Becoming your own healthcare advocate

I am glad to hear u took the 1st step. sometimes it does take some doctors longer to figure out whats wrong than others. Don't give up and if you do find out for sure that it is RA please don't feel alone there are many of us on this site who are going through or have been where u r. feel free to write anytime if you have questions or just need a person who understands ur pain and feelings. thats what were all here for just someone to understand and listen. Keep ur head up and keep us informed on how u r.. good luck and hope to hear from u soon.

Drenda thompson

It's great to hear that you are getting treatment!  Too many times people ignore their symptoms and don't get help until after they have damage.  We do have to be our own healthcare advocate.  You are a true inspiration to those who are still scared or putting off going to the doctor.  For those of us who have RA it is very important to get treatment as soon as possible.  Way to go!  Please keep us updated and good luck and best wishes!

Hello,

I started with the same story.  They were thinking RA or Lupus since I have both in my family.  (My mother's brother has RA and sister has Lupus)  Over time it has been determined that I have RA.  Watch the predisone.  I am having trouble getting my doctor to do something other than mask the inflammation with the predisone.  At this point I have taken it for 5 years.  Not good~  I am in the process of finding another doctor since this one just wanted to keep trying drug after drug.  You will get tired of the pain waiting 2-3 months to see if it even will work.  I am maxed out on Methotrexate at this point and he has tried adding many other additional drugs with no success.  I recently moved to another climate which has helped more than any med.

Good Luck, Cindy

I was diagnosed with RA on March 5, 2008. So far, the only drug I am on is prednisone. I feel that it isn't doing much; well, I take that back, I am able to walk ad go downstairs. Does it completely eliminate the pain: no, but I don't want to take higher doses of it. My RA is supposed to be one of the best in our area, but I don't know whether I agree with that or not. I have called with many questions and I never get a call back. I am currently looking for another doctor.

 

This disease is so hard in that I don't know anyone else with it. I have numerous questions and just don't know who to ask. I appreciate all the blogs and try to read as many as I can. I don't know if I should just be on prednisone and nithing else or is there something else I should be trying?  I am only 34. Thanks for your blog. Good luck -- I am hoping to find another doctor soon.