1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Mar 30, 2017

Let's talk about living with rheumatoid arthritis.
As moderator of the Autoimmune Diseases group, I noticed that several people were talking about RA, but those conversations were scattered throughout the community. I thought I would start this discussion to bring us all together in one place.

Let’s grab a cup of tea, or beverage of choice, and let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Apr 9, 2017
In reply to @dinym "I have been diagnosed with RA in the last fortnight after thinking I had PMR over..." + (show)
@dinym

I have been diagnosed with RA in the last fortnight after thinking I had PMR over the last 16 months. Couldn't get the prednisolone meds down below 7.5 mg and wasn't holding the pain. Then 8 weeks ago after my index finger was swollen, suddenly had extreme pain in both hands and wrists. Couldn't drive, which is rather essential where I live. Now being weaned of Prednisolone and taking 10 mg once a week of methotrexate with a folic acid tablet each day after the Methotrexate for 2 days to counter any side effects. So far so good.
Have read a paper that says there is evidence RA is " likely caused by Proteus asymptomatic urinary tract infections". ( 2011 Rashid and Ebringer Autoimmunity in Rheumatic Diseases is induced by Microbial Infections via Crossreactivity or Molecular Mimicry) . Does anyone know more about this and if any treatments have been tried for this Microbe? I will bring this up with my rheumatologist at my next visit in June. Also can RA go into remission or is there always pain somewhere? Thanks for this Forum! Got a lot of learning about RA to do.

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Welcome to Connect, @dinym, and thank you for joining this group with all the information.

Here's what I found out from Mayo Clinic: "Septic arthritis can develop when an infection, such as a skin infection or urinary tract infection, spreads through your bloodstream to a joint. Less commonly, a puncture wound, drug injection, or surgery in or near a joint can give the germs entry into the joint space."
If you wish to read more, you can do so here: http://mayocl.in/2oPTocs

While researching the link between UTI and rheumatoid arthritis, I came across this Mayo Clinic page about "Living Better With Rheumatoid Arthritis" that might interest you, and the other members in this discussion: http://mayocl.in/2ofwhVB

We're glad to have you here, @dinym. Let us know if you have any other questions or updates; we're listening.

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blindeyepug | @blindeyepug | Apr 18, 2017
In reply to @1825 "I have my eyes tested annually as a result of a change in one eye my..." + (show)
@1825

I have my eyes tested annually as a result of a change in one eye my dosage of plaquinil was halved and has remained so.

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@guzemanbarb I was on plaquinil for about 5 years before there was a slight change during one of my six month eye exams. I immediately stopped the medication as I do not want something happening to my eyes! They are going to try me on a low dose of methotrexate. I was on Enbril for around three years before it started giving me MS symptoms.

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peach414144 | @peach414144 | Jul 18, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @kozlo52 @blindeyepug @barneythe2nd @nanke99 @vickiekay @tbeckys @iman_im @lisa_sj99 @1825 @callyrae @jewel8888 @boomerexpert, I'd like to..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello @kozlo52 @blindeyepug @barneythe2nd @nanke99 @vickiekay @tbeckys @iman_im @lisa_sj99 @1825 @callyrae @jewel8888 @boomerexpert,

I'd like to invite you to this new discussion about rheumatoid arthritis, where it will be easier for you to meet other Connect members living with, and talking about RA. Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

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young lady 80 years. will never get used to the torture pain. sometimes i feel as though i am having both the rheumatoid and psa at the same time. wow! retired from the nycta and moved to florida. pretty sure i should move back to new york. reason why? doctors. live alone with dog and cat who are great company. to me, the worst of the many health conditions i have is the "going blind" one. have kept myself busy with volunteering for the city. with many departments and am still on the board with the electric and utilities. not for much longer. do you know that if a piece of electric that originates from california can wind up here in florida or wherever due the fact that it goes to were the least resistance is. if the scientists can figure this out i am hopeful they can work with our ailments. don't give up, keep hoping and dreaming. (am still waiting for this last episode to recede and go dancing this saturday or the next one.) there are many stories in the big city and each one of us are "the big city". keep talking and don't stop.

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peach414144 | @peach414144 | Jul 18, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "This is so great! Thank you so much for responding. The process is the same when..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

This is so great! Thank you so much for responding.

The process is the same when following, joining and posting in any discussion thread; it's just that formerly, the RA discussions were mixed in with Chronic Pain, Bones, Joints & Muscles, Autoimmune Diseases, and conversations were getting scattered throughout the community.
This discussion or section of the community is dedicated to topics specifically related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Here's a quick refresher about posting your messages and joining in the discussion:

Click “DISCUSS” in the top navigation bar. Then select “Groups” from the drop-down menu.
Click a group that interests you, like Autoimmune Diseases.
Scroll to review a list of the most recent discussions.
Click the title of an interesting discussion, in this example, "Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others."
This will take you to the discussion thread where you can read all of the comments.
To add your own comment, scroll to the bottom of the page and type your comment into the “Write your reply here…” box.
Once you have written your comment, click “POST REPLY.”
You can also reply directly to another member’s comment by clicking “REPLY” below their comment.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.
I look forward to connecting you with others, sharing insights, experiences, and suggestions about living with rheumatoid arthritis.

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this lady needs help on how to apply my picture on to any site. surprised i, at my age can do this. it helps the brain to stay active. barbara

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peach414144 | @peach414144 | Jul 18, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @gizmanbarb, Welcome to Connect; thank you so much for introducing yourself and joining the group...." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello @gizmanbarb,

Welcome to Connect; thank you so much for introducing yourself and joining the group.

Although for different conditions, we have quite a few members who have used methotrexate; @jerseygirl926, @crhp194, @lisa_sj99, @lorrainechavez, @debcha, @sherw, @emmur16, @sallyann, @luladavis, @rosestea, @julied838, @mswanda, @djfd @amkaloha @taterjoy @lisabeans @zenk @jewel8888 @smgarner1 would you share your experience with this drug?

You may also wish to view these discussions, and tag members there for more insight:
I'm looking for information on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Diseases: http://mayocl.in/2h2kHZY
Is it possible to go off RA drugs by following a plant based diet: http://mayocl.in/2oJgPDN
Side affects from Anastrozole and MCTD leaves my body achey: http://mayocl.in/2p6loo8

@guzmanbarb, what side effects are you experiencing? Has your physician offered other medications to relieve the pain?

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i take the methatrexate injections weekly and it agrees with me. maybe you can try it this way. no nausea or reactions for seven years.

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jul 19, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "This is so great! Thank you so much for responding. The process is the same when..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

This is so great! Thank you so much for responding.

The process is the same when following, joining and posting in any discussion thread; it's just that formerly, the RA discussions were mixed in with Chronic Pain, Bones, Joints & Muscles, Autoimmune Diseases, and conversations were getting scattered throughout the community.
This discussion or section of the community is dedicated to topics specifically related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Here's a quick refresher about posting your messages and joining in the discussion:

Click “DISCUSS” in the top navigation bar. Then select “Groups” from the drop-down menu.
Click a group that interests you, like Autoimmune Diseases.
Scroll to review a list of the most recent discussions.
Click the title of an interesting discussion, in this example, "Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others."
This will take you to the discussion thread where you can read all of the comments.
To add your own comment, scroll to the bottom of the page and type your comment into the “Write your reply here…” box.
Once you have written your comment, click “POST REPLY.”
You can also reply directly to another member’s comment by clicking “REPLY” below their comment.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.
I look forward to connecting you with others, sharing insights, experiences, and suggestions about living with rheumatoid arthritis.

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Hi @peach414144,

We're so happy you've joined this group on Connect! Here are some instructions for uploading your picture:

How to Upload a Profile Picture

1. Click the “Profile and settings” or avatar button in the top right.
2. Select “Account Settings” from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down to the “SITE PROFILE” section.
4. Click the “Upload Photo” button to the right of the page under the “PROFILE PICTURE” heading.
5. Click “Choose File” to select a photo from your files. The file cannot be larger than 5 MB and must be in a JPG, GIF or PNG format.
6. Your photo will then appear in the avatar box as it will appear on your profile. Once you are happy with your photo selection, click “I’m finished. Close this popup.”
7. The popup will close and you’ll be back on the profile page. To finish, scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Save Profile.”

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peach414144 | @peach414144 | Jul 19, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "This is so great! Thank you so much for responding. The process is the same when..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

This is so great! Thank you so much for responding.

The process is the same when following, joining and posting in any discussion thread; it's just that formerly, the RA discussions were mixed in with Chronic Pain, Bones, Joints & Muscles, Autoimmune Diseases, and conversations were getting scattered throughout the community.
This discussion or section of the community is dedicated to topics specifically related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Here's a quick refresher about posting your messages and joining in the discussion:

Click “DISCUSS” in the top navigation bar. Then select “Groups” from the drop-down menu.
Click a group that interests you, like Autoimmune Diseases.
Scroll to review a list of the most recent discussions.
Click the title of an interesting discussion, in this example, "Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others."
This will take you to the discussion thread where you can read all of the comments.
To add your own comment, scroll to the bottom of the page and type your comment into the “Write your reply here…” box.
Once you have written your comment, click “POST REPLY.”
You can also reply directly to another member’s comment by clicking “REPLY” below their comment.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.
I look forward to connecting you with others, sharing insights, experiences, and suggestions about living with rheumatoid arthritis.

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thank you but i am quite ignorant on the computer wordage.  at 80 i need to be shown exactly how to.  so at this time my brain is my photograph.  but again, i thank you.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 11, 2018
In reply to @lapiii "1) What's the difference between our rheumatoid cyst and rheumatoid nodule? 2) How might I get..." + (show)
@lapiii

1) What's the difference between our rheumatoid cyst and rheumatoid nodule?
2) How might I get flareups?

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Hello @lapiii, welcome to Connect. Here are a couple of pages that will give some good explanations for you.

Mayo Clinic -- Rheumatoid arthritis - Symptoms & Causes
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648

Rheumatoid Nodules: What Does a Rheumatoid Nodule Feel Like?
-- https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/ra/symptoms/rheumatoid-nodules/

RA Symptoms: What are the First Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
-- https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/ra/symptoms/

@lapiii have you been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?

John

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lapiii | @lapiii | Nov 11, 2018

1) What's the difference between our rheumatoid cyst and rheumatoid nodule?
2) How might I get flareups?

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1 reply
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Nov 11, 2018

Hi @lapiii,

You may notice that I moved your discussion to this existing conversation about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the hope that you will meet fellow Connect members who have discussed RA, and may be able to help further answer your questions.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones’ experiences.

@lapiii, I look forward to getting to know you better; would you be able to share a few more details about yourself?

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