Hello Everyone,
I just discovered this site yesterday and registered. I've replied to a couple of posts, but it occurred to me that I should come here and introduce myself. I was dx'd in 2000 after 6 years of increasing bilateral joint pain and stiffness in my hands, feet, and knees. I am seronegative, which seems to make little difference in how RA has caused me stiffness and pain. I also have Sjogren's and IBS. Am a computer professional, married, and a mom of 5 and a grandma to 1 (he is 4 months old today!). I have long sought a place such as this Forum in which to learn, to share, and to find people with similar interests.
dx'd RA 2000; meds: MTX, Folic Acid, Plaquenil, Relafen, Evoxac,Fosamax, Calcium Citrate, and Multi-vitamin
Hi Molly,
Welcome to the board! I'm so glad you found us!! Someone posted that this is like a second family....it really is
I am so happy to know you have found a great place to share and find friendship and support.
WELCOME!!
Welcome aboard. I too find this site invaluable. It is so nice to know that I have similarities to others. Basically, I'm trying to say I now feel normal whereas before, I was never sure. I'd ask the rheumy if other RA sufferers had the same problems but he just droned on. Here I can sure my experiences with others and they can share their experiences and I have calmed down (so to speak) and relax. I'm sorry others have to go through this but there is nothing like talking to someone who can emphasize with you.
I have had my problems since I was a kid (4 years old) but wasn't dx'd until about two years ago and I'm now 43. I'm very very lucky because my RA has progressed very slowly. I am also seronegative and I swell less than 1% of the time which is good because that causes damage. I experience the fatigue, low grade fevers and lots of deep aching in the joints and stabbing pains. I'm on mtx and when the aching is 24x7 the predisone which I hate.
I have a 19 year old son who has already been married and divorced and has a daughter. He has always tried to grow up too fast and the marriage and daughter is a great example of it. I have a 16 year old daughter and have been married for 24 years. I work full-time and try very hard to exercise. I have a hard time keeping up on everything like housework, etc., but I keep trying which all that we can do.
Welcome and take care!
Welcome Molly Bee!!
This group of folks have quickly become very important to me as well. Rarely does a day go by that I don't at least check in to make sure all of my friends here are doing ok. I've found the support here to be more valuable than any other resouce in my 11 years with this disease. I hope you will have the same experience as well.
Do you take Fosamax for osteoporosis? I noticed it on your meds list and was curious because I didn't see you mention that in your list of problems. If so I'd be interested in talking to you about the progression of that disease as well.
Welcome Again Molly Bee (Cute screen name). We're thrilled you've found us and hope you'll become a regular participant in our discussions.
Take Care,
Lovie
Thanks for the warm welcome!! I forgot to mention that I also have osteopenia (not osteoporosis yet) and since my doctor is cautious, he has me on Fosamax to help prevent further bone loss. I already lost 1.5" in height so I am trying to keep what I've got now. I am told that RA can cause lower bone density all by itself, and coupled with steroids for periodic flareups, it's good to keep an eye on that.
My kids range from 19 to 29 with only one married thus far (the eldest) and I still have 2 in college.
So far I note much optimism and camaraderie here. This can be an isolating disease because I know of no one else who has it. I also have the stiffness rather than the usual swelling. Last November I did experience a very swollen wrist and hand and the pain was unbearable. A cortisone injection brought relief but I suffered for a few days before I got it. I know others have it far worse than I do. I can work full-time and manage my home, but I do notice that short rest periods or even a (rare!) nap really recharges my battery.
Thanks for the welcoming messages!
Molly Bee
Welcome Molly Bee
This is a great place with a lot of really nice people here. You'll enjoy it.
Mike
Glad you are here!!! meme
Welcome Molly,
You've found a great group of people.
Molly, you described RA very well. For me it's been very isolating, I didn't have any friends with RA and now I have all of you. It's a support system that I wish I would have had all along.
I have also have osteopenia. They don't seem to think it's much too worry about right now although they did insist that HRT would be a good idea. It was recommended that I have another bone density scan this fall to see how it's progressing. I don't know much about it and I hope to discuss this topic more later.
Lovie
Welcome
BarbHey Hey! Hope im not too late on welcoming you! hehe. I must agree that
this place is amazing, just the information alone is great. Its one
thing to read stuff over the net about your disease but when its an
actual person that is experiencing it, its completely different. I love
this place and I hope you become a regular. Its hard not too hehe :)
Good Luck and *hugs*! Once again, WELCOME!!!!!
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