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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 10/13/2007 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Everyone,

It's the pain in the butt again.  I was at the ER today (my PCP is on holiday and i needed an RX refilled).  Anyway, The ER doctor i spoke to was very nice and we actually had a long conversation about RA and all that goes with it.  Here's my question.  He stated that because I have been diagnosed with 2 auto-immune diseases I probably have an underlying condition that has not been diagnosed yet.  Not what I really wanted to hear!! mad Has anyone else ever been told this?? I tend to worry a lot and when I hear this I get scared.

 

Thanks for any info

 

Raven

Posted 10/13/2007 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Raven.. that's interesting.. I've never been told that before and I suffer from more than one AI disease as well.. What I was told is that I have Psoriasis, which of course brought on the Psoriatic Arthritis.. I have Graves disease as well.. but that runs in my family... so I figured I just got that genetically and since my AI system was already compromised with the Psoriasis, it just kind of opened the door for everything else.. Which were you diagnosed with first? Hopefully someone else will be along here to lend their 2 cents.. take good care.. Duck
Posted 10/14/2007 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Ducky,
I was diagnosed with Diabetes first. I didnt' really know that this was considered an autoimmune disease. I guess time will tell.
Thanks
Raven
Posted 10/14/2007 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Are you going to ask your PCP about it? Maybe they will run additional tests?
Posted 10/14/2007 2:15 AM (GMT 0)

I'm seeing my Rheumy on the 24th of this month and I'm trying to make a list of questions for him.  I also want to ask him about other TX options like Remicade but I'm trying to research some stuff first. Any advice.

Raven :-)

Posted 10/14/2007 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
I would definitely ask him about what you ER doc said.. Have you been on Enbrel or Humira? I can't remember if you've said before or not.. How is the MTX doing for you with your RA?
Posted 10/14/2007 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Not bad, but I don't know how I am supposed to feel. Like is this as good as it gets. Pain and swelling everyday in some part of my body. And exhaustion +++++++. I also find my ROM in the shoulder and upper arm area is getting worse especially in the morning. It's so bad that there are mornings where I'm actually afraid to try and lift my arm for fear that I won't be able to. Got to go for now my tween daughter (12 going on 20) needs the computer. Thanks again
Raven
Posted 10/14/2007 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
ha! I have one of those daughters too! Except she's only 10 (soon to be 11) but you'd think she was at least 18! Drama! Anyways - yeah, I'd definitely talk to your doc.. you shouldn't have pain everyday like that.. you may need to go on a biologic like you suggested..
Posted 10/14/2007 3:08 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Raven,

Was just reading your posts, and please let us know what your doc says about all of this.  I have both RA and thyroid issues, too.  Also have a son with Type 1 diabetes.  I was told that it's not uncommon to have more than one AI condition, but don't think anyone ever mentioned an underlying issue.  Also, think from your earlier posts that we both started mtx and plaquenil about the same times, last appt with my rhuemy, she said that it usually takes about 3 months for plaquenil to kick in, so am trying to wait it out, but it's tough sometimes, isn't it? My next appt is the 24th as well. We should compare notes!

Take care,

Jody

Posted 10/14/2007 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks
I'll definitely keep you guys posted.
Take care
Raven
Posted 10/14/2007 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
I know my doc wanted to rule out some underlying conditions a couple of years ago and he did a whole slew of blood tests that were supposed to help rule out a bunch of diseases.

Good luck. ***

Posted 10/16/2007 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance can be an underlying cause of many autoimmune diseases.  Go to www.celiac.com and look at the list of diseases associated with Celiac.

Posted 10/16/2007 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Just thought I would add something probably not that relevant. But...I was born with dislocation of the hip. I noticed in my twenties I could not keep up energy-wise with my friends/co-workers. I am sure that was part of the PAIN THING. Recently I was given something that has worked wonders...called Mobic. I am very happy about it. If you would believe, my hearing improved...and I am no longer getting up approximately 5 times a night to urinate. This later symptom left me even more tired. Thank goodness I do not have psoriatic athritis, r.a., diabetis, or any thyroid problem. That is I don't have any of those four at the moment. I do have depression, high blood pressure, asthma/allergies, GERD, IBS and severe arthritis. I can barely walk with my feet...they are very bad...thanks to a doctor who hurt both of my feet (but it was not intentional).

Take care of yourself, everybody!
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