I am new to the forum and was wondering if everyone could share their
time frame of the onset of symptoms, to diagnosis of RA, which meds
you've tried, and how you are feeling now.
Here's mine:
Started at Age: 36 (married, 4 kids)
Symptoms started: February 2005
Stiff neck, wrists, feet, knees, elbows
Diagnosis: May 2005, started MTX
Current Meds: Folic Acid, MTX (15mg) and Humira (since Oct 2005)
Also tired Celebrex, Prednisone, 800mg Motrin (didn't work for me)
Feel almost normal compared to a year ago, Thanks to HUMIRA! Still a
little ways to go, mostly just pain in my wrist.
New test results say RFactor is now in the 60s which is good compared to it being over 500+. Anemia is almost completely gone, all other things look good.
Have OA as well, get x-ray results on the 22nd of this month.
Mom of one 12 year old, married and lucky to work at home. I still have horrible pain due to damage, but far better than being off medication.
time frame of the onset of symptoms, to diagnosis of RA, which meds
you've tried, and how you are feeling now.
I'm now almost 60 and have had arthritis symptoms since my 30's. I was origionally diagnosed with OA and fibromyalgia and only in the last two years they added RA and Sjogren's syndrome.I have probable irritable bowel syndrome too. 2 years ago I had several episodes of skin cancer.
I am currently on 4mg of prednisone, 400mg plaquanil,4 folic acid,methetrexate, enbrel, gluchosamine/condroitin, vitamin D , prempro,metrogel, tylenol extra strength.
Right now the arthritis is partially under control and I am able to walk and move more. My hands are not as big a problem as they were. Before my diagnosis, I had arthritis affecting my spine in 3 places, shoulders, hands, knees, hips, feet, jaw. I could hardly move I was so stiff. I had a lot of trouble sleeping. I am more flexible now but still have trouble getting up when I have been sitting. My legs give out when I get tired walking. Fatigue still continues to be a problem so I am reducing my workload to half time next year.
I am going to bump another thread we did about a month ago that has a ton of info on it that you might find of interest.Regarding your question about the heart, etc. What shanbr is referring to is pericarditis. Have you spoken to your RD about these symptoms? Who you really need to see is a cardiologist. They should to a minimum of an echocardiogram. And the racing heart can be treated easily. I take Toprol XL for that.
It's good to have been checked by the Pulmonologist. Whenever I have chest pains, breathing (I have asthma too but very mild), etc., I end up seeing all three: RD, Pulmonologist and Cardiologist. They all look at the problem differently. Last time the RD and the Pulmonologist didn't see much problem. However, the Cardiologist did. He adjusted my medications and I did much better.
Since this was my third time around with this and the chest pains are very severe (I'm sure Shanbr would agree), I asked my RD what am I supposed know what to do because I also have costochronditis which is very painful and is a detoriation of the breastbone and rib cage (side effect of prednisone, thank you very much). He said if it's been quite awhile since they've done all the tests, I need to get right in, otherwise I need to learn to tell the difference the pain.
Anyway, get it checked out. Definitely see a Cardiologist. Even if you are all clear on that, they will use it as a baseline to track any changes to your heart. For instance, now they can see that the heart muscle is thickening. This needs to be watched, but only requires early visits to the doctors. What they did find is that my blood pressure medicine needed to be upped and I needed a diuretic. The time before is when they put me on Toprol.
If you feel very anxious about it, then you might still want to see a Cardiologist. Women's heart problems are harder to diagnose than men's. But if you just feel like it's a problem you need to address at some time, then see your regular doc. Also, asthma medication can make your heart race. My certainly does. Often times, I reach for a cup of hot tea first instead of using my inhaler because of that. That opens up my passages just enough. Hot coffee can do the same thing.
When I first had the problem with my heart racing, they did all sorts of test where I wore the cardiac monitor for 24 hours, etc. But the racing was very distressing. Nothing ever showed on an EKG as abnormal though. I seem to draw perfect ones. But, as a precaution, my doctor did put me on Toprol because my heart was racing while he was examining me. Now, over time, I know I definitely need it. I think the prednisone is what really makes my heart race though since I seldom need my inhaler.
I didn't mean to worry you. But pericarditis is potentially serious, but without any chest pains, and it really hurts, I doubt it's that.
Did I clarify anything?
my heart races a lot, also. mostly when i'm driving & there's an erratic driver near me. prob because i was in a bad car accident. it also happens when i get nervous or anxious. but it feels like my prob is anxiety. i hate it because no matter how much i try to slow my breathing down & relax my heart still races & it makes my joint pain worse.
momw4kids, i'm glad your chest xray came back ok & your not getting pain there anymore.
Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of anemia. Of course it is also a symptom of being out of shapeFirst, THANK you to everyone that has responded to this topic. You all
It is concerning that your heart rate varies when you change body positions though. That's usually something that needs to be at least discussed with a doctor. Except for the expense of the tests, and if you have good insurance that's not a worry, an exam by Cardiologist could rule out a lot of worries. If it's anxiety, then your regular doctor can give you something. I lot of us are on something for anxiety, depression or both. I think this comes from the variablity of the illness and the trials of dealing with a chronic disease. In that case, talking to either your RD or GP would be good.
Your wrist and elbow sound more like a flare. But usually a flare will affect your entire body. You'll feel sick and tired all over, your body may be hot and swollen in multiple areas, which you have already described. Then, your doctor might want to give you prednisone for a bit of time. The best thing is to rest. Resting must become part of your treatment plan. It is not laziness or avoidance. It is taking care of your body. I think when we rest, it helps turn our overactive immune systems back down. When we overdo, it stirs it all up again. But that's just my theory.
The length of flares seem to vary by individual. I seem to be in a constant flare with good days sprinkled in between. Others have flares rarely. Disease progression can severe and rapid for some and for others it is long and drawn out. You'll eventually learn your own pattern and it will be easier to deal with. If you are fatigued though, rest. If you are in pain, realize why. Is it just entire body aching or a particular part that is giving you a problem?
When you have concentrated pain or swelling in one area, you want your RD to check this out. This can be the beginning of a problem area that needs to be addressed. They may want to do an xray. MRI or just a physcial exam. In some cases where the pain is severe, they might do a cortisone shot. Other cases, they do physical therapy. Point is, don't suffer and don't wait until you have a real problem.
I don't think the pain is related to your medicines. However, when you off these medicines, the disease can begin progressing again. That's why we all throw a fit when we have to go off for an infection. Each time, it costs us something. It takes awhile of being back on the medication to start reaping the benefits again.
Deanna, wow you hit the nail on the head! I had pain in my knee and footI have had arthritis for 30 years now. I am 34. I feel so old sometimes. I have had both knees and hips replaced around college years. They are doing great and wished I had it done in high school, but the age thing kept doctors at bay.
My JRA is currently in a moderate flare up. Nothing is helping but I feel lucky that I can still work and move about so try to stay positive.
I am on Arava and Celebrex. I started Arava in Jan of 2000 and my life changed. I was so amazed at how good I felt. If "normal" people feel that way all the time, we should be a better society.
Enbrel did not work and then caused me to have a skin issue.
Plaquenil caused my face and throat to swell.
Humira caused an allergic reaction.
I may start Remicade or the new drug Orencia. I am worried about this as I will have to a port due to the IV thing.
I am enjoying this sight so far and hope to get know you all more.PinkFlower, Welcome! Sorry to hear about you having
RA for so long. You have a great outlook, though. Yeah, normal people have
no idea how good their lives are. What kind of allergic reaction did Humira
give you? I'm on Humira and am trying to find out everything I can. Thanks!
Enbrel had a similar reaction also. I am so nervous about Remicade, we aren't sure my insurance will go for Orencia. I am a big chicken when it comes to IVs. I have had so many bad experiences it isn't funny.
Hi Momw4kids...My timeline as follows:
Age: 39, diagnosed at age 3 with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Married with 3 sons, ages 6, 3 1/2 and 19 months
Been on everything!!! Currently on:
Daypro ( anti-inflammatory)
Methotrexate 12.5 weekly
Just started Remicade after having no success with Humira & Enbrel
Most severe in neck ( have fused vertebrae due to the RA) and have had left ankle fused and hammertoes fixed at age 15
Going through HELL since birth of my 3rd son...been in constant pain also on pain meds..hopefully Remicade will be my "miracle" !!
Hang tight!!
Chris H.:)