Hi everyone. Im a 45 year old female diagnosed 6 months ago with RA. I have had scleroderma diagnoses since I was 20 years old with affects my internal organs as opposed to external being skin. I have pulmonary fibrosis GI symptoms, fibromylagia. I was not taking any medications for my scleroderma except nexium and vioxx. It came as a surprise to me when I got the additional diagnoses of RA. I am a RN. disabled at the moment. Aprox. 9 months ago I had cervical disectomy C3,4,5, and a metal plate implanted. I got hurt while trying to lift a patient. I was in agony and receiving workermans comp and opted for the surgery. What a dissaster. About one month after the surgery things started happening to my body that I didnt understand. I couldnt walk. Fluid filled up in my knees with pain unbelievable. I was stiff and I could lift my body off the bed without help. I couldnt sleep or eat I lost 40 lbs in 2 months and I could not find anyone to help me. My rheum. who I had been going to for several years was the biggest disappointment. I went to see him crying with pain and he told me that I had fibromyalgia and there was nothing I could do aabout it. He gave me arthrotec and sent me home. I told him I think I have Rheumotiod Arthritis and he yelled at me and said that it was a serious accustation I was making and that he was the doctor and I was the patient. Wouldnt even draw bloods, didnt take me seriously. I never went back to see him again. I do plan to tell him off one day. I wish I could sue him for something. Anyway I found a new doctor and was proplerly diagnosed.. I really shouldnt surprised because my mom had RA I just didnt think that I could be given any more stuff to handle. The surgery on my neck was somewhat helpful but not totally because I believe I had arththrits all along in the neck. Anyway because of my pulmonary fibroses I cannot take some of the new medications and old. I currently on Immuran 50mg 3 times a day, Medrolpred. toatal 16mg a day and Remicaid. Before the remicaid I couldnt walk. But just last week I had an adverse reaction and could not tolerate the infusion. I cannot get the disease undercontrol at this time. Ill be good for about a week and then flare after flare after flare. My mom died at the age of 59. She had methotrexate lung and was in clincal trials for humera when she died. THen I had an Aunt die a year after mom was never diagnosed with any autoimmune disorder and when her autopsy was done she had pulmonary fibrosis. So I am very afraid that I too will meet the fate. I seem to be living my moms life. It may sound crazy but Its something you just know deep down inside. My auunt was even younger than my mom. My doctor wanted to start taking Arava and I called the drug company and they did not recommend it because of my pulmonary fibrosis. I told this to my doctor and he said they really dont know for sure the effects with the lungs. But its a chance Im not willing to take. Ive said too much I know I could go on forever. Im glad I found this page.
Hi Gale,
Nice to meet you. Wow, that's quite a history, I'm sorry for all you've been through. My name is Pam, I'm a 44 yo wife and mother that has just been diagnosed with RA. I stumbled upon this site and found some wonderful friends here. It is a great place to chat with people that truly understand what you're going through. I'm glad you found us. I am going to take your post and put it up in the Rheumatoid Arthritis forum. It is always busy there, and I know everyone would like to meet you. So check there for replies.
Welcome,
Just so you know you are in the Rheumatoid Arthritis forum now and the name of the thread is "welcome, Gale".
Hope to see ya there soon,
Pam