Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hello All, I am newly diagnosed with RA. A haven't been to a specialist yet. But am slowly letting things sink in. This is the first day in about a week that I have had the energy to approach this with some clear thoughts. I had never experienced symptoms like this previously.

In general I have a positive outlook on things. But I also want to get some feedback. Realizing that everyone is different, I wonder how often serious flares occur in general.

I also wonder what exercises you find most helpful. And if you have massage?

I know that is a lot... I looking forward to knowing members of this group.

Hello and Welcome! You will be glad you found this group. There are many wonderful people here who can share so much information. See you in the posts!

Hi Blue and welcome.

Flares are always different. Mine are never in a pattern. Depends on what's triggering them. Stress is a huge factor so the more stress you have the more pain.

Light massages are okay but deep tissue massage is not good for RA. Neither are hot tubs when you have inflammation.

During flares, i do not exercise except for light stretching. When it resides, I start again on my elliptcal and hand weight routines. I am completely out of shape. More flares then not and they are long so each time i start workouts again it is like i have never done it in my life and have to go really easy. Before I can even build up to a normal workout the RA is stopping me again.

Just keep moving as much as possible but nothing heavy during flares and inflammation.

hugs, Donna

Hi Blue, I am still able to walk my dog Sheba (a Sheba Inu) 8 blocks. I do know the days I should not. Then the boys have t take care if it. I have recently added a christian form of yoga. No weight bearing, just stretching and very gentle. My shoulders can hurt pretty bad, so I don't want to upset the apple cart.

My last flare was my worse and I did take a cortisone shot. It is wearing off now. This could be my first step toward using prednisone.

My flares come once a month and I know b/c my period is expected. I usually get bad inflammation then the pain. This last included pain in the ankle, chest and some heart.But it's been gone and Dr knows. Everyone is different on how often.

Post edited by: claphappy, at: 05/05/2012 04:46 PM

flares for depend on the weather and stress sometimes they just come out of the blue. mine dont normaly last more then a week or so. have had a few here lately that have been real bad. my ortho said that those are more then likely something to do with the hip being bone on bone. i struggle daily with pain most of the time it sits at a 5. but i do have to say i work at least 32 hours a week and i have job that works with me and is wonderful. i have several other things to and i love my life no not at first it has taken me a lot of time but through my faith in God and my husband who is right beside me i do most anything

Hi Blue,

I have been under very good control and have not had a bag flare in almost 11/2 years. I was diagnosed about 21/2 years ago and have only had a total of 3 bad flares. I have lots of mild flares, but if I take a good anti-inflammatory, it ends up being a short flare, as well. My worse symptom is fatigue, but to be honest that could be from a few different illnesses I have.

How soon are you seeing a rheumatologist? Let us know what she says and the meds prescribed. Don't be frightened by the potential side effects of the meds. These rarely occur and if you know what to look for, you can nip them in the bud. The danger of not treating the RA, is that the damage to your joints can become very bad and you could end up disabled. Also, since it is a systemic autoimmune illness, it can affect your internal organs.

Good luck and come back to ask questions anytime. We are here for you. Come on and ask any question, cry, scream, whine or whatever. We've been there and understand.

Thanks Molly5

Thanks for sharing that, Paulette. I am a little in shock right now. I don't know when I will hear from the specialist. My regular doctor put a referral in for me on Wednesday. Today was the first day I felt somewhat normal. But I will ended up hurting at the end of the day. I am worried about how I will cope at work if this amount of tiredness becomes the norm. My job is very busy and active. I tend to be at the center of things. However, I am just coming off a hellish week. I hope that I will further improve and get with a plan soon.

Thanks ClapHappy, I hadn't really thought about the connection to a monthly cycle. Do you know if that is common? Walking the dog sounds like a good thing. But yes, I suppose I'll have to see how things unfold.

Post edited by: Bluefield, at: 05/05/2012 07:46 PM

Post edited by: Bluefield, at: 05/05/2012 07:48 PM

Thanks Judy I appreciate that you are trying a form of yoga you are comfortable with. I have been practicing yoga for 15 years. But over the last year or so, I have stopped. I have a new job and exercise stopped for a while. I started walking again a little bit about a month ago. Hopefully, I will find a good balance. I am sure your family and spiritual life helps a great deal.

Post edited by: Bluefield, at: 05/05/2012 07:45 PM