Improving symptoms
I’m hoping I don’t drive everyone nuts here!😂 Having a place to vent and read is such a help!
This is day 3 on steroids for the worst flare I’ve had and I’m starting to get some relief! Appointment with GP in 6 days, so hopefully getting labs, referral and a plan!
It is OK to vent with us. Trust me we get it. I hope the flare subsides soon. ................... rick We've all been there. So just go ahead and blow off steam. We get it.
Do you have a rheumatologist yet....or is this what the referral is for? [You say it's the worst flare....so it sounds like you've had several episodes.]thank you! No rheum yet. I’m a NP and ironically a large percentage of my patients population struggle with autoimmune disease. About two years ago is when pieces started to fall together (hands/wrists) with history of other low key signs. Even though I was suspicious, I figured my experience with patients was giving me bias. Since then I’ve gone through episodes but haven’t tracked them like I should. Probably a flare every 3 months on average, with worsening chronic symptoms in between. Now it’s hands/feet/wrists/ankles/knees/elbows/neck/shoulders. The last three in the list seem more mild and are relatively new to the parade.
I don’t even have a diagnosis yet, so this really is conjecture on my part and may be back to day “no RA”. I don’t suspect that will be the case however. Fortunately, there’sa rheum an hour away who is really great about treating based on symptoms rather than waiting on positive labs (that we know may never come). I can’t say how many people I’ve sent to local rheum offices to have them ridiculed and ignored. Found this other practice and they are amazing!
Thank you for encouraging my ranting and word vomit. I know getting some of this out will help my mental state. I appreciate this so much!
here are two apps that will track symptoms and be useful when you see the rheumatologist. There are many, but these are two I have helped with, and I feel they are very worthwhile. As I said, there are many out there, so do look around, but here is a place to start.
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/getting-started/track-and-react
https://arthritispower.creakyjoints.org/
rick
Venting, chatting, or just being around people who get it - it's what we are here for! Let us know how it ends up! DPM Thank you!!! I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to offer the save in return!
Hi
. Glad to hear you have a plan for seeing a rheumatologist and did the homework to find one with a history of listening to patients (and who believes in seronegative RA, just in case that is you). Given your background as an NP this probably isn't as necessary, but sometimes it helps to see things written down so, as you prepare for your appointment, wanted t share with you this article on questions for the rheumatologist: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/questions-for-the-doctor. Wishing you the best and please feel free to keep us updated on how you are doing. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) Thank you! I will print out the questions and will def take your advice! When I’m the patient all else tends to go out the window.
