Incredibly Lucky

By beckykay

1 min read

Hi! My diagnosis with RA took 2 weeks thanks to an alert Primary Care Physician and a caring Rheumatologist.

My PCP knows I don't complain so when I showed up in his office complaining of head to toe pain and stiffness, he immediately set put me on prednisone and sent me to a rheumatologist. My rheumatologist sized me up as a "stoic" and knew I was in pain. So even though the RF, ACCP and other tests were negative, she started me on RA medications.

That was in 1998 (20 years ago) when I was 40 years old. The disease remained very mild for 15 years and then suddenly flared out of control for the past 5 years.

To this day, the only test that shows the high levels of inflammation is the Vetra DA that puts me in the "High" category.

Going for early treatment with the right physician can make a tremendously positive contribution to staving off the effects of RA..

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Erin Rush Community Admin
Thanks so much for sharing a part of your story with the <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> community, BeckyKay! I am so glad your diagnosis was relatively quick. As you stated, early diagnosis and treatment can be a critical part of managing your RA well. And having a good doctor is even better! A story like yours is a good reminder for people that might think "Do I really need to treat my RA right now?". Research has shown that yes, early treatment is critically important. Thank you again for sharing! We're very glad to have you here! Best, Erin, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member.
prqueen01 Member
Thank you for this story!! I was diagnosed friday and i am 41 years old. It gives me hope. I am on prednisone currently for two weeks and making plans for the next steps after the two weeks on this medicine.
1. mseelhoff Member
 Stay away from steriods, if you can! We rely to much on them. It is the devils candy!
Mary Sophia Hawks Moderator & Contributor
I also only show positive on the Vectra DA test. My rheumatologist also started treating me without lab "proof". Grateful you are getting the care you need. MS
Daniel Malito Moderator & Contributor
Becky, you should ask for an ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It usually shows any inflammation in the body. See what your doctor says after he sees that (if you haven’t already). Usually the current methodoly for treatment is to get on biologics or dmards early, and save prednisone for last, so hopefully you will find one that controls your disease enough for your to continue to enjoy a good quality of life. Keep on keepin’ on, Daniel P. Maltio (RA.net Team Member)
marev Member
Hi RA People, I would like find Our why my C-Reactive test results are higher than normal the last few times I had bloodwork done. It says I have inflammation somewhere in my body, no where specific. My RA dr. Has scheduled tests like chest x-ray and pulmonary tests and nothing shows why it is above the normal of 50. Has anyone else had this problem?
bella14 Member
Hi While I think it’s great that most take meds for this condition, my DNA is awful when it connects to any kinds of medication. In my 60’s and diagnosed with RA from two Rheumatologists, I always get second opinion, Because they find no inflammation whatsoever in me but I may have to credit that with the diet I adapted and walking as little or as much advice possible. I am in pain sometimes I can’t straighten out never mind bend, and my fingers and hands hurt. I sprained my ankle in March still not healed but I thank God I’m still able to walk. My philosophy is there is no cure for RA so why put myself on meds that will make me worse by side effects. Even on medication you still have RA. Control it that depends if meds agree with you. So I continue to live this way at this age. I know it will get worse regardless of taking anything or not, so I decided against it. My dermatologist told me pregnisone is poison so I wouldn’t take that either. Happy most agree with their meds as for me I’d rather just live it out as long as possible without. You must walk and as tiring as it may be you have to or the pain gets worse. Best to you all. Just saying this is my approach, with my diet (no meat, dairy, sugar soda etc... it helps. You are what you eat.
mseelhoff Member
I was diagnosed in my late 20’s. Was basically symptom free till the last two years. Now all the biologicals do not work. I have a low crp, and esr, but my Vectra says I am very moderate almost severe. Yet tested by Vectra two years apart with the same result, but I look inflamed and stiff is not a adjective, but concrete is a better adjective. Started Remicade. Jezzz the side effects, no one said it feels like you been shot and your hands feel like there in a tree shredder. Then there’s the nausea and headache! Ugh 7 days of this! Tell me it gets better! Walking up to 20 miles a day-takes my mind off the drama going on inside of me! Good luck!