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Hi all-
I'm so glad I found this site because I am feeling so lost and alone right now. My name is Kelly and I am 34, married happily and the mom to a vivacious 4-year old who's wondering what happened to his energetic mommy. I am a professional photographer but my business is suffering right now since I never know what days I'll feel  ok. 

Here's my story --
About 6 months ago, I started having joint pain and noticed my fingers were very swollen. My endocrinologist said my rheumatoid factor was elevated and sent me to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist put me on prednisone (10mg) -- apparently I'm still in a "grey" area where she has not officially diagnosed me with RA.  The problem is I'm sick as hell.  My knees and hands are killing me but the worst part is the fatigue. I cannot get out of bed some days. I also am having episodes of horrible cold sweats. Is this part of the disease? I do not have a fever, just sweats. I spend alot of time in the bathtub these days.  Do the RA meds that are out there help with these symptoms?

Obviously I have lots to learn. Any suggestions or opinions are welcome.

Hugs,
Kelly

 

Welcome Kelly!!!!

 

Mo3

momofthree39424.0255439815Welcome. I hope your doctors get you fiqured out soon and get you better. Welcome. I get fatique and my temp goes up and down. I never know what temp it really is. I do sweat alot.Hi Kelly, I had the same problems with the Prednisone, made me sweat heaps, still does, unfortunately, you have had to visit us here, I am so sorry for that but you will find caring understanding people here who will really help you when you need it and soon you'll find you'll be helping others.  I am sure if and when you get the diagnosis, the Rheumy will start you on the stronger meds, don't worry too much, it can take a while to get the right mix.  You will need understanding, love and support from wherever you can get it, the fatigue I am afraid goes hand in hand with the disease, most people never shake that, but you never know, you might be lucky, keep your chin up, you could still possibly go into remission too, keep your fingers crossed, I will pray for you, hugs Janie.  I had a 4yr old and a newborn when diagnosed, that will be tough on you, can you get family help at all.  Feel free to PM me if you need any other help.

Hi Kelly

Welcome to AI but sorry you have to meet us this way. The meds prescribed for RA can be a bit hit and miss at first until you find the right combination. You might be lucky and get the right medication that suits you straight off. The meds can take a while to kick in but when they do they will help to a certain degree. There is no miracle drug out there but a lot of people live normal virtually pain free lives on the meds prescribed. This disease has so many faces to it and fatigue is a huge one. It can be worse than the pain itself. You have to pace yourself through out the day making sure you do get time to rest and time for gentle exercise. I know you have a four year old and resting might be difficult but even if you cuddle up together and watch a movie or read a book it makes all the difference.

The sickness and the sweating might be from the pred. but RA can cause you to feel sick and have sweats too.

I really wish there were definete answers. I hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted and take care

Lots of hugs

Lisa

HI Kelly welcome to AI.  Sorry you have to be here but Im glad you found us. There is a lot of good information on the board,  feel free to ask any question you may have.  The pred can cause nightsweats from what I hear.  I never have had them but I use to be VERY cold prior to my RA and now im close to being "nomal".  WHat kind of photography do you do?  There are some others on the board that does that as well and Id love to see some of your work as well.

~ShannoN~

Hi Kelly,

I am newly diagnosed and my story is similar to yours.  My RD is of the thought that with early dx and aggressive treatment he can prevent joint damage.  Like so many here I am still on the quest for the right combination of drugs but I have been close.  You will find a wealth of knowledge and support at AI.  Talk to your RD and if you don't feel you are getting answers, get a second opinion. 

Connie

Hello Kelly and welcome!  There is much to learn and educating yourself in this disease is a wonderful first step.  Yes, there is medication that helps but it is different for everyone and takes time to discover what works for you. 


Hi and welcome Kelly, you've been given good advice from the others.  The only thing I have to add,  question your doctor more closely about why they're waiting to start treatment.  You've been on Pred. and not better, in fact worse, and I would think that the next logical step is to start a dmard.  Let us know what the RD says and keep posting.  LindyKelly - you want an rheumatologist who is pro-active and starts aggressive early treatment.  Predisone is a pain deadner.  DMARDS are the drugs that slow down the disease process.  It took nine months on MTX (actually low-dose chemo) before I felt the sensations stopping that my body was eating itself up from inside.  I had a hard, bad weanoff the predisone, so be prepared.  Lots of great advice from the posters ahead of me, welcome aboard, and we are all pulling for you.  Cathy

Hey Kelly -

I had a 5 year old when I was diagnosed (18 months ago) and I soooo know what you mean.  They need so much attention and I couldn't do anything - even take care of myself.

I use antibiotics to treat my PRA and fatigue is usually the first to lift.  I can now get on the floor with my daughter and have tea parties.  Her special toys seem to be junkies - they NEED that tea.

Hugs,

Pip

Hi Kelly, Welcome, but I'm so sorry that you had to find us. The good thing, is that there are lots of people in the same situation as you. Young moms trying to cope with RA and everything it brings with it. You've had lots of great advice so I'll just say I'm glad you're here and I hope you come back with any questions you might have. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is too silly to ask.

Hi Kelly, nice to meet you. I want to second what every one said. Get aggressive with your treatment early on. Does your dr have you on an antiinflammatory? That helps with the pain and swelling. Sweating and fatigue is the norm for a lot of people with ra.

One good thing for me is I live in IL and the winters get cold and I am saving on the heating bill. LOL

take care

Hi  and welcome.

Just wanted to say that pred definately makes me feel better fast but it also makes me sweat buckets - especially at night.

Hi Kelly!

Welcome to this site, and I'm sorry you have to be here, but this is a good group!  I have fibromyalgia and RA.  I was diagnosed with Fibro 23 years ago, and just 6 months ago they diagnosed me with RA.  I think I had it for 17 years prior.  I'm on Methotrexate, Folic Acid and Enbrel. The Enbrel seems to have helped with the sed rate a little.  My fingers were so swollen this morning when I got up, as I'm sure your's are.  I don't get cold and the sweats with the RA, but I'm in menopause, after having a hysterectomy 2 years ago.  Thats where the sweats come from with me.  I would ask your Rhumie about other medications.  Take care, and God Bless!

Dotti51

Hope you have a nice evening.

I have two children (6yrs and 9mos) so I know how you're feeling with battling fatigue and taking care of your child. Sometimes I feel guilty for having to rest, but I know it's needed so I can take care of them to the best of my ability. Even SuperMom needs to lie down from time to time.

Again, welcome to the AI family! Have a superfantastic and extra comfortable evening!

Howdy Kelly,

Welcome!

Hello Kelly,

I'm sorry that you are feeling so bad

I hope you are feeling better soon...if you need me I am here for you!

Lori

yeah, fatigue is bad.  But I'm usually ok till around 5:00.  and I'm absolutely useless after 7:00.  by the time I get home and make dinner (when i feel good enough to do that), i'm pretty much washed out.  Welcome aboard, both you guys.  So glad you found us.  There's a wealth of combined knowledge here.  Never be afraid to ask.Hi - and just wanted to say welcome aboard the train!   Great to have you here, but not the reason!!   Welcome!  Just thought I'd add my two cents on the night sweats ... definitely can be from RA.  I had them bad for a year before my diagnosis and for months before my meds kicked in.  I never did pred. so for me it was the RA.  I'm happy to report that as my meds improved my condition my pain, swelling, night sweats and fatigue have all diminished significantly.
 
Wishing you the best,
Joy
Kelly, welcome to the board. i have a question. Why are you seeing an
endocrinologist? Is there something else going on with your health besides
this onset of pain?
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