in both of my hands/ wrist with the red

swelling and it left a large Not red swelling for a few years but that swelling

finally has gone away.  I never know when it will return, tho! and lately the

fingers on my right hand are worse and it's hard to make a fist. I think my

nerves are worse lately due to some new meds that i'm on (generic thyroid med

and a statin drug (simvastin ) for high cholesterol, luckily my thyroid level

has already returned to normal and my bad choesterol has gone down to Normal

(but my good choesterol HDL -- is still the same, only about 36.  I'm not sure

exactly how high my

HDL (good cholesterol) level is supposed to be but I think it's supposed to be

40 something?

        p.s.  note: the first time doc's did blood tests to check for R.A. - it

was 'negative' --even tho I'd just had The worst swelling, redness and severe

Unbearable pain.  ( I wonder if it was not gout or bone cancer and that the Good

Lord helped me!    But about a year later - my blood tests were " Positive " for

the R.A.   /   I am lucky that I've not had any severe pain or red swelling in

past several years.  But lately my fingers on my right hand is worse (as I think

I mentioned above) and I can't make a fist with my Right hand; it seems that my

joints/ bones in my fingers in my right had Are swollen - worst than usual, but

I'm not having much pain -at all.          Best

wishes!                           Judy B.  in ga./ usa.

From: tdianaok <tdianaok@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: New here

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 11:32 PM

Welcome Deb,

Sorry for being so late posting. I hope by now, your able to get some

answers from your rheumy office. I do have those symptoms most of the

time, and not sure why.

The best advice I could give, is to get into the doctor,(ASAP) , if this

is all new to you, I would say it's something else.

Keep us posted, and hope you feel better soon,

Tawny

[Guest guest]

Judy,

I'm sorry to hear your not doing well, but I'm glad you found this list... I

tend to be very wishy washy with the list --- I'm active at times and then I

drop off until I remember just how much I need everyone and then once again

become active...

No one here is judgmental and many have sound advice.. others are just really

good listeners and just state that they understand and care... Anyway you look

at it, its comforting when your feeling lower then dirt and in so much pain you

only want to hide from those that can't possibly understand.

I also have most of my problems with my hands and wrists. The

swelling/inflammation is the biggest problem. However, recently all the other

joints are feeling jealous and trying to jump in on the action... Ugh! I have

yet to have any blood work positively point to any one real problem, so for now

I'm diagnosed as having undifferentiated connective tissue disease... What a

mouthful.

My experience is that most of these auto-immune diseases play a big part with

our stress levels and nerves... The best idea (easier said then done) is to

control our emotions the best we can so that we don't pay the price later...

Hope you find it comfortable and warm here... Feel free to complain as we all

understand the need to vent once in awhile...

Take care

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Hi Jods,

I don't know what kind of arthritis you have, I assume that you haven't been

diagnosed yet. I will tell you that I have RA and am an avid quilter. So if

you get diagnosed with RA and begin aggressive treatment hopefully you will

still be able to do what you love. I presented with the same problem you have

in the beginning and with my course of methotrexate I can do everything I used

to do. You need a definate diagnosis and treatment.

in PA

[ ] New here

Hi All,

My name is Jodie, my friends call me Jods & I am new here.I'm 35 and from

Australia.

My doctor thinks I have arthritis in both my hands. I get the blood results

back on Friday and hopefully I will know more then. He has given me some mobic,

and I have been taking them for a week and a half, however the pain relief

doesn't seem to last anymore than a few hours and I've had a few side effects,

well at least I think I have, but I'm not sure because it hasn't happened

everyday. I haven't worked out the best time to take it yet either.

I am starting to find basic everyday things difficult to do, like opening my

purse & getting money out, opening jars, turning off taps,typing on the

computer, anything that involves gripping and fine motor skills really makes

thing hurt.

I enjoy sewing and patchwork quilting, but am now finding that difficult. I

have trouble picking up and putting the pieces together and sewing them on the

machine hard and it doesn't take long before my hands are hurting.

I am a chef and work mostly on my own. I am waiting for the day when I drop a

heavy pot or tray of food because even though I may be gripping hard, it doesn't

feel like I am holding on tight. Does that make sense? I am starting to find

things difficult at work too and I'm not sure if I should cut back my hours. I

have just been offered a promotion and am not sure if I should take it as I

don't know how my hands will hold up.

I have been taking glucosamine and using the stress ball to exercise my hands,

I have even started playing the piano again to try & keep things moving.

At the moment I am searching for some support and information because I feel a

little lost right now and am not sure what to do or what sorts of questions to

ask my doctor when I go back.

I hope you guys can help me.

Thanks for reading.

Jods

[Guest guest]

Welcome Jods,

You have found a nice place for support, and to learn more about RA. I

hope you do not have RA, its a disease people hide from, if possible.

I'm sorry your having a terrible time right now. Your career sure is

hard on you, working with your hands constantly, I know that is painful

for you.

I look forwarding to know more about you. I wish you lots of luck on

your lab results,

Good luck,

Tawny

>

> Hi All,

> My name is Jodie, my friends call me Jods & I am new here.I'm 35 and

from Australia.

> My doctor thinks I have arthritis in both my hands. I get the blood

results back on Friday and hopefully I will know more then. He has given

me some mobic, and I have been taking them for a week and a half,

however the pain relief doesn't seem to last anymore than a few hours

and I've had a few side effects, well at least I think I have, but I'm

not sure because it hasn't happened everyday. I haven't worked out the

best time to take it yet either.

> I am starting to find basic everyday things difficult to do, like

opening my purse & getting money out, opening jars, turning off

taps,typing on the computer, anything that involves gripping and fine

motor skills really makes thing hurt.

> I enjoy sewing and patchwork quilting, but am now finding that

difficult. I have trouble picking up and putting the pieces together and

sewing them on the machine hard and it doesn't take long before my hands

are hurting.

> I am a chef and work mostly on my own. I am waiting for the day when I

drop a heavy pot or tray of food because even though I may be gripping

hard, it doesn't feel like I am holding on tight. Does that make sense?

I am starting to find things difficult at work too and I'm not sure if I

should cut back my hours. I have just been offered a promotion and am

not sure if I should take it as I don't know how my hands will hold up.

> I have been taking glucosamine and using the stress ball to exercise

my hands, I have even started playing the piano again to try & keep

things moving.

> At the moment I am searching for some support and information because

I feel a little lost right now and am not sure what to do or what sorts

of questions to ask my doctor when I go back.

>

> I hope you guys can help me.

> Thanks for reading.

> Jods

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Kate,

I am sorry for your diagnose, but glad you found this wonderful group. You will

find great people, and wonderful information. I have RA, fibro, and many other

issues. I have neuropathy pain, I take neurontin, and just started the

cymbalta. With both meds, its really working well, I'm very happy. I also take

humira and mtx for the RA, and they help keep me mobile. So, I understand very

much.

I hope the surgery goes well, and you recover quickly. I am looking forward to

knowing more about you. You can email me anytime,

Have a speedy recovery,

Tawny

>

> Hi -

>

> My name is Kate, and I am a new member. I am 30, and was diagnosed with RA at

9, had a decade long symptom free " honeymoon " in my mid teens to early twenties,

and have had moderate to severe symptoms since about 2004. I was diagnosed with

fibromyalgia about 9 months ago, and have had a lot of problems in that arena as

of late.

>

> My current drug regimen, which seems to be keeping further joint damage at

bay, includes monthly Orencia infusions, Arava, and Cymbalta (for nerve pain),

amongst other drugs.

>

> I had a major knee surgery (unrelated to the RA) yesterday, and found this

group while searching for recovery info.

>

> Looking forward to getting to know you all!

>

> Kate P-B

>

> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kate - welcome to the group! Praying your recovery from knee surgery goes

well. Its wonderful that you seem to have found the combo of meds that are

working for you. I also have RA/FM - was diagnosed in 2006 and still have not

found the right combo for me. I take Enbrel, Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine,

Neurontin, Robaxin and Percocet for pain. I think I need a new combo.

Keep us posted on your progress - we all care.....Doreen

Hi -

My name is Kate, and I am a new member. I am 30, and was diagnosed with RA at

9, had a decade long symptom free " honeymoon " in my mid teens to early twenties,

and have had moderate to severe symptoms since about 2004. I was diagnosed with

fibromyalgia about 9 months ago, and have had a lot of problems in that arena as

of late.

My current drug regimen, which seems to be keeping further joint damage at bay,

includes monthly Orencia infusions, Arava, and Cymbalta (for nerve pain),

amongst other drugs.

I had a major knee surgery (unrelated to the RA) yesterday, and found this

group while searching for recovery info.

Looking forward to getting to know you all!

Kate P-B

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi.  Welcome to our wonderful group.  I sure hope the Remicade works

well for you.  I am glad your Dr. started you on MTX right away.

 

Take care, and I am sure when you post questions, you will get lots of answers

and help here.  We all know your pain.

 

Hugs,

 

Barbara

From: Heidi <wefroggy@...>

Subject: [ ] New here

Date: Monday, May 24, 2010, 10:58 PM

 

Hi, I am new to the group and new to RA. I was diagnosed in March and have spent

the last couple of months trying to find a treatment (with my DR.)that works. I

live in a rural area and have to rely on my family DR for treatment. We have

been changing my MXT dosage and I am just off of Pred. I am getting ready to

start Remicade (sp). I am really full of questions and fears at this point.

Anyhow, I'm glad I found this group.

Heidi Hart

[Guest guest]

Welcome Heidi...

I'm new too with this group.. everyone is helpful and nice in this group..

you'll love it here.

________________________________

From: Heidi <wefroggy@...>

Sent: Mon, May 24, 2010 9:58:12 PM

Subject: [ ] New here

 

Hi, I am new to the group and new to RA. I was diagnosed in March and have spent

the last couple of months trying to find a treatment (with my DR.)that works. I

live in a rural area and have to rely on my family DR for treatment. We have

been changing my MXT dosage and I am just off of Pred. I am getting ready to

start Remicade (sp). I am really full of questions and fears at this point.

Anyhow, I'm glad I found this group.

Heidi Hart

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

My name is and I have just been diagnosed with early RA. I also have OA

and Fibromyalgia and a history of JRA.

This latest stuff started acting up a few weeks ago so I went and saw my

Rheumatologist. My labs showed mild inflammation as observed with

an elevated C-Reactive Protein and an increased Sed rate. The pain and stiffness

is worst in my fingers, wrists and toes.

I am currently using Celebrex 200 mg. 2x a day and Voltaren Gel 4x a day.

I just love to meet new people so please write!!!

TTYL!

[Guest guest]

Hello good to hear from you,hope your doing well.

.

From: Helen <helen3961@...>

Subject: [ ] New here

Date: Friday, April 8, 2011, 12:17 AM

 

I just recently found this group. I'm 71 years old, and haven't used a computer

long enough to do everything. One of my sons nagged me into this.

I have had SLE of the central nervous system since 1986. About 15 years ago I

was diagnosed with RA also.

I'm really interested in still learning all I can about these diseases.

I'm hoping maybe I can learn something new, or be of some help to someone else.

Hopefully we never stop learning.

I plan on reading some of the past messages to see what everyone is dealing

with.

Thanks.

Helen

[Guest guest]

Hello Helen and welcome!

 

This group is a great place to learn that the computer really can be a plus in

your life. I have met people in here that will hopefully be my friends for

life.  Although everybody's experience with RA is different, there are many

similarities that we all share.  I have better learned how to deal with this

disease. I have learned that I am not alone in this. , the group Moderator

is WONDERFUL about finding solid research that answered many questions for me. I

hope that you feel the same way that I do in time. It's a great group.

 

Ask questions, give answers based on your experiences with RA, hang out and get

to know us! Pull up a chair.

 

in SC

 

I just recently found this group. I'm 71 years old, and haven't used a computer

long enough to do everything. One of my sons nagged me into this.

I have had SLE of the central nervous system since 1986. About 15 years ago I

was diagnosed with RA also.

I'm really interested in still learning all I can about these diseases.

I'm hoping maybe I can learn something new, or be of some help to someone else.

Hopefully we never stop learning.

I plan on reading some of the past messages to see what everyone is dealing

with.

Thanks.

Helen