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...
After 18 years of being told that I have fibro and OA, I have just been diagnosed with RA, "and there are other things elevated on the blood work". I will see a rhumatologist in January to find out more about the "other" things. I know that it sounds silly, but up until now, I thought that things would someday go back to the way they were. I would be able to water ski and do all of the things I used to enjoy so much. I don't know if this is something that I have just gotten, or if I have had it all along. I don't understand if things are changing or if they are staying the same. Is this something new that I am going to have to learn to deal with, or something that i have had all along, but just didn't know it? I am very full of questions. I am so happy to have found this group Thank you all for being there. Just knowing that I am not alone has helped so much!
I have RA. OA, Osteoporosis, and I am an insulin-dependent diabetic. I am on MTX, folic acid, Remicade infusions, and sometimes NSAIDS for the RA. Once you get on the right combo of drugs, you will probably feel less fatigued.
Hang in there til you get to the rheumy and get some answers.
Best wishes,
Frances
here for you. You will feel so much better when you and your doc get you meds figured out. What works for one may not work for another
but a good Rheumy can help you with that. Meantime you may want to try heat and/or cold and rub peppermint oil on the areas that hurt worst. As with Fibro and OA try not to overdo. Rest when you can.
You are surely not alone.
I too feel like I carried RA for some years and then all of a sudden it showed up. I found a great DR. that recognized it and got me on meds and has helped me sooooo much. I do know how you feel and the many questions too ask. I do hope you find answers to your questions and don't be afraid to ask, I ask all the time. Welcome to the group, and I felt this support group is so great. I have not been as faithful as I somedays don't sit down to my computer. I will try to be a better person to respond.
Hope you find answers to your questions once you see your rhuemy. Hang in there and do rest when you can. I find that helps me.
Let us know if we can help in any way. Just to talk helps. SharonMN