My brother has RA and I found out today that many on my fathers side of the family has RA.

I have an appt in 0ctober with a rheumy for pains that Ive had for a few years.

Can someone help

Hope

Yes, RA along with many autoimmune diseases have a genetic link to them. The current theory is that it doesn't just happen because you've got the genetic predisposition. It takes something to trigger it, like a virus or something in the environment. If you do have RA, there has never been a better time to have it. Early aggressive treatment can prevent joint damage and disfigurement.

My brother has it in his knees and hands.

My problem started a few years back, hips hurt....now my hips hurt constantly, when my cycle hits it becomes worse. I wake up and they ache and I'm stiff. This morning I woke up stiff and sore all over. When I sit and go to stand they ache and it takes a while to stand straight.

I don't know if this is my Fibro or not. Whatever it is has gotten worse. My hips use to only hurt when the weather turned cold, and once the temp stayed low it would go away. Now its with me all the time. I think its been 6yrs since they started hurting.

My hands ache too, and some other parts but my hips are the most bothersome.

Hope

I agree with teacher girl, there is a link but there normally also has to be a trigger. I had German measles when i was 18 months old and the docs suspect that is how the RA got in.
Look after yourself, and listen to your body, if you are tired rest, if you feel good get out and do things.
If you do have RA you will know from your brother that there are a lot of treaments out there and it is a case of finding the right one for you.
I find it useful to write things down before i go to the doctor as they can ask a lot of questions> How often do you get sore? mornings more than night? what activities can make it worse, etc.
If you have any other questions please ask,
feel better soon,
thistle

Hi Thistlegirl,

Only trigger I can think of was when I was around 21-22 & pregnant I got Chicken Pox. Could this be a trigger?

As for my brother he's had this since his teens (problems with knees), now its in his hands. He's only had some new type of shots in his knees but it didn't help. Unfortunately he has very poor insurance, and cannot afford a rheumy. So he deals with it, and only takes aleve, vitamin C and other vitamins.

Waking up makes it sore, going from sitting to standing, and walking to much.
This is something that I will write down but I doubt Id forget. I have ALL my past and present symptoms written down, along with family history and past and present medication.

Hope