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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others
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?
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I would like to introduce myself. I was diagnosed with RA at age 30 and have dealt with it for 30 years. I am on my fifth biologic which if Actemra. I get it by way of infusions. Fatigue is profound for me but my doctor has me on medication that helps take the edge off of it. I look forward to supporting others and being supported in this group.
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1 ReactionI was diagnosed with RA in my mid fifties. I started on methotrexate which worked well, but negatively impacted my liver. I was switched to Enbrel and did well for several years. Then during a stressful period my Vectra D score was elevated. The doc switched me to Humira My Vectra continued to be elevated so he trie Orencia. That did not work either. I was then given actemra. Aftrer three infusions I developed a rash. At that time I was retested for TB and was found to have latent TB. I was treated for that and then found to have MRSA. I was treated for that. I was off of meds for two years I am back on Enbrel and it is working quire well. RA is difficult and painful. I have several other autoimmune disease that are challenging me right now....Pemphigus Vulgaris in the esophagus and alopecia areata. Good luck. I hope Actemra works for you.
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3 ReactionsHello @oregongirl, thanks for the private message. I thought I would tag you here in the discussion I think you were looking for - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others. Just post any questions you might have here and meet other members talking about RA. You also mentioned wanting to find other discussions on atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) Here is a discussion you might want to read through:
Groups > Heart Rhythm Conditions > Atrial fibrillation and medication side effects
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/side-efects/
If you are trying to find a particular topic or discussion you might want to try using the Connect search function. It's a great tool for finding discussions. It's how I found this group discussion for you. There are some tips here:
Groups > Just Want to Talk > Search - It can help you!
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/search-it-can-help-you/
Good luck!
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2 ReactionsI am looking for people who have BOTH Afib and RA
For Texas Freedom: I was told that I have RA and also have fast heart beat (treated with drugs metoprorlol, losartan and cartia. Suffering with much, much pain in the joints with bad pain, swelling, hot feet and legs and cannot walk and am using a wheel chair until it subsides. I also have psoriatic arthritis so I do not know which one is kicking up at the time, or maybe they are both being active at the same time. Also have vascular problems. Am going in for a bone marrow biopsy in two days. Perhaps cancer? ( Maybe that pain will knock out the other pains?) Must laugh somehow.
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1 Reaction@peach414144 sounds like you have much unmanaged inflammation, causing many other problems including heart...once you get inflammation under control I think you'll feel a great improvement
@peach414144 Glad to hear your sense of humor I'm sorry you have so much inflammation . Did the Dr. ever prescribe anti inflammatory meds for you? If he didn't check with him also there is ginger ,turmeric ,ice these all are anti inflammatory I wish you the best and hope your biopsy doesn't show anything bad
No anti-inflammatory prescribed. I do use tumeric with raw honey. The doctors have no answers for me. I also have hypothroidism, diabetes type 2, gerd, H-pylori, COPD,, restless leg syndrome, gloucoma, (almost legally blind at this time) dry eye, anemia, and a recent bout with sepsis this september, October. A few other medical problems cannot remember right now. How should I make an appointment with Mayo and address all these problems at the same time when Mayo wants the appointment to be made for one subject? Which one goes first? Think if I would go into assisted living i will be dead in a few months. Somehow still smiling but for how long! Have just about given up with the doctors here where I live.
@peach414144 oh Peach my heart goes out to you I'm so sorry for all you are going through.You are in my thoughts and prayers . I wish I had some answers for you I'm sure you have seen every Dr there is including an Infectious disease Dr. ?
good idea. Have not thought of an infectious disease doctor. Seems the doctors and I have been going around in circles. They are stumped and I am not a doctor. It is embarasing. The doctors seem to not want to bother with me. How can I make an appointment with the Mayo Clinic when the clinic wants to make the appointment for one medical problem. I do not know where to start. What diagnosis should I make the appointment for? An infectious disease doctor?