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...
I was dx with RA a month ago, and I was just sitting here thinking ignorance was bliss. Before I knew I hurt, but it was not anywhere as bad as it is today. I had my days, and I was tired all the time. But it seems like today after I know about this disease and how it is affecting my life and body I hurt worse. After a month I am in pain, I am depressed and finding it hard to be positive. Thank you for being here....all of you. I am glad I found this!
I was diagnosed with RA almost a year ago. In my case I was seeing a Rheumy for years with high ANA. She put my hurting in ankles, feet, and knees down to OA and it was my PCP (Primary CarePhysician) that ran the RA blood work. So I have been hurting for years and am still waiting to find a biologic that works for me. I take Humira along with the MTX shots now since November and am still waiting for the fatigue and flairs to stop.
The last month I have been on Prednisone for swelling and pain in my wrists and hands.
I don't know about hurting more after dx. I was just so glad to finally find out what was happening and begin treatment. At least I know that there can be relief from the fatigue and flairs once we find a medication regime that works for me.
Hang in there. I hope you see you post more in the future.
I've battled RA since 1977...celebrate? 40 years next year. I've worked almost all of the time, still married to the same man, raised 2 really good kids who know what it's like to have a hurting mom and now I have 2 beautiful gandkids. I've lived a good a full life despite having RA.
Just remember....you have RA, RA doesn't have you.
gentle hugs..........Jen