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

Labs are in with a diagnosis

Lori57703
Lori57703
My doctor called me with my results today. My RH factor came back as 117 (lab reference less than 12 is normal) and my CRP came back as 23 (lab reference 10 is normal). Doctors says based on labs, symptoms, history and exam I a have RA. Good news is my ANA was normal so that rules out Lupus.

My docotor is working on getting me into a rheumatologist ASAP. We only have 2 in town so it may take a little bit. Luckily, my docotor is amazing and kind and asked me if I was doing okay with the pain and pain control and to let him know if I need anything.

Do my journey begins. I am so thankful that I found this group early on. The responses and support you all provide is amazing and greatly appreciated!

What meds did you start on first? I am very frightened about the meds but realize that the alternative isn't an option at all. How many of you still work full time?

Thanks again to all of you!
RCross
RCross
Hi Lori. I'm glad your labs correlate with your symptoms, that's not always the case.

I started on MTX (methotrexate.) My rheumy stated the Plaquenil wouldn't work for me...not sure the reasoning behind it, but I"m guessing because of my high inflammation markers. 3 months on MTX and we added Arava. Another 3 months and we stopped the MTX and added Humira. I've been on Humira for 5 weeks now. I also have Tramadol, Hydrocodone and Ambien to use as needed.

Meds come with some scary side effects, but having severe joint damage is also scary. So go with meds!!
KiddoGal
KiddoGal
I take methotrexate (MTX) and Enbrel. I was on prednisone for one year in the beginning and was able to taper it down and get off of it. The meds may take a while to kick in, or you may have to try a few different drugs to get the right combo for you. I have had NO side effects from Enbrel or MTX. And yes, they have helped a lot!! Oh, yes, I still swell at times, and have some fatigue. But...I still work (have my own business), bowl, take long walks, and on top of that, I am a caregiver to my husband. I wish you the best of everything on your RA journey, yeah, it is NO fun! This site is really helpful and a good place to get advice, learn more about RA, rant rave, cry, and get hugs!
islandjacquelin
islandjacquelin
Hi and welcome - sorry you have to be here and happy you found this lovely group of people. I was diagnosed in early May, I was already on 40mg of prednisone, so added MTX 15mg (oral) for 4 weeks, while trying to taper pred. MTX was increased to 25mg for another month. Switched to injectable for 6 weeks, didn't work and I can't below 10mg pred. Added sulfasalazine 2000mg and 400mg of plaquenil. I am am still on that, although my pred has been increased very recently back up to 20mg. Likely going to a biologic and MTX in November when I see my rheumy. I have to be on the triple therapy for 12 weeks. It is the protocol here in BC Canada.

I hope they find what works for you quickly!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
HI Lori - welcome to the best place on the web for support! Sorry you have to join this kind of group - but seriously these people are my lifeline. Jump on in, the water's fine : )
trishcorsi
trishcorsi
Retired but take care of grandkids.. diagnosed last Oct been on mix and Meloxicam since Feb and doing quite well. Welcome y o u will find much comfort and maybe even some joy here. Very glad no lupus is there! Trish
Mari31
Mari31
Hey Lori. I am new to this as well. Diagnosed last month. I am on MTX 10 mg.I will take my 4th dose tomorrow. I have not felt the benefits of it yet, but I know it takes some time. The side effects I am having are some nauseua, headaches, bloating, and stomach cramping. Not all the time, but almost every day. I am also trying to change my diet, so maybe some of the symptoms are because of that. Not sure. I see Rheum Oct. 31st so will ask about symptoms. Sorry you have to be here, but I have found it to be a great support group so far. Welcome!
me2012
me2012
Welcome aboard Lori! I was dx approx 2 years ago. Unfortunately I was one of the people with negative lab results and went through a myriad of diagnosis before an MRI confirmed RA. I was started on MTX, Prednisone, and Savella (I also have fibro). Most recent med cocktail includes MTX injections, Remicade infusion every 6 weeks, Cymbalta, and tramadol. Unfortunately it does seem to require a mess of meds to manage not only the disease but the accompanying symptoms as well. Good luck to you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I started on methotrexate then moved to a biologic within 6 months. I have to change to a new biologic every 2-3 years because my body gets used to it. So far I'm doing pretty good except for when I flare up.
altoclef
altoclef
I hope they can get you into a good rheumatologist quickly.

I started with prednisone, then added methotrexate when the chest xray and TB test came back clean. Had problems with Humira, took a month's worth of Enbrel before having doctor problems, and am now trying Enbrel again.

I do work full-time. I'd love to cut back, but I bring home the health insurance, and my family insists we keep something called "food" around regularly!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I work full-time. I was diagnosed about 9 years ago. I definitely give credit to the medication (not to mention that I'm lucky enough to have a "sit-down" job).

Glad you got the information you need to start getting the right treatment. : )
Mari31
Mari31
I also work full time, forgot to mention that. I have a busy job that keeps me on my feet alot, but I also have some desk time. So far it is fine, although I am completely exhausted by the end of most days.
deleted_user
deleted_user
wishing you all the luck ..this is a journey for sure ....
i started with sulfasalazine
plaquenil
now methotrextate ..meloxicam..prednisone ...leuvnore (didnt spell that rite ) ...folic acid..prescription script ..next month add on of enbrel or humira ...so the roller coaster ride has begun...for myself ..i still havent adjusted to any of this ..it pisses me off actually ..sorry but it does ...hang in there and stay strong ...there are all types of personalitites here and great advice ...and soooooo much important info that dr's seem to forget to tell us sometimes ..
sending you a hug .
Lori57703
Lori57703
Thank you, thank you all so much! You have already helped me. I orderd a pair each of the IMAK Arthritis Gloves and IMAK Arthritis Socks last night. They should be here in 2-5 business days.

I am working fulltime as a nurse. Luckily I am not in a position where I have to be on my feet all day. I don't think I could do that! I do case management and can be up and around for awhile and then sit and do computer/phone work for awhile. Right now the pain and fatigue are driving me nuts! Yesterday I needed to give two shots and almost had to ask someone to help me get the syringes open and filled. Yes, Tamiangus, that pissed me off as well! Nurses are notoriously bad at being sick!

I know who my primary doctor referred me to so I called his office this morning and am awaiting a return call. I plan on calling them every other day until I am seen.

Thanks again to all of you!
RCross
RCross
Ask to be put on the cancellation list...if you're close enough to get there quickly. Tell them how much time you'll need to get there.
altoclef
altoclef
Why are there so many nurses here? I see this on other RA sites, too. Do more nurses develop rheumatic diseases? Are they more likely to join an online group? Since nursing is a fairly physical job are they more likely to notice a problem sooner?