Newly diagnosed but not surprised
I was diagnosed with RA this week, and I also have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. I'm 75 and have had multiple body joints replaced or rebuilt. I’m feeling down about the RA diagnosis, but hopeful the RA medication and low-dose prednisone will help.
Hi
. I think you might be surprised by the number of people, like you, are unsurprised by the diagnosis. How you are feeling is completely understandable, but, as you note, getting the diagnosis can be the start of making things better. Our contributors have written quite a number of articles for the newly diagnosed, such as this two part piece from Kat (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/support-new-diagnosis and https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/care-management).
I also want to share with you this article from our contributor Kelly Mack (full disclosure - I'm her husband) on questions for the doctor: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/questions-for-the-doctor. I'm sharing this because I think it has some good ideas on specifically bringing the discussion to being about you - how you are feeling, what you need, what the goals for treatment should be, etc...
I hope this information is help and please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask questions - this community is here for you. Best, Richard (Team Member)Hi,
! I can understand why this diagnosis would feel discouraging, especially on top of everything else your body has already been through. At the same time, I hope this ends up being one of those situations where getting the right treatment actually helps connect some dots and improves your quality of life a bit. Sometimes finally knowing what you’re dealing with can open the door to better symptom control. Richard sent you some amazing reads so hopefully you're able to check those out. We're wishing you a smooth start with the medications and hopefully some relief soon! And if there's any resources of support you need from us please do not hesitate to reach out. Warmly, Latoya (Team Member) Hi,
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I have nothing more to add, but I wanted to jump in here and welcome you to the community!
I hope the treatments start helping with the symptoms you are experiencing. Also, I have a friend with EDS and I know it can be a challenge to live with. My friend thought her ability to do splits and hyper extend her limbs was a fun party trick before her diagnosis. And she didn't connect how often she dislocated her hips to her hypermobility.
Okay, well, welcome and good luck! new diagnoses can be scary and overwhelming, but you're not alone in this!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
