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?

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

@rarelybees2889

I have other autoimmune rhemetological issues, but my rheme is "on the fence" on if I have RA too.
Holding off now taking any other drugs. The other disease I have is a "sister disease" to RA.
Anyone in this situation?

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I have Hashimotos and Raynauds. I had the second Pfizer Covid vaccine and my hands and feet swelled up like sausages. All of my joints hurt for months . I finally went to a Rheumatologist and he said it looks like RA and the blood test came back as sero negative.

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I see a wonderful rheumatologist, in the Woodlands, Texas. I get Orencia Infusions once a month. I also take Sulfasalazine, plus a muscle relaxer, as needed.They help, yet when I get a R.A. Flare up, the pain is miserable. So, I do the best I can. Had breast Cancer, with an Autologous Stem Cell Treatment in 1998. Also, I am doing well with my Parkinson’s. I am a very positive person, knowing things others have are far worse. P. Benson

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@elmay

Would appreciate having a Sjogren’s group.

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Yes! I can't believe there isn't one yet!

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@sandbarry

Sandra from Glens Falls, New York. Age t72, diagnosed at 55. Also Sjogren’s. Orencia has given up the fight. Only Biologic left that I didn’t fail is Remicade. Worried about side effects. Good luck to you all, nice to be here.

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Hi there. Have you tried Xeljanz? I had taken a list of drugs a mile long and at that time I only had a couple left to try. Xeljanz has worked for 4 1/2 years and I am so grateful. When I feel I’m going into a full on flare I go in and get a shot of steroid and a toradol shot and it bumps me right out. I was just wondering if you had tried it. My doctor said we would try RINVOQ if it failed me. Good luck.

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@adlttl123

Hi there. Have you tried Xeljanz? I had taken a list of drugs a mile long and at that time I only had a couple left to try. Xeljanz has worked for 4 1/2 years and I am so grateful. When I feel I’m going into a full on flare I go in and get a shot of steroid and a toradol shot and it bumps me right out. I was just wondering if you had tried it. My doctor said we would try RINVOQ if it failed me. Good luck.

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One of many I tried before I went on Orencia, but thanks.

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Of course and I understand. So have I. I wish you luck in finding one that finally works for you. Diane

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I was diagnosed last year with RA and PMR. On prednisone, methotrexate, sulphasalazine and hydroxychloroquine. Finally now able to taper the prednisone after many months of flares.

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@adlttl123

Of course and I understand. So have I. I wish you luck in finding one that finally works for you. Diane

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Thamks

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Hello.....this has been a long and frustrating journey. Anyone here been diagnosed with seronegative RA with no finger or toe involvement?

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@naomid

Yes! I can't believe there isn't one yet!

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@elmay @naomid you can connect with others talking about Sjogren's in this discussion group:

Sjogren’s Syndrome – Introduce yourself and meet others – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sjogrens/

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