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...
Hello! I was diagnosed with RA just after Christmas. It has been a 2 1/2 year battle for the correct diagnosis. My aunt, grandma, and grandpa (opposite sides of the family) all have RA. I have all the symptoms but negative blood work. I finally had a doc listen to me and took xrays of my hands. They found rheumatoid changes in my joints. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 years ago, but now they are rethinking it. In the past I have been on Lyrica and Cymbalta. I am no longer on either of these meds. I am now on prednisone and plaquenil. I am having more flare ups now than ever before. I go to a new Rhematologist next Wednesday. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning! I can't wait to go and hopefully be put on new meds. I had to come home early from work today because the pain and stiffness is so bad. What medications have you found the most relief from? I seem to find good "reviews" of the injections or infusions. Does that help? I am a teacher and I need to be there for my kids! I also have two kids of my own and they need me more. I am just tired of being in pain and sometimes I feel like people just don't understand it. I don't expect them to, but it would be nice if they did! :)
Despite her expertise, I went through many, many different drug combinations before getting on Remicade (an infusion). After five years, I had to stop it because I was one of the few people who developed liver problems on it. I went on several other biologicals and finally went into remission (that's a whole other story).
You may go through a series of combinations before your insurance company will authorize the biologicals. I can't tell you how many i "flunked" before I was able to get my first infusion.
Just don't get discouraged - the right mix is out there for you to ease the pain and swelling you have. Just keep track of what your feeling and your reaction to the meds so your doctor can refine the drugs for you and come up with a better mix.
I wish all the best and freedom from pain.
Lynne
People don't understand but if they try, that's great. Our youngest daughter said "You're a different person when the RA is playing up. How very true!!!
Take care Hugs
It took me about that long to get diagnosed too. Not that it does me any good, but I just keep wondering how much better off I'd have been had they discovered what it was Earlier. Better late than never, right?
Sounds like you have the right attitude to get through this, and manage it. And it seems to me managing (unless you get lucky and go into remission - even then watching) is where it's at. I look forward to your insight!
Rachael