Added Diagnosis

I'm sorry to hear this. Not something you needed!

But it sounds like you have a great attitude and that will help you a lot.

What kind of treatment are you going to be using for the RA?

Debbie

Linnikay,

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis of RA.  I've had RA for about 26 years, so I feel your pain!  I take Enbrel and methotrexate...were you prescribed any medications?

Best of luck to you--take care and keep posting!

 

Sorry to hear about your extra diagnoses. Sounds like you have a good Dr. May you find comfort and support in the prayers being sent to you.

Linnikay,

Some people have trouble with methotrexate (I never have, knock on wood!), but if you do, don't hesitate to tell your doctor, as there are different dosing regimens that they can try.  Best of luck!

RA is attacked aggressive to limit the joint damages. They try to throw everything but the kitchen sink at it (sometimes they have to throw it too).

Ladywithfibro,

While I can't speak for Linnikay of course, I agree that when you know something new/different is going on with your body, a diagnosis can be a relief.  I've had RA for a long time, but am having some other problems that I can't seem to get diagnosed, and I long for answers!

I'm sorry that both you and Linnikay may have to deal with this disease, but they often start heavy-duty treatment right off the bat now to prevent joint deformity/loss of function.  It took me years to get on the treatments that they're giving right "out of the gate" now, and I have deformity of my hands and feet, knees and elbows as a result.

Looking at the potential side effects of some of these "heavy duty" treatments is scary stuff, but the disease can be so bad that it's often the lesser of two evils.  RA does run the gamut from mild to severe, though, so you have to weigh the options individually.

Best of luck to both of you, and keep posting! 

Snowbunny, I agree with you completely that one must weigh the potential side effects which (as you said), can be very serious.

As a matter of fact, when my undiagnosed issues started (Fibro? CFS?), I was really freaked out, because my first symptom was swollen lymph nodes all over my body.  Since I'm on Enbrel and methotrexate, both of which have lymphoma as a potential side effect, I was scared to death!

Subsequent tests showed that lymphoma was not the problem, and that my swollen nodes were "reactive" as opposed to cancerous, but that's all they can tell me, so I understand Linnikay's desire for a diagnosis. 

My symptoms (which progressed to pain which seems identical to what some experience from fibro, although I still seem to have some lymph swellling) have been going on for a year now, and my rheumy finally told me that apparently what I have is "not progressive" and that she would treat the symptoms rather than continuing to search for a diagnosis. 

She also told me that although fibro "has a big umbrella", she said if my problems are fibro, it's the "oddest case she's ever seen".

Well, didn't mean to hijack the thread, but just wanted Linnikay to know that I understand what she's going through in wanting a diagnosis...fear and wondering can make you crazy! 

Being on methotrexate, I know it is important not to take my weekly dose if I'm running a fever, or if a cold has started, or if I have a fresh cut. I was off the methotrexate just prior to my lung surgery and during my recovery.

Your rheumy most likely will monitor your blood work often. At times my liver enzymes will be elevated and I will have to hold off on a dose until the count goes back within normal range.

Methotrexate has helped keep my MCTD under control and I am thankful for it.

Hoping the methotrexate brings you wonderful results.

Hugs, Robin