@katemn,
here is an example where the drs did not automatically put her on the THREE BIG
meds. (per my conversation with my doctor this past Tuesday)
 

@cindyrnc Welcome Cindy!   Jen is right.
This group is very supportive and truly care. -Terri M.
 

@cindyrnc Hi
Cindy. We all freaked out at first. You will have to be in charge and gain all
of the knowledge you can. This Connection site is a great start. If you can take
the time to read back over some of the older posts; you can learn from
others who have been through the same thing. I am seeing a common thread here in
that many people with bronchiecstasis/MAC also have RA or other arthritic and
connective tissue disorders. I saw where someone recently posted about the
Humira subject. I will look back and see who it was and get back to you. Hang in
there my friend. - Terri M.
 

@ling123 Every day I am conscious of more things that I am susceptible being on immunosuppressants It gets so worrisome.
JK

Thanks everyone.

Cindy

@cindyrnc,
here is one member who mentioned being on Humira, @boomerexpert.
I will look for others as well.
 

@tdrell,
that is an excellent question Terri. My tests came back negative too for RA.
But, I think I do have it because when my arthritis flares up, it is always
symetrical. If one knee throbs, they both do, hands, hips, elbows, same thing.
And now middle fingers on both hands have an enlarged knuckle. I had read that
being symetrical was one of the tell-tale signs of RA. -Terri M.
 

@@cindyrnc,
tdrell is the other person I was thinking of concerning
your RA questions. I think you two may have already connected.
 

@windwalker Terri M, thanks for saying that! I've been working hard everyday to change my thinking & attidtude surrounding having an illness & what it means to be living with a diagnoses that the physician refer to as "terminal". What does that mean & how does that shape the way I think & how do I move forward & lead a purposeful life despite ANY diagnoses.

The big talk with our dear Katherine really impacted me. I'm trying very hard to re-shape my thinking & not let the illness (of which I have many) define ME. I started Pulmonary Rehab 3 days a week & when I'm there, I wear oxygen to exercise. It is finally getting me to drop some of my own self-conscious, negative self talk that I do when I wear (or don't wear) my oxygen in front of others. It's been empowering & freeing me a little to know that I CAN actually exercise & meet a goal. We started at 11mims on the treadmill & go up 1 min at a time. It doesn't sound like much but it's a challenge for me & boy do I feel good accomplishing it!!! I've gained 25 lbs with this most recent infection & treatment with high doses of prednisone. I'm trying to stop beating myself up over it & move forward, treating my body with kindness & practice my own "due diligence" & treat my body with respect & take better care of it with exercise, mindful, more sensible, & more nutritious eating. I'm by no means great or even that "good" but it's a start, a step in the right direction. I'm trying to empower myself with the great education & great words of wisdom here. I'm trying to be more intentional & trying to take responsibility for my thinking/behavior/self-talk/inner dialogue. One step at a time, one day at a time. The only thing getting in the way of me, is myself! It's so true! Thanks for mentioning it Terri M!
Best, Jen

Boomerexpert....most interesting re the biopsy showing the RA when blood tests did not.....also that your RA is in tendons and connective tissues not joints!! what type of Dr figured this out? tdrell