The doctor says I have RA...overwhelmed

[Guest guest]

I just got the results of my blood tests today.

The doctor is referring me to a rhumatologist. He says it looks like I have RA.

I have been researching this condition for hours and am becoming completely

overwhelmed and VERY depressed.

I don't understand how this could have happened. Less than a year ago, I was

fine- now it hurts all the time, and I can no longer type- disastrous for an

aspiring writer like me.

It all started with pain in my left hand. The doctor said it was a sprain, said

to put ice on it. It didn't get better. Sent me for physical therapy for a

sprain. It got worse, then my other hand started. Soon I could not type,

couldn't wash dishes, couldn't do anything. It seemed to get worse so fast. I

love to read, but cannot even hold a paperback book!

The celebrex my dr put me on has been giving me a little relief. I've been

taking it a little over two weeks now, and the pain is a little better, but

still very difficult to deal with.

A little about me- I am a 34 year old woman, live in an apt alone and have been

in treatment for recurring clinical depression for years. Many times throughout

my life, I have struggled with thoughts (and, some years ago, actions) of ending

my life- and this has certainly triggered a lot of that kind of thinking. I do

not intend to act on those feelings- I know that isn't the answer, but I am

saying this to explain just how upset I am. It just seems so devastating. I do

not know how I am going to get through this, emotionally or physically.

I am hoping for some support and maybe some advice. I realize this is going to

be a very long, hard road. It scares and depresses me.

Thank you for listening to me whine.