Guest guest Posted September 19, 2003 Report Share Posted September 19, 2003 9/19/03 11:34:52 AM Central Daylight Time, mholmes@... writes: << Yet, she claims that some days she wakes up and it's like nothing is wrong whatsoever - no pain,aches,swelling,etc. Then the next day it can come back. Is this possible? Since I first caught this in '98, I've never had such a day except for the one time I was on a 10 day course of Pred. >> I usually don't have pain, aches, swelling, since shortly after starting minocin. However, there are days when my feet or my knuckles will hurt. And I've found that eating peanuts usually means that I'll hurt the next day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2003 Report Share Posted September 19, 2003 > 9/19/03 11:34:52 AM Central Daylight Time, mholmes@n... writes: > << Yet, she claims that some days she wakes up and it's like nothing is wrong > whatsoever - no pain,aches,swelling,etc. Then the next day it can > come back. Is this possible? Since I first caught this in '98, > I've never had such a day except for the one time I was on a 10 day > course of Pred. >> > I usually don't have pain, aches, swelling, since shortly after starting > minocin. However, there are days when my feet or my knuckles will hurt. And I've > found that eating peanuts usually means that I'll hurt the next day. > So days when you appear perfectly normal? No morning stiffness, nothing? Like you never even had the disease? Full range of motion, ability to run, jump, do whatever. That's what I'm trying to figure out - if it is possible for people to have days where they wouldn't have a clue they even have the disease. I personally have never woken up without some slight stiffness in my hands. Of course, some days and months I'm doing great, but am always aware that there is some lingering stiffness in the morning,etc. This is by far the best year I've had, but to think I could resume all normal activities? I don't think so. I can walk 4 miles a day at a 3-4mph clip and can work out on Nordic Trac machines and things like that, so I'm doing pretty well, but sports that would require being limber,etc - na, don't think so. That to me would be a full remission. I'm not sure my tendons,ligaments will ever come back totally, but maybe so - I have a positive RA factor though and certain genes that would indicate a serious case of this stuff, so that I'm as good as I am , pleases me to no end. Now to have a day where I was totally back to what I was like before the disease? Now that would be something..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2003 Report Share Posted September 19, 2003 Hi Mark, Just speaking for myself of course, I have yet to wake up a single morning since this started 4-1/2 years ago not being fully aware that I have RA. Pain is my first cognitive thought every morning. This group will be the first to know the day it isn't! Here's hoping it's soon! ; ) rheumatic Question about RA A friend of mine (50 yr old bracket) was diagnosed with RA recently (well, her GP diagnosed her based on Rheumatoid factor and clinical signs). She's due to see a rheumie in about 3 weeks to follow up on this. I was curious about one thing - she mentioned that she will have symmetrical flaring/swelling,etc (a sign of RA),can see the puffy fingers etc which would indicate synovitis,etc. Yet, she claims that some days she wakes up and it's like nothing is wrong whatsoever - no pain,aches,swelling,etc. Then the next day it can come back. Is this possible? Since I first caught this in '98, I've never had such a day except for the one time I was on a 10 day course of Pred. Was curious about your experiences. Thanks, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2003 Report Share Posted September 20, 2003 Mark, I've had the same experience as you have. I've never had a pain free day without drugs. I envy people for whom this comes and goes. Mine is severe and constant. Regards, Mark Holmes wrote: > A friend of mine (50 yr old bracket) was diagnosed with RA recently > (well, her GP diagnosed her based on Rheumatoid factor and clinical > signs). She's due to see a rheumie in about 3 weeks to follow up on > this. I was curious about one thing - she mentioned that she will > have symmetrical flaring/swelling,etc (a sign of RA),can see the > puffy fingers etc which would indicate synovitis,etc. Yet, she > claims that some days she wakes up and it's like nothing is wrong > whatsoever - no pain,aches,swelling,etc. Then the next day it can > come back. Is this possible? Since I first caught this in '98, > I've never had such a day except for the one time I was on a 10 day > course of Pred. > > Was curious about your experiences. > > Thanks, > Mark > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2003 Report Share Posted September 22, 2003 I always had the chroinic, everyday pain filled RA. My brother-in-law had RA that cycled on and off, sometimes months in between where he felt great like nothing was wrong. Guess it depends upon if your immune system can occasionally keep the RA in check. My disease just seemed to overwhelm my body so I had it everyday. Just another facet to this disease where not everyone reacts the same. Martha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 27, 2003 Report Share Posted September 27, 2003 << So days when you appear perfectly normal? No morning stiffness, nothing? Like you never even had the disease? Full range of motion, ability to run, jump, do whatever. That's what I'm trying to figure out - if it is possible for people to have days where they wouldn't have a clue they even have the disease. >> Mark, Sorry to be so late replying. I'm way behind! Yes, most days I have no symptoms at all. It's more uncommon for me to have symptoms than to not have them. But remember, I started minocin within 7 months of symptoms starting, so went into remission quickly. Obviously, for those with years of disease it isn't going to be as quick. M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2004 Report Share Posted October 6, 2004 I think you should get an appointment with a rheumatologist as soon as possible. It often takes months for scheduling a first appointment. In the meantime learn as much as you can about the disease. I like ArthritisIshight.com for easily understood explanations. If you do have RA you need to get on a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) as soon as possible. Once damage occurs it is not reversible so early, aggressive treatment is called for. Most doctors prescribe Methotrexate as the first DMARD but others prescribe Plaquenil or Sulfasalazine. Perhaps your GP can prescribe something while you are waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist. Let us know how you are doing and post any questions you have. God bless. > > From: " Darlene " <dashcraft1@...> > Date: 2004/10/05 Tue PM 08:09:49 GMT > " Rheumatoid_Arthritis " <Rheumatoid Arthritis > > Subject: Question about RA > > I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have > arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The > nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of > stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it likely > that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints > bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have pain > in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I > have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very > conservative. > > > > Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some > inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any > opinions/info! > > > > Darlene in Ohio > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2004 Report Share Posted October 6, 2004 YES. You definitely need to see a Rheumatologist. PCP's don't treat enough RA patients to be up on treatments, and you need the specialist to make sure you're getting full information and the best possible treatment. ----- Original Message ----- From: Darlene Rheumatoid_Arthritis Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 4:09 PM Subject: Question about RA I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it likely that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have pain in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very conservative. Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any opinions/info! Darlene in Ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 Thanks everyone for your support. It seems like since my possible RA diagnosis has come up, my friends are avoiding me. I've never had that happen before. They have always been there when I needed them but I've written to several people and none of them have written back, except for my best friend who talks to me a few times a day. I was close to a panic attack this afternoon because I don't know what to do. I am thinking that I should get a second opinion and then a referral to a rheum doc if necessary. My fatigue is pretty overwhelming and my pain is manageable, but worse after sitting and after activity. lol... sounds like most of the time, which it is. I don't have any nodules or swelling that I can tell. Just pain and stiffness bilaterally in multiple joints. My fear is that I won't get treated and then irreversible damage will occur. Is this normally a rapidly progressing disease? Darlene -------Original Message------- From: Rheumatoid Arthritis Date: 10/06/04 12:31:38 Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Question about RA I think you should get an appointment with a rheumatologist as soon as possible. It often takes months for scheduling a first appointment. In the meantime learn as much as you can about the disease. I like ArthritisIshight.com for easily understood explanations. If you do have RA you need to get on a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) as soon as possible. Once damage occurs it is not reversible so early, aggressive treatment is called for. Most doctors prescribe Methotrexate as the first DMARD but others prescribe Plaquenil or Sulfasalazine. Perhaps your GP can prescribe something while you are waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist. Let us know how you are doing and post any questions you have. God bless.> > From: "Darlene" <dashcraft1@...>> Date: 2004/10/05 Tue PM 08:09:49 GMT> "Rheumatoid_Arthritis" <Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Subject: Question about RA> > I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have> arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The> nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of> stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it likely> that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints> bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have pain> in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I> have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very> conservative.> > > > Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some> inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any> opinions/info!> > > > Darlene in Ohio> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 Hi Darlene - welcome to the group. Don't bother with a 2nd opinion before going to the rheumy - s/he's the best person to diagnose and treat RA. It's scary in the beginning, especially when you are in pain or having trouble. The best thing to do is to educate yourself about the disease and it's treatment so you can have informed conversations with your doctor about the pros and cons of the various treatment options. I think most of the recent research is that much joint damage happens in the beginning stages of the disease when it isn't being treated agressively with DMARDs. How fast that would occur has not been quantified to my knowledge. It also depends on each person since we all have slightly different symptoms, and respond differently to various drugs. Get in to see a rheumy as quickly as you can. Ask your PCP for a recommendation, and ask around if anyone knows one. It often takes quite awhile to get your first appointment, so ask to be put on a cancellation list, and call regularly to ask if there are any earlier openings (be a pest, but a polite one!) While you are waiting, read up and learn about RA. Write a list of questions for the doctor (so you don't forget). Hope this helps! Beth > Thanks everyone for your support. It seems like since my possible RA > diagnosis has come up, my friends are avoiding me. I've never had that > happen before. They have always been there when I needed them but I've > written to several people and none of them have written back, except for my > best friend who talks to me a few times a day. > > I was close to a panic attack this afternoon because I don't know what to do > I am thinking that I should get a second opinion and then a referral to a > rheum doc if necessary. My fatigue is pretty overwhelming and my pain is > manageable, but worse after sitting and after activity. lol... sounds like > most of the time, which it is. I don't have any nodules or swelling that I > can tell. Just pain and stiffness bilaterally in multiple joints. My fear is > that I won't get treated and then irreversible damage will occur. Is this > normally a rapidly progressing disease? > > Darlene > > -------Original Message------- > > From: Rheumatoid Arthritis > Date: 10/06/04 12:31:38 > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Subject: Re: Question about RA > > I think you should get an appointment with a rheumatologist as soon as > possible. It often takes months for scheduling a first appointment. In the > meantime learn as much as you can about the disease. I like > ArthritisIshight.com for easily understood explanations. If you do have RA > you need to get on a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) as soon > as possible. Once damage occurs it is not reversible so early, aggressive > treatment is called for. > > Most doctors prescribe Methotrexate as the first DMARD but others prescribe > Plaquenil or Sulfasalazine. Perhaps your GP can prescribe something while > you are waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist. Let us know how > you are doing and post any questions you have. God bless. > > > > From: " Darlene " <dashcraft1@w...> > > Date: 2004/10/05 Tue PM 08:09:49 GMT > > " Rheumatoid_Arthritis " <Rheumatoid Arthritis > > > Subject: Question about RA > > > > I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have > > arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The > > nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of > > stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it > likely > > that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints > > bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have > pain > > in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I > > have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very > > conservative. > > > > > > > > Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some > > inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any > > opinions/info! > > > > > > > > Darlene in Ohio > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 It sounds like RA. The bilateral part is one that makes it stand out. When do you see him next? Talk to him about it and if it seems he wants to hold back, I would ask for a referral to a Rheumy. It is important to catch RA as early as you can. Hugs, Jacy ~I don't approve of political jokes; I've seen too many get elected. jacymail@...IM: jacygal - ICQ: 96949087www.geocities.com/mtn_rose Signature powered by Plaxo Want a signature like this? -----Original Message-----From: Darlene [mailto:dashcraft1@...]Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 14:10Rheumatoid_ArthritisSubject: Question about RA I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it likely that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have pain in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very conservative. Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any opinions/info! Darlene in Ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 Darlene, Some people don't know how to relate to people in pain or in a life threatening situation. So they avoid them. I had the same thing happen when I was diagnosed with cancer. (I am fine now.) For some people RA can gallop with others it crawls or goes to sleep. I pray yours is a sleepy one! (Never gets worse.) Hugs, Jacy ~I don't approve of political jokes; I've seen too many get elected. jacymail@...IM: jacygal - ICQ: 96949087www.geocities.com/mtn_rose Signature powered by Plaxo Want a signature like this? -----Original Message-----From: Darlene [mailto:dashcraft1@...]Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 17:42Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Question about RA Thanks everyone for your support. It seems like since my possible RA diagnosis has come up, my friends are avoiding me. I've never had that happen before. They have always been there when I needed them but I've written to several people and none of them have written back, except for my best friend who talks to me a few times a day. I was close to a panic attack this afternoon because I don't know what to do. I am thinking that I should get a second opinion and then a referral to a rheum doc if necessary. My fatigue is pretty overwhelming and my pain is manageable, but worse after sitting and after activity. lol... sounds like most of the time, which it is. I don't have any nodules or swelling that I can tell. Just pain and stiffness bilaterally in multiple joints. My fear is that I won't get treated and then irreversible damage will occur. Is this normally a rapidly progressing disease? Darlene -------Original Message------- From: Rheumatoid Arthritis Date: 10/06/04 12:31:38 Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Question about RA I think you should get an appointment with a rheumatologist as soon as possible. It often takes months for scheduling a first appointment. In the meantime learn as much as you can about the disease. I like ArthritisIshight.com for easily understood explanations. If you do have RA you need to get on a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) as soon as possible. Once damage occurs it is not reversible so early, aggressive treatment is called for. Most doctors prescribe Methotrexate as the first DMARD but others prescribe Plaquenil or Sulfasalazine. Perhaps your GP can prescribe something while you are waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist. Let us know how you are doing and post any questions you have. God bless.> > From: "Darlene" <dashcraft1@...>> Date: 2004/10/05 Tue PM 08:09:49 GMT> "Rheumatoid_Arthritis" <Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Subject: Question about RA> > I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have> arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The> nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of> stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it likely> that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints> bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have pain> in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I> have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very> conservative.> > > > Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some> inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any> opinions/info!> > > > Darlene in Ohio> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 There is nothing " normal " about RA. For some people it progresses rapidly and for others it hardly progresses at all. If it is not treated early and agressively you may (or may not) have permanent joint damage. Most rheumatologists favor aggressive treatment. For temporary relief many doctors use Prednisone but that has many bad side effects particularly if used at high doses for a long time. It is often given to permit functioning while waiting for the slower-acting RA drugs to take effect. In my experience true friends actually become closer because of your disease, but the same can not be said of acquaintances that we thought were friends. God bless. > > From: " Darlene " <dashcraft1@...> > Date: 2004/10/06 Wed PM 11:41:46 GMT > <Rheumatoid Arthritis > > Subject: Re: Question about RA > > Thanks everyone for your support. It seems like since my possible RA > diagnosis has come up, my friends are avoiding me. I've never had that > happen before. They have always been there when I needed them but I've > written to several people and none of them have written back, except for my > best friend who talks to me a few times a day. > > > > I was close to a panic attack this afternoon because I don't know what to do > I am thinking that I should get a second opinion and then a referral to a > rheum doc if necessary. My fatigue is pretty overwhelming and my pain is > manageable, but worse after sitting and after activity. lol... sounds like > most of the time, which it is. I don't have any nodules or swelling that I > can tell. Just pain and stiffness bilaterally in multiple joints. My fear is > that I won't get treated and then irreversible damage will occur. Is this > normally a rapidly progressing disease? > > > > Darlene > > > > -------Original Message------- > > > > From: Rheumatoid Arthritis > > Date: 10/06/04 12:31:38 > > Rheumatoid Arthritis > > Subject: Re: Question about RA > > > > I think you should get an appointment with a rheumatologist as soon as > possible. It often takes months for scheduling a first appointment. In the > meantime learn as much as you can about the disease. I like > ArthritisIshight.com for easily understood explanations. If you do have RA > you need to get on a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) as soon > as possible. Once damage occurs it is not reversible so early, aggressive > treatment is called for. > > > > Most doctors prescribe Methotrexate as the first DMARD but others prescribe > Plaquenil or Sulfasalazine. Perhaps your GP can prescribe something while > you are waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist. Let us know how > you are doing and post any questions you have. God bless. > > > > > > From: " Darlene " <dashcraft1@...> > > > Date: 2004/10/05 Tue PM 08:09:49 GMT > > > " Rheumatoid_Arthritis " <Rheumatoid Arthritis > > > > Subject: Question about RA > > > > > > I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have > > > arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The > > > nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of > > > stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it > likely > > > that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints > > > bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have > pain > > > in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I > > > have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very > > > conservative. > > > > > > > > > > > > Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some > > > inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any > > > opinions/info! > > > > > > > > > > > > Darlene in Ohio > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2004 Report Share Posted October 9, 2004 Jacy, That's a great way of looking at things. I'm sorry that you have had to endure so much, but it seems to have molded you into a stronger person, to say the least! I used to get so discouraged by negative people, but then I started to realize that I cannot change them and that's just the way they are. Thanks for sharing once again! Love, Jacy <jacymail@...> wrote: At first it bothered me but then I decided I only have so much energy and I couldn't spend it worrying about what other people thought. I gave them a chance to be part of my life and if they decided not to be, I let them go, with regrets, but let them go I did. Many have since apologized and are back in my life, though in a different place. I decided back in 1999 with my first cancer that I would laugh instead of cry. It makes my world a much better place to be. Hugs, Jacy ~I don't approve of political jokes; I've seen too many get elected. jacymail@...IM: jacygal - ICQ: 96949087www.geocities.com/mtn_rose Signature powered by Plaxo Want a signature like this? -----Original Message-----From: shelly smiegal [mailto:shelsmieg2000@...]Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 11:17Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: RE: Question about RA Jacy, How do you handle it when people avoid you? Just curious as to how it makes you feel and how you keep from getting discouraged. Thanks~Jacy <jacymail@...> wrote: Darlene, Some people don't know how to relate to people in pain or in a life threatening situation. So they avoid them. I had the same thing happen when I was diagnosed with cancer. (I am fine now.) For some people RA can gallop with others it crawls or goes to sleep. I pray yours is a sleepy one! (Never gets worse.) Hugs, Jacy ~I don't approve of political jokes; I've seen too many get elected. jacymail@...IM: jacygal - ICQ: 96949087www.geocities.com/mtn_rose Signature powered by Plaxo Want a signature like this? -----Original Message-----From: Darlene [mailto:dashcraft1@...]Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 17:42Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Question about RA Thanks everyone for your support. It seems like since my possible RA diagnosis has come up, my friends are avoiding me. I've never had that happen before. They have always been there when I needed them but I've written to several people and none of them have written back, except for my best friend who talks to me a few times a day. I was close to a panic attack this afternoon because I don't know what to do. I am thinking that I should get a second opinion and then a referral to a rheum doc if necessary. My fatigue is pretty overwhelming and my pain is manageable, but worse after sitting and after activity. lol... sounds like most of the time, which it is. I don't have any nodules or swelling that I can tell. Just pain and stiffness bilaterally in multiple joints. My fear is that I won't get treated and then irreversible damage will occur. Is this normally a rapidly progressing disease? Darlene -------Original Message------- From: Rheumatoid Arthritis Date: 10/06/04 12:31:38 Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Question about RA I think you should get an appointment with a rheumatologist as soon as possible. It often takes months for scheduling a first appointment. In the meantime learn as much as you can about the disease. I like ArthritisIshight.com for easily understood explanations. If you do have RA you need to get on a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) as soon as possible. Once damage occurs it is not reversible so early, aggressive treatment is called for. Most doctors prescribe Methotrexate as the first DMARD but others prescribe Plaquenil or Sulfasalazine. Perhaps your GP can prescribe something while you are waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist. Let us know how you are doing and post any questions you have. God bless.> > From: "Darlene" <dashcraft1@...>> Date: 2004/10/05 Tue PM 08:09:49 GMT> "Rheumatoid_Arthritis" <Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Subject: Question about RA> > I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have> arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The> nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of> stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it likely> that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints> bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have pain> in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I> have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very> conservative.> > > > Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some> inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any> opinions/info!> > > > Darlene in Ohio> Do you ? Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2004 Report Share Posted October 9, 2004 One of my favorite quotes is this one by Eleanor Roosevelt: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by each experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'" ~ Eleanor Roosevelt Hugs, Jacy ~I don't approve of political jokes: I've seen too many get elected. jacymail@...www.geocities.com/mtn_rose Want a signature like this? ----- Original Message ----- From: shelly smiegal Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 04:22 Subject: RE: Question about RA Jacy, That's a great way of looking at things. I'm sorry that you have had to endure so much, but it seems to have molded you into a stronger person, to say the least! I used to get so discouraged by negative people, but then I started to realize that I cannot change them and that's just the way they are. Thanks for sharing once again! Love, Jacy <jacymail@...> wrote: At first it bothered me but then I decided I only have so much energy and I couldn't spend it worrying about what other people thought. I gave them a chance to be part of my life and if they decided not to be, I let them go, with regrets, but let them go I did. Many have since apologized and are back in my life, though in a different place. I decided back in 1999 with my first cancer that I would laugh instead of cry. It makes my world a much better place to be. Hugs, Jacy ~I don't approve of political jokes; I've seen too many get elected. jacymail@...IM: jacygal - ICQ: 96949087www.geocities.com/mtn_rose Signature powered by Plaxo Want a signature like this? -----Original Message-----From: shelly smiegal [mailto:shelsmieg2000@...]Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 11:17Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: RE: Question about RA Jacy, How do you handle it when people avoid you? Just curious as to how it makes you feel and how you keep from getting discouraged. Thanks~Jacy <jacymail@...> wrote: Darlene, Some people don't know how to relate to people in pain or in a life threatening situation. So they avoid them. I had the same thing happen when I was diagnosed with cancer. (I am fine now.) For some people RA can gallop with others it crawls or goes to sleep. I pray yours is a sleepy one! (Never gets worse.) Hugs, Jacy ~I don't approve of political jokes; I've seen too many get elected. jacymail@...IM: jacygal - ICQ: 96949087www.geocities.com/mtn_rose Signature powered by Plaxo Want a signature like this? -----Original Message-----From: Darlene [mailto:dashcraft1@...]Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 17:42Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Question about RA Thanks everyone for your support. It seems like since my possible RA diagnosis has come up, my friends are avoiding me. I've never had that happen before. They have always been there when I needed them but I've written to several people and none of them have written back, except for my best friend who talks to me a few times a day. I was close to a panic attack this afternoon because I don't know what to do. I am thinking that I should get a second opinion and then a referral to a rheum doc if necessary. My fatigue is pretty overwhelming and my pain is manageable, but worse after sitting and after activity. lol... sounds like most of the time, which it is. I don't have any nodules or swelling that I can tell. Just pain and stiffness bilaterally in multiple joints. My fear is that I won't get treated and then irreversible damage will occur. Is this normally a rapidly progressing disease? Darlene -------Original Message------- From: Rheumatoid Arthritis Date: 10/06/04 12:31:38 Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Question about RA I think you should get an appointment with a rheumatologist as soon as possible. It often takes months for scheduling a first appointment. In the meantime learn as much as you can about the disease. I like ArthritisIshight.com for easily understood explanations. If you do have RA you need to get on a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) as soon as possible. Once damage occurs it is not reversible so early, aggressive treatment is called for. Most doctors prescribe Methotrexate as the first DMARD but others prescribe Plaquenil or Sulfasalazine. Perhaps your GP can prescribe something while you are waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist. Let us know how you are doing and post any questions you have. God bless.> > From: "Darlene" <dashcraft1@...>> Date: 2004/10/05 Tue PM 08:09:49 GMT> "Rheumatoid_Arthritis" <Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Subject: Question about RA> > I'm new to the group and just being diagnosed. My PCP told me I have> arthritis and ordered an arthritis panel, along with some other labs. The> nurse just called and said that my RH factor is elevated and I was sort of> stunned and didn't ask the questions that are coming to me now. Is it likely> that I do have rheumatoid arthritis? I have pain in lots of joints> bilaterally... mostly my knees, hips and neck and shoulders, but i have pain> in my hands, wrists, ankles, etc. From what I've been reading, I think I> have RA. I know my PCP will be slow to diagnose it because he is very> conservative.> > > > Should I see a rheumatologist? The nurse just said that I have some> inflammation going on and to keep taking my celebrex. Thanks for any> opinions/info!> > > > Darlene in Ohio> Do you ? Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Rheumatoid Arthritis.patricia wrote: What is RA?? hugs...wwdanne <dannegrl2003> wrote: I Know We Have Talked About This Before. But My BrainSeems To Have A Leak. I Cant Find The Info I Stored.When We Have Hep C It Is Common To Have Tests Show UpLike We Have RA right? So How Do We Find Out That ThisIs A False Result From Hep. I Have Had Several TestsLead My Dr To Thinking I May Have Ra. Input PLEASE :)love d__________________________________________________________No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started.http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail Next time I'm coming back as a cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Yup Thanks Suzie. Hugs d ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool. http://autos.yahoo.com/carfinder/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Yup Thanks Suzie. Hugs d ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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