25th March 2006
Hi Everyone,
Kissa sounds like she is giving yall good advice and knows what she is talking about. I do not know as much, but would like to say a few things, anyway!
I now have RA. Possibly something else, also, or instead of. I have been going to a Rheumatologist for about 1 1/2 yr. My family dr. sent me. My Rheumy did only blood tests at first. I was put on muscle relaxers and pains meds only, as she first thought I had OA. She goes mainly by what she sees in and on my body and what I tell her. Plus the blood test results.
I got worse (am not supposed to take anti-inflammatories) and she did a sed rate again. It was only 20. Which is not the lowest, but not too high. She still said that I had RA, now. This time she did have x-rays of my hands done. Ok, for now - no deformaties, yet.
So, now I am on the first two drugs, plus Prednisone, Relafen, and Methotrexate. The last one is new. I will eventually get off Pred., because it caused me to gain 20 lbs. !!! Any, most of the time I feel ok, but my hands, wrists and such are still swollen and hurt. Especially my knuckles and my knees, elbows and shoulders.
I think that you should make an appt. with a rheumatologist soon. It may take up to 2 months to get in. The will check you out well, if you get a good one!
Take care and good luck.
Wannabe
Kissa sounds like she is giving yall good advice and knows what she is talking about. I do not know as much, but would like to say a few things, anyway!
I now have RA. Possibly something else, also, or instead of. I have been going to a Rheumatologist for about 1 1/2 yr. My family dr. sent me. My Rheumy did only blood tests at first. I was put on muscle relaxers and pains meds only, as she first thought I had OA. She goes mainly by what she sees in and on my body and what I tell her. Plus the blood test results.
I got worse (am not supposed to take anti-inflammatories) and she did a sed rate again. It was only 20. Which is not the lowest, but not too high. She still said that I had RA, now. This time she did have x-rays of my hands done. Ok, for now - no deformaties, yet.
So, now I am on the first two drugs, plus Prednisone, Relafen, and Methotrexate. The last one is new. I will eventually get off Pred., because it caused me to gain 20 lbs. !!! Any, most of the time I feel ok, but my hands, wrists and such are still swollen and hurt. Especially my knuckles and my knees, elbows and shoulders.
I think that you should make an appt. with a rheumatologist soon. It may take up to 2 months to get in. The will check you out well, if you get a good one!
Take care and good luck.
Wannabe