Bad news

[Magalicious]

I went to the workers comp doctor on Wednesday to follow up on an injury I had 7 months ago, that was still bothering me. He deciced to run some bloodwork, thinking I may have something else going on. I called the office and spoke to the nurse today (doctor wasn't in). My results showed I have arthritis, most likely rheumatoid. I don't have health insurance. So, I'm going to try to hurry up and get an insurance policy before the doctor confirms the diagnosis...Otherwise the insurance companies will say it is a pre-existing condition, therefore not covered. I am too young for this. :ranting: :hair: :boohoo:

[scotzoidman]

I'd suggest getting with the doc, & find out if he thinks the arthritis is related to the injury...if so, maybe the work comp can be stretched out some...
As many longtime Pixies know, I have had "arther" in my back for some years now, & still waiting for SSDI to make a decision on my case...

& how young do you figure is "too young?" :huh:

[osuche]

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 19. Some forms are genetic, and Rheumatologists suspect that some forms are actually contracted by a virus. I was the lucky SOB who got an old man's disease at 19.

The first couple of years were awful. I gained like 100 lbs from the steriods and the lack of exercise and because I ate to dull the pain. (don't ask...made sense at the time). I'm 10 years later and I still have only worked about 50 of the 100 lbs off, making me much less attractive than I used to be.

You'll have good days and bad days, but I am posting to tell you....THIS DISEASE CAN BE CONTROLLED! Diet, exercise (moderate with goodly amounts of weight lifting), and the right meds can make you feel about 85-90% of what you used to feel. You'll never feel 100% well, but you will approach normal...which is better than I ever hoped for during my first year with the disease.

If you want to chat more about it, PM me. I am happy to share my experience with you, and point you in the right direction for help.

Best of luck to you!

[dicksbro]

Hearts and prayers go out to you, Magalicious, and to all who suffer. We'll keep our fingers crossed on the Worker's Comp and the insurance.

[Coaster]

Hey Mag................... don't let osuche fool you............. she is VERY attractive !!!! :D

[Lilith]

(((Mag))) I went through a long period when I was quite young where they kept testing me for RA. It turned out I had an injury instead but I know RA runs in my family so it was always the first thing they went for.

I hope you learn as much as possible about it. Osuche would be a great resource.

[Magalicious]

Thanks everyone. I have an appointment with the comp doctor in about three weeks, and that will be the last appointment with him. The nurse already told me I will have to go see my own doctor. It was my knee that I had hurt 7 months ago, or thought I hurt at least. I just bumped it a bit when helping my patient, and I assumed that was why it was hurting. I imagine it was actually the RA though. My other knee has been giving me problems as well. I get a lot of aches and pains that usually go away after a day, last week my elbow was sore, but the pain went up farther up my arm too. I also get headaches, almost everyday sometimes. I get backaches occasionally. The dentist also said that I have TMJ years ago. Can all of this be from RA?

My stepdad has RA, but he has the type of it that affects the skin as well. My mom was just telling me about a week ago how he is on very strong medication, and they are actually giving him his IV medication sooner than it should be given because he isn't getting any better. She said his flare ups usually go away after a month of being on prednisone, but he has been on it for 2 months. And scotz, to answer your question about how young is too you...My stepdad is the same age as you. So I'm young enough to be your daughter :tongue:

[osuche]

If you get a positive diagnosis, try to find a qualified Rheumatologist (they specialize in RA). You WILL need insurance for that, though -- because they're expensive.

Experiment with NSAID medication (non-steroidal anit-infammatories) first. Don't give up on them when one doesn't work. I tried about 15 varieties before I found one that made me feel better. And yes, you *do* have to be on each variety for about 7-10 days before you can tell if it works or not (they build up in your system), so trying lots of types is quite arduous.

Steriods made me gain weight, have moodswings, and I ended up very depressed...which encouraged the eating. However, sometimes a steriod is the *only* thing that gives me relief during a flare up.

There are different types of mor e"powerful" drugs that can be dispensed with NSAIDs which will help prevent cartilage damage and reduce the long term effects. I was on sulfazalazine and methotrexate at various times. I responsed well to both. However, I never tried any of the "newer" drugs.

My best advice is to find a dr who knows his/her stuff in this area and be patient.

Good luck!

[jseal]

Magalicious,

Good luck! :)

[osuche]

One more note....In the interim, go buy a bottle of Aleve. Aleve is actually Naproxyn, and is as powerful an OTC NSAID one can get.

Take 2 tablets, wait for 12 hours, and take 2 more (yes, I know I am ignorning the instructions, but 2 tabs is closer to a prescription dose). See if it makes you feel better.

Note that if you have issues with stomache ulcers, you may NOT want to try naprosyn, because it is hard on your tummy.

[Magalicious]

I am on a prescription nsaid from the comp doctor. Lodine, 400 mg, twice a day. It hasn't been long enough yet to tell if it will help. I take it with food to keep it from upsetting my stomach. I know a bit about the medications, my stepdad is on a lot of them. He gets some sort of IV every 4 weeks, and he is on the methitraxate (sp?) and prednisone. He may be on others as well. I'm going to try wearing my knee braces again too. The comp doctor gave me tubigrip when I first hurt my knee, it's kind of like an ace bandage, except it's in the shape of a tube, you don't actually have to wrap it. My mom suggested I see the rheumatologist my stepdad sees, he is supposed to be good. I applied for insurance today as well. I should know in 3-5 days if I am approved. The insurance agent thought I would be though.

[nikki1979]

iv ehad degenerative arthritis in my wrists and fingers since i was 22.....fucking sucks specially sice i luv typing LMAO .im horrible about takin meds as well, so more days than not i just grinand bear it, i only take the meds when i really need them

hope the insurance works out !!!!