Hi Everyone. I had a sudden onset of RA 4 months ago. I awoke one morning feeling very achey and stiff in my hands and knees. I went to a rheumy that day and had blood tests. The next day I was completely incapacitated. My hands had swollen to twice their size, my knees would hardly bend and my feet ached. This lasted all day. The next day I felt tons better and I continued to feel better everyday for the next 6wks. My rheumy thought I had had parvo virus but the test came back negative. My RF was also negative. So, the doc didn't feel like I had RA.
Now 4 months later I feel pretty good but I am tired a lot. I just feel "something" in my hands. I just know I have something wrong with me. My hands also go tingly and numb at times. I went for my scheduled blood test and the RF has come back positive now. I am waiting for the results of other tests this week. My rheumy believes that I do have RA since the RF changed from negative to positive.
My QUESTION is: What should I do as far as treatment??? My rheumy mentioned starting meds right away. I feel very lucky that my RA has settled after such a dramatic beginning. My mother has had RA for 50 yrs and has had a mild case. My father's mother had a very sever case of RA and ended up crippled. So, I am very concerned that I make the right decision at the beginning of this.
All and any insight are very welcome!!! Thank you all!
Hi Marianne, Sorry to hear you have RA. I'm still waiting to be dx but wanted to say that the people here are probably the best group of people I've ever met in my life. You are SO at the right place for support and great advice. Hang in here, I just know everyone will help you.My doctor reccomends aggressive treatment. No matter how severe the RA is. He believes that you treat it hard and fast and stop the progression- I too woke up one day completely unable to walk or use my hands-
I wish mine had subsided- people tell me that the first year is the worst. I am currently taking all the latest and greatest medications and for the most part am doing better than I was in January.
For me it has been frustrating but at least I am still here. I say get aggressive treatment. Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones and the drugs will be a positive factor.
My Dad has had RA since he was in his 30's- He would have bad flares every couple of years. It did not seem to affect his life too much.
Yes- get a good RA doctor and take the medications and keep moving. Keep posting here and gather all the information you can - When I was first diagnosed I had the RF Factor high sed and high CRP- Last month my blood tests showed the sed and CRP at normal- boy was that good news.
Marianne. When I came down with RA last year I also developed carpal tunnel in both hand. Tingly and fingers totally numb. The most excruciating pain, along with the pain the RA, I've ever had. Had surgery which helped, along with the pred. and mtx. Start aggressive right away and nip this in the bud is what doctors say. I'm glad my doctor did that with me. I'm doing pretty well now.
Susan
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