1st time going to a Rheumatologist after diagnosis

January 14, 2010

Hello. I'm Lori. I have had RA for approximately 7 years but have never gotten

anywhere with help. I went to a RA Dr. at the beginning of my symptoms. All

over body pain, joint stiffness, tender points. Was diagnosed with Fibro... and

given Darvocet. Told to eat more fiber.

After several years of my General Practitioner Dr. treating me (which included

one RA test which was positive and one which was negative??)and trying

methotrexate and celebrex without relief (Bextra helped me greatly but was taken

off market. That's when things really started getting worse. Also have

interstitial cystitis and severe allergic dermatitis in a " private area " . IBS

etc.... Some of the usual stuff that people tend to have along with RA.

I live in Tennessee and the city I live in only has 3 RA Dr.'s on my insurance

and it is practically impossible to get in to see them. I have been waiting 4

months for a call to even get an appointment. I have a new General Practitioner

Dr. and she has done extensive tests and my RA test came back very positive.

She put me on Prednisone for awhile till I could see a RA Doctor. 20 mg was

wonderful for me. It relieved so many of my symptoms and I lost 12 lbs and was

able to sleep good for the first time in years but she didn't like me being on

the Prednisone and insisted I cut down on dosage. Once I started cutting back,

pain came back in full force. Depression struck and I was worse off then

before. I have pre-diabetes and that was one reason she didn't like me being on

the Prednisone (but I was working hard on keeping my sugar levels good and was

successful). Not sure why she was so adamant about the Prednisone. It did not

effect me with bad temper or anything except help with my pain. Anyway, getting

to the point of all this. I am scheduled for an appointment with a RA doctor at

Vanderbilt in Nashville, about a 2 hour drive for me. I'm not sure what to

expect and don't really know any good questions to ask or what meds to talk

about. Enbrel scares me because of the side effect warnings (especially the

fatal heart attack ones and the serious infections). Orencia seems to have less

side effects (at least from what I read). Can anyone help me know a little about

your experiences with these drugs? Maybe put the fears in perspective? I'm in

so much pain, I guess I'll try anything. But if you could give me some

information I would appreciate it. I feel like knowledge is key in being

responsible for my treatment. Any help or suggestions would be greatly

appreciated.

Take care everyone

Lori

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