Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

Wish you all the best @onetowatchst. A sympathetic and kind Rheumatologist makes all the difference. Especially one who will ask what matters most to you and what kind of side effects are deal-breakers for you. There are so many different biologics these days you should be able to find one that suits you even if you do have to swap and change. There is fairly strict qualifying criteria here (not sure what the situation is where you live), but like I said - a sympathetic Rheumatologist will advise on what you can do. x

@mjq That is a very powerful story! Did you and your friend ever discuss the meds and all the pro’s and cons that go with them?
How does your friend feel about all this, and her decisions, now?

@onetowatchst Until your health insurance comes through, maybe you could look at this site.
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/
This link is for GARD (genetic and rare diseases). They should be able to find a good rheumatologist for you. Then you’ll be ready. In fact, try to make an appointment even before our insurance comes in: sometimes there are long waits to see the doctor.
In the meantime, start a journal listing symptoms, what you do to care for yourself, activities that are difficult because of pain, and what you do to relieve pain. All of this gives the doctor a good view of what you’re dealing with and how he can help.
Here is another discussion with ideas on how to prepare for the doctor visit:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-getting-a-proper-diagnosis-of-an-autoimmune-disease/
Will you start a journal?

We do discuss the side effects. I often encourage her to reconsider. Even at this point she would gain some relief from the pain and perhaps avoid further damage to her other joints if she used some of the modern RA drugs.

She is steadfast and still refuses to reconsider.

I have decided to do pain management therapy with a psychologist. I was recently told I have all the markers of fibromyalagia but the doctor wouldn't "formally" diagnose me with fibro. I have been through a battery of tests to rule out other things and thank the good Lord those were normal. My RA is under good control based on my sed rate and CPC. So...the reason I was given for my terrible arm pain is myofascial pain syndrome after my back surgery and neck fusion this past May. I cannot accept this is normal healing!

Hi. At one point my rheumatologist was deciding whether I have PMR or Rheumatoid Arthritis. It appears at this point that he feels it is RA. I had done a lot of research on PMR until now and I have even joined the PMR group on here and my symptoms are remarkably similar to those in that group. I am curious to know more about RA and that’s why I am here. I am on Plaqenil 4O0 mg once a day and have gotten about a 50% improvement in 2 months.

My name is Jerry Wilck. Thank you.

@wilckdds As you can read in the information on this web link, RA is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and can destroy them. Treatment is much, much better today.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648
I’m glad that you have a rheumatologist! They can be hard to find for some people. Now, what you should do is to educate yourself on RA and the treatments. You want to be partners with your doctor.
What symptoms of RA did you have that lead you to the doctor?

Hi @darby413 - I'm not sure if it helps to know that others also have RA and fibro (I do). It's the worst combination - RA fatigue along with that unrelenting and deep-seated, muscle/fascia pain. I don't know why there's so much fuss about diagnosing fibro. I think the criteria has been changed in recent times so it no longer relies on identified pressure points being painful (thank goodness!) but it can still be really hard to get a diagnosis - like you've experienced. TBH, it probably doesn't matter all that much what it's called (other than a pain in the &** - can I say that here? :). If you get good therapists and they give you time to explain what's going on, they should be able to help. I have done a number of chronic pain / central sensitisation courses and treatments and they all help to different degrees. Some have been with psychologists and others with specialised physios. Unfortunately there's no magic pill which is what I would dearly love! If it helps at all to hear, one thing that helps me enormously is myotherapy - I've been lucky enough to find a myotherapist who understands fibro and treats me however I am when I show up. Sometimes my legs are painful, sometimes my back, and sometimes I get pain around my shoulders / rib cage. Keep searching for something that helps - you're right, nothing about fibro is 'normal'. Hang in there. xx

May I ask how long have you been on Orencia ? I’m also taking infusions monthly for a year now. Praying that it continues to keep the pain at bay. Just curious. Thanks.

Thank you for contacting me and giving me the link to the article. What got me to the Rheumatologist were symptoms more like those of PMR not RA. The only symptom that seems to appear in both is stiffness in the morning. That was the primary problem. Also, I have pain in the biceps in both arms. None of the other problems listed for RA, are showing up for me. Although I started the Plaquenil only 2 months ago, I can trace the first signs of a problem as far back February and neither my PCP or Orthopedic Surgeon referred me to a Rheumatologist back then.

Putting together all the things I have read as well as the descriptions of symptoms on the PMR forum, I strongly feel the my condition leans toward PMR. I am waiting for the results of blood drawn 2 days ago.