Re: New RA Member

[Guest guest]

First, ask your family doctor for a prescription for Prednisone. If you have RA this will usually help pretty rapidly to ease the symptoms and if it offers no relief that is a good indication to look elsewhere for the cause. Prednisone usually has some bad side effects so you should only take as much as is necessary for you to function and you should get off it as soon as you can. I had to start on 40 mg Prednisone and tapered when I could. It is important to taper slowly because tapering too rapidly can be very painful and in some cases even fatal. It took me a year and a half before we found the right combination of medicines for me to be able to get off Prednisone.

Second, keep calling the rheumatologist's office to ask about cancellations. On another board I follow a person was given an appointment in July but after prompting, called the office and got in for a cancellation on Feb 1 which she thinks is a lot better than waiting till July. I think you should call at least once a week. (They may get you in just to keep you quiet.) Many first timers don't have severe symptoms so they are content with waiting. Anyone with real troubles is expected to call for earlier treatment. At least that's been my experience. God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: clipartqueen

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 4:09 PM

Subject: New RA Member

Good Morning,I have been following the posts for a month or so - Ibelieve I have had RA for a number of years althoughtmy doctor failed to recognize it as such even thoughthere was a history of it in the family.I have had aches and pains for years and then thebeginning of December I was unable to get out of bed Ifelt so bad - fever aches etc. I called my doctoronly to be told that I could come in next week (sheonly works 2-3 days a week). I said that I could notwait until next week so after another two days offeeling ill - unbearable pain etc. my hubby took me toa walk in clinic. The doctor immediately put me onCelebrex and sent me for blood work.When the result came in he told me that yes indeedthere was no doubt I had RA - which is basically whatI had told him. He has referred me to an RA -unfortunately there is a 6 - 7 month waiting list andthey were able to get me in to see one in 3 months.I guess I should be grateful but my question is whatdoes eveyone suggest I do - I am not sure that thatthe Celebrex works - some days I am able to cope whileother days I do not cope well because of pain. Mostmornings I am up between 3 and 4 am because I cannotsleep because of painful joints (it seems to varywhere the pain is finger, toes, wrists, ankles etc.)I am 43 years old and work full time. I spend a greatdeal of time on the computer at work and some daysfind it unbearable! I look at my fingers and noticedefinite damage - 2 fingers on each hand that arecurved and it takes effort to actually straightenthem!Do I just try to cope until I get in to see an RA orwhat does everyone suggest?Your advice is greatly appreciated!Fern