Conditions > Rheumatoid Arthritis > All About Rheumatoid Arthritis > What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (rue-ma-TOYD arth-RITE-tis) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints that affects an estimated 1.3 million Americans. The disease occurs when the....

athanasius ufomadu

08 Apr 2012, 19:33

rhematism has been an oid time problem with joints,fingers,ankels,etc.does it degenerates to arthritis at the longrun.
how does shock and inflamation affect the joints,what are the best way to attend to them.

Philana

27 Jun 2011, 15:42

I was diagnosed with SeroNegative Ra Dec 10. Because of this I was medically retired from the military, which is taking some getting use to.
I'm on Methrotrexate, vicodine, and Remmicade. I use to take humira, which didn't help any. My pain (every joint) comes and goes, I have my good days and my bad days. I'm fatigued more often these days that getting a new Job seems hopeless. In addition, I get these strange pains in my head that is not connected to headaches. It's like being stabbed with an ice pick, sometimes it happens on the sides, front, or in the back. Does anyone else experience this kind of pain?

Lisa Grady

09 May 2011, 16:50

I was just diagnosed with RA. I have to say I'm a little scared. I'm 42 years old. I worked as an C.N.A for 20+ years walking on the floors, lifting the weight of the people I was caring for. I have questions big time about this.
1) Is this something that you get from family.
2) How did I get it??

If someone out there could help and maybe help me out, and help me get though this I would thank you a million times over.

Lisa Grady
Deltaville,VA

The Editors

16 Mar 2011, 12:52

Hi Rob,
Check with your local Arthritis Foundation office to see if they also run a juvenile arthritis camp for kids in your neck of the woods. Your local office is the Rocky Mountain office. Cut and paste this link into your web browser to learn more about the programs offered through your local office - http://www.arthritis.org/chapters/rocky-mountain/
Thanks,
The Editors
Arthritis Today magazine

rob

15 Mar 2011, 09:48

Hey every one my littel girl is only 12 years old and she has RA in 7 joints and we fount out last year that she had this, well this past christmas she gave me the best gift ever and that was she moved up here with me . I live in Montana and she had lived in Ga. she is so much like me and is a big trooper with dealing with the pain but I just want to take it way from her . I know pain and be suffering for 10 years 2 back surgys and so on , and I heat giving her the shoots because she hates it. they have her on that humara , she swares its not helping her, But I was wondering if ther is a summer camp here in Montana like the one she went to last year in Ga. its a camp for kids with RA , if any one knows plz email me , she loved it and I just hope there is one here in our state . Thank you and may God bless all of you

Mary Hulsey

27 Feb 2011, 23:12

I have had pain in my joints for many years. My spin has been the worst, but it just kept getting worst. I was given a blood test that tested positive for RA. I am a preschool teacher that works with severly disabled children, which means at times I have to lift them. I also live in an apartment that is trilevel and walking up the stairs can be painful plus be very tireing. I am going to see a specialist this Tuesday but I am afraid of how this is going to change my life. I am 55 years old but I have always worked for private daycares. I have been working for the school district for seven years now, but it is getting very hard to get up and go to work. I do not have enough time in the district to get anything for retirement. I have always just worked with the pain, but now I feel I can be doing damage to my joints. Thank you anyone out there that is listening to me as many of you have said unless you know the pain you do not understand.

Liz

13 Feb 2011, 21:38

Hello,

I'm 36 and just diagnosed with RA.. although I've gone to an Internist MD.. next week I'll schedule an appointment with a Rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis... I'm not suffering of much pain but my fingers have reddish spots in some places is really big....

I feel confused and sad; but I want to live a good life.. Is good to see that we are not alone... but what to do.. this is another journey a test in life that I'm just finding a difficult although not impossible one to follow..

Thank you

pankaj bharti

02 Jan 2011, 09:12

dear readers,

It has been proved that RA is a life style disease. Faulty diet, faulty living, excessive stress and pollution.
Because of above reasons there is:
Accumulation of toxins, metabolic byproducts and free radicals inside the cells.
Imbalance in acid and alkali (cells of the body get acidic).
Nutrient deficiency and
Dietary triggers.
This trigger, disrupt the immune system and give rise to the disease.
Any disease can be treated only the same way, it has entered the body.
Main stay of the treatment should be:
1-detoxification
2-alkalization (PH of the cells should be maintained around 7.33)
3- Removal of dietary triggers and
4-Nutrient cover (patients are deficient in).
The moment above is achieved, immune-modulation takes place and the disease is cured.
My holistic approach is making patients disease free and happy.
RA IS NOT INCURABLE BUT VERY SIMPLY MANAGEABLE.
Salient features:
Quick response.
Body is treated as a unit.
Cures rheumatoid and rejuvenated mind and body.
Very easy techniques to follow at home.
If anybody wants to seek help from us, may contact: drpankajbharti@gmail.com

Amy

04 Nov 2010, 03:13

One of the approved DMARDs that many rheumatologists overlook is Minocycline. It is the safest of the DMARDS. I recently talked to a friend from high school who is an MD. She works with oncologists and warned against any of the DMARDS (other than minocycline) as they are all hard on the body, do not offer a cure, and make the body resistant to cancer treatment should one have the misfortune of developing cancer. ("It is next to impossible to treat," where her words.) Minocycline is an antibiotic and the safest of the DMARDS, yet is often overlooked. For more info on this, go to Yahoo Groups and join the group, "rheumatic" which focuses on the use of long term low dosage of antibiotics for the treatment of auto-immune diseases such as Scleroderma, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis ...

It will open your eyes and give you hope.

vickie

03 Nov 2010, 07:53

melanie ...thank you so much for your sweet note ..im on my way now shortly to get monitered when they give me my shot ..i appreciate your prayers so much and just knowing you responded lets me know you are a kind caring person ..the whole world needs more like you but you being you makes you one in a million ..ill let you know how the moniteor session goes and thank you again for caring ..God bless you ..love vickie

Melanie

02 Nov 2010, 22:01

To Vickie:
I am so sorry for your suffering. As a fellow Christian, my advice to you is to pray. Pray for patience, understanding of what you can do to help yourself, and healing.
I hope it is a rheumatologist that you go to. I assume it is. I am new to RA and it is not even close to your level, but it would seem to me that if nothing is better, maybe you should try different meds.
You are in my heart and prayers!

vickie

02 Nov 2010, 10:25

i was diagnosed with RA a year ago .. it is BAD.. i have been on methotrexate 7 pills a weel 2.5 and was taking humira injection 40 and now in on enbrel ..i am not getting better and it is severely playing on my mind that i would be better off dead ..ive always lived a christian life and have come to the conclusion if theres no better for me im ready to go home ..the pain i have is so debilitating ..i have no control over my life anymore ..i feel so sick all the time ..nauseated and dizzy and the pain from the swelling is unbearable ..i suffered for 5 years before going to the doctor and just this morning was told to come tomorrow so they could monitor me to see if im giving myself the injection properly or not ..i do exactly as they tell me and feel the burning from the injection ,,this all sounds crazy i know but my seds rate is in the 400 level and my liver levels are the same ..all this after being on medication for a year ,,i feel as though im losing what little mind i have left ...please take care of yourself and spread the word to others to get help ..thank you and God bless ...

Carol A. Crook

30 Oct 2010, 20:42

To Erica,
I know it's very difficult especially having children as that takes a lot of energy & patience to keep up w/them but reach out to your drs.. Get a good RA Dr, share these concerns and get on a pain mmgt regiment. Lyrica & Cymbalta work great w/Tramadol (for pain) & Phenergan if needed for nausea. Some Drs don't like to give Phenergan cause it makes you sleepy but I believe it depends on the person cause it does not affect me that way. I'm actually in less pain w/the Tramadol working w/it; I don't get sleepy. I try not to eat much fried foods as much as I love it, #1 found it contributes to flare ups, don't know why but it does & #2 w/taking Prednisone which also helps w/RA, the bad side is Weight Gain. you'll be in certain level of daily pain, discomfort but you'll get to know your symptoms for Flare Ups especially really bad ones. Reach out & use sites like this and other personable ones for support and suggestions. God Bless.

Carol A. Crook

30 Oct 2010, 20:28

I was diagnosed w/RA & Fibromyalgia in Oct 2008..after 3-4 yrs before that w/constant level of discomfort but some days really bad pain in joints, felt like on fire, couldn't stand anything to touch my skin, even clothes. I was so tired couldn't barely make it thru the day; could think as well. Felt like took me forever to get out of bed and moving the the a.m. so some days I was late for work. I've had Viral Meningitis 3X, Parvo B Virus, Break out in Shingles on my left waist side. I have an inherited Blood Clotting disorder: Protein C, S and Factor V Liden Deficiency...It's on my mother's side of family and all my siblings (6) and 3 neices tested positive too.

My Dr. after hearing of hard getting out of bed in a.m., very stiff, sore, exhausted, etc did a Blood Test & it came back positive for RA Factor, sent me to a RA Speciialist. He thought at 1st mine was more Fibromyalgia w/the RA Factor but not active RA since have history of Immune Illnesses i.e. Parvo B Virus, Viral Meningitis, etc. So he did a CFR Test that is a very sensitive test to confirm if have RA Active. Test goes to Atlanta, GA, takes about a wk to come back & your level should not be more than 5. My Test came back @ 50. He was shocked! Me too.

So I've been on Prednisone 5 mg, Hydroxyclorr (Malaria Medicine they found works well w/RA patients); Tramadol & Phenergan (for nausea from Tramadol)for daily pain mmgt. Tramadol is NOT a Narcotic so it has become a very popular pain for Med - Severe levels of pain. I then also had to start taking Methetrexate take 1X wk.

I'm on Warfarin due to blood clots I developed after my ft surgery in 6/2009 after I stepped out of the shower & my ankle gave out (1 of like 100X) but this time I fell down w/foot under me & I heard crack-crunch...OMG SOOOO Painful. Broke 5 toe along side of foot, wouldn't heal due to RA per Drs so in Oct 09 had surgery. So it's a vicious battle trying to balance out meds w/the Blood Thinner. My feet have started swelling so bad my ankles look like Elephant feet, get Nerve spasms that feel like the nerve that runs along top of my left foot of the Big Toe is zapped w/Electricity, extremely painful and is numb from the Toe along the top & side of left foot. Dr increased my Fluid pills (Lasik)so now have to take Potassium (Huge blue Horsepill capsules, UGH). The Fluid pill worked the 1st day but I got severe feet, ankle pain/cramps...So giving it a wk & if no better w/call Dr to let know of this side affect. I know too high Potassium can cause this so he may have to decrease the dosage or stop all together. Then have to take extra blood tests to monitor my PT & INR for my Clotting be sure it's within limits.

I can't work anymore because of all the pain, I can't think straight anymore from the pain and all the meds; depressed cause I was always a very active, fun person now I don't even get dressed some days & takes all I have just to shower but of course I do that. I make myself step outside just to get some fresh air and out of the house. I have some days I hurt so bad even the meds don't help & have to double up on the Tramadol which helps slightly. But when I get an RA Flare Up then it triggers my Fibro & vice versa...I know when I'm getting a really bad flareup cause it's hard for me to breathe..I feel like I'm full so I have to sit and rest w/the meds. I have an inhaler in case it gets bad. My hair's falling out; already thin anyway & now worse. I've gained so much weight from the meds & lack of exercise & mobility. I try to keep active, ie. clean house but I get so exhausted easily, sore & out of breath but I push myself to a point..I have learned to pace myself although very frustrating when I try & just can't do it. I'm only 54 & feel like 84 some days 104...I also take Lyrica & Cymbalta which for sure helps & if not for those to meds, I'd never make it thru the days.. I forgot to take these meds w/Tramadol & Phenergan at reg time one day & OMG about 1-2 hrs after reg time I was in so much pain...Forgot to take Prednisone 1 night & OMG the PAIN!! So I told my dr of this and he said well the good thing w/that is now you do know it all works to a level w/you to get thru the day/night.

Social Security Turned me down recently (1st time filed)w/reason that they thought I could stand, walk, sit SUBSTANTIALLY!! How do they know if I can stand, sit walk Substantially? I went to one of their Dr's & he talked w/me about 10 minutes w/taking may 3 steps & I was unbalanced then because of my foot/ankle & knees problems (had 4 knee arthroscopies & Rt Knee Replacement) so have to use a cane for support as ankles still want to give out so I walk very carefully. His 10 min exam does NOT constitute evaluating any "substantial" amt of walking, standing, etc. So although I've heard SS denies most everyone 1st time this was very upsetting as I lost my job because of my illnesses that affected my job although I tried..I had excellent Performance Evaluations for few yrs prior to that but once my illnesses-diseases took over they said they needed to have someone who could meet the expectations. This is the same company who projects & talks "Employees are FAMILY"..God, hate to see what they do to their "real" families.. If they don't meet expectations, do they throw them out on the street?...They did me.!!

So to everyone w/RA & Fibromyalgia..reach out to anyone who can share support, where you can talk and truly express how you feel. This is so important because I feel like I don't need to talk about it cause then others think I'm trying to get pity or making excuses for my not working or lack of doing what I used to do. Taking meds some think you just want to take them..WRONG! I went from taking 1 Ativan & Warfarin to 10 Meds per day just to get thru the day. I believe these RA & Fibromyalgia Sites like here is such an asset and support to those who suffer Chronically EVERYDAY!!!

Thank you for having this site & if anyone thinks they may have RA &/or Fibromyalgia, then tell your Dr to do the RA FActor test & if positive get the CFR Blood TEst..if positive, You are RA Active. Full Blown RA. Now some people who test Negative actually do have RA; not sure why & very small % but it does happen. So if test negative but still have these symptoms, tell your dr & get the CFR Blood Test done... No your not going crazy, what you are feeling is real and when you feel at your lowest..reach out. God Bless you all.

Erica

25 Oct 2010, 01:11

I was diagnosed 3 months ago, i am 25 years old just had my second child last year in september. I had no idea what R A was until my dr said you have it. I feel like the meds r not helping what so ever, i am in pain everyday. Waking up to stiff hands, they say to keep active but how when every time u reach to grab somthing all you hear is poping and feel is pain. Maybe i need to try differnt meds r somthing. I just dont know how i am going to deal with this R A in the years to come.

dondi

19 Oct 2010, 15:16

Hi. I am a 55 yr old woman who has not been diagnosed, no insurance. RA is in my family history - all women on mom's side. About 6 mos ago I began having problems with knee pain, wrist and finger pain, and ankle pain. Sometimes the pain is shooting, but always it is there. In the morning, I "shuffle" until I can tolerate movement of the ankles. I am always achy however, in my back and elbows. About two years ago, I was diagnosed (for lack of a better word) with Meniere's disease, which is an inner ear disorder causing vertigo, tinnitus and other problems. At that time, I was checked for MS. Now I am frighted that it may not be simple arthritis due to age, but either RA is progressing rapidly or maybe it is MS. My question would be this: Is there any organic, natural supplement, including exercises, etc. to be done which can help to alleviate the pain? I do take Ultram when it becomes to severe, but not regularly of course. I am very interested in any alternative solution other than narcotic. Any suggestions would be just great.

Xio

06 Oct 2010, 23:30

Hello to all. I am 21, I was just diagnosed with having RA. I never had symptoms, until after I received the gardisil shot. That was about 4 years ago. Ofcourse when the pain starts you want to belieive it is due to stress, of course you do not have anything, maybe since I am in the generation of computers and texting and all that technology I blamed my wrist pain to excessive fbooking! haha or extrenous exercising. Ofocourse I first noticed pain in my arms, more in muscles, like spasms just after 3 shots, and then increasly became worse, I would have periods of inflammation of my joints in my hands due to the cold weather, and thought nothing of it. Now this past spring my pain became more apparent due to the stress of my Junior year in college, and life. It got so bad, that I was complaining almost everyday, and when things get that common, your mama wants it checked out, It was so bad I started taking celbrex from my dads meds. He told me I could have 1, when I could not walk due to the severe pain in my ankle, I never felt so disabled in my life, I was always so active, gettin i nto sports, climbing trees, picking up heavy things and stuff like that. Now I find it hard to write and to walk from class to class, and well I am not used to it. I must say it was a relief knowing what I had, but it was also unfortunate that I have RA. There are side effects to gardisil, and although they cant prove my RA is due to HPV vaccine, I know when my symptoms started and I can pinpoint when I felt different, the only reason I can is because I was always so alert and active, never sick and always on the go, so if you go from 1 extreme to the other, you know.. you just know. MY mom had told me she heard people having side effects to the vaccine, I did a bit of research and although it is not a significant amount, there are cases out there. All i know is when I am active, and the pain may be so annoying, I feel 100% times better than if I was just sitting down or laying down. Tai chi relaxes my body, I also do conditioning, and weight training. I eat low omega 6 and high omega 3 ratios. omega 6 is tied to increasing inflammation and omega 3 is anti inflammatory, I also take daily supplements, and eat a balanced diet. I am a nutrition major in dietetics with a premed concentration so I find all of this fascinating. I just wish I didnt have it. because at times it is hard I am not going to lie, but you know.... God gives me a beautiful day to live and gives me my senses to feel what it is like to be alive, and the pain becomes non existent when I focus on my blessings. Positive attitude is also a great benefactor in reducing pain. You must not allow the pain to take over your life, it does not control you, you control it!!! I want to offer advise that acupuncture has also helped witt flares and decreased discomfort. Please please please I beg you all, to always look for alternatives, I have heard that bone marrow transplants may help RA patients. Look for information be YOUR OWN DOCTOR, you know your body better than your rheumatologist. stay informed, go to a local library and look up research articles, dont get left behind take control of your life. Oh by the way I forgot to mention I take Methotrexae with folate. That is all I have for now, I came into this blog like thing as a matter of coincidence, and I hope someone out there in this great big world can benefit form what I just said. I am young 21, and well,I tell no one of what I have, I do not know why, I guess for the fear of people thinking I may want attention or pity, and well it is now a part of me, but it does not define the essence of my being. My mom and dad and brother know, they are the only ones that know to what extent my pains have gotten but that is about it. They are very supportive, and well when you do not know what you have it can be hard. I remember crying one night asking God what I had, why I got these really bad pains? and well he answered me,and has been with me all the way. If im 21 and I can look at this with such positivity anyone can. I still have years and glorious days ahead of me, God willingly in good health and greater prosperity and what else can I do? but share my message and keep strong with my pain. Live your life people, do not give up. BE a fighter get belief and get informed. Peace.

Janet

22 Sep 2010, 16:48

sorry I keep forgetting. I dis agree. shots from my pain management doctor do work for months. sometimes it takes up to 3 to do that. The one in my neck lasted for years until I fell down and hurt it again. Another thing one of my doctors told me to advoid any site that compares pain because it can scare you from the treatmeant you might have or make you want treatmeant you do not need.
All of my doctors agree on one thing if I can use a swimming pool. You can do so much in a pool without hurting yourself. Goes back to use it or loss it.I have a lot to learn, I also hopeful helped. Our doctors are only as good as the information we give them. Write things down to tell him/her. I my family there are plenty with arthritis and the whole line up. Its where I hurt myself in sports, places I had surgery,on and on. Can I share one more thing. After my accident in therapy I just wasn't getting anywhere besides the pain, the change that would be my life, the anger, he finally told me how to go forward. I had to see that I died that day in the accident, that a differet me was being made, it wouldn't be easy but I could make it better,in ways. He told me to take 10 mins a day to cry for myself then stop. Pitty party over I had work to do on myself for myself.I had to stop looking back and saying let alone looking at what I used to be. If I wanted to be ok I had to just plain go forward. Some days were easier than others but slowly I did more and more. Thats why I am so strong about doing as much as you can pain or not.Cause if you don't it gets worse. I hope I helped. GBU all. Janet

Janet

22 Sep 2010, 16:14

sorry I meant do not get one that folds. One more thing never use the rub on jells with a heating pad or the like,

Janet

22 Sep 2010, 16:09

Hello.Wow I am worn out from all of pain you are in. I am sorry its gotten that bad. First taken any medication off the shelf and adding your own dosage like 10 Advil a day, you are lucky you didn't shut at the very lease your liver down. On the shelf meds have just as many side affects as RX do. I have the whole list of illness listed. And I learned I just turned 58 the worse of it has been the last 14 years after a accident. My biggest help is heat. I sleep under a heating blacket and got a heat pad made to sleep on. I have heat pads on my chair. I go to a pain doctor, a Rum.doc. and ner.doc. they all work together. I have had so many different medications. At times you just have to work past the pain. If you hurt I know, but if you don't use your joints they will get much worse. There are different wraps you can use around your wrist, hands, knees talk to your doctor about that they give you more surport so you use your hands ect, or you will freeze up, I learned the hard way.Now I do as much as I can pain or not. Because I have too. Plus it feels good to take care of myself not having everyone else doing it for me. My family are all 800 miles away so its me, my husband and my dog.
which by the way helps me cause I have to think of his needs and not all about myself.
My uncle used be in the hospital from his pain, he told me to take a bottle of Beefeaters and he said only that brand soak brown raisins (the big box) in it for 3 days. then you put them out on trays single layer until they are just about day or about 2 or 3 days. Put them in a jar with a tight lid or freezer bag to keep it air tight. take one teaspoon to 1TLVs a day. No more than that. It really works, my neu told me to use Brandy unsteady of Gin he said it seems to help some patients more. We have to find ways not to hurt our bodies so much with drugs. Don't get me wrong they do have their place. I was taking over 58 pills aday.
They have pain patchs but only for the worse of pain,that comes the pain doctor.Get oh one of those stickes like a handle on it, it helps you pick things up. Do get the one that folds, I had a alful accident with one of them that folded at the wrong times. Be inventive and please share with me the ways you found to help without drugs. Good luck to all of you. Most important don't ever give up. Oh I have no problem firing a doctor. They are paid by us so they are either helping us or someone else will. I have had more than 20 doctors since my accident 5 of them I fired or just stopped going to them. I don't have time for any doctor who won't listen to me, they are not doing what they took the oath to do. Enough people standing up to them makes them go find another job, or start being a doctor, at the same time you have to do what they say and let them know if you aren't they can't read our minds.
Janet

eddy

19 Sep 2010, 05:36

does anyone think their thyroid either triggered their ra. the reason i ask i had thyroid cancer and had to have it remove and put on synthroid then after 7 year my dr.lowered my does. then the pain started shortly after.

Karry

17 Sep 2010, 09:49

I was diagnosed with RA and Psoriatic Spondylitis 3mths after the birth of my daughter mid 2008. I was in such incredible pain and so debilitated I could barely lift her out of her cry I had no mobility to open or close her bottles I had to use tea towels to get a grip on things. Living away from any family members being on maternity leave, husband at work and being the sole care giver for a new born was terrifying. I kept telling the Dr. of my pain and she kept brushing it off, it wasn't until I went into her office and told her I was in so much pain I wanted to kill myself, did she take me seriously.
I had been complaining of joint pain for years and taking approx 10 advil a day to get by, in 2007 my Dr. had taken a test for RA but never bothered to check the ressults, it wasn't until 2008 standing in her office and the end of my rope did she bother to look through my chart and notice I had tested positive in 2007. She began to appologize profusely at this point I was glad to have a diagnosis and know that I wasn't crazy.
I started predisone that day along with 500mg of Naproxen 3x day and celebrex. The Rhuematologist tried me on Sulfasalazine, Plaquenil (Alergic)continued prednisone until my dr took me off for fear of severe long term side effects and after I gained about 35lbs. I continued with Methotrexate 10mg/week and Naproxen 1500mg/day no improvment so he added Leflunomide 20mg/day along with folic acid for nausea. Lately it seems to have stopped working and the pain is becomming severe.
I hear many people say they can't get out of bed, but I am the opposite I am in so much pain I can't stay in bed. My pelvis, hips,neck, shoulders ache so bad I have to get up.
I have always been extremely active I had a career as a preventative Dental Assistant, loved the outdoors, Atv's and camping and swimming etc. My zest for life is GONE I can't do the things I once did I have been told I will no longer be able to work as a Dental Assistant. I am 32 years old and feel like I am 80. I am terrified of what the years have in store. I continue to live my life as the strong person people know me to be and mask the pain so people do not pitty me but it is becommming increasingly difficult. Even my husband does not understand the magnitude of the pain and thinks I just like to complain. When I am just ttrying to ask for help or understanding.
What a horrible disease that I truly pray I do not pass to my daughter.

Tonya

15 Sep 2010, 21:39

Tarra, and everyone else. :)
I too was diagnosed just a month ago with RA. Actually, it was Aug 4. the day before my 32nd bday. WHAT A FANTASTIC BDAY PRESENT... can you hear the sarcasm in my voice? lol I too have kids, a 6 yr old and a 9yr old that i must keep up with. I too, am very scared. My dr tried to put me on methotrexate.. and i cried the first dose. I was scared to death of the side effects. My husband didn't want me to take it either. So, I called the dr and asked if we could try something else first. So, they put me on Plaquinel and the prednisone. I literally feel like the stay puff marshmellow man right now as I've been on prednisone for 2 mos now and have two more to go at the minimum. I have gone through the mourning phase and i think i may still be a little bit. I have lead a very active life and have had to cut back a lot. I played soccer 2xs a week...not anymore. I have had an ankle injury since January '10 and the dr says if it doesn't heal soon he will have to cast it for a YEAR or the RA will make it deform. :( I'm a mess. but I will continue to walk THROUGH the valley and not get distracted by the shadows. Good luck to all of us...Tonya

Christopher Camacho

15 Sep 2010, 18:15

I was dignosed with RA in 2005 at 38 years old. My first RA Doc put me on Mobic which really didnt seem to work on the mild pain I had. He then he decided to put me on something called etodoliac which worked for a long time but then I lost my coverage and also ran out of medicine so I waited 2 weeks before I got some more but by the time I started taking it again it didnt work I guess my body rejected it. So now I was able to get coverage by my wife and we went to a new RA Doc who put me on sulfasalazine. I took that for a little while it didn't work and i always felt very thirsty. So then came the prednisone and what a relief no pain at all
but I am now taking prednisone for quit sometime. offcoarse you cant stay on this stuff for long periods of time, Im scared, my wife made me get off it for 8 days til she comes to pick me up from the train 1 day and she saw the unbeleiveble pain I was in and as I walk to the car which has her and my 2 children she was shaking her head. She said maybe you should go back on the prednisone.
so here I am back on it and the pain is just lingering slightly. I am 43 now going on 44 in november and its not doing so good. On top of which I have type 2 diabeties since 2003.
I love my wife, I love my kids. So I go on
I try to remain positive and always try to think of great time and creat some new ones.
anyone out there with some advice.

Tarra M

03 Sep 2010, 15:24

I was just diagnosed with RA. I am only 30 years old and have a 10 year old, 7 year old and 1 1/2 year old boys to try and take care of. I have been in pain for many months and now know what the culprit is. I started prednisone last week which has helped slightly and will start Methotrexate tomorrow. I can't imagine dealing with this the rest of my life but until God gives me a miracle that is the way it has to be. This is all new to me so any advise is welcome. All these drugs and their side effects are very scary to me. Are they very common?

John

01 Sep 2010, 11:05

I am 50 and was diagnosed at age 45, however, I suspect it started earlier than that. Thankfully, by symptoms have been mild so far. I have found exercise, hydration and sleep to be critical to keeping my symptoms mild. Oddly, I became a runner after being diagnosed with RA. I alternate between walking and running - run a minute, walk a minute. It is my belief that many, perhaps most who can still walk can benefit from such a program. Even if it is run 10 seconds, walk 10 minutes. Not everybody will be as lucky as I have been, but I believe that most can enjoy significant benefits from exercise, hydration and sleep.

Tanya

28 Aug 2010, 19:59

I just wanted to send a personal thank you to Tara for reading & for the great advice and her empathy because she is going through this horrible disease at a much younger age and has an incredible positive attitude. I hope to get your strength also. Thanks to all the wonderful RA patients for sharing their stories & what works and doesn't work it is very helpful to feel I am not alone. God Bless everyone!

Susan

26 Aug 2010, 09:44

I have had RA for about 5 years. My fingers have all turned outward. My first Rheumatologist had me on Plaquenil which didn't work. So he put me on Prednisone which ruined my eyesight. Watch out for that one!!! Then he died and I went to another RA dr. He told me my test results were positive for RA but I was too young to have it. I was 43 at the time. I didn't go back. I now have no insurance and so cannot afford to see an RA dr. now. My regular physician has me on methotrexate. The first time I was on it, my renal function went down to a 15. I am now back on it after a year and go in for monthly blood tests to keep track of my kidney function. These are dangerous meds, and I still don't feel any better. Sometimes I think its better to not take them, but I know without some medication I will be in a wheelchair faster than if I don't try to do something about it. Anyone else have the side affects I have experienced?

Tara

23 Aug 2010, 20:00

Tanya,
I feel your pain. I was diagnosed when I was 16 and am now 20. I went undiagnosed for awhile and missed school and sports for a long time. I felt like I was letting down my teammates, my friends, family, and teachers because I couldn't figure out why I was in so much pain all over my body. I found great support in a couple girls my age who were diagnosed with JRA and they really helped me out. Try to find this support and eventually you will find the strength within yourself to go on living as normally as you can. I read that people with RA, especially younger people, are at a higher risk of depression. So just remember to fight through all the flare ups, rainy days, and disappointment because things could be worse. I always tell myself I'm lucky to be able to do what I can.

After trying several different medications and remaining on them, and after getting a procedural injection twice, my pain is still not under control... but it is definitely getting there. Have faith that you will go into remission! I hate letting down the people around me, so I refuse to use having RA as an excuse. Push through it!

vanessa smith

18 Aug 2010, 13:14

I like the reviews

Tanya

08 Aug 2010, 21:50

I am a mother of 2 going to turn 33 this week. I just had a baby girl last September and when she was about 7 months old I started getting bad pain in the ball of my right foot when standing or walking. Went to doc cuz thought i injured it when running or something. Was put on a steroid pack but did't help for long. Then my left foot began hurting as well. was sent for MRI that showed nothing, was ref to a nuerologist who ran tests with no abnormal results. Ended up having severe pain in my wrists soon after that and wound up in ER. I was sent to a Rheumatologist as my SED rates were double what normal was. Since then my foot pain was not so bad but I have had horrible pain in both shoulders as I scan paperwork 40 hrs a week, it is killing me.I am going to have to quit but it is so hard because I need to work. We don't have the money for me to quit. I am on prednisone and arava but now my feet, shoulders and wrists get so bad I can hardly move and walk. Can you end up in a wheelchair from RA? I am very scared. how can it be so severe this fast I was just finally diagnosed about 2 months ago. I cry in pain a lot and feel as though no one believes that it hurts as bad as it truly does.I dont know what to do.. Please Help!!

Sonja

07 Aug 2010, 17:18

Hey Carlene,
The test for RA, meaning the RA factor, is just a basic test. Unfortunately this test isn't very reliable. My Dr. told me that there are people that test positive for RA and never have any signs or symptoms or the disease. And there are people that test negative for RA and they actually have it. The test isn't accurate but if you are having a lot of pain and fatigue or have any concerns you should talk to your dr. And keep in mind there are a lot of people, including myself, that have had to go to several different drs until we found one that would listen and would help us. So if you don't feel your dr is taking you seriously or isn't helping you, please don't be afraid to go find another dr. My first dr tried telling me all my pain was in my head and that I was just depressed and when he refused to believe that i really was in pain I went and found a different dr and was then diagnosed with RA and fibromyalgia.

Sonja

07 Aug 2010, 16:51

I am 34 and I was diagnosed with RA and Fibromyalgia when I was 24. For 3 months I could barely walk and finally decided to see a dr. I have been on just about every med there is for treating RA and currently on Humira. I've been on Humira for a yr and a half and it isn't working my dr mentioned we may have to try IV infused meds next. I totally know how u all feel especially those of you that are newly diagnosed. The first 4-5 yrs are the worst because u don't know what to expect. And to those of you that stated "it's unfair and it sucks", I totally agree truer words were never spoken. I've been living with this for 10 yrs and once you get on a medicine that you respond well too it does get a little easier to deal with. One thing that I have learned tho is that you have to try to think positively. You will have days when depression gets the better of you, so take that time to cry and be angry and sad, and then dust yourself off and tell yourself that you refuse to let this disease get the better of you. There are lots of different informational sites online as well as support groups. For those of you newly diagnosed, the first thing you should do is research so you better understand what RA is. The first 6mos I had it I only went off what my dr said then I started reading about it and the more i found out the easier it was to cope.

James S. Hicks

06 Aug 2010, 11:47

I am soon to be 60 and have suffered from arthritis for many years. Approx 4 years ago i had to have a hip replacement to reduce pain and add mobility back to my life. As to the type or types of arthritis I have i can't say all i know is my joints sweel, hurt and mobility is decreasing in shoulders, wrists, hip, knees, etc. I experienced Rheumatic Fever at age 5 and spent several months in bed unable to walk related to ankle pain. I later spent 26 years in the Military. My question is do you think the physical requirements associated with my service added to the progestion of the diease and the deteriation of my joints? Everything i read shows a direct link. Thanks for your time and concern.

Jim Hicks

Debbie Cartee

09 Jul 2010, 10:18

I have just been diagnosed with RA. My Dr says that there is already degeneration in my hands. She put me on prednisone immediately, and scheduled an appointment for a rheumatologist. I have been feeling the pain and stiffness for quite a while, but as I am a type 1 diabetic, I figured it was something to do with that. It wasn't until I started swelling and gained 10 lbs in 4 days, that I decided I needed to talk to the Dr. Several blood tests and
x-ray's later, a diagnosis. I am only 42, and I have 3 teenage kids and a husband and, I feel like I did something wrong. What more do I have to deal with. I am having a hard time feeling like, I should be thankful that it's not any worse, right now. All I know is this sucks, and it's not fair.

Bryan

21 Jun 2010, 08:57

Lisa, you can find more info about ankylosing spondylitis on the Arthritis Foundation's web site:

http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=2

Lisa

18 Jun 2010, 23:09

I have had RA for 2yrs now and now have been diagnosed with something called Ankylosing Spondylitis also called Bamboo Spine does anyone have any info on this disease the things I read online seems very serious and quite scary. Please let me know how it effects the body.
Thanks so much

Mavis

08 Jun 2010, 15:25

I forgot to mention that the dr. put me on Sulfasalazine and Plaquenil to replace the other meds. The nurse told me I would probably have a flare but so far I haven't (it's only been a week though). She said I would probably have to go on biologics when I see the dr. June 16. Any suggestions on which ones have the least side effects?

Mavis

08 Jun 2010, 15:19

I have been diagnosed with RA 6 mos. ago. I was put on Prednisone, Methotrexate, and Plaquenil. My pain went away as soon as I started taking the steroids. About a month ago, I started losing my hair and I started having skin problems. My beautician told me that steroids can make your hair fall out and the Methotrexate so I asked the doctor to get off of them. I was really losing a lot of hair. The hair loss has not stopped yet but I have only been off of the meds a week. Did anyone else experience this and please describe the skin problems you had? Thank you

Shiro

20 May 2010, 07:44

@Kimberley
You not alone i am under 25 and have been having RA for 11 years now. Ave trully bn in disturbance with the disease and medication's side effects. Ave bn in depression, in stress no one understand wht am going thru some make fun of me.It truly hurts. But ave discovered the best way to live is putting your trust in the Lord, being positive.
Will be praying for you all. Don't give up you are not alone.Jesus cares 4 u.

susan

18 May 2010, 22:07

I have some sort of version of lupus or, rheumatoid arthritis, i.e. an auto-immune disease. I have found several supplements to be essential -taking daily fish oils (alpha omegas), flaxseed oil, eating more fish, salmon, sushi, etc and watching the trigger foods and habits(alcohol, tea, no smoking). The supplemnts make a huge difference for me - add some primrose oil, vit e, an occasional selenium, a varied b vitamin, regular vitamin - and stay away from refined foods such as pizza, and lots of salt which serve as triggers. Keep exercising, no matter what - if you can, swim - but if not, walk, do crunches, use the stationery bike - anything you do is better than nothing and will keep you in better shape and keep your immune system healthier. Good luck and God bless us all.

Sharon

12 May 2010, 14:07

I feel so much better after hearing from all of you and knowing that you understand. I was diagnosed almost 5yrs with RA.I have been on a cocktail of almost every med they have out.I was on Methotrexate,plaquenil,suffasasaline,prednisone and when they added Arava I felt wonderful for about three weeks and then I ended up in intensive care for three weeks and nearly died from Boop witch is RA related pneumonia.It is directly tied to RA meds and can been very serious.Since then I am not aloowed to take any of those meds but prednisone so they tried enbrel, humira each by injection once aweek.Neither worked so after suffering for ayear waiting and trying each for 6mos ,since my Dr. says it can take that long to see the effects,I am taking infusions of Rituxan. I started in Nov 09 and took one then it has to be followed 10days later by another. It kills all the B cells that cause the inflamation.It also immediatley gave me pneumonia which is the #1 side effect. It took several months before I noticed it helping but now that the B cells are coming back I can really tell a difference. My feet never go down and my ankles stay so swollen I can't bend them to walk.I am still working but it is becoming almost impossible. I can't stand for more than about 10mins the pain in my back and hips is so bad so I sit to cook even.Can barely walk at all when i used to be on my feet all the time and walked my daughter and daughters-in-law into the ground I was so fast.I was a retail manager for about 18 yrs for Toys R Us and Cracker Barrel. I worked 60 to 70 hours aweek and never missed aday and was never sick.Then I started having awful pain in my shoulder and Hands and he said I had the highest RA numbers he had ever seen.Almost 5yrs later we are still searching for something that controls it.Without the prednisone I am useless and I take 10mg aday and double if I am flaring which seems all the time now while waiting foe the next infusions which will start next week.I am a type 2 diabetic,having thyroid problems and high blood pressure.I am allergic to codeine and cna not tolrate narcotics for pain so they have to give me the weakest darvecet or naproxin pain medicine so I hurt all the time. Water therapy twice aweek helps me more than most pain medicine.I have a chronic cough that never goes away, I have massive nose bleeds and a huge knot has come on on my shoulder that keeps getting bigger.The doctor says it is a hematoma and is not concerned but to me I am falling apart.I try to stay positive and seeing my six little grandbabies keeps me going but the pain really gets to me and I can't sllep more than an hour or two at atime because i can't lie in another position longer than that without hurting.I stay exhausted and sleepy all the time.Everyone is after me to file for disability but as long as I can drag myself to work, even if ti take 3hrs to dress and get there due to the stiffness I will because I can't stand to be at home all alone all day.I keep telling myself there is always some worse off than me and I keep pushing.I will say a pray for all of you.

Lillian

11 May 2010, 15:46

Thanks to all of you guys. I wish there was a center or location set up where we could go and TALK. Being single as some of you listed above, you just feel like giving up b/c you don't think anyone understands and reading your comments above is good but I believe in person would help so much more (not like we could get around, if we wanted) right? ha Ha!!
Well again, thanks for your comments on this disability. I'm 53 turning 54 next Friday the 14th and I (as we say) feel 1004yrs old but still don't look it just when I'm moving (if you could call it that). Hang in there fellow "achers" and I will send prayers for all.

Christina

09 May 2010, 18:30

To Maria:
I know how u feel don't give up keep your faith in the Lord . I know its easy said then done.But im there with you, Talk to your Doctor about Depression My doctor put me on Zoloft It helps most days u will still have good and bad days If you need some one to talk to (r email) my emai address is hesterfamily@live.com I will try to help you any way I can.

Christina

09 May 2010, 18:21

I have been fighting RA for a year now with NO relif I have been on Daypro, Sulfasalazine,Methotrexate,Arava and alot of pain meds. I am feeling so bad I don't know what to do now.I see my Rheumatologist once a month.I go again on May 14 so if any body has info that could help me PLEASE let me know you could email me @ hesterfamily@live.com I just want to have some of my life back Im only 34 no one in my family has had RA so its hard for them to understand how I feel and why Im always so tried . Thanks

maria

27 Apr 2010, 21:03

i am a 31 years old woman, i was diagnosed with ra almost 3 years ago, im taking embrel every week 50mg injection and is helping me really good!!! i was taking metrothexate too but this medicine kills me bad!! the pain is always there, it keeps me depressed all the time with no wishes to live or to do anything, i dont have kids and that makes me feel worst because i dont think i will be able to have kids, my ra is very severe and affects to my skin too, sometimes i just want to give up because this disease is horrible, my faith is dying what should i do??? is hard to work thinking in my future because all what i see is black, just disable and im so scared...

Trish

21 Apr 2010, 11:57

Does anyone know or can relate with having synovial cycst? I just had one removed from my finger yesterday. Is this related to RA or is it OA? I had an x-ray a few years ago and was told I had arthritis in my joints. I am confused....

Lois

20 Apr 2010, 11:04

I'm new to this too. I had a fall back in January on my left elbow. Then in March I was diagnosed with RA. But I know that my mother had it too. I'm just thankful that there is so much more the doctors can do to relieve the pain and symptoms now as compared to when my mother went through it.

Palma Ferolano

06 Apr 2010, 20:02

My heart goes out to all of you, I just found out about a month ago that I have RA, besides Osteosrthritis, Osteoporosis, had cancer of the cervix, removed, cancer of the thyroid, removed, RSD, which is like muscular dystrophy, but its nerve dystrophy,surgery on both hands, one from osteoarthrisis, which wore away the bone, cartiledge and tendon, that I had from age 27, the best was when the Dr. said it was going to hit every joint in my body, five operations on my left foot, I know what suffering and pain is, but do tryMethotrexate, it helps, I dont know how or why you all got yours, but I asked the Dr, can anybody get everything, he said yes, I said I thought you got one or the other, he said no. I have all 3, Osteo, Fibromyalgia, RA., RSD, God Bless you all and if you need to talk to someone, you're not alone, email me at Pam2951@gmail.com.

Sharon

25 Mar 2010, 12:09

I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has has an onset of arthritis after a traumatic fall to there knees or anything like that involving any other part of your body.

Lisa

19 Mar 2010, 06:08

Reading all of you guys stories makes me so very sad because I know what u r going through. I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago and know the pain VERY well! I feel my family either doesn't understand or just plain think I'm lying. My ex-husband really is unkind about the whole thing. I have lost a lot of weight because of the meds and he actually has called me a drug addict. He said nobody loses that much weight with out doing drugs.....calls me a crack head! And says it in front of my child. How can I get him to understand it's so hurtfull when he says those things!

Shannon

11 Mar 2010, 11:23

Re:Sara
I really can relate to your situation. i'm 34 and was diagnosed with RA after my second child. I had some nerve damage to my sciatic after my epideral so i associated my pain to that for awhile. Then it started in my shoulders, hands and wrists. it got so bad i couldnt change my baby's diaper or pick her up. thats when i was diag. the doctor put me on prednisone and methotrexate. i felt so sick that i couldn't take care of my family. All i did was lay around. i did get some pain relief but it wasn't worth the side affects. i started taking msm supplements from a company called Young Living. They have therapuetic-grade essential oils and supplements!! I don't have the side affects now and virtually no flare-ups. Ive also changed my diet to a blood type diet and that has helped too. I felt hopeless and was in deep dispair over the quality of my life. Now i wake up with new hope.

Nathan Enyart

08 Mar 2010, 05:49

To all the folks going through this pain. I know what you are talking about. I hurt from my neck to my feet. two knee surgeries
two spinal surgeries. And no it don't go away just some days are better than others.
I can't stand in one spot very long especially on concrete if I do I can't hardly get my legs moving and when they do you talk about pain. I am a 51 year Old Male And have put up with this for quite a while now. ANd if any one mentions pain management and shots I don't mean to burst your bubble but that only last a few days then its back again.

Tamara

17 Feb 2010, 15:51

Re: Helen,

I SO understand your comment about having been fit and active for some many year....and then suddenly being hit with RA. I was a former All-American swimmer, I used to snowshoe extensively in the winter, and hike in the summer, in my early 50's...I was so healthy, until this RA hit me like a bus. I have trouble shopping for food...walking my dog (I feel like I weigh 900 lb's and I'm so fatigued).

Currently, I'm on massive pain abd anti-inflammatory meds, and my doctor will probably hit me with steriods in the next couple weeks.

I'm in counseling to deal with all aspects of how this disease affects me........trying, trying.....

carlene

17 Feb 2010, 01:10

can anyone answer this question for me please,if you are told you have a ra factor of 55 once in your life and told you don't have ra,does that sound logical to you or does this sound like someone is yanking my chain? i have had chronic pain that comes and goes since the 90's

Helen

16 Feb 2010, 18:09

I am 55 yo and have been diagnosed with multiple autoimmune issues, Rheumatoid Arthritis among them. I was first diagnosed 4 years ago. I also have Osteoarthritis along with degenerative disk disease. I have tried Methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel, and some other things I don't remember. As of now, I take steroids every day along with Oxycodone 4 x daily through a pain management Dr. My Rheumatologist is going to up the dosage on the Orencia that I now take to the upper most level that I can have. He says that if that doesn't work, he can add an anti-rejection drug used to treat Lupus. Orencia worked for a couple of doses but never for over 3 weeks at a time. I can't quit work, we have a daughter in college. I'm a nurse for the the Red Cross doing blood drives where the shifts can be 12 hours long. My hands, wrists, neck, back feet, knees and hips are involved. I don't know how much longer I can last. I have practiced yoga for 35 years and in fact teach a class 2 x weekly. It's getting to the point that I dread that as well. I've always loved yoga. It's so frustrating because I've always kept fit with exercise and proper diet. I don't drink or smoke and yet my body is in self-destruct mode. It does seem so unfair. I know you all know what I am talking about. The prospect for the future is sobering, but we are much better off than people in our situation 30 years ago. There is every hope that new and better treatments will be developed soon. Our numbers are growing and medical science cannot ignore us. I know depression and hopelessness are on the edge of all of our lives but we are not alone. If we hold each other up, we will not fall. I need your support, and I would be happy to be there for anyone else when they need it. Sometimes it's not one day at a time, but one hour at a time,(or even 5 minutes). To all my fellow sufferers, hang in there. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

amalia aguilar

10 Feb 2010, 23:34

HI; GOD BLESS EVERYBODY, I am a new person whit this RA,Im very happy because Im not alone I have only 3 m, and for me is hard,Im 41 years old. and my life is destroy, Im trompet player and I rely need help. I don't have any insurance, and I don't no if some places can help me whit low cost, any infomation,welcome thanks, whit love Amalia.

Mary Bearden

05 Jan 2010, 15:17

This is for Sara. I have RA, OA, Fibromyalgia, IBS, Interstitial Cystitis, GERD, Diverticulitis and underactive thyroid. I know what you mean about the waiting part for doctors to find the right combination. I was on methotrexate and told to learn to live with it (he couldn't decide if I had fibromyaglia or RA). When it did not work, I dropped him and found another RA doctor and an orthopedic. Guess what? The old RA doctor never MRI'd my two knees and the reason they hurt and I could not walk was I had torn the muscles due to the RA! So, had to have surgeries which only lasted a year and they tore the next year and had to have two more. I just had a left knee replaced in November. I think the right one isn't feeling any pain because the pain has transferred to the left! But what I wanted to say was this: Is your RA doctor checking your sed rate every 6 weeks? Mine does and that is how we knew that Enbrel, then Humira, and now Remicade did not work. They worked for a little while but eventually the sed rate would go back up. I had to stop the Remicade when I had the knee replacement and boy, do I know the difference! Also, I started on the lowest dose and that worked for awhile but then had to go a little higher when sed rate elevated. I only got one of those infusions before the surgery. I go this Thurs to ortho and hopefully he will release me and when he does I am getting the first appt for an infusion. My whole idea is this: Is your sed rate being done (it will tell a doctor the meds aren't working because your inflammation rate is still going up), when that happens my doctor switches meds or raises the dosage. Also, I know everyone is different but I also thought the Remicade wasn't working until I went off it for the surgery and now I now it was giving me relief. The reason I know this is my physical therapist and I noticed the right knee is just as swollen as the left knee I had replaced. She also said my ankles were swelling along with my fingers. I did not have this while on the Remicade. Has your doctor increased the dosage of Remicade? You did not state what dosage you were on so I have to ask these questions. Also, the reason I had the knee replaced is I was getting to where I could not walk. I thought I had torn it again but when the doctor went in he said I had bone spurs all over my left knee and the rest was solid white with arthritis. So, there may be more going on than just arthritis. Have you had MRI's done of your knees? Of course, in my situation, it could not be done because of the two previous surgeries. He said all that would show up would be the scar tissue. Which is also a problem, the more scar tissue you have the more likely you are to have problems. You did not say whether you have had any surgeries to scrap the arthritis so I don't know about your situation. Also, I could not take steriods because they locked my stomach up and I ended up in the hospital for 7 days while my GI doctor got my stomach to working again. I have so much other bad diseases going on sometimes you don't know until it is too late that one medication can throw you into a tailspin. In a nutshell, here is what I do and maybe it will help or not, but worth a shot if you have as much pain as I do. I use a heating pad on the places that hurt the worse. If that does not work, I try ice packs, this works best on the back of neck or on the forehead. I have tried creams and the Biofreeze does work but I found 2 other creams that work even better, Sore No More and Sombra (a natural pain relieving gel). Try those. They run around $12.00 a jar. The Sore No More helped 2 of my friends and the Sombra is what my husband uses for his back. Lastly, I do go to a pain clinic. It was the last resort. Instead of taking the steroids by mouth they can use trigger point injections at sites where it hurts the most or a general location and let it spread. This does not hurt me as bad if I only do it every so often. My last shot in my neck region was over 2 years ago, so at least I solved that area. You have to decide what areas hurt the most and get treatment for that area that absolutely you feel you cannot stand it another minute. I do take pain meds for in between for breakthrough pain. I cannot use the patches of Fentyl because they deliver too much too fast and I got terribly sick and it sped my heart up. The very last resort is what the pain doctor told me one time: There is no drug that will kill the pain of joint pain and let you work or move around. He said he could give me enough pain meds to completely block everything out, but I would be like a vegetable sitting on the couch unable to move or carry on a conversation. I said no, that is not what I want. That is something you give someone who is terminally ill and dying to make them comfortable. So, it is all a gamble but it is worth the gamble to try different things until you find the right combo that works for you. My combo is Remicade, surgery, pain meds, injections when I need them, heating pads and ice packs. Lastly and only if you can deal with the side effects is antidepressants. I tried them and they worked but too well. I did not remember what I had done or said and slept alot. But it does help with the pain, but the dosage is so high it wasn't worth it to me. But I do not know your level of pain so a small dose might help you. Mine was very high. I spend almost 3 months combined in 2006 in the hospital the pain was so intense and I let them try the antidepressants. But, I have alot of other issues besides RA & Fibromyalgia as I listed in the beginning. So, I have to be careful what I take with my stomach so sensitive and my colon. Some meds mess with my colon where the pain from that is worse than RA! If you need more advise feel free to email me and I will help as much as I can but the bottom line is this: do not let any doctor or person tell you that you need to learn to live with the pain. Do not let them put you in a box and say this is what you have. Get second opinions. I did and if I hadn't the torn muscles in my knees would have made me disabled if left untreated. So, not all RA doctors are good at what they do. The first two did not even take MRI's and it would have saved me 6 months of pain if they had. Talk to an ortho doctor just to make sure that all you have is RA. In my case, that was not all I had. RA left untreated or not on the right meds cause inflammation that can cause tears like mine did. Also, my RA doctor has me on a baby aspirin a day because RA does cause the muscles in your heart to do the same thing as it does to your knees, which could lead to a heart attack. My current RA doctor is the only one who ever told me that. The first 2 never mentioned that dangerous side effect! I saw an article in a magazine and took it with me when I first met her and she confirmed that it was true. She tested me for every known disease before she would confirm I had RA. There are so many other diseases that can mimic RA, like lupus. I don't know what you were tested for but it is worth it just to know what you don't have, so that you won't worry about possible misdiagnosis. My only other advice is it does help to get up every so often and walk around and stretch. The more I sit or lay the worse my joints hurt. I also swim in a heated swimming pool at a local gym. I feel so much better when I do that. If you can't do that then take as hot a bath as you can stand and just sit there and soak. If you only have a shower do the same thing. Turn it on as hot as you can stand it and stay there until it runs out of hot water. It relaxes the muscles and makes moving around a little better. I hope some of these suggestions help you or the others who are reading this. It took me 4 years to get the right doctor and the right treatments that work for me. Unfortunately, everyone is different and what may work for me may not work for someone else. I wish you all the best. You are so young to be affected this way. I was 49 when everything started to happen so I was able to enjoy my 30's & 40's. I am considered disabled and drawing disability so I do not have to worry about getting up for work. I don't know how any of you that still work do it. I think I would cry every day if I had to be forced to go back to work. For those of you who do not have insurance, if you live near a college, see if their programs offer any kind of physical therapy classes because if they do, they might have a program that lets you come for free and the college students help run these free clinics and they are just as good as the ones your doctor advises you to go to. I did that for both of my surgeries I had before the knee replacement because I had not been approved for disability and had no money. They have all the same equipment you would find in a gym or therapists office. And they give you material to take home so you can do some of the exercises at home also. We have the North GA College & Military School here and they offer this clinic to anyone that has no income or not enough or no insurance. And for the ones who do have insurance but low income, they take whatever the insurance company pays and writes the rest off, so it is free for you also. You might get lucky and they might have an indoor heated pool which our college does have and the public can use it for a very small fee. All of you take care and I hope I helped someone who did not know where to start or go to.

Lynn

31 Dec 2009, 19:26

Sara...I'm sorry nothing is working for you. I've had RA for about 3 years, I'm currently on methotrexate 20 mg weekly and Humira 40mg every other week. I understand what you mean, nothing has worked for me yet either. I haven't tried Enbrel or Remicade yet, but I'm sure that will be somewhere down the road. I only take a pain pill at night before I go to bed because they make me so sick. The best I've ever felt was when I was on prednisone, but unfortunately I don't have that anymore. I'm not as bad as you are physically, but am getting there. Most of the time I feel ALOT older than I am! I am going to try adjusting my diet, I found a book....maybe it will help. At this point I'm sure you're just as desperate as I am. I'll let you know if I have any luck. I wish you the best, I hope you find some answers here. Just hang in there, I do know what you are going thru.

Sara

30 Dec 2009, 10:26

I am 30 years old, and was 27 when was told I have RA. It is severe and very active. So far, nothing has helped. I was on Humira for a year which did absolutely nothing, and now on Remicade since this last Feb...so over 10 months, and that has not helped at all either. I keep hearing about "flare ups", however, mine is a constant flareup. The pain and swelling never go away!! I am also on 7.5 mg methotrexate injection, along with some other stuff. Nothing seems to help at all...the only way I can even move and get through the day is by taking 20-30mg of predisone which gives me alot of other problems...but atleast I can push myself through the day. I have to keep working, which is difficult as It takes everything to get through the day, esp without just crying and being sick. I just had surgery on my hand as the swelling has been so severe and constant, it made the carpal tunnel really mess with my nerves which made it even more unbearable. I dont even know what to do anymore as the pain is so constant and bad I can't stand it. I can't get in a truck without being lifted in because can't bend my knees, can barely use my hands ..just enough to get through work. I'm typing this with one finger! Has anyone not had ANYTHING work at all...any of the RA meds?? My Dr don't seem to do much other than just "wait and figure out what works" but don't think they should wait a year in between before they figure its not helping!!! I know it takes time for meds to work..but not a year!!

Sherry Edwards

28 Dec 2009, 08:28

Three years ago I was diagnosed with subcutaneous granuloma annulare after suffering disfiguring, painful nodules on face, arms, feet, hands. Reknowned drs. at two teaching hospitals tried many drugs including thalidomide, which did much to remove the nodules, pain, and swelling; however, when that no longer helped, I was sent to a rheumatologist, who diagnosed seronegative r.a.this past April. I have been taking Humira since then. At first, I had great improvement. Now the swelling in my hands and the pain in my feet have increased. Also, the nails of my big toes have begun to lift. What should I do next?

miriam

28 Dec 2009, 00:41

I used to have back pains after a performing chores or standing for long which I assumed to be fatigue or poor posture. However, 2months ago i started experiencing severe back pains and any slight movement was regretted. I saw a doctor who asked me to have an xray which turned out to be ok. The doctor suggeted that I take a test for rheumatoid factor which came out positive. He said that there is no treatment for the condition and it can only be suppressed by painkillers. Is it true that there is absolutely no treatment for the condition?

Kim Mccormick

23 Dec 2009, 19:41

For the last 2 years I have had all the symptoms of RA. The pain in joints is bad but the flu like symptoms and weakness is unbearable some days. I hadve been to a Orthopedic surgeon for my feet due to damaged joints and spurs. He thought I had RA but all tests were neg. How can you find out if you have RA with all the blood work negative? He said the damage is to severe at 53 y/o for osteoarthrits.

Michelle

04 Dec 2009, 10:11

Erin-
How long did it take for the Remicade to start working? I heard it can take weeks to start effecting your symptoms?

Thanks- :)

Erin

02 Dec 2009, 10:00

Hi. My name is Erin and I am 34 and have had RA for 13 years. I have been on Remicade for approx. 5 years and it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY! Before remicade, I was not able to get out of bed some days and on the days I did, I hurt so bad I could have cried. I was on 20mg of Prednisone daily and could not come down at all. Since Remicade, I have been able to wean down to 4mg every other day. Until recently, I had very little pain, I am having more pain in my elbows and wrists but this too will pass. I am really glad the pain moves from joint to joint and doesn't stay in one place. Even though I have been feeling better, having this diagnosis and all of its limitations is very depressing. I feel sad and frustrated a lot especially when I can't help my husband rake or garden, etc.. or play with my kids like I want. I wish there were more support groups because it is hard to get through this alone. My husband is very, very supportive but he doesn't understand why I complain about being in pain and why I am in tears sometimes because a 34 y/o shouldn't have to go through this disease, or why I am pooped when I get home from work and need to rest on the couch. I feel like I am short with my kids too often. This just really sucks!

Joanne

25 Nov 2009, 04:41

I have been on Remicaide and it is wonderful. Just do yourself a favor and have the doctor give you something for naseua before you begin treatment because one of the lovely side effects is tummy trouble! at least for me it is. I am unable to get my treatments now because of screw up with my insurance. If anyone knows how to get PPA info, please let me know. I do know that the ivs were helping me considerably but about a week or 2 before my next treatment I had severe symptoms again, but I knew it was almost time and that helped me get throug it. Keep your chin up. Also you may want to talk to your doctor about a port a cath. I got one due to weak veins that always roll and blow and it is the best thing. If you don't know what it is, let me know and i'll explain more.

fonsy

20 Nov 2009, 05:19

this is my e-mail add: i might help you guys! fonsy_d_great@yahoo.com.ph

fonsy

20 Nov 2009, 05:17

Good day! i am one of those people who suffered with this kind of arthritis. for those who want to try what had helped me, e-mail me. try the food supplement of DXN International(RG/GL) which is very good in conditioning our immune system. If our immune system is good, all kind of disease can be eliminated. Try it! nothing you can lose.

Michelle

17 Nov 2009, 07:40

Debi-
Please let me know how the Remicade goes for you!! I was at the dr 2 weeks ago and what my treatment is now is working but not working like the Enbrel. So now I am at the point where if I switch to Remicade, my dr says it can be slow to start working in the body and it may have me starting all over to ease my symptoms. Ugh. So I will anxiously be waiting to see how it goes for you. :)
Thanks for the post & good luck!

Debi

12 Nov 2009, 20:58

Michelle,

I was given info on 4 different types of treatment and decided to go with the IV treatment Remicade. I start the treatment tomorrow. I was told that it takes 3 hrs to administer. I decided on Remicade because even tho it is a TMF like Enbrel & humira it is more consentrated. Orencia is the other optician but what I've read is that is good to start when Enbrel, Humira & Remicade stops working. I'm really hoping this works.

Matt Staton

11 Nov 2009, 09:29

Is there a correlation between RA and vasectomy for us guys out there? How many guys who have RA also have had a vasectomy? I'd love to hear from you.

Greg Manning

10 Nov 2009, 20:13

I found out today I have RA. It took 3 surgeries not to work for me to realize something else was wrong. The only way I am able to move now is because of the steriods. The PROVIGIAL allows me to stay awake during the day. I must now add the RA medications to hold the rest of this illness at bay. I am sorry for anyone who is going through this. But I will not give up.

Janetlee

10 Nov 2009, 19:41

Hello,Im 44 and diagnosed with arthritis(not RA) when I was 7.I had rheumatic fever as a child and nearly died.I was diagnosed with RA 20 yrs ago...my father and my daughter are also dealing with it.
Some days are so bad I cant do anything at all...but I force myself anyway.Im an avid hunter and love fishing...but I cant hunt hardly at all now.I dont have the strength or mobility to pull my bow now.I fight the fatigue and depression every day.Anyone out there who feels alone...trust me...youre not.

Donna

04 Nov 2009, 00:07

Hello Tammy (from Oct. 21st post)

I know exactly how you feel when you say you feel so alone and nobody understands. I have just recently been diagnosed with RA and have been started on Methotrexate 7.5 mg. once a week. I have been disabled since 06-01-95 from an injury to my spine. So I have had alot to deal with and like yourself. My family DOES NOT UNDERSTAND or they just don't care unless it is their problem. My family is not as close as at one time since my Mother passed away in '87. So I know very well the feeling of nobody being there for you. Just know that I may not know you, but because of your post, I feel we have atleast one thing in common. I have been in pain mgmt. since I was injured in '95 and have been on opiods for the chronic pain since then. Thank the good Lord for our Doctors he has given us. If you are not in Pain Mgmt. may I suggest you check into it.
Please feel free to post back to me ANYTIME, I will keep in touch if you wish to have somebody that DOES UNDERSTAND and sympathizes with you dear!
Take care and know that God does understand and He cares very much!

Michelle

27 Oct 2009, 08:23

Debi-
I just read your post from the 22nd! How very interesting! I am in the EXACT same boat. I was on Enbrel for about 7 years and all the sudden last year the Enbrel completely stopped working! My Dr said things like that happen but I think something was changed in Enbrel to be so night and day!? I am on Humira, Methotrexate, Prednisone, and pain killers trying to find something that works. Humira isnt working that great. I am looking for info on the IV drugs myself. Let me know if you hear anything?
Thanks!! :)

DARK_SAMUS

23 Oct 2009, 23:45

Hi, I'm 20 and I was diagnosed with RA when I was about 12 years old. Back then, it didn't affect me much, but now that I have had it longer, it's been hurting my joints more often. Sometimes I would feel my left knee pop and then it would become loose, and then it would hurt when I put pressure on it. More often then before, my right hand would hurt and over time, the pain gets much worse that it would spread throughout my arm to my elbow. I've tried some RA medication, but it didn't work. I hope my RA doesn't get too bad...I love to draw and be active.

ania sweetman

23 Oct 2009, 09:22

please help me

Debi

22 Oct 2009, 21:42

I was diagnosed with RA 7 yrs ago. It was severe when it started and was put on Enbrel within 2 months of seeing a Rheumatologist. This past year the Enbrel stopped working and started taking Humira. Humira never worked right and will start an infusion drug. Can anyone taking Remicade or Orencia give me any info on how it is working for you? Being a widow I am the sole bread winner in my family and afraid of losing my job, my house.

Lori

21 Oct 2009, 15:02

Tammy-I read your post and I know what you are going through. I am 35 and was diagnosed with RA about 1 year ago. I have gone through tremendous pain and had many moments of not being able to do anything for myself (get dressed, get out of bed, etc.)
I take pills twice a day, Methotrexate pills once a week and I go for an IV of Remicade every 6 weeks.
The Remicade has been a life saver for me.
Find a doctor that you really like-and work on trying different treatments until something helps you.
Keep your head up-depression is very common with this illness, but in time it will get a bit better.

Tammy

21 Oct 2009, 13:17

Just diagnosed, 47 yrs old, I am soooo depressed. No one understands, can't say I've ever felt so alone.

Michelle

07 Oct 2009, 09:02

I was diagnosed when I was 14 years old with RA in my knees. Now I am 32 and have lived over half my life with this disease. Mine is a severe case, I have had one knee surgery and have been on almost all the RA medications they have out there plus painkillers to boot. So anyone who thinks they are alone, you aren't. This disease has really altered my life and has taken away many many things I used to love. Simply walking can be very tough. But stay focused...don't let yourself get down. Be proud of small accomplishments. Whether it is opening a jar you never could or walking to the end of your block. I know it is hard to stay positive...but remember you are not alone.

Christy

01 Oct 2009, 18:09

My Doctor told I have a knees of 90 yr old .
My knee caps are not in place .

Tonya

29 Sep 2009, 23:49

I'm 32, and I was just diagnosed today. My aunt has RA, and has no use of her hands now. I'm really scared. Most days my hands, feet and ankles are so swollen that I can't bend them. I always feel very tired, and my body feels like it is screaming at me! This pain is so unbearable most of the time that my daughter has to help me do daily things. I used to be very active, I taught her how play tennis and now I hurt to bad to take her to play. This is not easy for a single mom that is very stubborn and independent! Is there someone that can tell me what to do or what can help?

Gary

15 Sep 2009, 14:48

I am 59 and was diagnosed with R/A this past Jan, when I had trouble getting up from a chair, putting on my socks & moving my hands and wrists. (They swelled so much, I could not wear my rings).
I have been on a low dose of Methotrexate since late Feb (with no side effects) and with the exception of the normal morning and late night stiffness, all of my other problems have been reduced a minimum. I can now wear my rings, walk the golf course and play guitar again.
I now call Methotrexate the wonder drug.

old guy jim

01 Sep 2009, 14:48

Tell me more about the homeopathic treatments. I am on Humira now and will be adding Enbrel soon. As bad as the pain is, it is the loss of function that really gets me. I can not get dressed or eat meals without help. Not sure how much more I can take.

Yvonne

29 Aug 2009, 09:16

I was just diagnosed with RA this past week from my RA doctor. I'm 43 yrs old and all test result were negative except for inflammation and the classic syptoms of fingers, wrist and elbow pain. The doctor states I am part of the 30% of people with RA tests whcih come back negative. I had been given prescriptions but after reading all the side effects I honestly refuse to take them. I don't like meds and honestly I suffered from allergies for many years since I was a teen and in the past year I started to take allergy meds, I basically just dealt with it until my spouse got tired of all the sneezing LOL!!! I am currently doing extensive research on natural products for my RA symptoms, if there is anyone out there with my simliar story, please let me know.

Lynn Walden

28 Aug 2009, 00:39

sounds like mama ..but mama is 68

maria

24 Aug 2009, 22:36

hi, i have been diognose with ra 4 months ago and since then actually before i have been having pain in my right foot ang ankle. I dont know what to do with it already!

Melissa

23 Aug 2009, 13:19

I'm 23 and was just diagnosed with RA. I'm scared. All the resources I've read online don't look very promising. Can someone please tell me what this is really like, what I can expect, and how do you cope with something like this?

Kris

17 Aug 2009, 09:00

my father is suffering from arthritis. How can we possibly treated it practically? His knees to feet are already swelling

Mari

30 Jul 2009, 15:05

My husband was 28 when diagnois with RA, not only RA, but Tyroid problems, high blood pressure and liver problems due to tylenol. He is a Auto body tech and was not able to perform at work and was getting really tired and so much pain, he decided to go to the doctor when could not even get the coffee mug to drink. That is when he went to doctor and was sent to Reaumatologist and was diagnois with RA and was given Humira and getting the first syringe he felt back to normal and also doc gave him Naproxen and that has help him so much he is back to work. He loves his doc and calls Humira a miracle. Also Humira has awsome programs if can't afford or loose jobs. I would recommend to look into it.

uzma

24 Jul 2009, 14:56

rajeshwari haval
what kind of hemeopathi treatment are doing. i have just been diagnosed and am very confused with all the options.
please help.

uzma

24 Jul 2009, 14:53

rajeshwari
what homeopathi treatment are you taking?

Vanessa

18 Jul 2009, 13:39

Hi I am 30 yrs old & was diagnosed almost 10 yrs ago with RA. Before that I had other problems but lend a very active life being a bartender in new orleans. I had to quit working & finally depend on a man which was really hard for me. I have 3 boys which help get me dressed everyday don't know what it's like to have a mom to play outside with. I also understand what it's like to have no one understand that little thing like brushing your hair is like a huge workout. You feel like everything was taken away from you at times. Through my church I joined a lifegroup with women this year, one who was my age, who actually understood. I was able to vent & not be looked at with that clueless look of what do you mean brushing your teeth is a huge task. I understand what you are going through also if anyone needs to talk.

maria ribera

07 Jul 2009, 21:44

i was on mtx and a pain killer for a couple of years when my syntoms got worse and was found that my liver was getting damaged,after that experience I am very interested in a holistic aproach to my illnes.Rajeshwari what sort of treatment are you taking please?

rininta

30 Jun 2009, 02:15

It was been four months, my ankle hurt and I can't walk without pain. Still I don't know what should I do to make it better. Please help

Bernadette

23 Jun 2009, 11:54

Hi i'm 30 years old and had no idea you could have RA at this age.i just got diagnosed about two mo.ago.some days it is realy hard.we are tring to find the rite meds.thats a start to filling better.its nice to know i'm not alone.

Johanna

18 Jun 2009, 09:31

Hi Kimberley, I'm 31 now but was 28 when I was diagnosed with RA so also quite young. I also don't know anyone my age with the disease. It is really hard (for all ages) - I don't know about you, but I feel rubbish most days but never really say anything bc I don't want to bore people. There's not much they can say or do anyway. So, what happens is I end up thinking about it alone and then getting depressed and upset.

The first year was particularly hard - it took a while to get used to the medication as well as coming to terms with the prognosis. I was training for a run when I was diagnosed and had to stop. I do keep active though, it's good to keep the joints mobile, but just in moderation. I walk a lot, swim and dance.

I don't really have any answers for you, but I do understand how you're feeling. Just remember that although you will have to perhaps change the way you do things you don't have to stop doing them. Focus on what you can do and not what you can't.

brian micheau

08 Jun 2009, 08:21

any info would help.i have had ra for going on 5 years. the biggest problem i have is with some doctors. unless a ra specialist all doctors are leary of pres. pain mgmt. meds. they all seem to think you are a drug addict. very frustratng. any ideas?

Kimberly

02 Jun 2009, 20:50

Is anyone on here under 25 like me? I was diagnosed this past christmas, just before my 24th birthday. I grew up a very active person, and now I am struggling to accept and adjust to barely being able to move my hands, feet, back, knees and ankles. It is unnerving knowing that I am tied down to a daily medication just so I can move without pain or rigidity. None of my peers know or understand what I am going through. It gets lonely. Any suggestions or advice would be most welcome. If nothing else, thank you for listening.

jacqueline

24 May 2009, 18:17

I was on the lip of RA for years but blood work indicated it was fully active about 3 years ago. Since that time I have had several flares...but two really dreadful ones--with symptoms I didn't anticpate. Pain in toes, ankles, fingers, shoulders, wrists, etc and a feeling of malaise that was almost flu like. I am a former runner and spent 13 years lifting light weights 3x a week. I am petite and light weight. I never thought how bad this RA could be. I still work in an excutive position but am worried about the pain and malaise cutting into my executive abilities. My fingers hurt now as I type...

Max

24 May 2009, 17:43

Yes which type of homeopathic treatment are you taking?

bob

21 May 2009, 14:23

brigitte

18 May 2009, 22:23

Rajeshwari, what type of homeopathi are you taking. I am very interrested in holistic healing, rather than starting on mtx. I was just dx in dec'08.

Ruth Owopetu

30 Apr 2009, 21:36

For five years I have been undergoing treatment for Osteosrthritis. I have received steroid injecxtions severally, two sets of Synvic injection on both kness, aquatherapy, and tried sevral medications. My orthopedic pain manager recommended I needed knee replacement. I saw an orthopedic surgeos who to my amazement today told me he did not think I needed kne replacement or cleaning. he thinks I have Rhumatoid arthritis and has referred me to an rheumatologist. How can I really know what is going on/ I have had joint pains for more than 20 years and it is beginning to crile me. What do you advice or what am I to bewlive. I am tired of the pains. Every day is becoming more of a challenge. I cannot climb stairs or walk any short distance without pain. Working around thehouse or in the ofice is accomplanied with significant amount of pain. H-E-L-P! Ruth

rajeshwari haval

25 Apr 2009, 07:54

I am undergoing Homeopathi treatment for RA since 2 years, and has allmost feeling good about 80 to 90%. What I feel is Homeopathi really works for such cronic diseases.

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