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.

mam4252 | @mam4252 | Mar 25, 2019

I have had RA for 23 years. I am on mtx, biologic, mobic. Things seem to be progressing and I find that there are days when it takes till dinner time for me to feel okay. Anyone else found this to be true?

REPLY
1 reply
kozlo52 | @kozlo52 | Mar 26, 2019

since you are on the meds you describe make sure you get bloodwork to check your liver enzynes and to do urinanalysis to make sure your kidneys are functioning properly because of mobic. Mtx was a chemo drug from the 1940's to fight cancer, which may cause the "run down" feeling. also make sure you take a good probiotic for your digestive track.....kozlo52

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mam4252 | @mam4252 | Mar 28, 2019
In reply to @mam4252 "Thanks for your input. We are in the process of getting an appointment with Mayo." + (show)
@mam4252

Thanks for your input. We are in the process of getting an appointment with Mayo.

Jump to this post

We have completed the process and have an appointment in Rochester. Thanks for your help along the way!

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annapocono | @annapocono | Apr 23, 2019

My name is Anna. I am 75 and live in NYC but lived and taught many years in the Twin cities. I was diagnosed with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unspecified significance) - a mild case -- 3 years ago. And then this year diagnosed with mild RA mainly bothering me in my right foot. Given that the RA is mild, the doctor is having me go on the auto immune protocol diet which seems to be working to help. My big problem has been infections. I was hospitalized with cellulitis in May (granted the doctor failed to diagnose an infection in my ankle) and then got the superbug C. Difficile this past January. The infectious disease specialist and the GI doctor say that both MGUS and RA weaken immunity. I was told that because of these two conditions, even though I have them mildly, " your immunity is weak". Are you all experiencing infections? Has your immunity been weakened by RA?

REPLY
3 replies
lisabeans | @lisabeans | Apr 23, 2019
In reply to @annapocono "My name is Anna. I am 75 and live in NYC but lived and taught many..." + (show)
@annapocono

My name is Anna. I am 75 and live in NYC but lived and taught many years in the Twin cities. I was diagnosed with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unspecified significance) - a mild case -- 3 years ago. And then this year diagnosed with mild RA mainly bothering me in my right foot. Given that the RA is mild, the doctor is having me go on the auto immune protocol diet which seems to be working to help. My big problem has been infections. I was hospitalized with cellulitis in May (granted the doctor failed to diagnose an infection in my ankle) and then got the superbug C. Difficile this past January. The infectious disease specialist and the GI doctor say that both MGUS and RA weaken immunity. I was told that because of these two conditions, even though I have them mildly, " your immunity is weak". Are you all experiencing infections? Has your immunity been weakened by RA?

Jump to this post

I have RA which is also considered mild and fibro. My immune system is very weak. I get sinus infections and bronchitis constantly especially in the winter. It is horrible.

REPLY
zenk | @zenk | Apr 23, 2019
In reply to @annapocono "My name is Anna. I am 75 and live in NYC but lived and taught many..." + (show)
@annapocono

My name is Anna. I am 75 and live in NYC but lived and taught many years in the Twin cities. I was diagnosed with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unspecified significance) - a mild case -- 3 years ago. And then this year diagnosed with mild RA mainly bothering me in my right foot. Given that the RA is mild, the doctor is having me go on the auto immune protocol diet which seems to be working to help. My big problem has been infections. I was hospitalized with cellulitis in May (granted the doctor failed to diagnose an infection in my ankle) and then got the superbug C. Difficile this past January. The infectious disease specialist and the GI doctor say that both MGUS and RA weaken immunity. I was told that because of these two conditions, even though I have them mildly, " your immunity is weak". Are you all experiencing infections? Has your immunity been weakened by RA?

Jump to this post

Hi Anna, I did not know that ones immunity is weakened simply by having RA . I thought that immunity was lowered by taking immune suppressive drugs for the disease. Would love to get that straight . I have Sjogrens and other UDCT diseases. Zenk

REPLY
1 reply
boomerexpert | @boomerexpert | Apr 24, 2019
In reply to @annapocono "My name is Anna. I am 75 and live in NYC but lived and taught many..." + (show)
@annapocono

My name is Anna. I am 75 and live in NYC but lived and taught many years in the Twin cities. I was diagnosed with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unspecified significance) - a mild case -- 3 years ago. And then this year diagnosed with mild RA mainly bothering me in my right foot. Given that the RA is mild, the doctor is having me go on the auto immune protocol diet which seems to be working to help. My big problem has been infections. I was hospitalized with cellulitis in May (granted the doctor failed to diagnose an infection in my ankle) and then got the superbug C. Difficile this past January. The infectious disease specialist and the GI doctor say that both MGUS and RA weaken immunity. I was told that because of these two conditions, even though I have them mildly, " your immunity is weak". Are you all experiencing infections? Has your immunity been weakened by RA?

Jump to this post

@annapocono yes...all w/RA have a compromised immune system

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mia447 | @mia447 | Apr 24, 2019
In reply to @zenk "Hi Anna, I did not know that ones immunity is weakened simply by having RA ...." + (show)
@zenk

Hi Anna, I did not know that ones immunity is weakened simply by having RA . I thought that immunity was lowered by taking immune suppressive drugs for the disease. Would love to get that straight . I have Sjogrens and other UDCT diseases. Zenk

Jump to this post

@zenk - my understanding is the same as yours. ie. that RA is caused by an over-active immune system and therefore the treatment is immuno-suppressant medication. The result can be weakened or compromised immunity. I think everyone is individual, though. For me -- even though I'm taking a bucket of drugs -- my immunity has pretty much just come back to what would be considered 'normal'. I don't seem to catch colds or illnesses any more easily than anyone else. The biggest issue I have is that if I DO catch something I have to stop my biologic and so am doubly miserable! 🙂 That's the main reason I avoid places where catching something is more likely (public transport, hospitals, large crowds, kids with bugs).

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Sundance(RB) | @sundance6 | Apr 29, 2019
In reply to @mam4252 "I have had RA for 23 years. I am on mtx, biologic, mobic. Things seem to..." + (show)
@mam4252

I have had RA for 23 years. I am on mtx, biologic, mobic. Things seem to be progressing and I find that there are days when it takes till dinner time for me to feel okay. Anyone else found this to be true?

Jump to this post

I'm not quite sure where to jump into this group. But I need some help and information. I came down with what I feel is Lyme Disease 10 months ago. I have had ove 100 viles of blood taken in that time. Still they have found nothing untl last week. They did a Rheumatoid Factor Blood screening. Finally something came up. But my Neurogist dosen't know what it is. I have an aapt. with a Rheumologist in a month. My Rheumatoid Factor is 71UI/ml. Normal is 15IU/ml.
Can anybody out there let me know what this may mean?
Thanks,
Sundance

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 29, 2019
In reply to @sundance6 "I'm not quite sure where to jump into this group. But I need some help and..." + (show)
@sundance6

I'm not quite sure where to jump into this group. But I need some help and information. I came down with what I feel is Lyme Disease 10 months ago. I have had ove 100 viles of blood taken in that time. Still they have found nothing untl last week. They did a Rheumatoid Factor Blood screening. Finally something came up. But my Neurogist dosen't know what it is. I have an aapt. with a Rheumologist in a month. My Rheumatoid Factor is 71UI/ml. Normal is 15IU/ml.
Can anybody out there let me know what this may mean?
Thanks,
Sundance

Jump to this post

Hi @sundance6, I think Rheumatoid Factor is just one piece of diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. Here is a little information I found that may explain it a better.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Lab Tests and Results
-- https://www.hss.edu/conditions_understanding-rheumatoid-arthritis-lab-tests-results.asp

RF Test: What is the Normal Range for a Rheumatoid Factor Test?
-- https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/ra/diagnosis/rheumatoid-factor/

Hope you can share the results of your upcoming meeting with the rheumatologist.

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