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'm a little nervous and don't really know how to start. So, I would like to say "hello" first. My name is Lisa. I've been seeing a new primary since Oct 2013. She ran some lab work due to symptoms I've been having (exhausted, hands hurting and stiff, etc.) At first she thought I may have Lupus. My ANA came back negative but RF 42. She sent me for more lab work. RF now 44 and CCP 151. On Nov 13th she said that it looks like RA due to labs and my symptoms. She said she can't officially diagnose only a rheumatologist can. So I'm impatiently waiting for my first appointment. I called the rheumatologist and I'm waiting for her to review my labs and xays (which do show some "minimal degenerative changes" in my right hand) then will call me back to set up my appointment. That was Thursday last week. Just nervous and scared...I've been doing a lot of research and have been reading some blogs/forums/FB and found yours to be the most wonderful group of people. In a way I feel like I've been snooping but am glad I have been able to find you. Your support of each other is amazing! My husband is very supportive but often says that we don't know yet if I truly have RA. However, everything seems to point to it. Plus, my symptoms have gotten worse (or maybe I'm more aware of them.) My primary doc gave me some NSAIDs to get me through until I see the rheum. I know I have to wait for "the final Dx" but any insight, feedback, etc would be great. I'm just nervous and have been feeling depressed about all of this. And not having anyone to talk to or share with (other than my husband) has been hard. Thank you for your time.
This board is a great place to start. I can't tell you how much I have learned in just the few weeks I have been here. I am trying to follow the Paleo diet, thanks to 2xcicrazed, but I struggling with the diet right now. I am also interested in essestial oils etc. I rub frankincense on my feet morning and night and I think it is helping. Don't really know since I am taking prednisone also.
Crossing my fingers hopeing you will get into the rhuematologist soon.
I know that the waiting is hard. I was lucky and ended up with a diagnosis within 4 weeks of seeking answers. My labs were very clearly RA. I just educated myself with as much information as I could. I love this site and also RA Warroir is great.
~ Lori
welcome
welcome
welcome
we are glad you are here.
i hope that you get in quickly for some resolution on your diagnosis.
snoop away, that's why we are all here
Ros
You are among fellow travelers with this "stuff", so join in when you feel the need.
Again, Welcome
Peace
Bluedogs2
I was diagnosed in October. But my hands and feet have been hurting for awhile. And the fatigue is killer. My RF is negative. But my CCP was really high, and there is another test specific to RA and it was also high. I had an ultrasound of my hands and it was clear I had it.
I hope you get in to a rheumy soon and you feel better soon. And, again, welcome!
Patrice
I have learned so much by reading the posts here. It is a great site with tons of information and experiences.
Waiting is difficult and scary, hang in there.
sherrie
My advice is to read all you can so that you understand RA and can ask better questions of your doctor. All the information out there is pretty scary. Read it, understand it, but also know that each individual is different and most of what you will read are the worst case scenarios. I was diagnosed this past fall, and the hardest part for me was not freaking out about it all :).
It's now a few months later and the world has not stopped spinning ;). I have been on methotrexate for 6 weeks and it seems to be kicking in.
If you don't feel like you are getting the support you need from your doctor -- ask for it! I had to ask for Celebrex (before the official DX). It helped the pain significantly. I had to ask for an MRI on my knee, because I knew things "weren't right". An arthoscope and 8 weeks later my knee feels GREAT. I had to ask for blood tests to check for RA, thyroid, or ANYTHING that might be going on, even though my rheumy insisted it was only OA. Both my RA and CCP markers came back positive (and high).
My pain level is almost negligible and my life is pretty much "back to normal". Yours will, too, with proper treatment.