Rheumatoid Arthritis - I have't seen the rheumatologist yet so can someone help me makes sense of it all?

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

One thing you want to remember at the moment is that blood work alone does not mean you have RA. You need to see a Rheumatologist for a full work up. We are not doctors, and cannot tell you that you do or do not have RA. Please follow up with a Rheumatologist and get the thorough exam you need.

Brad

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Wednesday, July 01, 2009

andrew

Brad is correct. You should see a rheumatologist. Diagnosing RA is not just based on a blood test. It's a clinical diagnosis based on many factors including symptoms.

I hope that the picture gets clearer for you real soon.

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Wednesday, July 01, 2009

KrazyKat

I echo what the others have said. There are many factors to diagnosing RA. Please see a rheumatologist as soon as possible. Do your homework first -- go on reputable RA websites like this one, the Arthritis Foundation, RISE, etc., beforehand so you can ask lots of questions about treatments, prognosis, medications (risks vs benefits) -- ask him/her to explain everything you don't understand -- take notes.

If you are diagnosed try not to dwell on what will happen in the next 60 years, just work on getting the disease under control for now. Take it day by day, minute by minute if need be. Much can be done now -- a lot of the research is from older studies (20+ years) so do your own research. Many of us have been living with this disease for a while and are still working, viable individuals who lead good lives. Much can be done -- don't despair.

Please let us know how you make out. Best wishes.

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re: I have't seen the rheumatologist yet so can someone help me makes sense of it all?
ComingToGripsWithRA
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 03:43 PM

Well, I saw my rheumy over a month ago now. They called an had an appointment right away. I happened to be in a down period the week I went so he couldn't find the swelling. He could not make a definitive diagnosis however because he figured it was too soon to see anything on an xray. I have another appointment to see him in January but I've been on Naproxin and Plaquenil for a month and a half now which has made a huge difference. I still have days where I ache all over but very few days where mobility is restricted. What I have found to be the most difficult is the fatigue. I feel so lazy sometimes for example on Friday the fatigue hit hard so I stayed home from work and slept until 5pm. I didn't hear my cell phone which was right beside me and I didn't even here the doorbell at 4pm! Also, I discovered my memory has issues when it comes to taking my meds on vacation. I missed one dose one morning and paid for that for the next three days when I had trouble moving my wrist, it hurt to walk and all I wanted to do was sleep!

re: re: I have't seen the rheumatologist yet so can someone help me makes sense of it all?
KrazyKat
Saturday, September 05, 2009 at 07:07 PM

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you but my computer has been on the fritz and I've not had a chance to check my email or this website in a while. I'm glad you saw a doctor but sorry they couldn't give you a definitive diagnosis. I had the same problem at the very early stages and was taking both Plaquenil and a pain reliever. The difference once I got them in my system was amazing and it sounds like you have had similar results. Good for you! I have to tell you that the fatigue and, "foggy brain" is something I still deal with though I'm now on infusion meds too. It is much better but I don't think I will ever be at the energy level I had prior to RA.

I think the fatigue is the worse part of RA. I recently had bloodwork and a dr. visit and my numbers are down and my rheumy is happy with the decrease in my joint inflammation but the fatigue is still something that lingers. It is definitely better but I can commiserate with you. It really throws a monkey wrench into your life because it affects every aspect of your life -- work, social, exercise time, family obligations, and most importantly fun time. Hopefully you will get a firm diagnosis and then will be in a position to decide on more effective meds that may help this most tenacious and difficult aspect of RA. Try not to get too down with it since feelings of depression and melancholy will only work to increase fatigue. Be careful though -- don't drive if you can avoid it, take frequent breaks -- the days of completing your entire "to do" list in one day are most likely a thing of the past. Divide tasks up into small chunks. And don't let anyone, "guilt you out." In other words, listen to what your body is telling you. No one knows how you feel better than you do. You’ll find that most people don’t really understand that this kind of arthritis is very different than osteoarthritis – the common, “wear and tear” arthritis of old age. Be kind to yourself. Don't expect to get it right or accept this new normal right away. It takes years sometimes to figure out that things have changed.

I wish you all the best of luck and will be praying for you. Best wishes, Cynthia

re: re: I have't seen the rheumatologist yet so can someone help me makes sense of it all?
KrazyKat
Saturday, September 05, 2009 at 07:08 PM

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you but my computer has been on the fritz and I've not had a chance to check my email or this website in a while. I'm glad you saw a doctor but sorry they couldn't give you a definitive diagnosis. I had the same problem at the very early stages and was taking both Plaquenil and a pain reliever. The difference once I got them in my system was amazing and it sounds like you have had similar results. Good for you! I have to tell you that the fatigue and, "foggy brain" is something I still deal with though I'm now on infusion meds too. It is much better but I don't think I will ever be at the energy level I had prior to RA.

I think the fatigue is the worse part of RA. I recently had bloodwork and a dr. visit and my numbers are down and my rheumy is happy with the decrease in my joint inflammation but the fatigue is still something that lingers. It is definitely better but I can commiserate with you. It really throws a monkey wrench into your life because it affects every aspect of your life -- work, social, exercise time, family obligations, and most importantly fun time. Hopefully you will get a firm diagnosis and then will be in a position to decide on more effective meds that may help this most tenacious and difficult aspect of RA. Try not to get too down with it since feelings of depression and melancholy will only work to increase fatigue. Be careful though -- don't drive if you can avoid it, take frequent breaks -- the days of completing your entire "to do" list in one day are most likely a thing of the past. Divide tasks up into small chunks. And don't let anyone, "guilt you out." In other words, listen to what your body is telling you. No one knows how you feel better than you do. You’ll find that most people don’t really understand that this kind of arthritis is very different than osteoarthritis – the common, “wear and tear” arthritis of old age. Be kind to yourself. Don't expect to get it right or accept this new normal right away. It takes years sometimes to figure out that things have changed.

I wish you all the best of luck and will be praying for you. Best wishes, Cynthia

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tinak

Hi! Although I whole heartedly agree that you need to see a rheumy, I also understand your desire for information now... I was diagnosed with Seronegative RA a little more than a year ago. It's been like a roller coaster of emotions. When I was first diagnosed, I felt the same way - I couldn't imagine living like I was for another 50 or 60 years and I got really depressed, angry and scared. Most of all I just hurt all the time and was so tired of that. Let yourself feel the emotions because it's important to acknowledge them - but don't let them overwhelm you. There are treatments for RA (if that's what you have) that work wonderfully. You can continue to be active. You can have an almost normal life! You just have to learn to listen to your body's signals a little more closely than before. I read a really great book called "Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed". It really helped explain what was happening, what questions to ask, etc...

Good luck on your journey!