Hi! I’m new :) | Arthritis Information

Hi everyone. I'm new here and honestly, I haven't really been too big on posting to forums (except for finding out information). But this looks like a pretty good forum and I figured I should probably be more informed about myself and what might happen in the future.

I was diagnosed in 1997 (I was in 8th grade, I am 25 now) with a mixed connective tissues disease - mixture of RA and lupus. The lupus isn't really that obvious. I haven't had any symptoms or anything, just blood tests that came back positive in that area. The RA was the prominent problem with the pain and inflammation. It has also been suggested that I have Sjogren's Syndrome (from symptoms), although I'm not sure if there are any actual tests to check for that. I see a Rheumatologist about 2-4 times a year. I'm currently on Plaquenil.

After reading a lot of other people's posts, I get to thinking about how blessed I am with not having my RA be too serious. It's usually pretty mild or in remission to where I can lead a mostly normal lifestyle. I feel for all of you who cannot do things that we as humans should be able to do. Those of you who can't work but need to because of all of the medical bills. I hope they will soon find a cure.

Well anyways I thought I'd say hi and I hope to find out a lot more about I should have been learning 10 years ago...

Hello!! Yeah I've never been a big forum poster either, but these people really suck you in...........like vampires........or vaccums........same thing.

I hope to see you around more! We love and hate having new people. Ya know?

I wish I had skills like Cordy, and could make a nice welcom sign, but no....SO WELCOME!!1

Vaccuum's! LOL

Welcome from me!

Pip

Thanks for the welcome everyone! You are all so friendly :) Although I don't have a lot of experience since I have a mild version of RA, I hope I can help out where I can, maybe with some of the different med's they've tried on me :)

Oh, arriscolwell, I like your quote. You might find this site kinda humorous. I used this for an excuse for awhile :) ... OK I still use it as an excuse...
http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKL15792616200706 15

Hahahaha I don't even drink!!!

WELCOME Julez!

Welcome!!!!!!!! it has been a long journey but made much easier with help of others suffering from the same disease. I have been here ...oh for many years, sometimes I post, sometimes not. Depends on what things are happenin' in my life.

You will enjoy it here, and you will learn so very , very much. Lot of support here too for just the other stuff......lately I haev been an OT woman...(grin)

jode

Hi Welcome!

Welcome julez!

I am sure you will fid this site sooooo helpful. I don't post all the time, and never posted before here - it felt kinda strange but I am sooo Glad I did. I have found out soooo much form so many different people sharing their experience.

I have no condition - my daughter does (undiagnosed).

You must have had some difficult times at school being diagnosed in 8th grade. I am struggling to keep my 7yo at school right now with her symptoms (pain, inflammation, nausea).

I am sure you will learn lots - and also help others with your own experience!

I will keep an eye out for your posts.

Welcome.

Hi Julez. I wanted to add my WELCOME to all the others...so you know you are wanted and we are very glad to have you with us.

Anytime you feel like talking, there is always someone here. We have several members from Australia and UK, and lots more from all over the US. They are all wonderful people to talk to. Some are up when others of us are asleep and we are always willing to try to help cheer someone up or offer suggestions.

I know you will enjoy getting to know everyone. I am so glad that your RA is well controlled. That is what we all pray for. Has the Plaquenil been the only RA med you have been on? I tried it for 8 months, but got no noticable relief. It's good to hear others have been helped by it.

Good to have you with us!

Be Well! Nini

Welcome to the board, Julez!

Great, Just GREAT, Katie! Now... I am going to think of the vampires from my RD's office as vacuums.

Linda

Velcome Julez. Ve have vays of making you talk!!!

Welcome from down under,

Ally

One more welcome for you Julez! Sorry you're here, but glad you found us!

Hi Julez,

Glad you found your way to the ZOO. This is the crazy place you love to come visit. It is full of wonderful people with lots of advise and knowledge. With your background I am sure you will have more to add.

Jay

I want to welcome you and say hi too.

SO
WELCOME & HI!

[QUOTE=Nini]

Has the Plaquenil been the only RA med you have been on? I tried it for 8 months, but got no noticable relief. It's good to hear others have been helped by it.

[/QUOTE]

Hi Nini. No, plaquenil isn't the only med I've been on. They've tried a few things but this one seems to "help" the most. When I was first diagnosed, the Rheum. had me taking Advil to help with the pain. I was on about 12 of those a day (the smaller tablet). THen I got switched around, I'm not sure I can remember all of them. I'll try :) Naproxen, Celebrex, Methotrexate, Prednisone, Imuran, I'm sure there's another or two but that's all I can remember now.

Methotrexate was my least favorite. I did the weekly injection into my thigh and that lasted about 6 months. I would either vomit after the shot or be nauseated all week long. Not sure if it was the med itself or the fact that I had to jab a needle into my leg... either way, I didn't like it.

[QUOTE=Lynda M]There are people of all ages here, so please ,....post away and let us know how you've coped with this stuff for such a long time and starting at such an early age. How did you know you had it? We'll enjoy visiting and hearing your story.

Hi Lynda! Well I first started noticing it when I was 14 in the 8th grade. I would have a hard time with my elbows (altho I dont really have problems with them now). They would get really stiff and painful. Then I went on a trip during spring break to the east coast where it was colder and people noticed my hands were turning white (I forgot to mention I also have Raynaud's syndrome). They thought it was jaundice or something; I hadn't really thought twice about it, I guess I thought it was normal. So went to the doc when we got back and did some blood work and my RF came back positive. So off to the rheum I went and here I am today. I've had about 4 different rheums througout the years. My current one is pretty good. I guess I just took life a little easier than I might have during my high school years. Making sure I didnt overdo myself physically and that I kept warm. I decided to not do any sports in high school and that allowed me to concentrate on my school work too.

Hi Julez, Welcome, and thank you for the kind words. I hope to see you on the message board again. I new also, joined the beginning of September. I have RA and also Fibromyalgia. I hope they find a cure for you also. Take care and God Bless Dotti51

Welcome! You'll find us to be helpful and fun too. Glad you joined us - hope you feel free to post often.

Kathy