Hello, I just gave birth in January and a month later I coudn't even get out of bed at night and the morning to feed the little one. All my joints (literally) hurt so bad. My poor husband was a real trooper and helped out a lot. A few weeks later I went to a Rheumatoligist and he diagnosed me with RA. My RA factor was in the 600's and he said I needed to treat this very aggressively. He put me on Prednisone, MTX and a Sulfa drug. I've been on these drugs for a week now. I can pick up my baby now and while I still have some pain, it's nothing like it was a couple of weeks ago. This is all so new to me and happening so fast. Has anyone had RA develop after a pregnancy? And so quickly? I didn't have it happen after pregnancy - a LONG time after. But it did happen pretty much overnight. One day I had a little twinge in one knuckle - I thought it was repetitive stress - and the next day my hands swelled up like sausages. A couple weeks later, it was in my feet, my knees, my elbows, my shoulders.
Can't imagine going through this and trying to take care of a baby at the same time. My heart goes out to you!!
My daughter's RA started after she stopped breast feeding her 2nd child. She did not have any symptoms prior to getting pregnant. I guess itis good I have it and we recognized exactly what it was. The doctors will get your medication where it needs to be and you should begin to have some good days. Take care. Sandy
Congratulations on your baby. My RA developed very slowly over the years. Some people have sudden onset and it can be hormonal. I've heard of people getting it with menopause, so it makes ssense it could happen with all those raging hormones in childbirth.I have been on medication for two weeks. I really can relate to how you feel, but you poor thing caring for such a young child. I give you much credit for the strength in doing such a thing with your current condition.Mine started with just mild weakness in my hands after I had my daughter. 3 years later, after my son was born it bacame worse with weakness and stiffness and mild to moderate joint pain. I knew at that point that I had RA. My doctor at the time told me I needed to go to a Rhuematologist. I never went b/c I new about the meds and I wasnt willing to get on them. I figured why bother. About a year ago I started suffering from severe fatigue and yet I never really thought that the RA could cause such fatigue alone. It wasnt untill January of this year that I litterally had an attack, a flare that overnight took me off of my feet. I couldnt go any where, go upstairs in my house, cook a meal, I couldnt work for certain. I was in so much pain that it scared me. I have a family history of RA and I am a nurse and this RA, this pain...it scared me! I gave in. I went to a RD and got on pred. and MTX. The rest is history. I know that if I grew up around RA and was educated on it and it still frightened me, then for someone who has had no real exposure to have this pop up suddenly it must be pretty traumatic.
All I can tell you is that you have come to the right place for advice and support. Welcome! I am sorry this is affecting you now with a little one. I just recently was fussing about the work involved with my kiddos and they are school age now. My advice now...get a stroller that the infant carrier fits into. You are not going to be able to carry around the baby in the carrier. It is hard with out RA, let alone with all of the pain and weakness. Dont buy anything for the baby with out testing a floor model first to be sure you can opperate all of the snaps, clips, clasps, buckles etc. on high chairs, bouncers, swings, car seats etc. All of that stuff can be impossible to use if your fingers are weak and stiff.
And congrats on your little bundle of joy!!
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com