my sister just found out she has positive rheumatoid factor

jordan7j

Hi my sister is two years younger than me, and has had pain and swelling in hands and feet for a few months. Recently getting quite bad, and finally decided to get tested.
The results came back today, and she is to be referred to rheumatology straight away.
My mother had RA too, so it looks like we have both been unlucky. I will keep her updated about what goes on here, as she doesnt have a laptop or pc, and never learned how to use one.
I will also get her some leaflets etc.,
Her journey to find the right meds begins!!!
On another note I have just been prescribed presnisolone at 30mg for one week, gradually reducing to 5mg within 3 weeks. The results are amazing already!! much less pain, walked down the stairs properly today for first time in a over a year. I know its a short term solution, but its a great help with working. Have an appt on Friday at clinic, and hoping they will agree to add the other two meds advised by the private consultant.

caprica

Sorry to hear about your sister I hope she gets sorted quickly. How old are you both?

So unlucky that it can run in families. At least you have your mum who can totally undestand what you're going through though.

No one at all in my family on both sides up to like..4 generations has any kind of auto immune disease. Or any kind of 'serious' disease at all aside from strokes in super old age. I guess I drew the short straw. Great *rolls eyes*. Always thought I'd be climbing mountains in my 70s like my grannies did. Nevermind..

jordan7j

Hi caprica, how unlucky were you!!! no one at all in the family. Ours wasnt such a shock, I am also waiting results of mixed connective tissue disease too, may as well go for the lot eh!!!
I am 56 and my sister is 54.
Unfortunately, our mother died a few years ago, she had RA from aged 17, and was hospitalised for 3 months as she couldnt walk. Back then it was treatment with aspirin only. Her feet were very damaged, hands not as bad.
At least now we have better meds, well when you can get your team to let you have them!! No luck with mine so far, just mtx at 15mg and never worked.
I hope my sister has more luck than I have. Thanks for the reply x

frogmorton

Oh

that's not good news

I suppose it came as no suprise to her....as you say the search for the right meds satrts now. Let's hope it goes well for her.

Do let her know about this site won't you?? I hope all is wlel with you?

Love

Toni xx

jordan7j

Hi Toni, my sister already knows about this site!!! I go on about it!! unfortunately she doesnt have a laptop/pc and nedver learned to use one. If she can manage to get one, financially, her son could help her, or obviously I would, and she knows she can use mine, but cant always get here. Willl give her everyones good wishes though, thanks everyone for support x Jay

cutieclaire

Hi,


I hope your sister is ok and I wish her well. Its really hard when you just find out, I kow as I have not long been diagnosed with IA and they are doing more tests to see about RA even though my bloods had the RA factors, they just need to know the damage now.

I hope your sister will come on here as this forum has been so supportive and a life saver really.

Love to you and your family

Claire xxxxxxxxx

jordan7j

Thanks for messages everyone, will give my sister your good wishes, and let you know how she gets on.
At the moment she has been given 30/500 co-codamol, so its helping a little.
Be back later tonight!!!

jimshirley1

SORRY THINK I HAVE BEEN POSTING IN WRONG PLACE
JUST GETTING USED TO COMPUTERS
SO IF I HAVE MISTAKENLY REPLIED IN WRONG PLACE
ONCE AGAIN SORRY
MUST TAKE MORE CARE
AND LISTEN TO THE KIDS WHEN THEY SHOW ME HOW TO DO THINGS ON IT. OR THROUGH IT IN THE BIN
ONCE AGAIN SORRY
JIM