I'm sure I am not the only one who may be facing this, but is there anyone out there who has been diagnosed with Lupus and RA? My pain level is pretty intense and I have an appointment with my doctor Monday afternoon. She is going to run lots of blood tests, but also included my RA factor. I felt like, when I was officially diagnosed three years ago, that the meds were doing their job. I expected to plateau, but I guess I didn't expect to nose dive and so quickly. In September, my husband and I were walking all over the island of Oahu, and now I can hardly get down the hall to my bedroom. Just venting mostly but would appreciate any and all support and advice out there. Thanks!
Joloinc0409,
Unfortunately, we tend to go up/down and plateau for a while. It's quite common for Lupus sufferers to also have RA. As a member once said, "lupus never comes to the party alone". The good news is that with the right tx your good days hopefully will outnumber your bad days. Many sufferers even go into remission, sometimes for years.
I test negative for both RA and ANA, but biopsies confirm that I have both. Blood tests are not always the be all end all for a diagnosis. If you have a family history of RA it's possible that you may have it, as there is a definite link, but like lupus it affects patients differently and sometimes not at all.
Just keep in mind that you are taking charge of your health and doing what you need to do. Share every symptom with your doctor and do not understate the severity. As women we tend to do that, however your doctor will not know how to treat you if you aren't honest with him.
And as for the need to vent...we all need to do it at some time or another and this is a great place to do it. You can say whatever you like without fear of angering those closest to you. Come anytime and let it all out...we are here for you.
Hugs,
DeAnne
DeAnne...thank you! I stumbled on this website but it must have been God sending me this way. Thanks for the encouragement! BethAnn
whathappensinvegas said:
Joloinc0409,
Unfortunately, we tend to go up/down and plateau for a while. It's quite common for Lupus sufferers to also have RA. As a member once said, "lupus never comes to the party alone". The good news is that with the right tx your good days hopefully will outnumber your bad days. Many sufferers even go into remission, sometimes for years.
I test negative for both RA and ANA, but biopsies confirm that I have both. Blood tests are not always the be all end all for a diagnosis. If you have a family history of RA it's possible that you may have it, as there is a definite link, but like lupus it affects patients differently and sometimes not at all.
Just keep in mind that you are taking charge of your health and doing what you need to do. Share every symptom with your doctor and do not understate the severity. As women we tend to do that, however your doctor will not know how to treat you if you aren't honest with him.
And as for the need to vent...we all need to do it at some time or another and this is a great place to do it. You can say whatever you like without fear of angering those closest to you. Come anytime and let it all out...we are here for you.
Hugs,
DeAnne
Hello Joloinc,
Venting or not get out what ever is concerning you as we all need one another and members will answer in due course..as we have many who have Lupus and RA joint problems.
I have cervical spondylosis (osteoarthritis) my backs disfigured and don't worry although it's not RA any form of arthritis can be muderous where pains concerned besides joint swelling and the burning feeling besides nerves being affected which causes tingling besides but i must point out do be careful not to over do issues and pace your body as that's really important to we all.
You may find the link below interesting to read regarding Lupus v's RA.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/26158-symptoms-lupus-vs.-rheumato...
Terri :) xxx
too stumbled across this website.
So grateful. Was at my whits end.
I have ANA antibodies, the RA unconfirmed but self diagnosed becaue of all symptoms.... Fibromialgia confirmed... Poly Arthiritis....
I couldnt drive sometimes becuase i could mov my neck... or grip the steering wheel.
Open up water containers.. or get in my door because i couldnt turn the key.
It was EXTREMELY bad the frst 3 years. totall not submissive to meds.
and we started out gentle-- on plaqueniel.
I was single with no kids when diagnosed. So gratefully- i only ate what I cooked for a long time.
made fresh smoothies..etc... my body did much better when i cut out sugar and preservatives.
Iam forced to take 1-2 pills a day for pain. narcotic. not over the counter/
so i get the pain. but their should still be a combo of meds that bring the lupus to a calmer state.
Mild to no pain is the goal. always.
We may have deteriorating diseases- but that doesnt mean every day has to be pain and suffering.
I truly hope you get the treatement you need.
Please keep us updated....
on this site... we all care. and NEVER get tired of hearing the same stories we all share.