Another newbie here

[Guest guest]

Hi. My name is Helen. I have been recently diagnosed with RA. I

have not yet seen a Rheumatologist because I am going to the Mayo

Clinic due to some other severe kidney problems. So, the Mayo

doctors are going to address all of my health concerns and start me

on treatments there and then I will continue them when I go back

home to Michigan.

I am very concerned, however, because of all I have read about the

drugs used for RA and all of their side effects. I am only 35 years

old. I had to take disability in 1999 because I was having

continuous surgeries on my stomach and no longer able to hold a job

due to the constant hospitalizations, doctor's visits and

exhaustion.

I am on over 16 medications for heart, kidney, and stomach

problems...mostly problems from birth. Now on top of everything I

get this diagnosis of RA with also lower lumbar stenosis.

I want to lead a normal life...whatever normal is. However, it

seems from what I have been reading, the side effects of the

medications are just as bad as the RA or almost as bad. I have RA

severely in my feet to the point I can hardly walk some days. I also

have it in my back, neck, and knees. I like to be informed and know

what's what. I like to make informed decisions and be involved in

my treatment, but I am just not sure about all of this. I want out

of the pain so badly, but I don't want all the side effects either.

I have tried the holistic health way and many other things, but due

to my stomach problems, I can't absorb a lot of things.

I am also wondering about Remicaid. I have both Medicare and

Medicaid. Would it be paid for?

Thanks for any help and support you can give me.

Helen