Hello,
Just some background here, I've read through quite a few of the topics and have learned alot, thanks to all that have posted and shared their experiences.
I began having joint pain in July of this year, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, feet and I don't want to leave out my swollen pinkies! My family dr. has run the blood tests and told me two days ago, you have ra. He wanted to give me a steroid shot of some kind and said that it would make me feel wonderful, but first let's see how soon I can get you in to see a rhuematologist. Well, I was lucky to get an appointment for tomorrow morning in St. Louis. Ibuprofen works for me pretty well so I declined the shot. I have no idea what will happen tomorrow, any insight would be appreciated. I seem to be fast approaching being unable to do my job at work. Do you think with treatment that I will be able to continue work? I have a pretty physical job working for a gas utility, been here 23 years. Really a few years from when I planned on retiring. I've got a lot running through my mind now so forgive my rambling. Thanks for listening.
Welcome aboard and sorry that you have to be here.....Hi Rver...welcome!
There are a lot of people who have RA and work. Hopefully you'll be one of them.
As far as your app't goes, I would imagine you'll have a lot of bloodwork done. Your doctor will probably check you out pretty good. He/she might start you off with plaquenil or a low dose of methotrexate.
Let us know how it goes
Good luck!
Kelly
Welcome to the circus!!!
I hope your appt goes smoothly!!
Welcome
I hope you can continue to work. At least a few more years.
Hi and welcome! Be sure to write down any questions you have for the Dr. A lot of us seem to forget some of them during our appts. since being diagnosed is a shock in itself
Let us know how it goes and take care
Hi. I'm new here myself. I just wanted to say, don't count yourself out regarding work, or fun for that matter! I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago - woke up one day and couldn't move my arms - two weeks later I couldn't walk - pretty scary to say the least. Two weeks after that, even though my labs were still high, I was functioning pretty well and have been ever since.Hi, and welcome!!
Your doctor will look at your 'damaged' joints, have you explain all the pain you've been in. Read your tests or have you take some. This is the beginning of your treatment and I know you will feel better just getting information and a plan.
I believe you will be able to continue your work, but it will take a while for these new 'super drugs' to help you. You will probably have to wait a while for that, but they will work!!
I'll be interested in hearing from you after your appointment.
Lynda
Hi!!Totally understand on the pinkie finger. I just got dx monday. Alot to take in. Good Luck
Hey Rver!
Another way to go on the meds is antibiotics. I was early onset severe and had to stop working in June of last year. I'm well enough to go get a job again...but find I want to 'play' a little bit more. LOL
Check out www.roadback.org
Hugs,
Pip
Welcome Rver, Bodak and Nancylynn!!!!! So glad your here!!!! Sorry for what brought you here.
I know this is a lot to take in but there is a lot of caring people here and they know a lot. Keep posting andletusknow how the Dr. goes.
Hello and Welcome to our family.
I am also a male with RA and I see you have gotten lots of good advice already.
I would suggest getting an FMLA packet filled out if you work for a larger company. It will help to protect your job if you do need to be off intermittently.
I think the hardest thing for us guys is the WAITING. Wait for an appointment, wait for this med to see if it will work, then "I am going to increase the dose" wait again to see if it will work. Sorry but we told you so! Be patient.
Jay
[QUOTE=RAJay]I think the hardest thing for us guys is the WAITING. Wait for an appointment, wait for this med to see if it will work, then "I am going to increase the dose" wait again to see if it will work. Sorry but we told you so! Be patient.Jay
[/QUOTE] Aint that the truth. I dread seeing the specialist as I fear a small adjustment to the meds. He ups the dose and I end up worse than before (for a month), then things settle back down.Welcome from another newbie! You will find a lot of help and understanding on this board..I am sure glad I found it! Stick around and ask questions and they'll help the best they can!!!
Welcome to the group!! I'm sure you'd rather be part of a different "club", but everyone here is SO helpful!! I still feel like a newbie, so I don't know a whole lot---but wanted to welcome you. Let us know how your appointment goes! Thanks for all the greetings and good wishes. Back at ya. The appointment with the rd went well. He said we can get you fixed up. Started me on methotrexate. Hey what's that crap about no BEER? Just kidding. Thanks for all the advise, wish I would have written down all of my questions, good idea. I'll have a list for the next appointment. Here's hoping everyone is improving. rver.
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