Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hi everyone,

I'm new to RA so I'll probably need some help.

It all started in December when I was having joint pain and difficulty breathing (I also have asthma).

The doctors ran some tests and found that my rheumatoid factor was 214, and they gave me prednisone (high doses) for my breathing difficulties for 25 days.

Further testing found that I have a chronic hepatitis c infection (for about 27 years now). I was a health care worker from 1978-1981 and received blood during my daughters birth in 1981.

More testing found a condition called Mixed Cryoglobulinemia Type II. A vasculitis type disease associated with hepatitis c, which can destroy your blood vessels and kidneys.

And while I was visiting my PCP two days ago she stated "you do know you also have rheumatoid arthritis".

I guess they didn't want to give me the bad news all at once. They are also checking me for "avascular necrosis" because the pain in my left hip is getting worse and is affecting my ability to walk.

The doctors can't give me any meds for the arthritis

except percocet, because they say it will make the hepatitis c viral load increase which will destroy my liver. So we have to clear the hepatitis c first, which means a full year of interferon and ribavirin (chemotherapy type stuff) and my chances of clearing this disease are still only 40%.

I've applied for SSA disability, have worked hard for the last 30 years but between these 3 diseases I just can't anymore. It's amazing though even after all the hard work I still feel guilty for applying.

I guess that's enough for now. Sorry this got so long.I'm glad I found this site though.

For some reason this post is doubling some of my statements not sure if I did something wrong here, sorry.

Post edited by: OutofRheum, at: 07/11/2008 08:45

Post edited by: OutofRheum, at: 07/11/2008 08:50

Hi, I too am new here ...with eveything you have experienced with the diagnoses...you should not feel guilty about applying for help..I hope that you succeed in getting the help you need..I know the feeling ...I have more bad days then good..and am working full time...its very hard to keep up and I have oonsidered applying for help..I just don't want to give up my health insurance...the coverage is very good...so, for now I will continue to work.. but, I know that there is going to be a time that I just can't go to work...when that time comes I am sure I will have some feelings of guilt, but it won't stop me from going forward to get the help I need...remember, by getting the help you need you will be taking better care of your self..and that should be your number one priority..especially when dealing with multiple medical problems...

Good Luck!

Hi Cella,

Thank you for the words of inspiration. I had just come off two very painful days and believe me all the encouragement helps. The pain can be so bad it leaves your head in a horrible fog. (Shaken not stirred?)I'm feeling better today and will definitely go out to enjoy the day!

Thanks again!

Hi! Welcome to the group, and thank you for sharing your story and background with us. Sorry to read that you have so many health issues going on. I'm also a 'multiple diagnosis' person, so I can sure understand the frustration of coordinating treatments and meds and having them all agree with each other. It's a shame they can't give you anything until your other treatments are taken care of. We will all be praying for some relief for you, and definitely for your survival from, and through, this all. We're all glad you found this site too, there are some wonderful people here.

Never feel guilty for applying for SSA. You need it, and that's what it's there for. I was also a health care worker, from 1969 to 2001. (I did mostly home hospice) I'm having trouble getting SSI because I did so many cases for low income families in the neighborhood, and nothing went into SSS since I was considered self-employed and didn't make much. (I never really thought about the future!) I'm sure you'll probably get it, they just make you run through so many hoops to get there though don't they?! If I may offer a suggestion....start a notepad file on your computer (or other word processing program) and keep a daily log of what you can't do, and the symptoms that you're having that keep you from doing what you normally do. This will help them see what trouble you are having with your daily activities and will help build a stronger case. If they see that you are actually having trouble with your daily activities of living, they can make a better assessment. Keep track daily, and then print it out and take it with you when you have your face-to-face appointment. Keep a hard copy for yourself in a file, and mark on it that it was given to the SSI agent, and the date. Keeping the records is important, and like I said gives them better proof of what you cannot do. Hugs....Joy