What are your thoughts on my diagnosis?
Hey all I’m brand new here. I have had extreme pain in my shoulders and wrist in the morning, for about 3 weeks. Also a very small but swollen lymph node in my neck. My blood work showed an elevated RA factor of 26. I’m responding well to anti inflammatory meds, during the day. My mornings are still rough. What are your thoughts? I’m a 43 year old female. Was healthy and fine until the middle of March 2018. I’m very worried and have extremely high anxiety.
Hi Dq1316! In addition to any community feedback you may receive, I wanted to share some thoughts with you. First, if you have any doubts or questions about your diagnosis, please don't hesitate to discuss them with your physician. A good doctor will not be annoyed to answer your questions. Also, you can seek a second opinion if you have doubts about your diagnosis. I think feeling worried and anxious are completely normal responses when you experience a sudden health issue, like you did. This is one of my favorite articles to share with folks who have been newly diagnosed. It offers hope, pragmatism, and just some good all around advice that you may find reassuring -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/back-to-the-future/. And many of our members have shared that mornings can be a bit slow going when you have RA. It sometimes takes a bit to get the body and joints moving for the day. Here are some tips shared by our community members that you may find helpful -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/6-ways-to-combat-morning-stiffness-tips-from-the-ra-community/. Know you are not alone in this! We have a large, diverse community that can really get what you are going through. Thank you for sharing and may you have a good day! Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Hi Dq1316. I want to stress, along with Erin, that a diagnosis can be an opportunity to begin to make things better. One of our contributors wrote a series of articles on things she would tell her newly diagnosed self (I recommend all of them) and number one is on just this topic: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/no-1-its-just-a-diagnosis/. Have you had an opportunity to see a rheumatologist yet? If not, this doctor will work with you to confirm your diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, including whether the anti-inflammatories you are taking are sufficient. While your anxiety is completely understandable, please know that a full and happy life with RA is possible. Also know that this community is here for you with information and support. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
My rehumatologist doesn’t seem to be listening my concerns I am getting worse everyday with movement and pain does anyone have any recommendations for a good rehumatologist in Kentucky around Lexington ky area I go to arthritis center in Lexington now I would so much appreciate any help
Hey Skchristia, I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Support and trust in our healthcare is extremely important in dealing with this illness. It sounds like you have made up your mind to get a second opinion, which I applaud you on. We are our best advocates and we deserve the right support.
www.arthritis.org is a great place to start. The Arthritis Resource Finder can help you locate a rheumatologist in your area. Please keep us updated. I hope you find a doctor that you like and trust.
I'll be thinking of you, Monica (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Thank to everyone for all the response it’s helps so much because at times you just feel like no where to turn May God’s blessings be upon all
