New.... | Arthritis Information

 

Hi. I have been searching for information on RA and associated issues and came across this board. I recently went to the Dr with extreme foot pain x2 months and knee pain x3 weeks. He ordered xrays of both feet and both knees and they said that I have arthritis in my knees. Since I am only 32 he was somewhat concerned that I would have defined arthritis in my knees and started asking about family history. I have a niece with jra and he decided to test me. I had my follow up with him today and he said that my rheumatoid factor is positive and he is sending me to a rheumatologist. After looking online and reading so many stories I see things that I have experienced yet would not have connected really since I am not one to actually go to the dr unless I simply cant function and didnt go for previous pains. My questions are what to expect from the rheumatologist, does the rheumatoid factor positive/xrays/ and pain factors mean that this is ra?, and any advice in general would be great! I am a mother of 5 very active young ones and this is way slowing me down and simply annoying to be in pain for "no apparent reason".  Welcome, though sorry for  your diagnosis.

http://www.arthritisinsight.com/medical/new/first.html

That's a great link for the first appointment....

Things to expect: A fairly long appointment (usually takes a while to get that first appointment so the doctor can have a free block of time) -- a thorough joint assessment -- lots of bloodwork - probably as much that first time as you've ever experienced. It is not unusual to experience a wait before getting a definitive diagnosis while doctor gets lab work, orders studies as he/she thinks warranted, etc. If diagnosed, you'll need to get familiar with the terminology, the drugs, the lab work etc. Be your own best researcher. Don't be afraid to have a dialogue with your doctor. If your doctor doesn't talk to you and answer your questions, that doctor needs to be fired and a new one found. NOTE: A positive RA factor doesn't necessarily mean you have RA. Good luck!Hi, Cann!! Having RA and young kiddos can be a challenge at times, but it's definitely do-able. When my littlest was smaller I had some difficulty, but now that he's a toddler he's starting to understand more that Momma can't do certain things. But that sucks too cause he knows I can't run after him! Hahaha! Little butthead. ;) Just don't beat yourself up over things you can't do. Always focus on everything you CAN do.