Need Pertinent INFO PA/RA - Watching for it in your children

Her symptom have primarily manifest themselves through orthopedic problems - knees, feet, and her back.  She does see an othopedist.  We realize some of the problems come from years and years of dance.  However, this one area of her foot was odd so my rheumy's PA saw her and called the rheumy in on the exam.  She did tell her that the way the foot looked and the symptoms she was having with it sounded "pre-RA" kind of symptoms.  She's been taking medication, going to PT and wearing a brace and she goes back to see her in September.  We'll cross that bridge in September.  The problem with this my precious child is that her pain threshold is SOOOOOOOO high, she will work and keep going through terrible, intense pain....probably causing more damage.  But, she thinks she has to keep working.  Things would not continue without her.. She's a bartender at an upscale restaurant here in Houston.  Go figure.....

I do know she sees the doctors regularly and she does trust them a great deal!  Mostly because she sees how they have helped me and supported me through alot of difficult situations.  I'll keep you posted.  It does worry me that these things are manifesting early....earlier than mine did.  She's only 23 and mine started when I was around 43.  I'm 52 now.

I guess I worry because one of my cousins has severe RA and severe Crohns.  His problems are so severe that he has to work from home.  He and I are the only two in the family we know about and he's just one year younger than me.

Thanks for the hugs and thoughts.  I appreciate them so much!!!  I'm going back to school next week.  It's almost time for the kids to come so we have to have our meetings and get everything ready for our students but I'll keep checking on you all as I can.  This is a great place.  You all have helped me many times and I sure appreciate all your kindness!!

I was talking to her before she went to work and she said she just went out and bought a new bed because she's having so much trouble with her back and feet and knees.  Back and Knees is where mine started.  She's got an appointment with the rheumy after school starts in a few weeks.  I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that she's working too hard and she's just fatigued!  Of course I know it never hurt to catch things early.  That way she wouldn't have to suffer like I did until I found out what was going on with my body.  So..........we watch and wait and pray alot!!!  Thankfully, we're all here in the Houston area and can see the same docs.  That helps SO much!!!

Take care, Erin!  And thanks especially for your hugs and kind words.  I appreciate you so very much!!!