I was dx'd this spring with RA. The doc I was seeing tried me on several old nsaids, none did anything but hurt my stomach. I will be seeing a rheumy in Sept that is supposed to be really great.....I sure hope so!

My husband is trying to be understanding, but how can he really? I don't think I would've known how bad this gets if I hadn't experienced it.

First I was dx'd with FMS a few years ago, now this! What's next?

I hurt all over,I'm sore, extremely fatigued, and yes depressed too.

I can't help but feel guilty for not working or even being able to do everything that needs to be done around the house......then I get mad........then I get depressed......it's a vicious cycle!

What do you do to feel better.......besides drugs?
I take a lot of them too but feel like most are a waste of money because they aren't helping.

What do I need to say to this new doc? I'm keeping a journal of my meds and how I feel so I can have something to show him. I'll take copies of my tests the other doc did too. RA test was pos. Could it be something other than RA with a pos. test?
I don't know what to do or who to turn to. Right now I'm just marking time until I can see new doc.


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When i'm really frustrated with my RA I try to talk to my mum/boyfriend/friend about how I feel and what I'm going through, if they happen to be around.

Sometimes that doesn't help; I may feel that they can't really understand what i mean or i notice that they feel overwhelmed. then i usually write down my thoughts in my diary and read through some of my older notes to remind myself of the good times and also the times when i've had it worse. i might also take a walk if i feel up to it or try doing something to that takes my mind off my RA and my life, like reading or sleeping.

at times it takes a lot of mental pep talk to get over really depressed/sad moods. sometimes i feel that it's unfair that i'm ill and most of my friends have no problems with their health whatsoever. i feel that i can't do whatever i want and what others in my age can, i feel that this illness restricts my life. sometimes i'm just so fed up with being sick that i don't care anymore. it's difficult trying to cope with RA ezpecially at times when it seems to be getting just worse and worse day by day.

however, there are also days when i feel like i'm not going to give up. when i believe that i can actually help myself. i try to think positive and focus on taking care of the part of my body that's hurting the most. i try to treat myself gently and be greatful for what i have.

getting rid of negative energy and emotions is important. i hope you'll find an effective way of dealing with them!

Thankyou for your post.I am feeling some better now......at least emotionally. This is a hard time for me because it's the anniversary of my Mother's death. I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.I hadn't thought of that when I posted originally. I think realizing this has helped me. At least I know what's going on!

What helps you guys with RA? Alternative or traditional, either one, both?

I hope you have a pain free day

Hellion.......by the way, hellion is what my Mom called me when I was in trouble.....I am in real trouble now so it seems fitting.


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If you are still having trouble with depression (which by the way isn't at all uncommon in people with RA) see if your pcp can recommend a counselor and or meds. I did both and it really helped. Waiting to see a Rheuym can be a reall pain both literally and figuratively and then the meds take time to work or to find the right one for you. But there is light at the end of the tunnel so keep smiling.

Sorry I forgot to mention that it can be something other than RA even with a positive test. Good Luck

[This message has been edited by gingerdew (edited 08-23-2002).]

Thank you for your response. I asked the same thing......can't it be something else? I was told it was highly unlikely.

I have an appt with another doctor in 2 weeks so hopefully he'll be more helpful http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

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