What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

[abby10]

My blood tests show that I have RA. I am waiting for the results of a blood test for Lupis. I looked on the internet about RA and the information all seemed to say about the same thing. I asked my neuro about it and he said to see a Rheumatologist (spell?) My GP ran the blood test, but the neuro never did any tests, just gave me drugs. I wonder if he blew me off because I am on disability insurance. I did hear that RA can go into remission, which is hopeful.

I am trying to find out if my mother had RA or osteoarthritis. I remember the steriods almost killed her. As I have taken enough of doctor's drugs in the past, I don't really like the idea of taking more to live.

Does anybody know what could cause this? I hope I don't have Lupus.

Thanks,
abby

[Strype]

If your mother was taking steroids regularly like Prednizone that is the same treatment my father was on his entire life and he had RA. I am now facing the possibility that I have it too.

[txsilver]

Unfortunately, RA does affect more than just joints.  I didn't know that either.  I was dx with fibro for a year before I got the list of dxs for which I am now receiving treatment.  If it is RA, it is manageable.  The earlier it is caught the better.  The treatment I am receiving makes it livable where as before I was only existing.  I was thrilled to have a dx and a treatment plan because of how I suffered before that and had only been given pain killers.  Please do get to a rheummy and find out whether or not it is RA so you can get treated too.  Let us know how it goes.

[abby10]

Thanks for the info. It gives me hope. The doctors office made it sound like I have RA. I have a lot of pain, but it's in my whole body, all over, in the skin and muscles. Not in the joints. I fingured it's fibromyalgia. The air hurts my skin.

abby

[txsilver]

Hi Abby, First, do you have symptoms of RA?  Testing positive for the RA antibodies does not mean you have it.  It takes the combination of symptoms, physical evidence and lab work to determine whether or not you have a condition.  If your bloodwork is positive for these antibodies, you should be seen by a rheummy.  Neuros do not treat autoimmune diseases so I am sure he was just trying to get you to the right specialist.