Hey everyoneits been a few weeks of me reading posts and lurking in the background, but I figured it was time to join in. Ive seen some very helpful postsI especially appreciate the kind words and support everyone offers here!
I was diagnosed with RA this June. Back in the winter, I had started experiencing severe pain in my shoulderI couldnt move it and my husband had to help me wash my hair and get dressed. I was embarrassed because I thought I injured myself doing Wii Fit! The doctors put me on some anti-inflammatory and pain meds, thinking it was a rotator cuff injury. After a few days of severe pain, my hands completely swelled up (meat hands is the name my friend gave me). Then off for more testing, more labs, and an appointment with a physical therapist that wouldnt touch me until they had a reason for the severe swelling. Then my feet must have felt left out, because they decided to swell up and make the pain so intense I cried when walking. Dang feeteven after all the pedicures and pretty shoes I have brought to them! Anyways, I eventually got an appointment with a rheumatologist, who diagnosed me with Strep RA but possibly lupus at the first visit. The rheum clinic sent me my lab results, and I freaked at the results. I immediately ran to a doctor I work for and asked his opinionhe sat down and explained everything to me, from what he called red-herring labs (meaning, dont worry), to the labs I needed supplemental testing on. He gave me a list of questions to ask my rheumy. My second appointment, I was told I have just RA. Hmmmjust RA. That was fun to hear (sarc.) The rheumy also refused the additional testing suggested by my employer, telling me that he is my doctor and will determine what tests I should have. I had to laugh at thishe knew I worked at a large private practice since we talked about some of the doctors I work withdid he not think I would go to them?! Luckily, one of the doctors I work for recommended another rheumatologist and Im scheduled to see her in a few months. In the meantime, Im on folic acid, methotrexate, citracal, prednisone, and high-dose vitamin D for a deficiency. Ive changed my diet and attempted to exercise as much as I can.
Now that Ive rambled, I guess my biggest struggle is adapting to this. While the pain varies from being annoying to bringing me to tears, Im finding that isnt my biggest struggle. My struggle is the fatigue, and having to accept that I cant live my life the way I once did. Im currently a part-time student and work about 50-60 hours a week. A year ago, this was no problem for me. Now I feel like I cant keep up and Im becoming forgetful, I need longer to recuperate from a busy week, my husband has to help me more (hes been wonderful), I have to turn down invites from friends because I can barely move, and I feel like people judge me because they dont know what this is like. Ive always been an independent person, and now it is different. While I am surrounded by amazing family and friends, I feel like they cannot fully understand what Im going through. But still, I am glad I came across this siteIve learned a lot and feel that although I havent interacted until now, people here are supportive, understanding, and caring to my situation. So, thank you for that!