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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SSusieFLA 03/11/2009

Hi all,
I started having the floating joint pains just after Christmas 2008 and was diagnosed w/ RA in spring '08. Did a 3 month minocycline dose and seemed to be better till this Christmas then BANG, started having even more problems. Was pretty scared and depressed-last week I finally went back to the rheumatologist,who gave me an injection of something called "dexa--" and wow did that help, for a day, and I just finished a week's worth of pred-pack and have had one week of methotrexate. I have been reading some of the messages on this group about others' experiences and they've been very helpful and comforting- I was mentally planning how my family would manage without me since I would be...probably bedridden in a nursing home somewhere! ANyway, thank you for all the sharing I've benefitted from-

lycesq 03/12/2009

Susie - we have all been where you are, believing we may be totally disabled. Guess what? Many of us are not.

I work full time, still do my volunteer work, crafts, cooking, and all the other things I love. There is life beyond RA. It doesn't feel like it when you are working your way through the RA landmine field, but it's there.

Welcome to DS - you will have so much support, love, caring, hugs and advice on this site. You will meet some wonderful people.

Don't ever feel bad or embarassed about venting, complaining, or seeking advice. We have all been there. I have learned so much from my friends here - they are a wonderful resource.

Warmest hugs to you and welcome!

Lynne

lycesq 03/12/2009

deleted_user 03/12/2009

I want to say welcome to our group!! We are a nice bunch of folks, with lots of compassion and lots of advice when you ask for it. Never give up on yourself!!! You will not wind up in a nursing home, you must be more positive than that!! That is why you must find a good rheumy you feel you can trust, and stick with the prgram of treatment you get put on. You must stop the progression of the RA. Any damage you have can not be reversed. Good luck hugs Sandy

deleted_user 03/12/2009

Hi, Susie.
Welcome to our little band of warriors. We fight this disease with courage and support from one another. Some times are worse than others, but in life, isn't that always the case?

RA is not a death sentence nor is it a proclamation of total disability. I'm working full time, I like to decoratively paint and refurbish furniture, I still play my piano even when it hurts!

I know it is scary, but you have found a group of compassionate, intelligent people who share great resources and fully understand what you are going through.

We are glad you found us!

deleted_user 03/12/2009

hi susie, i am seby age 54, had ra since jan 07. amon humira and work weekends (26-33 hours a weekend) and have NEVER missed wrok due to RA. we have all been there done that. this is a GREAT PLACE to be and we are glad you found us. venting feels great and we have all usuaally been there and who better to empthasize(sp) with you! come on anytime. hugs, deby

thinksRAstinks 03/12/2009

Welcome Susie!
I am another RA "success" story. After being taken out by it at the knees I made a comeback and work full time plus part time at night taking care of my husband's business books. I haven't missed a day of work since I went back and it's been a year.
I have good days and bad but nothing that would put me in mind of ending up in a nursing home. Hope your meds kick in soon and you start feeling better!

SSusieFLA 03/12/2009

thank you, thank you for all the encouraging replies--I'm glad to be here and I feel hugged :)
It is nice to speak with folks who are dealing with the same pain issues.

Caspiana 03/13/2009

Hi Susie. I am pretty new to all this as well and have found lots of help here thanks to all these nice people :-) From what I have been told, if we tret RA quickly and agressively from the start chances are we can live a very almost normal life. Let's keep our chins up!

deleted_user 03/13/2009

Hi Susie! It's so nice to have you join us here. ;) I'm new here myself but not new to RA. Everybody here is very friendly and supporting. You will learn a lot here. I have been in a battle with RA since 1971. Believe me there is life after RA. Once you get on a good regimen and have a good Rheumatologist you'll be on your way to getting better. With that said there will always be good days and bad. Some aches and pains. But overall you can live your life pretty much as normal. ;) I was so afraid I would not be able to retire from my job that offers excellent benefits upon retirement. Guess what, I Did! I am now retired with well over 20 years of service. I enjoy gardening, walks in the woods, and playing with my grandchildren. My life is good and full. Yours will be too. Linda

JillyT 03/14/2009

Welcome Susie, glad you found us! As you can see we are a friendly bunch so if there is anything you need just let us know...hugs jilly

deleted_user 03/14/2009

Susie, Welcome aboard. Glad to have you join our grouop, but also sorry you have to. I've been diagnosed since last September, and like a few others who have posted, haven't missed any work from it. I was lucky to be diagnosed pretty early because I was seeing a rheumatologist for sjogrens syndrome. It is a weird and unpredictable disease, but I am confident that with treatment and a good regimen of medication and health care, flares will be managed and even severe ones will go away after awhile. I recommend you try to not project into the future. None of us knows what's around the corner - even if we don't have RA! So hang in there and come to us for support. We're a friendly, nice group of people, and we're all in the same boat - which is NOT SINKING!!!! Take care.

SSusieFLA 03/14/2009

lol, yep this boat is not sinking- and thanks for all the great replies- very true, we don't know what the future holds, RA or not and thanks for reminding me about the other side of the story- every day is a gift and we are greatly blessed every minute we can take a breath-
thanks to all my new DS friends :) love Susie

deleted_user 03/19/2009

Susie-
Welcome!! I am also newly diagnosed, I have found many good answers and just darn nice people willing to share there lives and feelings hang in there!! Looking forward to hearing from you again...
Pamela

deleted_user 03/20/2009

Hi Susie,

you won't be bedridden! Glad to have you in the group!
-Sarah

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