Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Worried

MommaAshley
MommaAshley
I think my "honeymoon" period is over. I was so excited to have a diagnosis after 2 years of pain/suffering. I was diagnosed this summer with RA. I had a diagnosis and treatement plan. I had hope. Now I am scared. The plaquenil is helping some, but I am no where near where I need to be. I go back to my rheumy tomorrow and dont know what to expect. Will she try something else, or will it be more of the same. Plus my insurance is changing and I may have to get a new rheumy, which takes around 6 months. I am scared because I am seronegative (I do have a high sed rate and CRP) that he may not agree with the diagnosis and this will be my third rheumy. I hurt so damn bad, dont have anything stronger than mortrin to take. I was taking care of a lady the other day who was eat up with RA and all alone. No family ever came in to see her and she was for nursing home placemet. Is that going to happen to me?? Will my family take care of me if I get to that point?? Or will I be shoved away, forgotten? I am sorry for the randomness of all this, my anxiety is thru the roof and all this stuff just hit last night. I am scared that if they dont get me under control, that I will end up like her. I have already lost some mobility in my fingers. How far does it have to go before the doc will try something new? Ugghhh.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's so easy to feel so lost while fighting with the disease. Tell the Rheumy everything you just told us tomorrow. Usually, plaquinill is the first line of defence, if it doesn't work, they tend to change the meds. It's a possibility he'll do this for you tomorrow. Ask about insurance while your there, ask if they accept the one you are switching to. They'll know, and it will ease some of you worry. If they don't, ask him if he knows of a good Rheumy that does.

I hope all works out for you.
-Tanya N
Lifeis2short
Lifeis2short
MommaAshley,
I just posted almost the exact same content at your post! I know how you feel! I'm tired of being sick and tired! The pain is hard to handle. I would ask for Prednisone when you go because it's the only thing helping me right now. I really hope you get the medication you need and feel better soon! Take care!
MommaAshley
MommaAshley
thank you both. I am just so scared right now. I hope I can get her to listen tomm. She is gonna be upset that I havent lost any weight, actually gained some. I will post what happens. thank you
aggie83
aggie83
I have had similar feelings; I was dx last spring. Right now, the mtx is really helping to keep the swelling down. I also take plaquenil. Research shows that often the drugs worked better in combo than alone. Maybe your doc will do that.

Get a copy of all your stuff from the doc so if you have to change you have not only the lab stuff, but also the doctor evaluations.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If your RA is aggressive you need more than plaquenil. My rheumy said plaquenil is like baby aspirin, you need the big guns Enbrel etc. So I'd be proactive with the rheumy, it's your life and if he wants to dilly dally find someone else.
Sue