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Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis - Share Your Symptoms

Last Reply:

Welcome to the RA Board!

Byroney_WebMD_Staff posted:

Greetings and welcome to the Rheumatoid Arthritis message board. Whether you've just been diagnosed, or you're an RA veteran, we have articles, videos, tips and best of all, support to share with all of you.

So let me give you some links to get started. Firstly, RAtv is an excellent resource to learn more about Rheumatoid Arthritis. You can learn not only about getting diagnosed and working with your doctor, but about diet, exercise, and even RA in children. You can also meet real people like an exercise director, beauty queen, state representative, and even a black-belt winning grandmother?all dealing with RA and its challenges.

From here you can find links to Tracking Your RA Pain, How Well Are You Managing Your RA, and RISE, which is our educational program that can help you understand treatment options. This is a great page for you to bookmark.

If videos aren't your cup of tea, check out articles in our Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center. You can also sign up for our Free Rheumatoid Arthritis Newsletter and get tips and information delivered directly to your mailbox.

Best wishes,

Byroney

71 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Greetings and welcome to the Rheumatoid Arthritis message board. Whether you've just been diagnosed, or you're an RA veteran, we have articles, videos, tips and best of all, support to share with all of you. So let me give you some links to get started. Firstly, <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-tv>RAtv</a> is an excellent resource to learn more about Rheumatoid Arthritis. You can learn not only about getting diagnosed and working with your doctor, but about diet, exercise, and even RA in children. You can also meet real people like an exercise director, beauty queen, state representative, and even a black-belt winning grandmother?all dealing with RA and its challenges. From here you can find links to Tracking Your RA Pain, How Well Are You Managing Your RA, and RISE, which is our educational program that can help you understand treatment options. This is a great page for you to bookmark. If videos aren't your cup of tea, check out articles in our <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/default.htm>Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center</a>. You can also sign up for our Free Rheumatoid Arthritis Newsletter and get tips and information delivered directly to your mailbox. Best wishes, Byroney

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Byroney_WebMD_Staff responded:

Welcome, Cecily!

I answered you on the hair loss thread, too. There are a *ton* of supportive, courageous people on this board, and I hope you'll feel like this is your RA Home.

How well you are Managing Your RA? Take our assessment and find out the answer!

Best wishes,

Byroney

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Welcome, Cecily! I answered you on the hair loss thread, too. There are a *ton* of supportive, courageous people on this board, and I hope you'll feel like this is your RA Home. How well you are <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-health-check/default.htm>Managing Your RA?</a> Take our assessment and find out the answer! Best wishes, Byroney

Lilleth7 responded:

Hi, I am fairly new to this too, and recently diagnosed too. When I first went to my own doctor she didn't take it very seriously, and basically refused to do any tests for RA. After 5 months of visits she finally agreed, andtest came back positive for RA. Iwas referred to Rheumatology and saw consultant ion June 10 for more tests. I have been offered a choice of 4 different meds to try, I think its important to give these a go, they can take up to 3 months to work. Regarding work, you need to explain your situation and ask to be allowed time to rest, the fact that you work with very ill patients is more reason to get help, you need to be able to work as long as you feel able to, so support is very important, as I discovered when I asked to cut down my hours, I was told it wasn't possible and so had to eventually leave. I hope you find the courage to deal with your illness, I know how difficult it is, good luck to you

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Hi, I am fairly new to this too, and recently diagnosed too. When I first went to my own doctor she didn't take it very seriously, and basically refused to do any tests for RA. After 5 months of visits she finally agreed, andtest came back positive for RA. Iwas referred to Rheumatology and saw consultant ion June 10 for more tests. I have been offered a choice of 4 different meds to try, I think its important to give these a go, they can take up to 3 months to work. Regarding work, you need to explain your situation and ask to be allowed time to rest, the fact that you work with very ill patients is more reason to get help, you need to be able to work as long as you feel able to, so support is very important, as I discovered when I asked to cut down my hours, I was told it wasn't possible and so had to eventually leave. I hope you find the courage to deal with your illness, I know how difficult it is, good luck to you

Lilleth7 responded:

I am so sorry you don't have the support you need from your family, people just don't understand the pain unless it affects them. Eventually you will get the right combination of drugs, it will unfortunately take time. This is a very supportive group, all of us know how you feel, so please don't feel alone in this!!! Keep going, and keep being strong

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!<img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> I am so sorry you don't have the support you need from your family, people just don't understand the pain unless it affects them. Eventually you will get the right combination of drugs, it will unfortunately take time. This is a very supportive group, all of us know how you feel, so please don't feel alone in this!!! Keep going, and keep being strong

Cecily1974 responded:

Thank you for the welcome. I am not tolerating my RA well. I have OA and Fibro as well. I'm in pain constantly and they keep tweaking my meds around to find out what helps. I will take the assesment for find out though.

Thanks, Cecily

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Thank you for the welcome. I am not tolerating my RA well. I have OA and Fibro as well. I'm in pain constantly and they keep tweaking my meds around to find out what helps. I will take the assesment for find out though. Thanks, Cecily

kekulanui responded:

did u find anyone who is on these meds?? new to this and iam supposed to start on humira and ian a little worried

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!did u find anyone who is on these meds?? new to this and iam supposed to start on humira and ian a little worried

Cecily1974 responded:

I don't know why I don't get support from my parents but I don't. I'm joining a support group at the church I go to too. So between the online groups and the church group I will get the support I need. None of my friends understand and it seems as if my friends and I are drifting apart because of this. I can't think about anything else except my illness. I can't even concentrate. Thanks for welcoming me.

Cecily

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!I don't know why I don't get support from my parents but I don't. I'm joining a support group at the church I go to too. So between the online groups and the church group I will get the support I need. None of my friends understand and it seems as if my friends and I are drifting apart because of this. I can't think about anything else except my illness. I can't even concentrate. Thanks for welcoming me. Cecily

dgcobb136 responded:

Hi, first time user, hopefully I am doing this right. I was recently diagnosed with RA ( The curse). 1 month ago. I am 49 yrs. of age. and this was one thing I had hope I would not get. My mother and grandmother were both crippled with RA. I was feeling awful with hand and feet stiffness and pain in other areas also. Feeling pretty good one min. and flu like symptoms the next. I had blood work and a positive RA result. I am so very thankful that they have the medications that help fight this I am on Sulfasalazine and Diclofenac. My Dr. said when I come back in Sept will most probably start me on Methotrizate. The Diclofenac seems to upset my stomach so have not been taking it in the last week. Mentioned this to my dr. did not seem to concerned. Have never liked to take medicine anyway so I am very unsure about this treatment. Just feeling a little discourage right now. But, am very blessed that I have something to take, my grandmother and my mother did not. except aspirin. Thanks for any info or suggestions you can give me. Have a great July 4th.

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Hi, first time user, hopefully I am doing this right. I was recently diagnosed with RA ( The curse). 1 month ago. I am 49 yrs. of age. and this was one thing I had hope I would not get. My mother and grandmother were both crippled with RA. I was feeling awful with hand and feet stiffness and pain in other areas also. Feeling pretty good one min. and flu like symptoms the next. I had blood work and a positive RA result. I am so very thankful that they have the medications that help fight this I am on Sulfasalazine and Diclofenac. My Dr. said when I come back in Sept will most probably start me on Methotrizate. The Diclofenac seems to upset my stomach so have not been taking it in the last week. Mentioned this to my dr. did not seem to concerned. Have never liked to take medicine anyway so I am very unsure about this treatment. Just feeling a little discourage right now. But, am very blessed that I have something to take, my grandmother and my mother did not. except aspirin. Thanks for any info or suggestions you can give me. Have a great July 4th.

Loirann responded:

I need to know how to start a message thread here. I can't find where it is. other than comments / replys. I am new here. But have some serious questions like everyone. I know I have had RA for a while. But was a Neg/postive RF etc. I may have had this since I was in my early 20's. I am now 49 yrs old...and they finially said RA. Please let me know k? How to start a message. Thank you. Lori

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!I need to know how to start a message thread here. I can't find where it is. other than comments / replys. I am new here. But have some serious questions like everyone. I know I have had RA for a while. But was a Neg/postive RF etc. I may have had this since I was in my early 20's. I am now 49 yrs old...and they finially said RA. Please let me know k? How to start a message. Thank you. Lori

Byroney_WebMD_Staff responded:

Dear Lori (Loriann),

Welcome--I'm glad you found us! You can start a message by clicking on the orange "start discussion" rectangle on the middle-upper left on this page: boards.webmd.com/.89b92703/

For some people, they have trouble seeing the button, so let me give you a step-by-step. Start with the rust and white "Rheumtoid Arthritis: Support Group," then you'll see an orange and blue balloon in a box that say, "Connect Health Community." Below that in brown and taupe you'll see "Message Board Search," then beneath that, taupe and white, "Programs For You" with four links.

Directly below that on the leftish side is an orange and white rectangle that should say, "Start Discussion." If you don't clearly see that, try clicking on anything orange-ish in that area.

Best wishes,

Byroney

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Dear Lori (Loriann), Welcome--I'm glad you found us! You can start a message by clicking on the orange "start discussion" rectangle on the middle-upper left on this page: <a rel=nofollow href=http://boards.webmd.com/.89b92703 />boards.webmd.com/.89b92703/</a> For some people, they have trouble seeing the button, so let me give you a step-by-step. Start with the rust and white "Rheumtoid Arthritis: Support Group," then you'll see an orange and blue balloon in a box that say, "Connect Health Community." Below that in brown and taupe you'll see "Message Board Search," then beneath that, taupe and white, "Programs For You" with four links. Directly below that on the leftish side is an orange and white rectangle that should say, "Start Discussion." If you don't clearly see that, try clicking on anything orange-ish in that area. Best wishes, Byroney

dgcobb136 responded:

Hi Just recently diagnosed with RA. Very discouraged with hand and wrist pain. Just need others like myself for a little support. right now I am on a medicine that seems to be agreeing with me. But, he wants to start me on methotrizate in Sept. when I go back for 3 month checkup. My mother and grandmother had RA. I know first hand what kind of damage it can do to a body. I am 49yrs old and raising a 5 yr. old grandson. Willing to do anything to be able to take care of him. Thanks for any suggestions.

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!<img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/frown.gif" align="top" border="0"> Hi Just recently diagnosed with RA. Very discouraged with hand and wrist pain. Just need others like myself for a little support. right now I am on a medicine that seems to be agreeing with me. But, he wants to start me on methotrizate in Sept. when I go back for 3 month checkup. My mother and grandmother had RA. I know first hand what kind of damage it can do to a body. I am 49yrs old and raising a 5 yr. old grandson. Willing to do anything to be able to take care of him. Thanks for any suggestions.

Byroney_WebMD_Staff responded:

Dgcobb136,

Welcome--sorry I missed your first post over the holiday weekend.

I have some things that may help you--I know you want to be there for your little grandson!

I have some exercises that may be good for painful joints. Take a look at the Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercise Slideshow and get started. I know you mentioned hand pain--so take a look at Hand Stretching & Strengthening Exercises for RA and an article on Hand and Finger Pain of RA.

Finally, I have some Natural Treatments for RA. Then you can take a look at the Best and Worst Supplements and Herbs for RA.

Best wishes,

Bryoney

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Dgcobb136, Welcome--sorry I missed your first post over the holiday weekend. I have some things that may help you--I know you want to be there for your little grandson! I have some exercises that may be good for painful joints. Take a look at the <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/slideshow-rheumatoid-arthritis-exercises>Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercise Slideshow</a> and get started. I know you mentioned hand pain--so take a look at <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/hand-exercises-rheumatoid-arthritis>Hand Stretching & Strengthening Exercises for RA</a> and an article on <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/hand-and-finger-ra?ecd=wnl_rhu_070309>Hand and Finger Pain</a> of RA. Finally, I have some <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/rheumatoid-arthritis-natural-treatments>Natural Treatments for RA</a>. Then you can take a look at the Best and Worst <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/rheumatoid-arthritis-best-worst-supplements-herbs>Supplements and Herbs for RA.</a> Best wishes, Bryoney

flowermeblue responded:

Thank you for being here for all of us first of all!

Second I been going for a couple of times to the Arthrist doctor started this pass June 09/ I was tested for RA! She came back and told me I had a signal for RA and yet she didn't want to say I have RA yet??

Well for me my hands, fingers, wrists hurt the worse! You almost now can say I have it all over my body with Arthrist pain. They have seen it thru MRI's besides xrays, blood work too. I am not sure what is RA? I'm still confused by differences of my OA and RA?

I have so much trouble walking just getting up I can't tell you about pain. I too have people in my family that have a hard time seeing me now, and the way I use to be before getting worse. I am still working and the doctor can't believe I am still working he just said yesterday. I have too for insurance. Got yelled at a month or so back for bring my cane to work. So I ask my doctor for a note so maybe I won't get yelled at. Who knows.

For me this all is new and don't know how much more worse you can get with this RA ? I had a reaction to some med's and right now I can't take anything it just happen. I have so much to be thankful for I have to keep thinking.......just to get thru. I wish you all well and thank you for letting me come and say something.

God Bless

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Thank you for being here for all of us first of all! Second I been going for a couple of times to the Arthrist doctor started this pass June 09/ I was tested for RA! She came back and told me I had a signal for RA and yet she didn't want to say I have RA yet?? Well for me my hands, fingers, wrists hurt the worse! You almost now can say I have it all over my body with Arthrist pain. They have seen it thru MRI's besides xrays, blood work too. I am not sure what is RA? I'm still confused by differences of my OA and RA? I have so much trouble walking just getting up I can't tell you about pain. I too have people in my family that have a hard time seeing me now, and the way I use to be before getting worse. I am still working and the doctor can't believe I am still working he just said yesterday. I have too for insurance. Got yelled at a month or so back for bring my cane to work. So I ask my doctor for a note so maybe I won't get yelled at. Who knows. For me this all is new and don't know how much more worse you can get with this RA ? I had a reaction to some med's and right now I can't take anything it just happen. I have so much to be thankful for I have to keep thinking.......just to get thru. I wish you all well and thank you for letting me come and say something. God Bless

Byroney_WebMD_Staff responded:

Dear flowermeblue,

I am sorry to hear you're doctor isn't being very helpful to you. I would suggest your getting a second opinion from a doctor who will listen to your concerns if you feel your current doctor won't do that. Check out this article on Expert Answers to Questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis. The experts note that ?These blood tests are not definitive. Anywhere from 10% to 30% of people with RA can be RF-negative or anti-CCP-negative.? This means that between 1 in 10 to 3 in 10 people will have RA, but not test positive for it!

Here's an article on Types of Arthritis that may help you differentiate between OA and RA.

I hope your doctor writes that note for your work. You should probably check with a lawyer, legal aid, or your state's department of disability about your employer yelling at you for bringing your cane to work. In my state, that would not be legal. Here's an article on RA, Work and Disability that you may want to look over carefully.

Keep us updated on how you're doing!

Byroney

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Dear flowermeblue, I am sorry to hear you're doctor isn't being very helpful to you. I would suggest your getting a second opinion from a doctor who will listen to your concerns if you feel your current doctor won't do that. Check out this article on Expert Answers to <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/expert-answers-to-top-questions-about-rheumatoid-arthritis_>Questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis.</a> The experts note that ?These blood tests are not definitive. Anywhere from 10% to 30% of people with RA can be RF-negative or anti-CCP-negative.? This means that between 1 in 10 to 3 in 10 people will have RA, but not test positive for it! Here's an article on <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/most-common-arthritis-types>Types of Arthritis</a> that may help you differentiate between OA and RA. I hope your doctor writes that note for your work. You should probably check with a lawyer, legal aid, or your state's department of disability about your employer yelling at you for bringing your cane to work. In my state, that would not be legal. Here's an article on <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/rheumatoid-arthritis-work-and-disability>RA, Work and Disability</a> that you may want to look over carefully. Keep us updated on how you're doing! Byroney

corlackan responded:

Byroney -- The Americans With Disabilities Act is a NATIONAL law that impacts all employers with 15 or more employees (not just a state act); therefore, this poster's employer is WAY out of line in reprimanding her for bringing an assistive device to her place of employment. Her employer is required to make reasonable accommodation for her, as long as it does not impose "undue hardship," As long as the poster's bringing a cane doesn't impact her performance or conduct (or create the aforementioned "undue hardship" for the employer), she is allowed to bring and use it.

Flowermeblue -- I'd make certain that your employer/supervisor understand that by forbidding you to use assistive devices, he/she is violating federal law and, as such, may be subject to hefty fines.

Good luck.

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Byroney -- The Americans With Disabilities Act is a NATIONAL law that impacts all employers with 15 or more employees (not just a state act); therefore, this poster's employer is WAY out of line in reprimanding her for bringing an assistive device to her place of employment. Her employer is required to make reasonable accommodation for her, as long as it does not impose "undue hardship," As long as the poster's bringing a cane doesn't impact her performance or conduct (or create the aforementioned "undue hardship" for the employer), she is allowed to bring and use it. Flowermeblue -- I'd make certain that your employer/supervisor understand that by forbidding you to use assistive devices, he/she is violating federal law and, as such, may be subject to hefty fines. Good luck.

Byroney_WebMD_Staff responded:

Dear corlackan,

I should have said "In my state, any size employer could get into trouble for discriminating against a differently-abled person." You are correct about the national law, but since Flowermeblue did not state how large her/his company is, I suggested checking with their state regulations, legal aid, or a lawyer for expert advice.

Here's a link to the Americans with Disabilities Act homepage: www.ada.gov/ (This is not a WebMD site, so we cannot guarantee content) "The U.S. Department of Justice provides free ADA materials. Printed materials may be ordered by calling the ADA Information Line (1-800-514-0301 (Voice) or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD))."

Thanks for providing more information!

Byroney

Report This| Share this:Welcome to the RA Board!Dear corlackan, I should have said "In my state, any size employer could get into trouble for discriminating against a differently-abled person." You are correct about the national law, but since Flowermeblue did not state how large her/his company is, I suggested checking with their state regulations, legal aid, or a lawyer for expert advice. Here's a link to the Americans with Disabilities Act homepage: <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.ada.gov />www.ada.gov/</a> (This is not a WebMD site, so we cannot guarantee content) "The U.S. Department of Justice provides free ADA materials. Printed materials may be ordered by calling the ADA Information Line (1-800-514-0301 (Voice) or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD))." Thanks for providing more information! Byroney

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