Diagnosed this year - Gratitude post
So yeah...
I was officially diagnosed with RA 11th June of this year. This was after a visit with my primary in April. It took quite a while to get a referral to a rheumatologist.
But, here is where I start to express my gratitude:
- I'm grateful to have been diagnosed so quickly. I see that for many it can take years to be diagnosed and begin treatment.
- I'm grateful that my rheumatologist had a cancellation on his schedule and I was moved to the top of the list. (was previously scheduled for 26 July, got in 11 June).
- I'm grateful that my rheumatologist and his NP seem to be very proactive. The goal, as I see it, is to get my RA out of 'active' status as quickly as possible. And, they are not dragging their feet on making changes to my medication.
- I'm grateful for the support of my family and friends.
Don't get me wrong... I am pretty devastated by this diagnosis. My life plans/finances are being changed/examined. I don't feel well most days. And, in all honesty, I am terrified that it will get worse.
I understand that obtaining non-active status (dr seems to prefer not to say remission) is a moving and impermanent target.
And so, it's important for me to express my gratitude along the way. To be aware of the good!
Thanks for listening to me!
Definitely a ton of these here that could have gone much worse for sure. It takes me months to get appointments and it took me 2 years to get diagnosed! You are already ahead of the curve! It's a great attitude to start out with. It took me years to be able to do that ha ha. It doesn't sound like it but if you need anything remember you are not alone! Keep on keepin' on ,DPM
thank you! I'm gonna keep on doin my thang! Nothing else for me to do, kinda the way I am built.
Hi
. Yes, early diagnosis is a huge thing (see here for example: https://advancesinrheumatology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s4235😧23-00301-7). Next up is the treatment and the hope is real. Treatments have changed/advanced quite a bit in recent years ( and my wife, Kelly Mack, who is also a contributor here, were both diagnosed before modern treatments and know the difference). Finding a treatment is often still trial and error, but personalized medicine is advancing. You may want to ask your doctor about the PrismRA test, which can predict inadequate response to anti-TNF drugs (such as Enbrel and Humira).
As Daniel said, your positive attitude is a great start. Our patient leader Tamara did a series on things she counts her blessings for; such as medications: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/counting-blessings-medications, good days: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/counting-blessings-good-days, healthful practices: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/counting-blessings-healthful-practices, and over-the-counter aids: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/counting-blessings-counter-aids. Know that this community is here for you and please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask questions. Best, Richard (Team Member)Thank you, Richard! The info regarding PrismRA test is very interesting and I've already noted to follow up with my Dr on my next visit! You're very welcome
. It may not be as pertinent to current treatment, but there is some interesting research being done in the area of precision or personalized medicine. If interested, here are couple of research articles on the topic: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8977251/ and https://conquest.health/personalized-medicine-rheumatoid-arthritis-biomarkers-guide-therapeutic-decisions/. Perhaps most importantly, it is good to know that there are people working on these things. Best, Richard (Team Member)
