Hi everyone, so glad to find this board.
I was recently diagnosed with RA and just started on Plaquenil. My RF test came back normal, but I had a sky high ANA along with joint pain that mirrors RA, which was how my Rheumatologist concluded RA.
However, he chose Plaquenil because it also treats Lupus. He felt the high positive on the ANA leaves open the possibility of Lupus, even though the tests specific to Lupus (anti dsDNA) were normal. But I have no skin problems that are symtematic of Lupus, so he's going with RA as the diagnosis. Hope that made sense.
Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself, and see if anyone with RA actively rides a bicycle? That is my passion as far as exercise, but I have a lot of outer hand and wrist pain and am worried it might put too much stress on that area. I should have asked the doctor but completely blanked out with all the talk of medication and treatment, etc. I'm open to new exercise ideas, so thanks for any input or suggestions!
Hi Ginger,
Welcome to the forum. Glad you found us. There's a lot of information and very kind, helpful people here, and that can be very important when you are newly diagnosed.
I'm sure there will be some folks popping in soon to chat about what their exercise choices are. I just wanted to say howdy, and glad you're here!
Karen
Hi Ginger...welcome!
I ride my stationary bike everyday. I don't care how bad I feel, I ride it and it makes me feel better. I also have my treadmill that I use. For me, if I avoid activity, I get too stiff and sore. I certainly can't exercise as long and as hard as I used to before RA, but I won't give it up...it makes me feel better Hi Ginger! Welcome. We're so glad you found us. I find I have to be so careful with any kind of exercise because it seems to make my neuropathy more active...why I don't know. But exercise is so good for you in general, so if you can keep it up without hurting yourself, go for it.
Hi Ginger...I don't bike much, I like running. But here's what I would say...continue with your routine as long as it feels good and isn't causing you pain. Make adjustments if/when you have to, for as long as you have to. Ask your doc next time you see him, or you could even google something like "bike riding and RA" and see if you can find any articles that answer your Q's or have tips that'll help you stay active in the sport you love??
And welcome to the board!
Linda
Welcome Ginger! I am also a semi-newbie but you will find lots of good information on this board. Just ask and you shall receive.
I think I understand what you're going through with the RA diagnosis with the lupus possibility - I've been in the situation for awhile now too. They keep looking out for lupus symptoms but none to date. I also have Raynauds and Sjogrens, but those are easier to deal with for me. How much plaquenil are you on? That is also what I take - I am currently on 400 mg/day.
Hi Ginger, A very warm welcome!, Riding a bike sounds like fun and a great exercise, but i guess it would be hard on wrists, and hands. It may take a while for the plaq. to help you, so that is a question for your doc. I played tennis and golf after being dx-ed with RA, so I sure hope it doesn't get in the way of your bike riding. We need all the exercise we can get. Some people swim, which I think would be great, my only chance would be the local community college, very inconveinent, but I may look into it. good luck with the meds and everything, LyndaHI ginger! Welcome! Everyone else had great ideas about the bike for ya. I like to do pilates. EVer tried them? I have done them for years and never had any problems, lots of ways to modify.Hi Ginger and welcome! I walk when possible for exercise but have been in a big flare lately.
Take care
Thank you for the nice welcome everyone!
I think I will definitely take a 'wait and see' approach and allow the Plaquenil to begin working before I jump back on the bike. In the meantime I'll stick with the stationery bike and fortunately I recently joined the Y which has a pool, treadmill and such. Pilates also sounds like a great idea... I have a DVD around here somewhere.
I'm taking 400 mg's a day, and if it brings the ANA down, he could reduce it in a couple of months.
Again, thanks for the welcome - I'm so glad I found this board!