new and scared | Arthritis Information

Ok...I'll start with I am 26 yrs old and live in NY. I have had pain in my knees for years now..it started when I was about 18. At the time I thought it was from work. I was doing banquet waitressing and was lifting very heavy trays. Then it went away. I have had the pain on and off since then but always found a reason. Then my wrist started hurting, and i remembered falling on it once years ago so I again had a reason.

The past 7 months or so the pain has been getting worse. Now its in my shoulders and ankles as well. When I would try to explain it I felt like I sounded crazy. "Its not like pain really its more of an ache..like in the middle..you know like maybe the bone"...lol. Nobody ever got it. Still I didnt go to the Dr. I started seeing a therapist, because I was just so tired all of the time and thought it was due to depression. I have put on 35lbs since June..which on a 5ft tall girl is alot. About 2 weeks ago my therapist suggested I get a thyroid profile done, she was fairly certian that was it, and that I should get on ati-depressants. Well the blood test came back, rheumatism, and a positive ana.

This was Monday and I found this site as soon as I got home. I have been reading all week, just havent had the nerve to post until now. Its snowing like crazy out and my legs are killing me.

I have my first RD appointment on Wed, amd I am freaking out. I think I am more afraid of the meds than anything.

I need to do something because I cant go on like this. My gp gave me a water pill for the swelling hands and feet, and cymbalta for my brain..lol

I guess now I'm just rambling..I just dont have anyone else to talk to about this.

Thanks for listening.... Welcome. You always have us to talk to. Sorry you hurt. Sorry about your test results. The good thing is if you have a positive ana and a positive RF it's best to know so you can do something. Keep reading and feel free to ask questions. Let us know the doctor says. Feel better soon. Hi and OOo Cordy you always have such pretty clips for your posts!!! Heeehee

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You're never rambling with us. We understand how this stuff can sort of "carry you" away. :) You sound a lot more together than you realize I bet. Take deep breaths, and know that there are sooooooooooooo many people who take these meds EVERY DAY! And a lot of them are here, so you can ask lots and lots and lots of questions and you'll get great answers!!

If it makes you feel any better, I'm only 24 and I've got it to. Granted, I've never known any different as I've had it forever - but at least know that you're not alone in being that lovely mid-20s age and having to deal with the stuff that comes along with this disease. :) I am ALWAYS open for a talk (sometimes I don't shut up.....lol)

*hugs*
Welcome. I'm new to this as well, I'm still undiagnosed. Everyone here is very helpful, so ask away. They have been there done that and no questions are stupid (only the ones not asked, lol). Everyone here was once in your (our) shoes and they are a great support system. Well, Erica, this is the third time I've started this and I keep losing it before I can post it.

i've been trying to welcome you. You have found a wonderful group of people who are always willing to talk to you and help you through the bad times. There is a lot of kindness and compassion on this site and, as you have found, it's so good to talk to someone who knows just what you are going thru.

We will also be here for you if you just want to talk or even be a bit silly. I think it's good for us to get goofy and blow off steam sometimes. There are too many times that we all get entirely too serious, because of the nature of our illness. It helps to just have a little fun with our friends sometimes.

So, if you have any questions or need a shoulder or whatever, you are welcome to share them with us. You'll find yourself surrounded by wonderful, caring friends in no time.

Try not to worrry too much. Please let us know how things are going for you.

Gentle hugs, Nini
Hi and welcome! I hope you get feeling better soon and the dr can get you on the right road. Feel free to post anything, anytime. THere's alot of cool people here that have/are going through the same things as you are.
take care and let us know what the doc says
Hi..glad you found the board :)

Hi and welcome -

It came and went? Like with nothing between the attacks? And one wrist instead of two? You might be Palindromic. Check out www.palindromic.org.

Hugs,

Pip

P.S. Don't worry about the meds. They start you on DMARD's usually - and those are pretty low level. You can be on those for years.

P.S.S. So, how did the thyroid panel come out? They did all 4 tests, right? Thyroid has a HUGE impact on this.
Welcome to AI! Thanks everyone for your kind words!!! It so so great to have people that can understand. Makes me feel less like a crazy person..lol. Pip, thanks for the link I checked it out and its something to look into. Also, the Dr that gave me the test said my thyroid was fine, although he also said that I should see an RD but that I shouldnt worry about all this. When he was giving me the results he wouldnt even look at me. Jerk....first and last time I will see him believe me.

Thanks again!Hi and welcome. Great advice, support, advice and hugs to be found here.
Erycalin -

My MD said my thyroid was fine too - she was wrong and now I'm paying the price. :-( If nobody has suggested yet, please start keeping records in a binder. You have a right to all your records, including doctors notes. Get them and go over them yourself. Trust me on this. LOL Pay particular attention to a 4 thyroid tests and mineral panels. If you stay on top of this...you'll get years and years (usually) on low level DMARDS.

Hugs,

Pip

P.S Check out the Palindromic response I gave to the Thela. It might help you.

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