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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Muscles & Bones
/ Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Diagnosed Today 4-23-13

NancyRE
NancyRE
I walked into my doc's office today and before I sat down she said "It's not good news." Before anyone reacts to her approach, trust that I love my doctor and we talk like close friends so that was not the problem... she had taken blood to check for polymyalgia rheumatica which is evidently curable. I already have Sjogren's... but the diagnosis turned out to be - surprise - Rheumatoid Arthritis. So I'm kind of in shock... relieved to have a name and justification for all this pain (I started thinking I was crazy) but also very sad. I need a hug before I pick myself up and start the next chapter. I also have to start searching for a good rheumatologist in the D.C. Metro area. Any tips or recommendations would be welcomed. I'll be 49 in a few days. I am active but have had to scale down exercise-wise to the elliptical when I can, walking, and I do abs to keep my core strong. Very frustrating - Thanks for listening.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Nancy,
It is a difficult diagnosis to absorb, but it doesn't define who you are. Finding the right rheumatologist is so important. You need to feel validated, listened to, and respected. I'm sure you'll find someone who clicks with you and that will help a lot.
All the best to you as you move forward,
CharlestonOne
Christine26
Christine26
Hi Nancy, so true to get a diagnosis of RA or any chronic illness. As difficult as it may be, you will get through it. Hopefully you will be able to come to grips with it sooner than later. Will be praying for you and hope you find the right doctor and medication combination.
altoclef
altoclef
Although the diagnosis isn't good news, if you do have a definitive diagnosis you are less at the mercy of a so-so rheumatologist who goes by labs and labs alone. Good luck finding a good one!
NancyRE
NancyRE
Thanks to everybody for your support, hugs and prayers! I am much better today emotionally. Got the ball rolling by making an appointment with a rheumatologist and we'll go from there. Just another chapter in this ongoing saga called life. :) Love to all.
Christine26
Christine26
Nancy, glad you have a good outlook on this. hope things work out well for you.
me2012
me2012
Nancy, very sorry to hear you have joined the RA ranks. I am glad you found our group though. You will go through a lot in the next few months. Just know that you have a supportive group to go through it with you. Good luck to you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
i am sorry, but its good that you came to know you have RA so you can work on "what works for you or how you can manage."
find the right rheumy and discuss with him everything about the meds and how to go into remission (if possible). there are other things like heating pads and stuff like that that may help you. so as you are new to RA, you may get so many new questions, post them here, we will help you. but dont neglect any of your pains. pls do take care of yourself. if possible try to do yoga. that helps a lot. try to research more about RA, so you will know more about it which helps you take better care of yourself. its not easy with RA, but we can do it. good luck.