So sorry to hear she is going thru this. Yes, it can be very scary but there are many medications that can help. But first, you need to get a definite answer as to if this is RA. The best thing you can do for her is to just be there for her and to not judge her if she feels tired and not up to doing things she was always able to do before. Sounds like your love for her will see you both thru this. God Bless!

Hi Edward - Your wife is very, very fortunate to have someone wanting to help as much as you seem to. It is fantastic that she has a doctor that is so quick to give that diagnosis. If the bloodwork come back showing that there is nothing wrong, and the Rheumatologist, from the blood results do nothing, please find another Rheum. to get another opinion.

I was diagnosed in June, 2012. My bloodwork was good, nothing wrong. However, my Rheum. listened to me, looked at my feet and hands, and started treatment right away. He diagnosed me as seronegative RA. Six months ago, I was 'upgraded' to seropositive RA. For me, I think that this is one of the reasons I am doing as well as I am - quick diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking for myself, with treatment, I do feel so much better than I did. If it is RA, It more than likely will take time to find the right mix. I am on my 6th biologic, plus methotrexate. I also take Celebrex, as needed. I am trying to avoid prednisone, and so far I have been able to do that. But, if it would be to uncomfortable for me, I would be very quick to call my Rheum and have him call in an order for that drug.

Edward, bless you for being so proactive in your wife's care! That is so wonderful. Yes, it will get better. I went for two years with very swollen ankles and feet plus pain. I kept testing negative for RA, so nothing was ever done.....until I found a wonderful rheumatologist who listened and observed my symptoms.

While waiting for the tests to come back, he put me on a short course of prednisone, and I immediately felt like a different person. Now I'm also on methotrexate, which seems to be the first line of treatment.

I'm much better than I was, but finding the right combo of treatments is a journey, and I'm not quite there yet. I agree if her doctor dismisses her with a negative RA factor, get a second opinion. My doctor said up to 30% of RA sufferers test negative.

Try not to worry.....there are lots of treatment options available. Plus lots of support here. Take care and keep us updated, ok?

Hi Edward. I'm new here as well & somewhat new to Rheumatoid, but have been doing lots of research and joining discussion groups like this for support. I certainly agree with many of the other comments - and your support for her seems super, so YES, it should all be ok - might be some adjustments to be made, but together, you can help her get thru it all. I was diagnosed last fall and am now on treatment. Prayers for all to go well at her appointment today - please let us know how it all goes!

Thanks guys. I just feel like you really can't do anything about it besides let life go on it's course. We have an appointment with our first Rheumatologist. I'm probably more nervous then she is since hasn't really read up on it. She' s busy at home with our son who is 9 months old. I think we can manage changes, it just feels so weird that their really isn't much I can do besides "support" her.

Thanks again guys.

Hi Edward,

Welcome! Your wife is very fortunate to have you in her life. Please encourage her to join in with this group also. Very good people here!

I agree with everything everyone has said. Please seek a second opinion if all labs come back in normal range and rheumy does not go any further with this. I, too, have seronegative RA. Finding a great doctor and then the right combo of meds is crucial for better living, in my opinion.

Yes - it will be just fine! For me, just getting the appropriate diagnosis was half the battle. Who likes to live with such uncertainty? Then, you can work with the doctor to find the right meds and continue researching RA. Adjustments will have to be made, and life will not be the same as it was. However, it does force one to prioritize very quickly and truly understand what is important in life.

Please keep us informed after the doctor's appointment. Prayers going out to your wife and to you also.
God Bless!

i checked all the RA books out from the library when diagnosed cause the stupid lingo had me perplexed. you know DMARDS, biologics, that kind of thing.

you might want to read a little bit too if you have the time.

The rheumatologist will work through several scenarios for early care and also based on if you want to grow a family.

RA is chronic, it's a buddy for life. there are people on here age 15 to age 90 probably. so there you have it.

you are a really nice guy and spouse to post on here. you get the beer of the week award, virtually.

read up on early treatment (disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs, bridge drugs like prednisone, and NSAIDS anti inflammatories and eventually biologics)

maybe you could go to the OB appointments also, to discuss what the options are during babyland time.

over at amazon i have gloves for at night in bed that hold either ice packs (little teeny ones) or heat packs, and I have pressure gloves that are comforting now and then. you can also massage her hand and finger joints.

welcome -

depot

Yes, everything will be JUST FINE.

It may not be AOK, but it will be OK. Rheumatoid Arthritis isn't a death sentence. Look at it this way, she feels crummy now and getting treated, she will feel better. And that will make you feel better.

I promise, as much as I am a terrific worrier, not one bit of worry ever helped me. It is what it is. Getting to the facts will allow you to move forward with a plan of ATTACK! It will be OK!

Thanks so much guys. Earlier today, you guys made me feel a little better.

We went to the doctor and he said he doesn't like giving early diagnosis. He had my wife do blood work and x-Rays. He did mention possibilities. He mentioned RA was a big possibility and medication would affect my wife's nursing so we need to be ready to stop that.

We did mention my wife's history of jaundice and abnormal liver blood results. So the doctor mentioned "2 key factors" from the blood results that would diagnose RA. The medication would depend on liver blood work results. He mentioned if my wife showed abnormal liver blood work, we may go a different route for medication. Something that would involve injections.

So we're sort of preparing for the medication. My son is going to have his 9 month vaccination Friday. We will ask for formula recommendations. My wife is currently unemployed, and we just hope that in the long run, she ends up living the most normal life possible.

Thanks again guys.

Hi, so sorry to hear about what you're going through. I'm going through a similar thing with rheumatoid arthritis but it's not the end of the world! It's really important to support each other with everything you're going through and there's so much support out there.
I also use http://www.patient.co.uk/health/rheumatoid-arthritis-leaflet and their forum on there as it's quite good for people going through a similar thing you are. Just keep on going and know you can make it through together!

Well bless you. She's already a step a head by having you care as much as you do. Support & understanding mean everything.

I'm not sure about Prednisone when it comes to nursing but it can provide relief like no other medication during times like this. Meaning while waiting for treatment options.
It can also assist in the diagnosis stage.
Do you know if RA or other immune disease run in her family?

I'm sorry you have both been through so much.
Sounds like it's made strengthened your marriage . Which speaks volumes for the type of man you are.
Treatments have come along way over the years.
You've already received great advice here.
Be sure she has a doctor that listens, takes her concerns serious & she's comfortable with. Don't settle when it comes to doctors.
Support is important if she's in need point her towards groups such as this. It can help more then you know. The people here are a god send & we care very much about our RA family.
My husband picked me up Australian miracle arthritis cream. It does seem to provide relief. No odor or residue. Perhaps asking pharmacist if safe during her breastfeeding. The cream with gloves for the baby's safety may provide much needed relief. I use it on my feet, neck etc...whenever needed. Just a thought as hate to think of anyone suffering. New mom has to be tough on her.
If you don't mind let us know how it goes.
Truly wish you the best of luck, will keep your family in my prayers & thoughts.
Sammy

She does not have anyone in her family with arthritis. The Rheumy doctor basically told her she may never know the cause of it. It's like she slept on Friday night feeling fine, but on Saturday, she had so much pain in her hands. We are essentially waiting for the doctors phone call in a few days and he will tell us blood results. Based on the results, we will come in to discuss medication.

I had a discussion last night we my wife and actually mentioned what I read here and it gave her a bit of comfort. "It's not a death sentence, just potentially a life changer". She's mostly worried for our 9 month old son and she feels like she will be limited in assisting him in his everyday life.

I did read on this forum that a lot of people are moms with RA and still help their children normally. That's good to hear.

What I wanted to ask though, what should we expect in the coming months with medication? How soon will she start seeing improvements? I understand everyone is different, but I would like a general positive idea.

Edward: I'm late on this but wanted to say that early detection is key to a good result if it is followed by treatment. I wish you and your wife the best. I was diagnosed in 2001 and immediately hooked up with a wonderful hematologist. I work, travel, cook and can do most things without a problem. I;m a family law attorney and I still try the cases that won't settle. There is hope and I hope your wife does as well as I have.

Everyone's journey is different, but I will add mine to the pile.

My RA started with a little stiffness in my fingers, two years ago in May. By June, my neck was stiff and was not getting better. (at this point, I made an appt with a rheumy). By August, my right knee got into the act.

I went from backpacking in the Grand Tetons in mid-July to not being able to walk around the block by August. It is VERY scary watching your body fall apart. (I cried a lot.)

My doc kept saying it was osteoarthritis until I demanded a series of tests. I was an active adult -- I might have been 50 but I was a HEALTHY 50. My blood tests came back seropositive RA and off the charts, and I had ganglion cysts inside my knee cap.

I started with methotrexate and Celebrex (and knee surgery). After a year, we added Plaquenil. With each change in medication, and as the months rolled by, I saw improvement. The Plaquenil took 6 months to kick in, but it was the final potion that seems to have relieved the fatigue, eye irritation, and almost all my joint pain. I still have mild pain/swelling in my right hand/thumb, but it is manageable (I don't even take additional tylenol, of course, I am on Celebrex daily...).

I work 40 hours a week, and I am a fused glass artist in my "free time". I walk on the treadmill daily (no more running, but I had OA in my knees prior to RA). I hike and I mountain bike. Other than my right hand hurting after pounding a trail on a bike (and normal fatigue from climbing a hill on a bike..) I feel great.

So the thing that sucks? I know that this could continue for a lifetime, or it could all come crashing back down tomorrow. That is the hard thing to get your head around... the uncertainty.

I realized something the other day when I saw an older woman barely making it out to the mail box with a cane. Before RA, I would have thought, "thank goodness I will never be like that." After RA, I now say a little prayer that I don't end up like that. I hate that RA has robbed me of my innocence. (But maybe age would have done that to me anyway...).

Anyway... the best thing you can do (which it seems like you are doing) is to be there for support and understanding. One thing to consider... one of the hidden issues with RA (besides the emotional/psychological jolt) is the overwhelming fatigue. For me, even when the pain/swelling was under control, the fatigue could put me on the couch for a few days (especially around my period). Just keep it in mind and help where you can. With the right combination of meds, your wife will have the energy to chase several 9 month olds soon ;)

Edward, you ask about what to expect for results from medications. It's all over the map. Often, the first drug given is methotrexate. This would mean an absolute and immediate stop to nursing, and it's the one that is hardest on the liver. It's also contraindicated in pregnancy. I don't know if you two are considering having another baby, but if another kiddo is a dream, be clear about that with the rheumatologist. It usually takes a few months to get the full effect of methotrexate (MTX). There are a couple other drugs in the same class as MTX, Arava and plaquenil. They are all considered DMARDs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatics.

The next step up are the biologics, Enbrel, Humira, Orencia, Xeljanz, and all the others you see huge television and print ads for. They are absolute miracles for many people, and any rheumatologist who has been at it for awhile will tell you that these drugs have been game-changers. With someone like your wife, who has a good chance at being diagnosed early, the right biologic can prevent much of the joint damage RA can cause. That's the good news.

There is, of course, no free lunch. Here's the downside. Biologics are ghastly expensive. If you have good insurance and can get in on a co-pay program from the drug company, that doesn't have to be a problem. Almost all of them are taken by injection. Most of us had no problem putting on our big-boy/girl pants and learning to do that, but there are people in the world who just can't. They can lower your resistance to infection. Again, not a problem for many, but a huge problem for some. Repeated pneumonias, for example, are nothing to mess around with.

Trial and error. Some folks find a great drug combo right away, others need a few tries. There isn't a single, simple answer, no one-size-fits-all treatment. It's good your wife isn't working right now. Once she gets this sorted out and has an idea of what her new normal will be, she can look for the right job.