New and confused/affraid

SharonDerby

Hi all
My Name is Sharon.
I'm 47 years old and a retail Manager.
I have been told i have RA with a rhumatoid factor reading of 257 range is 0-7????

Just spent 2 weeks as an in patient on introveinous anti biotics for a very swollen joint in my left thumb (actually my stay as an in patient is still going on but i can be discharged on fri t time , have been told it's septic arthritis? no idea what any of this is, have had joint pain for years in left leg but intermitantly the thumb thing came from nowhere so all this RA is a shock to me and i was looking for advice/comfort/normality.

The doctor has told me i will need another month of anti biotics and have to start sulphasalazine?
Sorry for all the ??? but i am so overwhelmed with all this and don't feel any trust in this doctor at all.
I am going away in 8 weeks to the USA and would like to be better informed of whats what so any help and advice would be much appriciated.

Thanks all
Sharon x

valval

sharon welcome i know you must feel some one has punched you in the side of the head and it still spinning but at least you know know what going on why you have been feeling so exhausted and stiff it not old age(i know you not old but it what most of us get in our heads) so be glad that now they can set about finding which meds suit you do not worry if you have to try lots before getting there we are all different and so different meds suite different people good luck just ask anything you wish some one will have an answer but do not expect a quick fix it does not often happen and you will feel a full range of feelings from anger to fear of what is to come but we will be here for you val

frogmorton

Hi Sharon

oh you poor thing!!!

You must be terrified - in hospital alone and being told all that confusing information :roll:

If they have decided it is RA them you do need to take a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug like sulfazaline (DMARD)

There are lots of DMARDs to try sulfa being one of the milder ones like hydroxychloroquinine, which l am taking.

If it works well you will feel far better and your markers should drop much lower. You will also probably be prescribed an anti-inflamatory and maybe a painkiller to take alongside. Some people take something to help muscles relax and to get them off to sleep like amitriptyline.

ONce your meds are sorted you should feel much better and far more in control of your life agian.

Any questions at all - just ask - we will try to help - you aren't alone.

Love

toni xx

traluvie

Hi Sharon..

Welcome to the forum.. sorry you have had to find us, but we are a great bunch and will be more than willing to help where possible..
Although it's not good that you are in hospital, it is good that they have found out you have RA this way you can be treated as soon as possible to slow down the process..It can sometime take a while to find the right meds that work for you, but once you do you should start feeling a bit better..
You will need to learn to listen to your body too.. if it's telling you to rest you must do so, you can often find that you do not have the energy or strength to do as you used too.. it's about knowing your limits and looking after yourself.
Feel free to ask any questions, it can be a very daunting experience at frst with lots of things going round your end.. we understand.. Wishing you well..

julie47

Hi sharon

welcome to the forum.
I hope you enjoy taking part and find that it is an informative and helpful site.

When the rhummy people know what is exactly wrong I am sure they will put you on the best meds to control your RA.
Once it is under control you will soon start to feel much better.

I hope you enjoy your holiday, sounds lovely.

Juliepf x

tillytop

Hello again Sharon.

Glad you have reposted here..

Love Tillyxxx

mig

Hi,I was diagnosed last sept and are still trying out different meds as the first ones didnt suit me,doing a bit better now .This forum is great for airing your worries there is always some-one to talk to and hopefully calm your fears.Hope you manage to have a great holiday,ive been to the states a couple of times its fantastic.Thinking of you Mig

stickywicket

Hi Sharon and welcome from me too.

I think others have already said it all. I'd just like to add that you should make sure your travel insurers are up-to-date with what's happening. Otherwise it could get tricky if you have any problems in USA. All the best.