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.

lioness | @lioness | Sep 5, 2020

In reply to @rivergirl8243 "my daughter lives in Southern California" + (show)

@rivergirl8243 What part I'm so n Long Beach

rivergirl8243 | @rivergirl8243 | Sep 6, 2020

In reply to @lioness "@rivergirl8243 What part I'm so n Long Beach" + (show)

Laguna Hills

rivergirl8243 | @rivergirl8243 | Sep 6, 2020

In reply to @lioness "@rivergirl8243 What part I'm so n Long Beach" + (show)

107 today

lioness | @lioness | Sep 6, 2020

In reply to @rivergirl8243 "107 today" + (show)

@rivergirl8243 HOT HOT HOT same here 106 indoors today

peach414144 | @peach414144 | Sep 6, 2020

In reply to @lioness "@rivergirl8243 Hi I have Osteoporosis , fibromyalgia ,2back fractures the one in my lower back gives..." + (show)

Please, would anybody know if osteitis pubis would be associated with either Rheumatoid or Psoriatuc arthritis? Very, very painful.

rivergirl8243 | @rivergirl8243 | Sep 6, 2020

Went online to search, can't see that it's associated with arthritis. Can happen with childbirth.

ellens | @ellens | Sep 6, 2020

In reply to @lioness "@rivergirl8243 HOT HOT HOT same here 106 indoors today" + (show)

UGH UGH UGH!!! I would be whining nonstop!

julieschiwal1972 | @julieschiwal1972 | Oct 3, 2020

Recently diagnosed with PMR that was then changed to RA. Feeling nervous about this diagnosis and wonder what I'm looking at long term. I have been reading a lot of your stories and I can relate with some of the symptoms however I'm not having fatigue or really any side effects from my medication regime. I do feel that as my prednisone is tapered I am getting some of the pain back. Every day is different. Will I be on Methotrexate for the rest of my life? and then Prednisone for flares? Will I eventually have the hand disfiguring? Is there no prevention for that? Fears galore over here! I did purchase the RA Warriors book RA unmasked...it was helpful for things to look for going forward but it really scared me. I was surprised at how much we have to advocate for ourselves. I imagined the things she talked about would be common knowledge for providers to watch for but so far I have been told to take these medications and have blood work done. No mention of CAD, Lung disease etc. Anyone else with similar stories?
Julie

boomerexpert | @boomerexpert | Oct 3, 2020

In reply to @julieschiwal1972 "Recently diagnosed with PMR that was then changed to RA. Feeling nervous about this diagnosis and..." + (show)

First, how old are you? Second, do you feel your inflammation is under control? Those answers will help me help you. If you' consider a biologic at any point (that's drugs like Humira and Xeljanz) don't settle for just the TB test to determine safety...also get a lung scan to rule out MAC (a non-tubercular lung infection that, like TB, worsens quickly with a suppressed immune system). Most Rheumies are completely I'll informed about it.

julieschiwal1972 | @julieschiwal1972 | Oct 3, 2020

I am 48 and I would say I feel the inflammation is 80% under control. Just on Pred and Methotrexate at this point. No talk of Biologics yet. That's my question though...is this something that over time I'm going to have to change my plan? Is that common? Reading everyone's stories worries me. Thank you for the information on rule outs. Is there any testing I should be asking for just for baselines?
Julie