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Introduce Yourself
Hi all! There are so many of us here with many of the same and different forms of arthritis let's find out a little about each other and what we have in common.
I am a 41 yr old female and I have RA and AS, mild Sjogren's, Osteporosis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis just to name a few.
I have been diagnosed for 1 year and went undiagnosed for 2 years before that.
I take plaquenil, methotrexate, folic acid, leucovorin calcium, actonel, omniprazole and naproxen for my conditions
I take darvocet, flexeril or zanaflex to manage my pain
The worst thing about my condition is that I just cannot do all they at used to do and things I loved to do anymore.
The best thing about my condition is that I have reprioritized my life and now focus on things that really matter and let the little things slide.
How about the rest of you?
I am a 41 yr old female and I have RA and AS, mild Sjogren's, Osteporosis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis just to name a few.
I have been diagnosed for 1 year and went undiagnosed for 2 years before that.
I take plaquenil, methotrexate, folic acid, leucovorin calcium, actonel, omniprazole and naproxen for my conditions
I take darvocet, flexeril or zanaflex to manage my pain
The worst thing about my condition is that I just cannot do all they at used to do and things I loved to do anymore.
The best thing about my condition is that I have reprioritized my life and now focus on things that really matter and let the little things slide.
How about the rest of you?
thanks I know it's a bit over the top and maybe Oprah material but what I speak is truth. I wanted badly to be in the medical field but I couldn't look a patient in the eye without seeing him.
I know many of you are self sufficient for the most part. But what I really want t oget across to people is this:
a) Miracle cures- let them go
b) The pills you take everyday are for a reason. My father's sister is in a wheel chair with this same disease and she was diagnosed when she was 35. She looks worse than my father who had it worse. Listen to me- Find a job with good benefits and use that insurance to your advantage. The surgers hurt but they will extend your life. That medicine will extend your life.
c) Hope.
d) Genetics. After my family history and my life I am trying to get the word out. Look at your heritage. The fact is that everyone I've talked to had at least one relative with this disease.
thanks for the welcome :-)
I know many of you are self sufficient for the most part. But what I really want t oget across to people is this:
a) Miracle cures- let them go
b) The pills you take everyday are for a reason. My father's sister is in a wheel chair with this same disease and she was diagnosed when she was 35. She looks worse than my father who had it worse. Listen to me- Find a job with good benefits and use that insurance to your advantage. The surgers hurt but they will extend your life. That medicine will extend your life.
c) Hope.
d) Genetics. After my family history and my life I am trying to get the word out. Look at your heritage. The fact is that everyone I've talked to had at least one relative with this disease.
thanks for the welcome :-)
Thank you for sharing that powerful story with us. They have made so many improvements in treating this condition and still are every day. It is important not to forget that, while we still may suffer and the medications have side effects, we are light years away from the treatments your father suffered as a child.
His story is a powerful testiment to our ability to overcome these afflictions and live rich, fulfilling lives.
I am glad you have joined our community. You obviously have a lot to share. I truly hope that you will not be diagnosed with RA, but if you are know that we are here for you.
His story is a powerful testiment to our ability to overcome these afflictions and live rich, fulfilling lives.
I am glad you have joined our community. You obviously have a lot to share. I truly hope that you will not be diagnosed with RA, but if you are know that we are here for you.
Hello I’m Jon (a.k.a. Strype). I’m 29. I have osteoarthritis in my knees and I have a feeling that diagnosis will be changed to Rheumatoid Arthritis soon. About 2 weeks ago I started hurting in my elbows and knuckles as well. I was tired and had to cat nap for a few days. Even my ankles hurt a little. I’ve been having bad problems with my jaw and ear at night and I suspect it’s Temporal Mandible Disorder which I read is a precursor sometimes. I’m holding out hope that the pain is a fluke. I am in major denial.
***Long but please read: ***
The real reason I am here is my father. He was a 1 in a billion success story. He was diagnosed with RA as a child. I was told at age 4 his legs started hurting and he couldn’t play with the other kids. His father died when he was 2. His mother died from complications due to RA when he was 18. They were destitute and he had to jump from relative to relative.
He had experimental surgeries and such. They didn’t understand the disease so they poked and prodded him a lot. He was thrown in a bath tub of ice by a doctor as a child. He had very large pins stuck straight into the ends of his fingers and toes to try and straighten them out. The pins were about 4 inches long.
He had both hips replaced, both knees, an ankle fused, wrist surgery, an elbow replaced, a shoulder replaced and had heart problems in his late 50’s. He went into surgery in 2005 and to clean the staph out of a failed hip re-replacement. He awoke. Later the next day my mom left to check the house. The nurses called and had found him laying in the floor without oxygen for about 30 min they guessed. He finally passed a week later just shy of his 58th b-day. He was a subject matter expert for the department of defense when he passed. He put fires out in Washington via telephone. He was a long way from his poverty stricken roots and NEVER complained. He’d always grunt while struggling to walk. Everyday of my life.
The reason I tell this story is to give hope. I want people to know that they can get up in the morning. You can go to work. You can make it. My father lived his ENTIRE life with this illness. He lived for 58 years and was diagnosed at age 9. He was 4 when he showed the signs. 54 years of Severe and crippling Rheumatism.
Now I find myself staring down that same road and I know that if I do have RA, there is no doubt in my mind that I will live to be an old man.
Peace,
Jon
***Long but please read: ***
The real reason I am here is my father. He was a 1 in a billion success story. He was diagnosed with RA as a child. I was told at age 4 his legs started hurting and he couldn’t play with the other kids. His father died when he was 2. His mother died from complications due to RA when he was 18. They were destitute and he had to jump from relative to relative.
He had experimental surgeries and such. They didn’t understand the disease so they poked and prodded him a lot. He was thrown in a bath tub of ice by a doctor as a child. He had very large pins stuck straight into the ends of his fingers and toes to try and straighten them out. The pins were about 4 inches long.
He had both hips replaced, both knees, an ankle fused, wrist surgery, an elbow replaced, a shoulder replaced and had heart problems in his late 50’s. He went into surgery in 2005 and to clean the staph out of a failed hip re-replacement. He awoke. Later the next day my mom left to check the house. The nurses called and had found him laying in the floor without oxygen for about 30 min they guessed. He finally passed a week later just shy of his 58th b-day. He was a subject matter expert for the department of defense when he passed. He put fires out in Washington via telephone. He was a long way from his poverty stricken roots and NEVER complained. He’d always grunt while struggling to walk. Everyday of my life.
The reason I tell this story is to give hope. I want people to know that they can get up in the morning. You can go to work. You can make it. My father lived his ENTIRE life with this illness. He lived for 58 years and was diagnosed at age 9. He was 4 when he showed the signs. 54 years of Severe and crippling Rheumatism.
Now I find myself staring down that same road and I know that if I do have RA, there is no doubt in my mind that I will live to be an old man.
Peace,
Jon
I will be out of pocket for a few days so I am bumping this back to the top in hopes you all will continue to make new connections while I am gone. I know that we all have something to offer each other. Even though our conditions may not be exactly the same, the way we are affected, the trial and tribulations of getting diagnosed and getting the right treatments bond and unite us. Will talk to you again in a few days - have a great weekend!
bumping this back to the top so we do not miss any wonderful new members of our group!
Welcome to our little family on the web. I know you have met spastic now and am thrilled as you two will be helpful to each other.
I have noticed lots of people on the board are making connections with others with similar conditions. I love seeing all the posts. It is great to see our community growing. I hope more folks will post and introduce themselves.
I have noticed lots of people on the board are making connections with others with similar conditions. I love seeing all the posts. It is great to see our community growing. I hope more folks will post and introduce themselves.
Hello everyone, My name is Kelly and my husband Scott was dx with JRA at 7. He is now 27 and has severe systemic RA aka Stills disease. Stills disease for those of you don't know is a form of RA that attacks internal organs, heart, gallbladder,appendix, pancreas. He has been hospitalized several times over the past few years. When he was hospitalized with his last flare up we were there for 30 days. They had no idea what to do, his WBC count was through the roof, and his fever and pain were uncontrollable. I am hoping to find people out there with the same kind of disease so that someone can sympathize with me. My 27 year old husband will be in a wheelchair before long until I find this MIRACLE drug that will treat him. He has 3 small children, and can't do the things that he wants to. He can't shave himself, walk a long period of time, and I feel uncomfortable leaving him in the shower alone. I am only 1 person, and I try my hardest, but this is really weighing on my mind. I also have a 4 year old daughter with behavior issues, so I got dealt a bad hand. Anyone with information on pain meds, RA meds, just anything is helpful. Thank you all for being so kind!
Hi Dn! I am glad you are here! The worst part of these conditions is waiting for a diagnosis. Sometimes the treatment can take a year or more to find the one that works right but that is so much easier than not knowing what is wrong. I hope that you get a diagnosis soon. Until then and even after, we are glad to count you among our friends here.
Who else is out there and new to posting or maybe just reading what is on the board and getting help that way?
Who else is out there and new to posting or maybe just reading what is on the board and getting help that way?
Hi all! My name is DN (how it's pronounced, not spelled). 42 yr old female with 3 kids and one fantastic 3 yr old grand-daughter that I'm now raising. I have had Morphea scleroderma since I was @ 7yrs old. Recently diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine L3 to S1, bulging discs L3/L4 & L4/L5 with stenosis and bone spurs and 7 thyroid nodules. These are what brought me to this site. I have posted in this forum "Need direction" and my full history is there.
I had a PCP that specialized in rheumatology who misdiagnosed me with the progressive form of scleroderma and treated me for 4 years for it. I have been tested for so many things to try and figure out what is wrong and I'm sure you have all been there with the same - "we can't find anything, let's wait and see".
Nice to meet you all! I mostly have questions but have been researching so many things I may be able to provide some insight.
I had a PCP that specialized in rheumatology who misdiagnosed me with the progressive form of scleroderma and treated me for 4 years for it. I have been tested for so many things to try and figure out what is wrong and I'm sure you have all been there with the same - "we can't find anything, let's wait and see".
Nice to meet you all! I mostly have questions but have been researching so many things I may be able to provide some insight.
hello all of you! So great to see you all here. Between us, we have lots of areas of knowledge too so I look forward to reading your posts and responses.
Who else is out there?
Who else is out there?
hi,
my name is di .i am 55 years old. i was a marathon runner and i have OA in my left hip,stenosis in my spine and my knee hurts but that hasn't been x-rayed. i have postings for dx tests for lupus. i have a wonderful 10 year old boy whom i worship and adore and a hubby of 30 years whom i also adore.
i am not keen on the medical field having been there myself and it is difficult for me to come here but...there you are .
pleased to meet all...................
my name is di .i am 55 years old. i was a marathon runner and i have OA in my left hip,stenosis in my spine and my knee hurts but that hasn't been x-rayed. i have postings for dx tests for lupus. i have a wonderful 10 year old boy whom i worship and adore and a hubby of 30 years whom i also adore.
i am not keen on the medical field having been there myself and it is difficult for me to come here but...there you are .
pleased to meet all...................
Hello everyone (hi Ada!),
My name is Kathy. I have OA thoughout most of my spine including an old compression fracture of T-7), both knees, my right little finger and wrist, both shoulders, both sacroiliac joints, my right hip more than my left. My nerves are getting compressed when I sit, so even if I'm sitting in the sunshine, my feet get icy cold up to my knees.
I take Vicodin, Lyrica, 5mg. diazepam at bedtime for muscle spasms. I don't tolerate anti-inflammatories due to GERD and Barrett's Esophagus.
I grow bone spurs that irritate places like my rotator cuff and my achilles tendon, my plantar faciia. I have right sided radiculopathy , a right hip labral tear, tears in both knees that won't be fixed until I'm "old enough" for a total knee. They bother me less than the missing cartilage, so I don't want another surgeon going there anyway! :o)
I'm also in the limboland that Ada mentioned, having no firm diagnosis for neurological symptoms that also irritate me. I have found great support on these forums, that has really helped me get through some rough spots. I love reaching out a hand to someone that needs a lift; lifts me up, too. I care about people all over the country; the world now!
I used to be very active, and have had to adapt over the years to finding less stressful ways to be active, and now even my water exercises are too much. I walk daily. I am thrilled when I can go shopping and put together a really good meal. I have a whole collection of healthy cookbooks and love it when I feel well enough to make something yummy. I need to use my food processor more, as standing and chopping isn't something I can do much of anymore.
I've spent most of my time on the MS forum, while three neurologists have made stabs at figuring out an irregular brain MRI and the neurological symptoms. I hope to check in here more often, as this should be my home, too.
Kathy
My name is Kathy. I have OA thoughout most of my spine including an old compression fracture of T-7), both knees, my right little finger and wrist, both shoulders, both sacroiliac joints, my right hip more than my left. My nerves are getting compressed when I sit, so even if I'm sitting in the sunshine, my feet get icy cold up to my knees.
I take Vicodin, Lyrica, 5mg. diazepam at bedtime for muscle spasms. I don't tolerate anti-inflammatories due to GERD and Barrett's Esophagus.
I grow bone spurs that irritate places like my rotator cuff and my achilles tendon, my plantar faciia. I have right sided radiculopathy , a right hip labral tear, tears in both knees that won't be fixed until I'm "old enough" for a total knee. They bother me less than the missing cartilage, so I don't want another surgeon going there anyway! :o)
I'm also in the limboland that Ada mentioned, having no firm diagnosis for neurological symptoms that also irritate me. I have found great support on these forums, that has really helped me get through some rough spots. I love reaching out a hand to someone that needs a lift; lifts me up, too. I care about people all over the country; the world now!
I used to be very active, and have had to adapt over the years to finding less stressful ways to be active, and now even my water exercises are too much. I walk daily. I am thrilled when I can go shopping and put together a really good meal. I have a whole collection of healthy cookbooks and love it when I feel well enough to make something yummy. I need to use my food processor more, as standing and chopping isn't something I can do much of anymore.
I've spent most of my time on the MS forum, while three neurologists have made stabs at figuring out an irregular brain MRI and the neurological symptoms. I hope to check in here more often, as this should be my home, too.
Kathy
Hi Everyone!!! My name is Ada aka Spastic, I have been officially dx'd with Stills disease and some others on my journey in limboland. This dx has been given and taken from me a few times and it has been very frustrating and painful for me. I see a team of Dr's and it seems like they all cannot agree that this is what I have so in the meantime I am getting no treatment.
On recent x-rays, they have found my wrists are starting to fuse, my spine is having issues at L7 & L8, I have a tricky right hip, I can't bend over without it going out, my ankles and heels have decided to join in on the destruction and now I have these hard, hot nodules on them. I have funky fevers that seem to flow with the flare ups and rashes that make me very self-concious.
When I am able, I love doing just normal stuff. Many people take for granted the normal things in life and those of us with arthritis find everyday things a challenge. I have found adapting to this kind of life has been really hard for me. And the forums here have made such a big difference in my life mentally and I have made really good friends here.
I look forward to getting to know some of the new people here. I have been MIA too long here.
Many Hugs,
Spastic aka Ada
On recent x-rays, they have found my wrists are starting to fuse, my spine is having issues at L7 & L8, I have a tricky right hip, I can't bend over without it going out, my ankles and heels have decided to join in on the destruction and now I have these hard, hot nodules on them. I have funky fevers that seem to flow with the flare ups and rashes that make me very self-concious.
When I am able, I love doing just normal stuff. Many people take for granted the normal things in life and those of us with arthritis find everyday things a challenge. I have found adapting to this kind of life has been really hard for me. And the forums here have made such a big difference in my life mentally and I have made really good friends here.
I look forward to getting to know some of the new people here. I have been MIA too long here.
Many Hugs,
Spastic aka Ada
Hey there! Glad to see you posted. Already 3 with RA and some more conditions, too between the 3 of us. We can all help each other. Bet there are others out here....
Hi! My name is Jana,I am 36 yrs old. married with two daughter. I have RA, Lupus,OA. I was Diagnosis This year Within my first 3 visit with the Rheumy Doc. I have pain everyday and my morning is the worst when i get up in the morning. He has me on Planquiel 400mg twice a day and a iron pill for my a Anemia. I also have heart issue and lung issues and I also have seizures and lots of other things going on with my body. I'm glad I have join this forum and found some nice people like txsilver she has been great and she try to answer every question I have to ask. I do get sad alot because it's day's my family has to help me down the stairs or up the stairs on in and out the car and help me get a bath or open jars and other things in the kitchen. i do miss that alot but I'm blees to have family and frineds to help me and that I'm still breathing everyday and I'm going to fight to the better end. Well I look forward to meet more people here!!
Hi Sheryl, great to meet you! We get lots of questions here about RA nodules and enbrel so I am glad to know we have a member with experience on those subjects. I look forward to talking with you more and meeting others in our community.
Who else is out there? Don't be shy :)
Who else is out there? Don't be shy :)
Hi, my name is Sheryl, I am 47 years old, married,4 kids. I have severe RA, was just diagnosed 10 years ago. Have finally found medications that work for me. I take the enbrel, arava, and folic acid for the RA. Been on the enbrel for 1 year now. This is the best i have felt in 10 years. I also have congestive heart failure,and reflux. I have the RA that gives you nodules both on the inside on lungs and from my feet to my ears. The nodules are a bit painful, make breathing a bit difficult, and walking is painful. But i always look on the bright side, I don't have it as bad as someone else, try and make the best of each day. Look forward to meeting the rest of you. Have a great day. Sheryl
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