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...
Hi, I just found this site yesterday and am finding the topics and discussions helpful. I was diagnosed with RA on June 6th. As I told the doctor it was rather a mixed blessing, my first thought was "Oh Crap", followed quickly by, "Well at least I know the devil I am dealing with now". Based on everything I have read I think I am quite lucky to have an internist who really listens to me at a large medical center where he immediately sent me to a Rheumatologist who took so much time with me, and was also such a great listener. I do not have the RA factor, but apparently everything else told the tale. They started me on Prednisone, which I am now tapering off of, and will start me on Methotrexate, I believe in August when I go back. At least that was his initial thought.
About me, I am 55 and live in Northern MN. Married to a great guy, no kids but with a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. My poodle is a registered therapy dog and we visit at our local nursing and assisted living facility weekly. She has been good therapy for me too, as training her and working with her has been a good reason to get up and out no matter how much I hurt.
I have appreciated reading through your comments. It has helped me realize that in many ways I am lucky and also that I am not crazy or alone!
About me, I am 55 and live in Northern MN. Married to a great guy, no kids but with a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. My poodle is a registered therapy dog and we visit at our local nursing and assisted living facility weekly. She has been good therapy for me too, as training her and working with her has been a good reason to get up and out no matter how much I hurt.
I have appreciated reading through your comments. It has helped me realize that in many ways I am lucky and also that I am not crazy or alone!
Recommend you read a post entitled "Important info re treatment"
BUT "Important" was mis-spelled in the title do you have to search by treatment and then look for a post authored by RASS.
I'll try and post a link.
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Rheumatoid_Arthritis/forum/16821746-important-info-re-treatment-goals
Anyone know a way to make it a sticky post???
As for my intro: I am an "oldie" here. I am 68 and was diagnosed with RA about 40 years ago. I have been a member of DS for more years than I can recall, first under another pseudonym.
My 40 year battle with RA appears on my blog at http://www.RA-SS.blogspot.com I have been remission for most of the past approx. 7 years now, with three flare-up breaks when Enbrel, then Humira failed after about 2 years each. Now on MTX and Orencia for 3+ years of remission!
The SS part of my username is for Sjogrens, my secondary autoimmune disease, also well controlled on meds.