How did it start for you?

Sadly, I'm a member of another forum here at HW and just realized this one is here, also. So, this is my first post in the RA forum.

Just curious how it all started for you? How did you know you had RA?

A few years ago, I found it difficult to put my feet on the floor after sleeping until 2 or 3 in the afternoon when I wasn't working. How I ever got through work is still a mystery to me.

Now, after a cancer diagnosis a few months ago, I'm just feeling good after surgery and now I have moments where it feels like my ankles are literally broken or on crushed glass. Just a horrible feeling but I can walk just fine but if they're torqued a certain direction it feels like I've broken them.

This is a strange thing because when the doc thought I might have RA a few years ago she told me it was that or really bad allergies. Now, I have a very bad bout with allergies and these symptoms have returned. Unsure if I'm a RA person, or not?

BTW, I never went back to get further testing on the RA because I didn't want to hear it. My symptoms went away a few years ago and I thought I must've just had bad allergies. I'm mid 40's and been in great health my entire life. Why all of a sudden the wheels have fallen off with cancer and possibly RA is a true mystery to me.

My heart goes out to all of you who suffer with this as I suffer and I may not even actually have it.

Thank you for the warm welcome and the even warmer wishes, oh, and the nice post, too.

First, yes... remission for me. Prostate cancer. A huge surprise. The RA thing... I have this big avoidance issue with it, especially, now, after the cancer diagnosis. Not sure I can take another hit on my health.

My hope then is as it is now that my issues are caused by allergies. I was told my histamine levels were "off the charts" and I had a very high "fatty liver count". The doc said I either had RA or bad allergies. I went with bad allergies and never looked into further. That was nearly 4 years ago. Now, my ankles are throbbing but it's intermittent pain. I've been very congested and body feels inflamed at times. Kidneys hurt with some back pain, too. This has just been recent.

I'm so sorry that you received inferior care that did irrevocable damage to you. I can somewhat relate with my cancer story but I'll spare you. What is done is done. You can't unring the bell.

Perhaps, on my upcoming bloodwork related to my cancer I can be checked further for RA.

I'll take that real life edit button! Thank you for the prayers...I believe that's what got me through the cancer ordeal and will get me through this one if it should be thrust upon me. Prayers in return. Suffering is all temporary and so are the good things. We'll make it. :)