Saturday, October 24, 2009 Pink23Racer asks

Q: Newly diagnosed with 2 questions?

Hi, I have been newly diagnosed with RA. After suffering from joint pain for 9 years I finially found the cause of the problems, it is a mix of relief at finially having an answer and seveare disapoinment (as I have read many of you express). I have another doctors appt. soon so I will be talking to him but its in a few weeks and I wanted to talk to people who actually have RA to get some answers.

Ok, so just a little about me to help you answer my question. I am 19years old. I am an extremely active person, i never quit. I drive a 180hp race car every saturday night at my local oval track and I am a ranch girl who loves working with my horses and farming. I am graduating with my BA degree this December.

In January I was going to go to farrier school (horse shoeing). Now that I have RA im wondering if this is a good idea. I am planning on going to Graduate school in July because farrier school is only 6weeks. When I get back I wanted to make horse-shoeing my full-time occupation. Is this realistic? Its hard work even for a healthy person, how much will RA prevent me from doing hard physical labor.

I have bad pain in my hands, feet, wrists, and knees. To deal with the pain I usually put on a topical pain cream and take some ibuprofen and then pretend I feel fine. Even when I am feeling really bad I can usually work through it. I am going to start on some RA medication soon. Is it unhealthy to stress your joints (i.e. will it make it worse?) Or is it ok, I realize that I won't be able to be a ferrier for ever. I don't have another plan, this is something I have wanted to do for five years so I want to make it work but I need to know if it is going to cause more damge, same with my raceing. If you have anythoughts please share. I have never met someone with RA so I have no idea about what to do.

My other question has to do with my family. Since my diagnosis my dad has been acting wierd around me. I get that he is sad and everything and this is hard for family to deal with but he is acting like its my fault, or that I want to be sick. And believe me if there was something I could do to get rid of the pain I would, as active as i am i never want to be sick. So I am not sure how to talk to him, if i admit that i dont feel well he kindof acts like im beeing lazy or faking it and then i feel giulty for beeing sick. What can I do?

Thank you for your time. I am glad I found this site to get some information and just get to talk to people who are going through the same thing I am.

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Answers (1)

Feels like the TinMan

10/28/09 7:17pm

Just because you got this terrible rotten disease, doesn't mean life has to end for you. I was diagnosed last summer and within a few months, I could barely hold a toothbrush, couldn't comb my hair, couldn't even button my pants. But, fast forward a year later, and I'm living virtually pain free. I haven't had a flare since that one last summer but I get twinges now and again. I've recently started jogging (I'm by no means ready for a marathon, but hey, I'm trying) so I'm proof that you can live with RA and do what you did before and then some. I love that you drive a race car each weekend.. you go girl!!.

Learn to respect your body's limitations. If you get tired, rest. If it hurts to do something, don't do it. Most importantly, learn to deal with stress, because for me, when I get stressed, I hurt (not bad, but the twinges are much more active). Stay on your meds, and be diligent about. Maybe you'll be lucky like I was and respond right away to the lesser meds (I'm on plaquenil and prednisone).

What you'll find is that when you discuss your ailments, most people won't respond. It's not because they don't care, it's because they don't know what they can do for you (maybe that's your dad's reaction). My husband acted like I was being a big baby about the 'minor joint pain" and when he found me crying in the shower because I couldn't hold my arms up to wash my hair, I think he finally understood that this wasn't just minor joint pain. He still doesn't say much about it, because I know he wants to fix it but he can't. Maybe he's just worried I can't do for him anymore.. whatever the case, I just learned not to talk about it anymore. I come here, get my support and I'm good. No one sees the pain on my face so no one asks questions anymore. I'm ok (now) with that. Sometimes it's just better not to say anything, it's less frustrating. I come her and get my support when I need, and I give support when I'm needed....so it's win win either way.

Do educate yourself and be armed with info when you see the rheumy. They WANT you to be educated about it, and don't be shy about suggesting meds, treatment plans, etc. They'd rather you be proactive in your own care, then sit there and not say a word.

good luck to you and be aggressive! Go on with your life and do something with it....RA doesn't have take it away from you! ~Des

Q: Newly diagnosed with 2 questions?

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