1st visit with consultant.

Terry01

Hi,

I got my first visit out of the way today, The doc said a very high rhumey factor, examined me, Xrays and bloodtests.

I have been given MTX and told not to start taking it until my chest is better ( I have a cough at the moment) as well as Naprosyn and Lannsoprazole and Vit D which she said I was lacking.
She seemed positive and gave me every reason to think that my problem wont get worse if the the treatments work, she also mentioned a steroid injection on my next visit.

I feel horrible that I laughed when she was giving me all the details about the side effects and the new regiment I will have to undertake, I just couldnt take it all in..I was so glad my wife was there as words just seemed to blend into each other for me.

Blood tests every 2 weeks now and Hospital visits every 3 months now, I dont know which is worse..the pains or all the new traveling I have to do, which leaves me feeling even more achey when I get home and through the night into the next day.

My RA seems to have happened really quickly, what can you guys tell me about "Very High Rhumatoid Factor" (her words). Will this increase the speed and effect.

Please just be honest with me, I wont get down hearted, I just need to know those facts.
I said before I am ever optimistic in life anyway, so I will probably be just fine..as fine as can be with RA of course.

Thank You.

Terry.

valval

to be honest with you we all differ in how arther affects us and how we react with different meds. so we can not tell you what to expect but if they have caught it early then you stand a great chance of them getting it to go into remision so stay positive you will need to pace your self but there is no reason you can not carry on a normal life it does take a while for meds to kick in but sure they will work for you if not they will try another good luck val

sulkycat

Hi Terry,
It's a shock to the system isn't it!
I had my tests, xrays, scans etc with the consultant then a few days later a call from the RA nurse saying my results were 'off the scale' and that she wanted me in the next day to start treatment - I had a good cry to my mum on the phone then pretty much got on with it.

The best thing the nurse said was 'you have to trust us - we do know what we are doing and will work with you', and yes they have been pretty damned good so far.

I would suggest jotting things down - ask questions and get your wife to note things down for you while you talk to your medical team. Also get as many of the Arthritis Care leaflets and magazines as possible. It's a huge amount to take in and my head spins after every monthly consultant visit, but they seem to be very happy to repeat things or explain as needed.

The 2 weekly blood tests - I get mine done at my local GP to save me the journey to hospital each time, they should be able to arrange this for you. Transport may be available too, I get the hospital transport when needed as the hospital is across the city and I don't drive.

Mine happened very quickly too - tests in March, RA hospital and more tests April and as I say ordered in a week later to start treatment.I seem to be riddled with RA and now OA and yes it's an absolute swine of an illness. My life has changed a great deal but I am getting my head round it and just going day to day. The plus side - it brings out positives, family support is priceless, as are the friends who truly understand. And of course this forum.

Very best of luck with it all - and at least your hospital sound as though they are on the ball and getting you treated promptly.

stickywicket

Well, that's visit no1 under your belt, Terry01.

I'm on meth too, have been for over 10 years and it works for me. It's normal not to take it when we have an infection as things can take longer to get better when we're on it.

Side effects? Well, you were right to laugh. If we all paid too much attention to them we'd never take anything at all. The good thing is, as you've discovered, you'll be very well monitored while you're on meth so, if anything untowards happens, it'll be noticed straight away in those blood tests we all hate going for.

I'm sorry, I can't tell you anything about 'Very High Rheumatoid Factor'. I've had RA for 50 years and I've no idea what mine is or, indeed, what it ought to be. But I can tell you it's possible to be 'very fine' with RA. I hope it all goes well for you.

traluvie

Sounds like your appointment went well so thats really good.
You have been started on treatment straight away and they are going to keep a close eye on you so hopefully in time you shall see an improvement.
Wish you well and i hope all goes well..

Terry01

Thank You for your kind words.

Im not about to let it scare me. Pain is a relative thing.
I have had Kidney Stones with renal colic...that scares me lol

Terry

dreamdaisy

I've never had a RF as my version of inflammatory arthritis comes without that (it's called a sero-negative type). I've been on meth for a while now (I do my own injections) and so far so good: I occasionally feel very tired a day or two after it if I have done the humira jab too, but that's about it. Let's hope it cuts the mustard for you, yes? I know the blood tests are a bind but do be conscientious about them, they are very important especially as you are new to this drug. I get mine done and dusted at the local hospital, I wander in about ten minutes before they are due to close for the day and I am in and out. Have you been given a meth booklet for recording the test results? I didn't for ages, it goes everywhere with me now in case of accident and 'stranger' docs need to know what meds I am on. DD

tjt6768

Hi Terry, just wanted to wish you good luck with it all..
I'm another sero-negative so can't help with the factor..
This place is great for help and support though.. I've been on sulfa for almost three months now so have been doing the fortnightly bloods, again, just at the GP's so not too bad. I think it's monthly then for a while.
Anyway, welcome to the forum from me as I don't think we've met yet..

Best wishes matey.