Hi Rachel,

First, welcome to the RA family.  I'm curious if you had symptoms before, since you indicate it was  'routine' blood work. I don't think an RA factor test is normal, but you must have been noticed something. Anyway, you've come to the right place. We're all RA folks too.  Some of us are newly diagnosed (like me, 3 months) and some are veterans.   We've got different stories but we're all linked together by this disease.  This website is my new favorite place to visit.  I've learned alot about what to expect.  I'm still learning how things are affecting my pain:  stress, food, etc.  I do know that RA hurts (ALOT).  I like to compare it to being hit by a semi truck and getting wrapped up in the wheels.  That's how it would feel to me if I had to describe it. 

     This week has been a terrible week for me, and I'm just starting to think happy thoughts again, because I must be coming out of a 'flare' (i'm still learning the terminology).   I'm on plaquenil and relefen, and the side effects of these meds (and all the other RA meds) are just as scary as the disease itself.   But you can come here for comfort, support AND laughs (like when Amy posts something).  Once you become more familiar with it, and get over the initial shock of the diagnosis, you'll learn to deal with it.   It's not fun, but don't let it consume you. That only makes things worse.  But, welcome to our little (or big) family. You'll find the support, encouragement and most of all empathy (wait til you hear the "oh, my knees hurt too" because everyone thinks RA is the same as their granny's arthritis) (you'll think of this post when you do hear it)    ~desiree  

Hello there,  hearing a diagnosis can be a scary thing.  I found the most important thing is to find a rheumatologist that you can trust and talk with.  Medications are changing so fast that it is hard for a GP to stay on top of all the options and recommendations.  I asked my GP for a recommendation and got in as soon as I could.  I always write down questions when I think of them and bring out that paper with questions when I meet with the doc.  I have not had a lot of pain, but like I said I got on medications quickly.  I also found it helpful to tell my boss and work out a flexible schedule so I work more when I feel good, and less when I feel crappy.

Hi Rachel, my name is Angela and I was diagnosed two years ago at age 34.  Yes I was shocked just like you, not in my family and I had questions too, like why me??   Please don't be scared, I too was scared, I know the whole process before they actually diagnose is scary but that is part of the routine, they want to make sure you really have it that's why they do all scans and x-rays to rule out anything else as well, that it could be.   Please wait until you see a rheumatologist, they are the ones that can really diagnosed you with RA.  I at times cry to myself and feel sorry for myself, but I think that's part of having RA, you get sad sometimes because really most people don't know what you are going through unless they have the disease themselves.  Because we look soo normal, some people think we are normal.  

I think finding a good rheumatologist and the good combination of medication will help you live a normal life.  I went through two rheumatologists until I found a nice one who listens and asks me questions and takes time with me.   You will probably have try different medication before they find the combination that works for your body.  I right now am taking Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine and have been on sulfa. for about 3 months and I feel really good, I can do most of the things I used to before this terrible disease.  I am actually doing a 10K walking marathon tomorrow!!!  can you believe this, two years ago I couldn't get out of bed without crying in soo much pain.  I just feel blessed that this disease isn't life threatening and we can lead a normal life just like any other person, so long as we control the disease and manage the pain. 

I think the sooner you get on medication the better you will feel and have a more positive outlook, when you are in soo much pain everything looks grim!   I have bad days at times, but everyone with RA has good and bad days, it's just weird how that happens, but I'm hoping that one day soon they will find a cure for this nasty disease, they keep coming out with new drugs everyday, which is a good thing I think, at least they are still trying to help us??  !!!   And just think, you can also go into remission !! the sooner you get on medication the better, because I can tell you without the medication I wouldn't be able to do anything, I thank god each day how lucky we are that we have these medications to make as mobile, and my mum always reminds me that there are people worse off than us!!   I also believe a good diet, exercise and getting help around the house will help you feel better!!  Do you have children? I don't yet, I would like to have one one day? !!!!  I'm now 36 !!

I hope you get some relief soon and let us know what drugs they put you on and how you are doing !!

Take care and all the best

Ange