Becoming your own healthcare advocate

By faithL Sunday, March 02, 2008

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I'm 28 years old and recently visited a Primary Care Doctor for chronic, intense joint pain that seemed to be worsening over time. It took about 3-4 months of daily joint pain (knees, wrists, hips, ankles) for me to finally decide that something needed to be done. My Primary Care Doctor did an exam, history, ordered blood tests, and prescribed Ultram and Ibuprofin. My RF was 21 and I had a positive ANA. She referred me to a rheumatologist

The rheumatologist ordered xrays and another battery of bloodwork. RF was 24, positive ANA, and positive SS-B. Because I presented with good range of motion and no joint inflamation, he thinks I have mild Rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus. I was given Prednisone and Plaquenil. No pain meds, the prednisone makes a difference but I waws still in chronic pain. I refilled my Ultram from Dr #1 and that combined with the steriods gave me life back. There are some days where I do nothing in the morning until the stiffness passes and the Ultram kicks in, and some nights I don't sleep very much at all. But the daytime hours are much better.

At the end of March I return to the rheumatologist to check on my progress.

When your Doctor only treats the disease

Comments (8) | Add comment

Drenda Thompson

3/ 4/08 9:52am

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

faithL

4/ 7/08 5:20pm

Thank you for the comment, it means a lot to me.

Hollybgroovin, Health Guide

3/ 4/08 10:43pm

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!

faithL

4/ 7/08 5:23pm

Thank you very much for the kind words; I don't feel like an inspiration, I feel like I need inspiration! Something still feels wrong, and my Doctor doesn't seem to care. He made it clear that he doesn't treat pain, he treats the disease. My movement is fine, there is no or minimal swelling with the meds I'm on, but I still have burning pain. I'm at the point where I think I'll always be in pain.

Cindy

3/11/08 11:18am

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

faithL

4/ 7/08 5:24pm

I told my Dr last week at my appt that the prednisone was making me ill, so he weaned me off and put me on naprosyn. So now I'm on naprosyn and a DMARD (plaquenil). I am in pain again now, though. The naprosyn doesn't stop the burning in my affected joints.

jen

4/ 6/08 9:13am

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.

faithL

4/ 7/08 5:27pm

I am no Doctor, nor have I been an RA patient for long at all. But, I do feel confident in saying that if you have been clearly diagnosed by a rheumatologist with RA, you should be put on either a DMARD or Biological modifier in addition to prednisone. The prednisone will suppress the immune system and reduce swelling, but it won't slow down the progression of your disease. Ask your Rheumatologist if a DMARD or biological modifier is right for you.

Good Luck!

Becoming your own healthcare advocate

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