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...
Fairly new to group .Have been reading your posts. You all are very caring and helpful to each other. You offer vast amounts of information, support and experiences. I am glad I found this group.
A little about myself. I have been diagnosed with RA for 17 years now. I have tried many medications and after a while they all quit working.
3 years ago started my cocktail of Plaquenil and Actemra. My SED rate went from 95 down to 8 but was still having some problems.
4 months ago my Plaquenil was upped to 3 pills a day. After 2 months I saw my eye doctor and had lost some of my visual field due to Plaquenil. Plaquenil was reduced to 2 pills a day and Arava was added.
3 weeks ago had Vectra DA test done and was waiting on results. Last week my B/P elevated to 165/115. Saw Rheumy Friday and Arava was stopped and MTX now added. Got the results of Vectra DA test. It showed high disease activity.
I think my Rheumy thought my RA was under control because SED rate was down. But I was still having problems. In the last 2 years I have had both knees replaced (3 months apart). 1 knee had a torn tendon. 5 months ago had rotator cuff repair and RA cleaned out of the joint. Ortho said there was a lot of RA in the joint and it shredded the tendons. The other shoulder is probably next. I hope the MTX helps. I'm tired of having surgery.
This disease is so hard for others to understand. I'm glad I found all of you here. I hope we all can lend the strenght to each other to work through our trying times.
Sorry so long.
A little about myself. I have been diagnosed with RA for 17 years now. I have tried many medications and after a while they all quit working.
3 years ago started my cocktail of Plaquenil and Actemra. My SED rate went from 95 down to 8 but was still having some problems.
4 months ago my Plaquenil was upped to 3 pills a day. After 2 months I saw my eye doctor and had lost some of my visual field due to Plaquenil. Plaquenil was reduced to 2 pills a day and Arava was added.
3 weeks ago had Vectra DA test done and was waiting on results. Last week my B/P elevated to 165/115. Saw Rheumy Friday and Arava was stopped and MTX now added. Got the results of Vectra DA test. It showed high disease activity.
I think my Rheumy thought my RA was under control because SED rate was down. But I was still having problems. In the last 2 years I have had both knees replaced (3 months apart). 1 knee had a torn tendon. 5 months ago had rotator cuff repair and RA cleaned out of the joint. Ortho said there was a lot of RA in the joint and it shredded the tendons. The other shoulder is probably next. I hope the MTX helps. I'm tired of having surgery.
This disease is so hard for others to understand. I'm glad I found all of you here. I hope we all can lend the strenght to each other to work through our trying times.
Sorry so long.
I am glad you found us and are sorry you needed to at the same time. Hoping you find within those things that will help you through the day.
Peace and Be well
Bluedogs2
Wishing you our best.
Steve
i am sorry, you ARE DEFINITELY GOING THRU A LOT. oh my god. hope mtxt helps you. my left shoulder is full of arthritis for which i need a cortizone shot at my next rheumy appt. i hope the right shoulder is on its way next. i have a toddler too. take care. i am glad you found this group.
ya, its really hard for others to understand us or this disease just bcoz they dont have it. i dont blame them. at first, i used to be very upset just bcoz no one believes me but then slowly i realized and kept all my health issues to myself. but after joining this group, i felt like i am not alone. and i am glad to have such wonderful friends here.
good luck to you in all the ways.
You will find understanding folks here. After all, we're all living with the same kinds of things. I have come to rely on their experience and support!
Madhuri - I have found out the hard way to keep my health issues to myself. I had a friend I used to confide in, but no longer. I think it was too much for her. I do have at least one person in my life who cares and tries to understands. My husband of 30 years.
It is nice to be able to talk to others who are going through what I have and to be able to ask questions about this disease.
I am sorry that we all have to cope with this RA.
Thanks again to your welcoming me.
I'm currently on Arava and MTX. Shoulder issues I can definitely relate to. Doing PT for my shoulder now...if that doesn't work then surgery it is.
Again, welcome.
=)
Lin
RCross - Sorry you are having trouble with your shoulder. I hope the therapy goes well. I know surgery is the last thing anyone wants.
Christine26 - Sorry you have to have knee surgery. I will try to answer any of your questions. I only wish I had someone to ask when I had mine done.
Again thanks for all the warm welcomes.
Sounds like you've had a pretty rough time of it. You are not alone! Welcome aboard. : )