First Appt. was today :o( | Arthritis Information

 

It's official, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sigh.
I got a blood test & X-Ray today and will be starting Methotrexate next week once the results of the blood test come back. SO, I find myself feeling UNBELIEVABLE releived to know that I have this board to come to when I have questions or concerns. Thank You all for being here!

Sorry Staci.

Things usually improve with treatment. Best of luck with MTX

If that doesn't work there is more stuff - and more coming.

Hi Staci,

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  At least now though you know what you have and can start treating it.  I was diagnosed in February and started taking mtx a week later.  It took about 6 weeks before I could really feel a difference.  I also had some side effects at first, but not as bad now.  Now it is mostly fatigue and stomach upset.

Glad you found the board.  It has been a life saver for me!!

I have never had a lot of luck with medications anyhow.  I have a very low tolerance to drugs.  I always had to take child doses.  So maybe I am a difficult case.

Glad u finally got an answer to what is happening w/you. Not glad its RA tho. But at least u have a great group of people here to help u thru the rough times(and believe me there will be rough times, Im experiencing them now). Sometimes the pain is so overwhelming I wish I could fall asleep and wake up w/o RA. Hopefully the MTX will work for you and you will have relief from your pain.

Shawnie

 

Sorry you are for real with the RA- but like my doctor said- now is a good time to be diagnosed with RA cos there are lots of medicines to offer- but he also said it was an even better time to be an RA Doctor... He has quite the sense of humor....Hang in there and keep on posting here and letting us all know how you are doing...

Peace & Love...Neasy

Thanks everyone! The resulting diagnosis was from a combination of both blood work and symptoms. The problem I have is that the pain is not all THAT bad, (yes, I do have a high tolerance for pain, but still) so should this medication take the pain I do have away? If not, how do I know it is working to stop the progression of the disease? At this point that is my main concern, I'm hoping that with treatment pain won't become a huge concern (ya right

I'm sorry about your Dx; but at least you know what's going on and you can begin treatment. Things should start to improve greatly for you.

We're glad you're here with us.

 

Sorry that you have this crummy stuff. But like the others have said. Now you can start working on feeling better and the doctors will be able to treat you with the right medicine. Don't forget it does take a while to find the right doses with meds and so don't get impatient with the docs. But when you get there it will be better.

Good luck and God Bless!

Staci - you have found a great group of people who know more about RA than the doctors do.  I have been lurking and reading for many weeks. I was diagnosed early in the winter and I'm on MTX.  Didn't like my first RD so I switched and love my new one.  I believe MTX has helped greatly although I was frightened after reading the side effects so learn what you need to know and dismiss the rest.  I am alot older than most of the people who post here and have seen many friends and relatives suffer with RA.  If we have to have this disease it is a good time because there is a lot of stuff out there and much more coming down the pike.  There are many walks this fall - get your supporters out there to help make more awareness of this disease.  Most people haven't a clue as to what RA really is.  We all suffer but what keeps me going is that it could be much worse.  It not CA...
JJ
STACI...SORRY YOUR STUCK WITH RA BUT WITH GOOD MEDS AND THE SUPPORT OF OUR FRIENDS HERE ON THE BOARDS, YOU'LL SURVIVE!!!   MY ADVISE IS TO READ EVERYTHING YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON ABOUT RA AND THE DRUGS.  THEY WILL R YOUR BLLOD WORK REGULARLY TO MONITOR THE INFLAMMATION AND MINE DOES MRI'S OF HANDS TO CHECK ON BONE EROSION.   WE'RE HERE FOR YOU DEAR.   THE GOOD NEWS SEEMS THEY CAUGHT YOURS EARLY AND YOU HAVEN'T BEEN THRU THE BAD FLARES LIKE MANY OF US.....NOT FUN!  GOOD LUCK TO YOU DEAR AND POST OFTEN!
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