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...
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!
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!
Lori - when you get to your rheumatologist you are most likely to go on one of the first lines of defence as it were - sulfasalazine or methotrexate. Probably pills. Maybe some prednisone to get the inflammation under control - this may or may not be reduced and withdrawn over time.
I think that is a fair description of the pattern just about anywhere in the world. But there are other drugs - just tend not to be used first - maybe because they are much more expense and trouble to take (infusions etc).
Good luck. Once on the drugs you may or may not get rapid improvement but eventually a lot of the pain should decrease or even - oh blissful days - disappear (temporarily...)
Camba- Thanks for the info. I can't take oral prednisone or betamethasone due to an allergy. It may be possible I can take betamethasone injections. I will be asking the rheumatologist about this. Not sure I can take sulfasalazine either. I had a reaction to a sulfa antibiotic when I was a teenager but it was pretty mild so maybe.
Altoclef- I'm not sure why so many nurses. Could be the stress but I am new to this so I really have no clue. I do know that I have had a very stressful last 6 months both in my personal and professional life. I think I have had symptoms for at least 3-4 years but it wasn't until the last month or so that they were happening consistently enough that I could not blow them off anymore.
Thanks to all of you and the things you post on this site I will go into my first rheumatology appointment with tons of information and knowing what to expect!