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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BlessedFromOnHigh 07/29/2011

I was diagnosed in late June 2011 by my kind Dr. of 30 years. I knew that I was in trouble when he couldn't look me in the eye, and he had tears in his, when he told me that there was nothing he could do for me and referred me to a specialist. Right now I am scared. I am so crazy tired. My feet and hands are so painful as well as other joints (neck and upper back, right shoulder, right wrist ) It seems that every bone in my 5'2" body is popping and cracking, I truly am having a hard time breathing, not much stiffness in the a.m. , off balance alot, BUT I feel so blessed to have found this group. I have been reading all of your comments about RA for the past few weeks. I believe that knowledge is a powerful thing. And from past experience with an amazing daughter that was born with congenital eye problems (now 29) and being a caregiver of both of my parents (My mom just died in Feb 2011 at 94)I know the value of learning from those who have gone before me and learned for themselves through their own experience, as well as from skilled and caring Doctors. I will have my first appointment with my Rheumy (is that the correct term?) next week. I can not wait. You all have unknowingly answered so many of my questions but I do wonder this above all else (this week :) Does RA seem to be progressing quickly in me or is this pretty normal? Realizing that each person is different, this may be a hard question to answer. I know that RA was so not in my plans for the rest of my life BUT with all of your help and with a lot of positive thoughts, hope and faith I am going to learn how to carry on and endure. And new friends.............I hope today is a good day for you all. Thanks

deleted_user 07/29/2011

BlessedFromOnHigh: WELCOME!!! I'm new here too and newly dx with RA. You've been so blessed to have such a wonderful caring doctor! I pray that your Rheumy (yes, that's the right word:)) is just as sweet and helpful.
To your question...I can't really answer. I do believe everyone is different. I've read that some people will only have one flare in their life time and go into remission from then on out. But I don't think that's typical. I'm sure others who are more educated then I can answer this.
I too have pain, stiffness in my right shoulder, right elbow, knees, ankles and feet....I also crack, pop and crunch...alot and very loud. It's very painful!
I sure hope you get some answers quickly. Please keep us all updated on what happens. I'll be interested to hear!
Blessings!

deleted_user 07/29/2011

Hello, and welcome! Sorry you are here because you are not well, but since you are, this is a great place to be! RA progresses at different rates for different people. My RA progressed slowly for years, and now it seems to be running a race to see which joint it can attack and destroy next. The most important part of therapy for RA is to stop the joint destruction, as that is not reversible. DMARDs are used to slow hte progression of joint deformity. Are the fingers on your hands bendint toward you little fingers yet? Do you have a lot of swelling? I was just diagnosed this May, but I have had RA for years. Since I started treament I have either been in a flare or on the verge of a flare. I am taking prednisone at the moment, hoping the MTX kicks in soon. It is very important for you to be completely honest with your rheumatologist. You might want to write down all of your symptoms and joints that are affected. You might want to jot down the questions you have for the doc, also. I don't know about you, but I often forget to ask what I want to ask unless I actually write it down. A good rheumy will spend time with you, espeically during your first visit. If you have had any xrays or MRIs, you need ot take them with you to the appointment. Most rheumys like to read the film themselves, not just the report from the imaging tech. Be sure and tell the rheumy what drugs you are taking, etc. I hope you find a good doc. A good rheumy is essential to getting your life back. Blessings, V

puffster 07/30/2011

Welcome! I am glad that you found this website. I was too very scared at first when I was dx last October. I was in pain and did not know what was going to happen next. Even though I never took a sick leave from my full time job because of my condition, I had swell and pain in my left foot that it took me more than 10 min. to walk from the parking lot to my office which is only 50 feet away. I was so miserable and scared. I had a hard time sleeping, and was in tears a few times in front of my family. BUT, just like everyone else says, it takes some time to find a right mixture of medications, and trust me, you will find a right combination of medications that will work for your condition. Just be patient and you will feel much better when you start your treatment. Good luck!

BlessedFromOnHigh 07/30/2011

Thank you once again for your kindness and advice. Yes, I do have quite a bit of swelling especially in my hands, my fingers and the palms of my hands are quite painful at times. I have noticed that my my 2nd and 3rd fingers on my right hand are turning outwards as well as my 2nd finger on the left. My feet are very swollen and when ever I bend my toes down even just a little I have really bad pain shooting through the balls and arches of my feet. I was on a week of prednisone over the 4th of july weekend and it really seemed to quiet things down. I have had Celebrex during the last week and I am not sure how well it is working. I will follow your advice with what to take to my Rheumy and I am praying that he truly is a caring Dr. with a great staff. It's great to not feel so quite alone in all of this. Have a sweet weekend.

deleted_user 07/30/2011

I was dx March, 2009. My first rheumy was ineffective and did not communicate. I found my current rheumy in August, 2009 and I have been doing better ever since. I am praying that you find a great rheumy because that will make a big difference in how you manage this disease. You have a great attitude and that also will take you a long way. The others have given you great advice about bringing notes and your previous MRI or xrays. I will add that if it is possible bring a family member or friend with you to the appointment to listen and take notes. Believe me it can be overwhelming. Wishing you the very best!

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