Hi Everyone, I'm a new member | Arthritis Information

Hello everyone! I am a mother of 1 and 27 years old. I have had symptoms of RA since I was 16, I have been to the doctor numerous times in the past 11 years. I have been put on arthritis meds that did not work as well as had xrays which showed inflammation to my fingers and knee. I have seen an orthopedic doctor as well and none of which ever gave me a diagnoses or any relief for my pain. I felt as though they thought I was a hypochondriac or something.

I have had enough this year. It has been filled with pain and I was at my breaking point. I could barely get off the couch because my body hurt so much. Every muscle and joint, I was stricken with chronic fatigue again. How could this be normal at 27 years old? It wasn't! My finger is taped because it is causing me so much pain and I don't know what to do. I sought out a new doctor and was finally diagnosed with RA. I was not very shocked to hear that, although it is upsetting. I am just relieved to have an answer and not have to hide the pain anymore. RA has put a huge damper on my life, I struggle to care for my 3yr old and daily activities. Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who does his share to help out.

I see my Rheum next week for the first time and hope to find a coarse of treatment to give me my life back. I was told to start a Gluten-free diet until then. Anyone else doing this? It's tough to stick to the diet, but at this point I will do anything to be normal. I am very scared that I may never go into remission because it's been left untreated for so long Hey, welcome! I'm 21 with jra. I am glad you have a diagnosis now, hopefully the doctors will work with ou and get you on the right meds that you need to feel better!!

As for the gluten free stuff, I am gluten free. I have celiac ( another autoimmune problem) so ibhabe to eat gluten free. It's not so hard to be gf all te stores have food and many restaurants have a special menu

Why were you told to be gf For your stomach or joints?

I'm on it solely for my stomach indont feel. Difference with it without out as far as my joints go, but I hope it works for you!

MoMo, welcome to the board! There are many very nice people here who will have an answer for you. I am sorry that you have this disease and it can be very painful and discouraging at first, but your Doctor can advise you and put you on the right track. In the mean time I am Huggin ya! Hi Momo, I am new here also, about 2-3 weeks ago. Welcome! There is lots of good information here among the people. I am a bit older, my youngest son is 19, 2 "girls" in their 20s. I can't imagine the challenge you have caring for a toddler with this RA stuff. On the other hand, I've read many reports from people here that they can become symptom free for 15 years, 20 years, etc. once the right medications are put to work. So we will keep the hope!!!

Roland

And oh, I forgot, the people here let me WHINE once in a while. Hi Momo, welcome!

Gluten Free diet... Well, I'm not sure, I havent heard of that. I have read a few books where they swear eating a certain way cured them and asked my Rheumy and PCP if changing my diet, taking things out of it, etc would help because you here this sometimes from others. She and my PCP both said this wont make any difference or help. But there are others that swear their RA flares up more when they eat certain foods.

I'm sure once you see your Rheumy you will feel more hopeful. I started off with Plaquenil though its more for mild RA and I dont think slows the disease. I dont think that was the right course for me (i switched Rheumys) I then went to methotrexate, prednisone mix and now Enbrel. It may be trial and error until they find just the right combo for you so dont give up . I'm sure you're thinking right now anything is better than nothing... Running around after little kids has got to be hard . Maybe write down a list of questions to bring with you. I know i had manyquestions in the beginning. You can do a search on here also to find different topics we have all talked about which helped me as well to learn about different things and what other treatments others are going through.

Dont give up about not going into remission. There are lots of medications to try, and try not to be scared about all the big drugs, you need the big guns right now to get this under control you know?

BIG HUGS! You will be ok, and I know feel better after you start seeing your Rheumy.

I just wanted to say welome and that I wish you the best.
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