Hi everyone, I am new to all this :( | Arthritis Information

 

I was just diagnosed with RA this past Saturday. I have very mild symptoms my dr. says it's bad that I have it but it's good that I am at the early stages, although I have already been cutting back a lot on working out, which it's so hard since I have been doing weights all my life. And to top it off it's hard when I wear heels.

I hate to sound like a downer but I am going through all the emotional stress and depression that this disease makes you go through. Lately I'vce been extremely sensitive about it and going through the "why me" part.

I have been feeling mild burning sensation in different parts of the body and mild joint pain. Also, I want to know is feeling tightness in the spinal area normal, I have been stretching my mid and low back alot and I have been feeling so much tenderness in that area I wonder if this is part of the RA? Anyone else feels that??


Another issue is that I am turning 36 on Monday, woopdeedoo (nice gift my body gave me), and I am actually seriously thinking of not having children because of this. Should this be a reason for me to live a childless life? I wasn't 100% sure of having kids anyway.

Thanks to all for letting my vent :)Hello, I have just recently started posting here and there, so I am new to this forum but not to RA. I was diagnosed when I was pregnant with my third child at age 27, I am now 35. Before being diagnosed I was always very active, for a while I let RA stop me in my tracks, about 2 years ago I finally got my rear out of my recliner and starting moving again. Starting with water aerobics and making my way back to weights. Things are not the same as they once were, but very close, I just have to remind myself to pay attention to my body and not over do it. I work out as often as 5 days a week so dont think you will have to give up all you love to do. It is a scary diagnosis, but you are lucky that it was caught early so you can get started on the right medications and hopefully stop it from progressing. I am a big believer in exercise, I know that in my experience it helps me feel better when I am feeling depressed and down. Take care, and good luck!

Welcome to the board, although I'm sorry for the reason you had to find us.  The emotional feelings you're having are valid and totally understandable.  In my early time with RA I became severely depressed and some counseling helped me a lot.  My social worker helped me realize that RA is a cyclical disease with ups and downs. 

The good news is that with the right medications you can definitely keep working out.  In fact it is very important that you keep working out!  As for your back pain - well they say RA doesn't affect the spine - or so I've read some years ago, that may have changed - but my backaches got worse after my diagnosis.  I find that using a stability ball helps a lot.  I also do Pilates regularly. 

Another factor that could be bothering your back is your high heels, if you are in pain in other joints and wearing heels, it could be affecting your gait and throwing something out of wack.  Just my opinions.  I miss wearing heels, the only reason I don't wear them anymore is because I had metatarsal surgery a few years ago and it's just not feasible anymore. 

Best wishes to you - I hope you have a good doctor and get regulated soon.
I am not taking any meds just yet as I have my dr. appt. this coming friday, and the family dr. will decide then if I need to be referred to a specialist. Again, I know how luck I am since it's very mild for me but I am just concerned as to how quickly this disease can unravel. I am sure I will be taking some type of preventitive med. For those who take that already does that make all the symptoms go away and is this med that needs to be taken everyday??? Thanks for all those who respond.HI Grizzly!

Sorry you find yourself "one of us"

Getting angry and grieving is part of the process... We've all been there .. done that.  :(

It sometimes helps to come here and vent away!!  We are good listeners.

I would like to tell you that, when I had a large flare three years ago.. I stopped doing any exercise including walking much... I am paying for that now..
I have bursitis of the hips because i let them get lazy and now that I feel great again, I expect them to get with it... and they are rebelling.. painfully!! I wish I had forced myself to do more.. so the good movements are important. 

I hope you do see a specialist.... the advantage to being diagnosed early is getting the right treatment early and stopping this disease from tromping over your body.

Good luck!!

Welcome to the forum!

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