Fast onset
Hi,
My wife just got diagnosed with RA. She has high ACPA and high RF. Her symptoms started with pain under her left foot for a couple of weeks and in less than without two months it spread to her right ankle bilateral knees and left shoulder. The swelling is getting worse and so is the pain.
Is it what we call a “flare” or this is how her disease will be because her high ACPA and RF.
We have an appointment with rheumatologist next week but the worsening of her symptoms is concerning me a lot.
, hello and welcome! I am glad you found us!
I think it's wonderful that you are learning what you can about your wife's condition.
I am not a physician and cannot provide medical advice or diagnosis, for your wife's safety. That said, she could very well be in a flare. RA is very unique to each individual, so I cannot say whether her RA will always be this active or not. Once treatment is started, many individuals experience a noticeable decrease in RA symptoms. Others may have to try multiple treatments and may experience limited relief -- it truly varies widely from person to person.
I would definitely write down any and all questions you and your wife have and also write down EVERY symptom she has been experiencing. Then, take those questions and the list of symptoms to the upcoming rheumatology appointment. This will help provide the rheumatologist with a clearer picture of your wife's RA so far and getting your questions answered can help you both as a couple decide what treatment options to consider.
Being newly diagnosed can be such an overwhelming time! I wanted to share one of my favorite pieces about being newly diagnosed. It will hopefully offer you and your wife some hope and honest insight into the journey you are embarking on -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/back-to-the-future.
Also, here's a good article on what your wife can expect at that first rheumatologist appointment -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-to-expect-at-your-first-rheumatologist-appointment.
Please know that neither you nor your wife are alone in this! Pretty much every member of this community has been where you or your wife have been. They get it and understand how daunting this diagnosis can be.
Please feel free to come back here anytime and ask questions. We will do what we can to answer them. And do keep us posted on how your wife's appointment goes, if you feel comfortable doing so.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.Hi Erin,
Thank you so much for your message and links. I really appreciate it., you're quite welcome! I do hope some other members see your post and chime in as well! Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Just an update. Rheumatologist confirmed my wife's diagnosis of RA. She is on Prednisone 15mg we will wean down to 10mg in one week. Her symptons improved significantly butwe known it is just masking the disease. Meanwhile she is doing extensive blood worke before she start Methotrehaxe. Rheumatolgist is optmistic with her depsite the fact she is RF and CCP positive.
Hi
. Glad to hear that your wife is getting some relief. You are correct that prednisone alone is not long-term solution. Methotrexate is a long established, often first-line treatment. Our contributor Carla wrote this article about its use here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/methotrexate-under-utilized. Hopefully this will get your wife's RA under control. If not, know that there are now quite a few RA treatments available (we have plenty of information on these, but don't want to inundate you with too much information at once). Please know that this community is here for both of you and feel free to keep us posted or ask additional questions. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Thank you Richard. It is a very good article. The rheumatologist will start her on injectable methotrexate due to increased bioavailability and less side effects. Plus she does not mind taking shots. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼