Question about RA (also and Autoimmune disease?)
 

Hi all:

I am about to have the blood tests for RA Rheumatoid Arthritis, which I have learned is also auto immune.

I was a dancer years ago, but I doubt that had anything to do with this. For about 9 months now (maybe longer) both my ankles have been swelling like crazy. Both my ankles and both my wrists and hurt terribly (Excrucating is a betetr word). There is really nothing that helps (tylenol, aspirin, motrin). The only place that is really swollen is the ankles, though. On both sides there are these lumps ("nodules", I guess?). The lumps are just below the actual ankle.. It almost looks like I am retaining water but it is more "solid".. Hope that makes sense.

What I am concerned about is that it seems that the only treatment for RA is steroids from all I read. I cannot take steroids. Never have been able to use them for MS as I have intensely negative reactions (it is even on my medicalert bracelet).. No doc (even in the worst of flares will touch me with steroids! What will I do if I come up positive for RA?

Anyone familiar with this that can offer any suggestions?

Thanks in addvance!

Healing Hugs

Maria

Here is a site with lots of info on treatments for RA, from John Hopkins. I hope it helps you to educate yourself about the various Meds and treatments for RA, before you see your Reumatologist(sp).

I always like to be up on things, so that the discussion with the Doc can be more fulfilling, if or when you become DX with RA or whatever. KWIM?

Knowledge is Power.

I hope this link is helpful to you

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.som.jhmi.edu/rheumatoid/rheum_treat.html