Hello everyone:)
I have been voyering your messages for about a week now and am so glad to find you! And have learned a great deal!! I have looked at other RA message boards and they have not been the kind of positive energy that you all seems to share.
I am newly diagnosed with RA (possibly others as well; sjogrens, lupus, scleroderma, and other terms on my papers:) My General Dr referrred me right away to Rheumotologist. My appointment is this coming wednesday...will take any advice :) learning as i go...
I have had a severe birth defect in my neck that I have dealt with all of my life - so the pain has never been a big deal. I decided early to handle it on my own. But about a year ago - life changed so fast - like flipping a switch. I was exhausted - beyond understanding, my neck hurt so much worse, didn't want to work out at all (I love(ed) physical exercice - yoga, weights, running) other parts didn't work right - just didn't feellike my body anymore...don't even want to exercise now...
In january, my neck completely froze in spasms, went to ER (x-rays showed every possible cell was eaten up with Arthritis after dr's visits, tests, etc - just got the official test results - stillwaitingfor detailed interpretation of the results (just sure it is RA...)referred me to neurosurgeon in VA - no surgery possible - too severe and dangerous (just monitor every six months) and RA is the thing to address...
I am 41, incredible workaholic, love what i do ( I am a theatre artist - actor, director, movement specialist - with my own theatre in the Appalachian mountains of east KY and I am the county fine arts cooperative extension agent) I do much rural community and econ development through the arts...single, with a magnificent man ( i keep hoping he will make it through this with me without me panicing that i am a bother - we jsut got together as i was discovering all of this new stuff) I have moved back to the mountains to do this work and be a daughter for the time I can with my parents (have lived and worked everywhere) have no children - other than the theatre kids that i get to raise through the arts and as their mentor.
IBS (long time friend) tends to complicate the journey a bit (and they took the ibs med off the market two weeks ago - zelnorm...)
I look forward to being a part of this board and adding to someone else's journey any bit possible.
Currently on anti-inflammatory drug, SAM-e, Glucosamine, and the undying love of a cat!!! and trying to keep the ibs symptoms down...
Thank you all for being here and being such postive proactive warriors...
Dear Stephanie, WELCOME, I'm pretty new here myself as I just posted for the first time in Feb. I must go out to our local Library Book sale, to support 'the Friends', but will send you another message real sooooon. You have an interesting story and life, I love live theater. sarahWelcome! I'm a newbie too.....but this is an awesome place for support and information!
Welcome aboard!!! you will have great support here,lots of love,understanding and knowledge from these folks. I am newly diagnosed as well, this board has helped me greatly.
kel
Welcome! You sound like a very busy person, working with children. It can be so rewarding. Come back and let us know what your Rheumy says on Wed. It takes a bit of time for the right diagnoses and combo of meds that works - everyone is different. He will probably do loads of bloodwork and more x-rays. I was taken off Zelnorm as well two weeks ago. Were you given anything in it's place? Take care!Hi and a big welcome to you! One piece of advice would be to write down any questions you may have and a list of all symptoms. You will first of all not forget an important question and can refer to your notes if the Dr has symptom questions. I found this one out the hard way.
Good luck at your appt. and let us know.
Take care.
Howdy and welcome to the gang! Glad to see there's another theatre person onboard! My family and I are very actively involved in regional theater in Connecticut, though I haven't been able to very much lately since the old body is wearing out.
My roots are southern WV hillbilly, so you and I could do our own theatrical version of The Hatfields and The McCoys!
Anyway, glad you're here!
Karen
Hi and welcome to the board!! You have the most rewarding career! What a great thing to do to mentor kids! They sure need it now a days.
Yep, you can not be a workaholic with RA. Trust me on this one. And I don't even work out of the house.
With lots of communication and learning together about RA...I'm betting you and your wonderful boyfriend will stay together and grow together despite this RA. I have been married for 15 years...diagnosed way back in my 20's but just now getting bad with the RA and my husband has stuck around and been just wonderful.
Gotta love the undying love of a cat or any animal that you are bonded with. My dog is buddy and my constant companion and just knows wheen I am down and sick and always manages to make me better.
Look forward to hearing more from you!!!
Welcome to the board. You've come to a good place. Good luck for Wednesday.Welcome. I was just diagnosed a few months ago. I am 45. You will get a lot of good support and advice here. I hope you begin to improve very soon. I am trying to keep on working full-time too and it is hard, but I am thinking things will get better eventually.
Laker
Welcome to the board.hi, & welcome. Let us know what the dr says on weds. Keep keeping on!!