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...
Hello, i was just diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. 8 weeks ago i had a Hysterectomy everything gone except ovaries. This seems to have just started after surgery. My hands are sooo swollen and so are my feet and my neck is stiff. i wake up every morning and i can barley walk. getting out of bed is a nightmare. I am overweight and and trying to lose weight is an obvious good thing (im doing all i can) But how do I get this swelling to go down. i have not been prescribed medicine but ive heard the medicine causes even worse damage. Is there any thing to prevent the flare ups (All natural) ?? I am not opposed to taking meds. But Im scared of the consequences of the meds prescribed. I could use some education. Thank you, Kristi
I agree with Sally - you have been through a lot recently. Hopefully, as you continue on the learning curve, things will make more sense and you will feel better. Sally gave you a wonderful website - be sure to educate yourself as much as possible.
Are you working with a rheumatologist where you live or did this all come from primary care? What tests have you had to diagnose the RA?
Please keep us informed. This group is great. Good advice and great comfort from people who completely understand!!
Linda
First of all, glad you found us. There are a lot of people here with many different experiences. We'll help you make sense out of the new mess you've landed in.
I'm curious who told you that the medications cause worse damage than the disease. At this point in the game, meds are the only proven treatment. The current thinking in rheumatology is that early and aggressive treatment can perhaps arrest the disease in a way it can't in someone who has had it a long time.
As with all medications, there are potential side effects, some scarier than others. This is why you need to keep up with doctor's appointments, blood tests, self-awareness, all of that. Most people do just fine with the drugs, though. Please don't reject treatment out of hand without doing some serious research, talking with your doc about your fears, etc. I for one find the disease scarier than than the treatment.
Do you have a rheumatologist? Do you like him/her? What is the suggestion for initial treatment?
welcome we are glad you are here
if you are still recovering from your hysterectomy surgery, speedy healing to you. how long ago was the surgery? maybe your body is still in shock?
as alto said, what did the rheumatologist say would be first course of treatment now that your diagnosis has been made?
usually they offer a prednisone burst or bridge to bridge you until a DMARD takes hold - such as plaquenil or sulfasazline or methotrexate. sometimes if you are not allergic they offer a prescription strength NSAID (there are about 20).
oh wait a minute your rheumatologist did not prescribe medicine? why? what is her plan then, to talk about RA with you?
i like the national institute of health for reading here's a link and I checked out books from the library on RA when diagnosed and bought a few used copies from amazon of tomes. you want to be in the know when your doc does talk medicine
so start reading :) and I break out the ice packs for the joints and the 800 mg motrin if you can take it :)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html
depot
Sorry you're having such a terrible experience.
Am sending "good vibs" your way and hoping that you find some restful thoughts tonight
Peace
Bluedogs2
I'm in that group although I believe it was there surgery just helped it along at a faster rate.
Your also not the first to have concerns over RA treatments.
The drugs are scary let's face it. With that said the destruction RA can leave in its path is just as scary.
A good RA doc should discuss your options & explain the risks of taking these medications. The risks are real but not to the degree we are led to believe from TV or those uneducated.
In fact education is the key here.
Some diet matters but that number appears to be very small.
Perhaps starting a journal to see if there are any triggers that contribute to flares.
I wish I had alternatives to share but haven't found any. Not that I haven't tried.
It's a very complex disease that goes way beyond the joints.
I'm still learning & it's shocking how much RA can effect.
Every person has the right to choose how they want to handle their health. Just keep in mind this is a disease that has no boundaries.
Changes can happen very quickly.
Have you seen a Rheumatologist? If not it's important you find a good one & be prepared for the appointment.
I'm so sorry your going through this.
This group is a god send.
Let us know how it goes.
Sammy
The sooner you get on good meds, the better your prognosis will be. The new protocol is to hit the disease hard and fast and put it in remission. That did not happen with me, and I have terrible deformities.
Even this year, during a med failure, I got a flare in my jaw, and it dislocated it, and I am living with the pain of that, long after the flare has gone. Physiotherapy has helped a bit, but the pain continues.
Please see a rheumatologist as soon as possible, and don't be afraid of the meds. If you continue to be afraid, my advice is to google - RA deformities - pics!
You will soon see that besides alleviating the pain you want to prevent these horrible deformities, and the disease from attacking your organs. I hope this doesn't scare you too much!
Hopefully, you have or will have soon - a prescription of prednisone to get you back on your feet...it's temporary until your medicine kicks in.
Some have done so well on their medication that after awhile their doctors helped them cut back dosage or even go off.
You are in the scariest part of the disease. Clarity will come soon.