Just diagnosed with ra,what's next??

Well, first of all, Hello...Expect lots of paperwork to fill out at a specialists. The exam will consist of the doctor looking at all your joints, followed by a lot of bloodwork. Then you' ll get information on medicines...try not to get worked up, RA is treatable and the specialists may be aggressive in treatments as the sooner you can get on a medication the better it can be to prevent further joint damage which is key, second go to a book store and look thru some RA magazines. Then check out the national RA foundation for information. It's online.
Many well wishes and keep us posted as to how your doctor visit goes, and make a list of all your questions so you have it for your doctors visit...

Yes we all get overwhelmed with this, but once things settle down some and get that correct diagnosis then you'll cope so much better...it will get there with time...How far out is your appointment? as you might be able to have them send you some of the forms to fill out...

Hi, I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with RA. It truly does suck. But as Chartreux has said if they catch it quick enough they can help to slow the process down. Sadly there is no cure yet, so they just try to slow down the effects, and make you as comfortable as they can....usually. Welcome to the forum there are many people here that have great advice, and lotsa support for you and eachother. I was diagnosed in Feb. 2008....and still have lotsa questions myself, and find myself in here alot to see if anyone else is having symptoms similiar to what I experience. Its a great place to come to ask questions, chat, and rant....here people understand what is going on and KNOW you are not making it up. Take care, and good luck at your specialist appt.

Welcome aboard, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis but at least you are on the road to treatment.

I would add to start a journal. Take notes on how you feel, what joints are hurting, swollen, are you running a fever etc.. Jot down any questions you have. Often when I was first diagnosed I would forget to ask my Doctor things that were a concern to me. A notepad takes care of all of that. :)

I hope that you have a great doctor. Again try not to get too riled up or read too much into treatment plans. I was on Enbril for 12 years. When I started it you had to sign a release form absolving them of any legal liability for potential side effects. I was pretty scared but it made such a huge difference in how I felt I believe it was well worth the risk and potential side effects.

Reading up on how to live with chronic pain can help as well. There are classes you can sign up for and I would suggest them. At times RA can be very overwhelming. Being active in support groups, forums etc can make a big difference for me when I am feeling down physically as well as mentally. I get to pay it forward when I am doing well. :)

Just got my referral in the mail, August 6th is my appointment so not to long off, hope he's a good doc!!!! Will keep updated thanks everyone for your care and concern, and extra thanks for all the info and advice :)

Rand, hope your appointment finds you some peace of mind. I know how you feel about this forum, it has been a blessing to me and there are a lot of understanding people who care and can give great advice! I come here often for advice and I read a lot of the posts and it helps me to get through a lot of the issues I have sometimes.
God bless and keep us posted.

I hate this disease and cry every time I see someone diagnosed or suffering from it. I Have found something that has helped me with my RA. Its not a cure but as i said has helped me. My page with my story is on Facebook. Look up Hope for Rheumatoid arthritis. Also have your vitamin D level checked. Many auto-immune disorders have been linked to vitamin D deficiency. My level was critically low and when I got my level up to normal I had decreased pain. Good luck!

Hi everyone,

I'm brand new on the site today, but was Dx with RA in 1996.

Just wanted to give RAnmd support and reassurance that this disease can be managed. It took 4-5 years to get my RA under control, but I've known people who had only one flare up only, and it never came back... so it's different for everyone. My joints have been ok for many years now, with no damage. I take a boatload of meds, mind you, but they work.

Be prepared for a bumpy road while your rheumy tries to find the right med cocktail for you. Sadly there's no way to know but trial and error. Don't lose hope. My story is proof that even if it takes a long time, it doesn't mean you're doomed. I couldn't drive for 3 years, couldn't type, walking was extremely hard, and some days I couldn't even brush my hair. But now I work full time, joints haven't flared in years, and I just went snorkeling on vacation recently.

Hang in there!

RA, Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroid