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Dawn0's Story

Dawn1207@worldnet.att.net 

Hi, I am Dawn0. I am 56 years old and was officially diagnosed with RA two years ago. I had severe symptoms in my 20s and I was put on high dosages of aspirin. I went into remission and never gave it another thought until I had a total hip replacement 5 years ago. I had developed two large cysts in the acetabulum which caused me much pain and finally ended up in a wheelchair. At that time of the surgery RA was not mentioned now it is thought the RA may have contributed to my developing cysts.

I am currently on NSAIDS, DMARDS, prednisone, folic acid, MTX injections, and Sulfasalazine. My RD is working with my HMO to have me change to Enbrel or Remicade. I have not had a lot of relief with the meds, although I am still in the beginning stages of the disease, my RD says it is quite aggressive and he is not happy with my progress. I can see changes in my joints, especially in my fingers.

Learning to live with RA is a constant challenge. I have a supportive family and they understand how hard it is for me to function some days. Outside of my family there are few people who understand what RA is and I don't try to educate them anymore. There is emotional pain that goes along with the physical pain so I also take Prozac. It has helped some.

It is the little things that drive me to distraction, when I lift a pan and my hands lock up and I have to ask for help. The little things we all took for granted are major roadblocks on some days. I am hoping one of the new drugs will work for me, I will not give in to this disease instead I modify my life accordingly.