Okay now that I know I have RA I can figure some of the pains that last year the doctors couldn't figure out is from this.
Question, my wrist "again" started hurting. They haven't hurt this bad oh in about a year. So do I wait it out a few days and figure this is part of it. Do I let my doc know since I have only known about RA for about 2 months? Do most of you wait it out so many days or something?
I only have a reg doc no RA specialist. I am thinking that is because there are none in this area. Stuck without a vehicle so to beg for a referral would be kinda useless as I am not sure I could get someone to drive me so far away right now.
Robin,
Are you on a DMARD such as Plaquenil or Methotrexate? You really need to be on one if you have RA.
I would also recommend you see a rheumatologist. Mine gave me a prescription of prednisone and pain pills to keep on hand for when I have flares. No sense in suffering when you don't have to. I usually try to wait mine out, but if it's still going on in about a week, I give in and start the prednisone.
Thank you Kweebn. So I shall try a few more days. (unless I have another night like last night).
Actually I am only on the etodolac. When speaking with my doc he said that since it was caught now and since I am not that old (so he says) then this is all I need for now. So I just went with what he said. He also stated for me to come back every 6 months for blood work. He wants to check liver and kidney function. And that's it.
I may try and make an appt tomorrow (take in son too as he is sick), as just sota ask about a referral. I am thinking there has to be a reason he didn't give me one.
Tell your doctor now. Get a referal to a specialist it will take a long time . You will have plenty of time to find a ride. I just got my blood work back today. it is official I have RA. They say I can't get into see the specialist till Jan. I have more conetions then my Doctor, so I will get an appiontment before then I am sure as i have seen ruemalolagist in the past for my fibro. I need to get a c reactive protien test tomorrow and then they will start me on prednisone, I hope that gives me enough energy to fight for an earlier appiontment. Some specialist travel and come to smaller areas, it takes longer for an appiontment but it's better than nothing. Thats why my appiontment will take so long. But i will travel to see one sooner. But that is tomorrows problem.Oh Milly I am sorry to hear about the RA. And wow you are not kidding. Until Jan? Glad to hear that you have connections.
Thanks for the advice.
I've had fibro for years. I think my ortho, my knee surgen can get me in alot quicker. Plus i had seen a few in the past for the fibro so that may help.Thats what i hope anyway.Shy, I'm really concerned your doctor may not be treating you aggresively enough. I'm no expert, but I've learned a great deal over the past six months from my research and informaiton on these boards and discussions with my RD and it seems the theory among specialists these days is to hit the RA hard and early on. I really wish you'd see an RD. It's too important not to. Don't play around with this disease.
Shy,
I agree with Jessee.... It dosen't matter how old you are, you need to be on something that slows down the progression of this horrible disease. I think you outta get a referal too. The earlier you do something the better, cause once you have damage thats it.
Hugs
Hi Shy, Your doctor has given you nothing to treat RA. Endotolac is an NSAID. It will help with the inflammation but not slow the damage caused by RA. RA causes damage to your joints many times silently. If you have the lab markers for RA then you need to be treated aggressively. Your doctor is doing you a disservice by not treating the disease. I'm sorry that I had to say that, but it's the truth and you came to this forum seeking answers. I won't gloss over the truth.
How serious your RA isn't dependent on how young or old you are. I don't understand why he would make a statement like that. RA shows no mercy. It attacks the young and the aged the same. Because you're newly diagnosed you have a much better chance of reaching remission. Remember there is NO CURE for RA. But the earlier you start aggressive treatment the better your chances of slowing the damage.
Did your doctor make a diagnosis of RA based on blood labs? Have you had xrays for a baseline?
Even if the rheumatologist is in another town, you need to get a referral from your doctor and make an appt. Like many have said before, you won't get an appt. right away, so you'll have time to arrange transportation. Once you've seen the RD then possibly your regular doctor can handle any follow-up. Maybe the RD and your regular doctor can consult with one another by phone and then treat you.
Please take all of this advice seriously or you will end up with damaged joints that won't get better - ever. Please keep us posted. I hope that you can find a solution and that the specialist and your doctor can work together. Please call your doctor about your wrists. Lindy.