Home Community Member Stories Kiki

Kiki's Story

ksniche@swbell.net

Hi , My name is Kiki. I am 26 and have just been diagnosed with RA. It was a diagnosis by elimination because my SED rates are normal and my rheumatoid factor is negative. My rheumy says its probably seronegative rheumatoid and that later in the disease it could turn into seropositive. I had little episodes where my hands would get really stiff and my joints would swell. these episodes would only last 4-5 days and then go away and not come back for 5-6 months. This went on for about two years. In late august I started another one of those episodes only this time it hit with a vengence and never went away. My regular Dr. thought it might be RA so he sent me to a Rheumy right away. I just started Plaquenil last week and also take prednisone and mobic. My great-grandmother has RA, and has been crippled by it. She is still living so i have gotten to experience what happened to her first hand. It's really scary to be so young and to have a diagnosis like this. The pain sucks and you just get really nervous about what the future holds. I quit college when i got married and just went back last year. I am supposed to start Respiratory therapy school in april, but i am really scared that i might not be able to do it. I can be thankful that i have a wonderful husband (we have been married 7 years, he has a seizure disorder and has been a godsend at helping me cope with having a chronic disease) and a wonderful family that is really supportive. My mom told me that my great-grandmother (85 yr/old) had 13 kids and has lived a productive and active life despite everything, so that if she can do it I can TOO!! I am learning to take each day at a time because that is all you can do. Thanks for reading my sad tale, take care of yourselves!