Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hello everyone,

I happened to "stumble" upon this website and I am glad I did. I was diagnosed with RA 3 months ago. Even though I am in excruciating pain, I have hope this will somehow go away. Sometimes I feel like my life is over and I can't take another day of this pain. Other days my children and my second-grade students inspire me and keep me going.

Hi joliver, and welcome to the group! Im sorry that you're in such pain, but we can definitely relate to what you're feeling. Sadly, it doesn't just magically go away. Usually, you need to take medicine, or participate in some other type of alternate therapy.

If you opt to take medicine, it will help with pain,which is being caused by the damage of erosion to your joints. Sorry.. thats the harsh reality of it.

One way or another, you have to deal with it. Are you seeing a rheumatologist, or a GP? Most of us on here would suggest a rheumatologist because they have more specialized testing, a much better grasp of what's happening to your body, and can treat you more effectively than a GP.

I know how exhausting working and having children is. I am in the same situation, as are many in the group. That's one of the main reasons to take care of yourself. The pain and "damage" help to cause the exhaustion, and the treatments can make your life "liveable" again. You may never get back to what you used to be prior to RA, but you can get back to having a more normal lifestyle again.

Surely others will be stopping by to say hello, and offer you their words of advice too. Its a great group; open, honest, caring, and full of experience. I think you'll be glad you joined ..or at least I hope!!

Hang in there.. better days are on the horizon

Karen

Thank you Karen for replying!!!! No, I am so blessed and grateful for this online support group. When I found out I had RA I tried searching for someone in my town who I could relate to and had it as well.

I am seeing a rhematologist and he prescriped naproxen, hydroxnchlor, gabapentin, and prednisone. I've read some negative info on prednisone...when I started with pain in the knees...I went to my regular dr and no one could figure out what was wrong with me. I was 5'7' 145 lbs, great physical health, I used to jog 3 miles four times a week. School had let out for the summer, doctors could not figure out what was wrong, I was bed-ridden and had lost 40 lbs went down to 105...I was skeletal. When I started the prednisone I gained weight and am back up to a healthy 135 lb frame. The medicines were working great and then I started teaching and I saw my dr...he advised me to stop taking the naproxen and reduced my dosage of prednisone. Then 2 weeks later...I am in pain once again. I wear knee braces when I wear slacks and I try to play games on the floor with my students (educational games). I called my dr and he advised me to start the naproxen once again and the prednisone, but guys I am still in pain!!! I've taken hot showers, my beautiful son has applied a topical ointment joint flex for hours at a time on the weekend and the evenings. I used to keep my house immaculate, I used to cook homemade meals and my home was open to the neighborhood children...I'd bake cookies, do arts and crafts with them. I used to tend to my gardening and now I've neglected it all. I am fortunate to have a wonderful family...my parents live close by and cook for us and check on us often. I have wonderful aunts, uncles and friends...I am struggling!!! I have dreams of the life I used to have with my ex-husband and the things I used to do and I wake up in pain with reality hitting me that I no longer have my spouse and I am trying to take it one day at a time. You all sound so strong and I hope to be there one day. Thank you all!! God bless you...you and I are in my prayers!

your so lucky to have a family so willing to help you. my ex left me because he didn't want to deal with the ra. getting my kids to help out is a real chore, most of the time i don't have the energy to fight the fight. needless to say, most of the time my house is a disaster area.

Ann, you are right. I am very lucky to have my family! I am so sorry for what you are going through and I can understand not having that spouse and the loneliness. But then to be battling with RA. I will keep you in my prayers and whenever you want to talk...you can count on me. Jessica

Hi Ann, sorry you are going through this. Sounds like you're on track though with a good support system and med treatment. My own home is close to disaster all the time now and I'm dv'd with 2 grown sons. It's hard to lose being able to do all the little things no matter who we have around. Still after a year, I am still replacing items around the house, to make things easier.... faucets, door handles, can opener, screwdrivers... you get the pic.

Hugs, glad you are here.

Ann.....You sound just like the rest of us on here. I have yet

to meet anyone that has led a sedentary lifestyle....Most all these

people have been type A before they were hit with it....and even

AFTER being hit with it, still try to resume furthering education or

a job they no longer can function in.

I have learned to do one chore at a time here at home. Dont overdo

is the key. Sounds like you have a good doc.

Ammel and Joliver.....Many spouses will divorce because they cant

handle this mess....some will stay and add to the misery with contempt and criticism and not willing to HELP with things you cant

do well anymore.....However; there are also wonderful men that are

kind and loving and supportive.

You could be fortunate you no longer have them....You are young,

keep your eye out for a kind, supportive, understanding, empathic

young man......in the meanwhile, love your children with all you

have left.

Kathy

Kat, once again you are a pillar of wisdom... You're amazing

Hi Joliver: Please to assured that not all men are evil and uncaring. Then when I think about it ???????

well ????????????? There is one that I'm aware of -----can You guess who ? Welcome and Enjoy ShepherdTrainer

Kathy, you brought me tears to my eyes! Yes, I am going to love my children with all I have left!! I need to leave all the stress and misfortunes behind. Thank you for reminding me of what matters most. God bless you!

Jessica