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Date: 05.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi

Im 34 & had blood tests as hadnt been feeling well, have been suffering daily for the past couple of months, have good days & bad days.

The test came back positive for ra, got an appointment with a rheumatologist on weds but dont know what to expect, what they are going to say....very scared!

I thought the good days would be more than the bad but Im on constant painkillers & diclofenac, I dont want to be like this, I want to feel well again :(
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Date: 05.08.2010
From: Rachel Moore

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Karen

Sorry to hear you have RA. I was diagnosed a month ago. I am 36 so it was a bit of a shock and still is. The Rheumathologist will assess you by asking questions and then decide what medication to put you on. I am on Methotrexate, and steroids at the mo. The MTX takes a while to kick in so I am told so thats why I am on the steroids at the mo. Feel good now but I expect thats the steroids. Don't worry, you will feel much better after your appointment with the Rhuemy. Keep in touch and at least you will have a bit of support with this forum. I have found it great.

Rach
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Date: 05.08.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

i found out 2 weeks ago i had RA but only because my xrays showed erosion in the joints on the feet when i went for my first appoint ment he checked where the pain was sent me for a chest xray and blood test gave me a few leflets with the types of drugs and told me ill be put on a combination what ever that means. i have an appointment next tues day so have to see what happens next. cant wait just sick of being tierd and in pain 24 7
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Date: 05.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Rachel

Thanks for your reply, I still think Im in a bit of denial but Im sure that will change on weds, said to myself I wouldnt worry till I know all the facts.

I read that you cant/shouldnt drink on Methotrexate, is that true?

I am NOT giving up my glass of wine lol, ra isnt taking that away from me ha ha

Also, regarding the steroids, I still want to have another child/ren, the gp said that its advised to finish your family before you take these.....suppose Ill get my answers on weds.

How are you feeling today?

Karen x
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Date: 05.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Sharron

Sorry to hear you have also had "the" news

Let me know how you get on, good luck for tuesday!

I know what you mean about the pain, Ive upped my paracetomol & the diclofenac is affecting me in a certain way.....

Fed up of having to pop pills just to feel slightly normal

Karen x
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Date: 05.08.2010
From: kazzie

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

hi i am on mex and cant drink on it as feel so ill after so i have had to give it up and as for bein pregnant dont think they advise it if on meds but not sure .i am 36 and got ra last year and has been a big shock to me and has changed my like
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Date: 05.08.2010
From: Tom H

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Karen, I held off taking MTX as I was told i would not be able to get my partner pregnant so if you want more kids you will have to hold off as its the same for women.
I got pretty bad though and sulfa nearly killed me so I'm starting on MTX in sept.
I don't think steroids make any difference but not positive about that.

Cheers
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Date: 05.08.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

I find steroids make all the difference for me, can't get off the blooming things as I flare up something rotten every time. However, we are all different and it seems Karen has been advised not to take them yet.
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Date: 05.08.2010
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Karen Im on mtxt and was told you can drink but only in moderation.. Im afraid I still have my glass or two of wine. t.c.x
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Date: 06.08.2010
From: Rachel

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Karen

Yeh know what you mean about the denial phase. Think I am still there at the mo. I have been told you can drink in moderation on MTX which I intend to do. Its bad enough having to make changes and live with Arthur without not being able to have a vino to relax!

I think you can't take steroids or MTX if you want to start a family so mention that to the Rheumy and ask what else he can put you on, its just a case of finding the right medication for you. You have to be off the MTX for at least 3-6 months before even trying to conceive. I have been told that by my Rheumy.

Make a list of questions to ask the Rheumathologist before you go as I only thought of them after my appointment.

I feel really well at the mo but just really tired - hope it keeps up!

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

Rach
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Date: 11.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi all

Well, I had my appointment today, such a nice lady, think it makes all the difference?!

Anyway, she examined me, said I have a lot of fluid on my knees & could feel the inflammation in my hands, I had a steroid injection in the fattest part of my body, guess where lol, she said that I most likely do have ra, if the injection makes me feel better then its 100% ra, I had more bloods done & xrays of the chest, hands & feet.

I was told a nurse will call, I have to go back when she does & prob go on meds.

Feel a bit more positive that I have caught it early, if it is ra, & there are things I can take to stop it progressing further.

I was told the jab would work within a couple of days so fingers crossed I may wake tom feeling like a new woman lol

Karen x
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Date: 11.08.2010
From: Rachel

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Karen

Glad your appointment went well. Although its frightening, you are better off knowing as early as poss so they can get you on the meds and get it sorted.

Good luck and hope you wake feeling more like yourself. Let me know how it goes.

Rach
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Date: 11.08.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

well had my appointment definatly RA i could have told him that last year instead of him saying the pain was raynuards but i wasnt with the doc more than 10mins good job its not a bad diseas. told me had to take folic acid for 2 weeks cos mine is low.put me on hydroxychoroquine,sulfasalazine and methotrexate.told him i had really bad pain in my neck cant move my head properly and he asked if i would like an injection.i said yes i mean the possibility of no pain for a while who wouldnt haha never again ive never known a injection take so long and ok got no pain in hands, necks a bit better but omg the pain in my leg, never had such an aching feeling before but then again they do say no pain no gain not quiet sure they were refering to that injectio though ha, legs still hurts but hopefully it will be better for work 2morrow.but hey every thing can only get better right.thinking positive now ive got R A nothing i can do about it so just gotta get on with.
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: Rachel

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Sharron

Sorry to hear your news. At least you are on the meds now and it can be controlled. You are right, you need to stay positive.

Good luck

Rach
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Rachel

Well I woke feeling slightly better, didnt have any of the stiffness in my shoulders that makes it painful to turn over in bed, havent taken any diclofenac, took 1 paracetomol as my tendonitis is still killing me, so hopefully maybe tom, Ill feel even better, heres hoping!

Bit anxious now about the xray & blood test results but Ive just got to wait for that, the worrying is never ending but do feel positive about it all.

Karen x
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Ho Sharron

Sorry to hear you are in pain after your jab, hope it goes away soon & the meds make you feel well again.

The only choice is to get on with it hey? I have moments when I feel sorry for myself, but thats when Im alone & nobody can see, I put a brave face on for everyone but have had a cpl ofhrs in bed with a migraine today, not easy with a 7 year old, thank god for computer games ha ha

Karen x
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Date: 12.08.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

karen hope your feeling better no what its like i got a 4yr old im afraid i dont have the option of computer games, but hey watching chip n dale for the hundreth time hahha gonna know it off by heart soon does the tierdness wear off . hope so sleeping alot but the plus side im hoping all this sleep will keep me looking young well at least on the outside hahaha you tc hope the migrane didnt last too long
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Date: 13.08.2010
From: Rachel

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Karen

I know the worrying is never ending but its good you are feeling positive. How are you feeling today?

Rach
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Date: 13.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Rachel

Well, I woke this morning feeling a bit achy, my neck & knees were the culprits today, my hands were bad as well, feeling a bit down as doc said that the steroid jab should kick in within a couple of days, had it done weds so will give it another day for luck lol

The tendonitis is making my life a bit difficult but hopefully that will calm down when Im not so inflamed, heres hoping!

Anyway, enough about me, how are you feeling??

Karen x
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Date: 13.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Sharron

I love Chip n Dale! Got the tune in my head now lol

Taking about sleep, Ive never needed so much, can fall asleep on the sofa where I could never do that if I tried!

The migraine didnt last long thankfully!

How are you feeling at the mo?

Karen x
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Date: 14.08.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

hi Karen

thanks for asking how i am, well the pain in my leg from the injection has gone, not quiet sure what it was supposed to do, my neck is still hurting. thinking it might not have been a wise decision to give up smoking last week,im using the patch but it makes my arm ache. i havent started the meds yet got another week of folic acid wich apart from making me feel sick and bloated isnt too bad. They make me laugh at work
ive tryed to expain whats going on but because its all on the inside they cant see how i really feel, ok they see me tierd but they think thats down to an active sex life ahhahahha, i wish but any way there sending me on a first aid course in 2 wks , i just want to laugh i feel sorry for any poor sod who needs me to give them first aid.
im sorry for going on but i hope your ok. try taking it easy, easier said than done i know when youve got kids and look after yourself

sharron
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Date: 14.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Sharron

Glad to hear the pain in your leg has gone, did you have a steroid injection like I did?

I have woke with my hands bad again, one ankle is so stiff Im limping but hopefully that will go in a while once I get moving.

Im worried now as the doc said that if the jab doesnt work, there will have to be further investigations done, that it may not be ra, so what on earth will it be if it isnt that????

Sorry to moan, feel a bit disheartened it hasnt made me feel like the new woman she said I would!

Well done on giving up smoking, I did it a few years back, not easy is it but well worth it! I used the patches too.

Lets hope you feel better before your first aid course, can see it being awkward lol

I know what you mean about trying to explain to ppl, my bf has never seen me on a bad day, its wierd how Im always ok in the mornings when he stays, maybe more activity during the night helps?? ha ha

My Mum has so I know she has seen how bad it can be.

Have a great weekend & hey, you're not going on, feel free, anytime, its nice to talk & listen to someone in the same kind of situation.

Have a great weekend x
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Date: 14.08.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

hi karen

Well not gonna have a good weekend i have to work, im a manager in mcdonalds not a bad job but customers can be annoying, the amount of time they come up and say how are you,i really just want to turn round and say do you really want to know and then tell them it would just be so funny to see there reaction lol bet theyed never come back again. sorry to here about your pain have you tried sleeping with hot water bottle under your ankels it seemed to ease the pain in my feet well that was when the baby let me have it he used to take it and put it under his legs and wouldnt give me it back.Try not to worry at least they are investigating what it could be,and in the mean time i would definatly suggest more activity especially if it helps with the pain lol think ill try it and see if it helps me ahha any way you definatley have a great weekend. let me know what happens

you tc
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Date: 16.08.2010
From: Rach

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Karen

How are you feeling now? Has the steroid injection too effect yet?

I am feeling fine these past couple of weeks since I have been on the steriods. Just a bit achy but can't complain at all. Have even managed a bit of exercise which helps with the energy levels.

Hope you feel better soon.

Take care

Rach
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Date: 17.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hiya

The steroid jab seemes to have kicked in, i cant say that I have any pain in my joints now, almost forgotten how bad it was, so thats excellent!

Also dont feel as tired & lethargic as I did!

Now though, I am left with the other pains that it all started with, I have a bent finger in the morning which takes a while to get straight, plus my neck is bad in the morning, have givenin & taken some tablets as I want to get out with my son.

Dont mean to moan but I really thought that once the jab kicked in, Id feel better :(

Anyway.....Glad to hear Rach, you are feeling well

& Sharron....well done on the given up smoking, I did it a few years back & I can say it was the best thing I ever did...keep going & good luck x
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Date: 19.08.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

hi karen

Thought it was just me but since the injection even though pain in the hands and feet are better its like the pain has just moved to other places in my body, my neck and lower back are killing me its like ive got a massive weight on my head and my knees hurt.
Think the injection is wearing off can feel pain coming back in my toes and the burnig sesation is coming back but its in my wrist now.

But start the meds on monday after 2 weeks of folic acid which has made me sick nearly every day but hey plus side loosing weight cos ive been so tierd hahha and saved money on food shopping hahha.
Just read the side effacts of the meds good job i didnt read them before never seen so many side effects with one drug.
What pain killers u taking? r they any good?
any way tc and look after your self

Some good news husband just passed his driving test They do say 3rd time lucky.BUT The way hes going its gonna be 2099 before he decides to choose the car.

any way tc and have a good weekend
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Date: 23.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Sharron

Well, congrats to your husband on passing his driving test!

How are you feeling at the mo?

Ive had a bad few days, my hands are awful in the morning & my neck & knees arent great, better than before but not perfect.

Also am going camping tom for 2 nights, my boyfriend is taking me and my son and the dog, Im feeling a bit scared as not sure how Im going to wake up, but then he will have to deal with things I cant manage, not sure how the chilly damp weather is going to affect me but theres only one way to find out! lol

Im only taking paracetomol & diclofenac, doesnt stop all the pain but does take the edge off.

Im a bit worried as the doc said that if the jab worked then it was def ra, but as I feel it only worked for a short space of time, is it that or is it something else? Or is it just that it didnt last as long or what? Im confused!

I have an app with the rheumy nurse on 7th Sep so hopefully Ill get some answers from my bloods & x-rays * hopefully get on with getting on some meds.

How are you doing with the not smoking?

Hope you are all well

Karen x
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Date: 23.08.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Karen, Rach & Sharon! I've just read this thread and would like to welcome you to the forum. I was diagnosed a yr ago at age 32. I was put on mtx straight away. I was on co Dydramol for pain but had Tramadol added to the mix. As my mtx was increased I got sicker and sicker so was changed to the mtx shot and am now fine. I have had 5 steroid injections aswell as oral steroids. Each injection has been different so please don't expect miracles. Sometimes it has worked in a few days this time it took 2 1/2wks. Sometimes it's been effective for a couple of weeks but also not at all. I was recently put on morphine for the pain and added Ciclosporin. Stopped taking the Ciclosporin on Friday because after 3wks was still Soooo ill from it. Hopefully starting Infliximab/Remicade soon which is an anti tnf and is administered by drip and hopefully with the mtx should have good results. If you are on diclofenac, you need to take it continuously even If you feel okish as you need to maintain it in your system for it to work. You would've had the chest x ray with the prospect of starting mtx. And you can have children after mtx and steroids, you just need to be off them for a while before conception. Anyway girls, good to get to know you and I hope I may've helped in some way. This forum is great for any questions no matter how major or trivial they may seem or even If you just need a rant as everyone is so kind and helpful. Take good care of yourselves Abbie X
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Date: 30.08.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Abbie

Thanks for your advice, dont seem too bad at the mo, joints are good, have bad wrist but thats the tendonitis & still have my trigger finger on right hand first thing in the morning but I can cope with that!

Due back at hospital next week to see nurse, get results of bloods and x-rays & see if I need to go on meds

Children not an issue now for the forseeable future as have just become single so maybe got more choice now? lol

Karen x
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Date: 31.08.2010
From: Rachel

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Abbie

Cheers for the advice, its great talking to people my own age with RA as there are no support groups where I live.

I am feeling really fine at the mo, just a few aches. I have a Rheumy appointment next Monday as I am on MTX and steroids. I am hoping to come off the steroids then.

Hope you are feeling well. Keep in touch.

Rach
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Date: 02.09.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

hi karen

come on then how was camping hopefully you had great weather. hope you didnt have to put up with too many crawly insects wanna hear all about it i have to wait a whole year till i go away cant wait so till then i wanna hear about all the things you got up to. hope your ok
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Date: 02.09.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi Sharron

Feeling a bit poo actually as split up with bf this week, know its for the best but still not nice.

Anyway, camping was ok, got cut short as it absolutely chucked it down the 2nd day we were there lol so admitted defeat & came home!

No creepy crawlies but we did have a little bird creep in early one morning, poo everywhere (over bf's flip flops ha ha ha) & then as soon as I got up to let it out, it crept back out under the tent by itself!

Cant wait to do it again but this time it will be just me, my son and the dog!

How are you????? x
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Date: 03.09.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

hi

im not too bad bin on meds for 2wks not to many side effects nausia, tierdness, dizzyness and migranes but hey what can u do if i didnt no better id say i was out partying and didnt remember,hahaha.not much to say just working looking after my son and sleeping im living an exciting life hahha any way u tc
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Date: 08.09.2010
From: karen

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

Hi all

Well, I was offered mtx & sulfasalazine so opted for the second!

Im not cutting down my booze as ra has already made my life difficult so its not taking away my wine lol

Also had another steroid injection so hopefully the old achees will go within the next few days.

Feels a bit more "real" now after chatting to the rheumy nurse but hopefully, fingers crossed, all will go well x
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Date: 11.09.2010
From: sharron

Subject: Re: 34 & blood tests came back positive

well hi people been on meds for 3 weeks now omg feel so rough was on holiday from work this week thought i would get the house sorted no such luck been so sick was suppoed to go back to work fri but had to go docs i was going dizzy all the time well he gave me some medicine to stop it haahaa well woke this morning actaully felt human for the first time in weeks well got to work and the pain in my neck and head was unbelivable then the dizzyness came back but worse had to be helped into the office and sat on the floor ended having to call my brother to come pick me up only done 2hrs work this week, haha seriously thinking about stoping the meds i know i felt bad before to nothing compared to now. hope you are all having a better time than me. but on a happyier note my little boy started full time school and his new word for this week is best friend so everyone is his best friends when ever he wants somthing. oh it might sound strange he is four but his speech is not that of a four year old its of a two and a half but considering he was an emergancy cesarian and only weigh 2lb 4oz im just glad that that is the only thing i have to worry about but e starts speech therapy next week wich will help him,oh he brought me a picture home that he drew on his first day aparently from what i can understand he used the schools trains and put them in the paint and drove them on the paper till it was full of red paint hahaha feel sorry for who ever had to wash them trains afterwards
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