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I went to the doctor on Friday and got a call yesterday that my RA factor was 368 it should be below 20. My PCP want me to see a eheumatogist, but I can't get in until Nov. 3. I realize that the number is high, but I would like to hear from others. Any advise or help??
Arthritis Plaquenil Dry mouth Pain Prednisone Rheumatoid arthritis Depression Folic acid Methotrexate
I was diagnosed 1 year ago. My factor was up over 400 and the rheumatologist wanted me in there ASAP. If you have more than one option for a rheumatologist I'd look elsewhere. In my opionion this one isn't concerned enough.
I agree. You need to get care pronto. Did you ask the person on the phone if there was a cancellation list? That might help.
Best if you could get in ASAP. Too much delay can cause irreversible damage. Talk to your PCP to see what other options (in rheumatologists) you might have as well as whether the PCP would be willing to help you get in to a good rheumatologist much sooner than November.
I have to agree with everyone. If you can't seem to get an appointment soon please call us at the Arthritis Foundation and we will be happy to help you! It is important you see a rheumatologist as soon as possible. Best-Calaneet
Thank you for your replies. My appointment did get moved up to September 25, and they will call me if there is a cancellation. I will keep you updated and I am sure that I will have more questions.
Just wanted to let you know that my appointment was moved up again. I go on the 27th of August. I will keep you informed. Thanks so much!!
Great!!! good luck I'll be thinking of you!
I wanted to let you know that I did see the rheumatologist on the 27th. He ordered more blood work, x-rays, and a nuculear bone image. I go back to him next Wednesday on the 10th. I hope to find out more then. Thanks!!
Well it sounds like at least there is some traction! We'll all be crossing our fingers for some answers. Keep hanging in there. I know when you start getting the answers you will start to feel a little more control.
Sure glad you got in sooner. I was diagnosed with RA last June and by that time, I had been experiencing increasing pain since January. I thought two weeks was a long time to get my initial appointment to see my rheumatologist after my primary care physician said my blood tests were "abnormal". I could not have waited a few months like your doctor initially suggested. The pain and exhaustion was really starting to affect my life more and more and I was just getting sicker and sicker. I was also having additional problems with it affecting my larynx so I was at a point where I was constantly hoarse or totally without a voice and also had an ungodly sounding cough.
The whole thing is scary at first and I was scared & depressed for a few weeks after my diagnosis. But, the prednisone had me better than my old self pretty quickly (started taking plaquenil and methotrexate during this time too of course). Was only on the pred. for a couple of months and am doing well on the medications.
Good luck and I want to echo what the person above said - you will feel better once you find out more and your options. My rheumatologist is a very upbeat and optomistic person and that does help a lot.
Keep us posted please!
You mentioned that you take methotrexate, does it agree with you? I have only used it for 3 weeks only on Fridays. I can count on being sick to my stomach and so very tired and no energy on Saturday. My new doctor in Erie said that after I get the results of all my recent test that he may switch to a different drug or another doseage. If it helps me thoug I will take anything. I was just wondering if others were affected like this or not. I go tomorrow to Erie so I hope to get more info.
Thanks
I'm so sorry to hear your having ill effects with the methotrexate. I've been on it over a year now without any problems at all. Perhaps giving it a little more time for your body to adjust?
I went to the doctor last Wednesday in Erie. He told me to take 6 methotrexates on Fridays and folic acid everyday but Fridays. He also gave me Methylpred, it is 21 pills that you take over a couse of 7 days and alsoAnsaid which I take twice a day. I go back again in November. I really feel good about seeing this doctor. There is no cure but he hopes to keep everything under control. My hands and feet are the worse, but my knees,neck and elbows are bad also. I am going to work with doctor and do everything possible to get the results that he and I both want. Thanks again for listening.
That's pretty much what I take. I take 6 mtx on Sunday nights, but the folic acid is every day. Wonder why your doctor has you skip Fridays for the folic acid. I also take plaquenil twice a day. Does he not have you on prednisone for now? That's what caused my relief so quickly at first until the mtx and plaquenil could kick in. I was on the pred. for just a few months.
Yes - my worst pain was in my feet and knees too. Towards the end before I went to the doctor, it was starting to hurt in my elbows and fingers and finally, on the day of my first appointment, I was having trouble holding a pen to sign my name. For a few months there, I couldn't get down on my haunches at all or bend my knees without doing it slowly and deliberately. What I also didn't realize was that the voice hoarseness, dry mouth and weird coughing was all a part of it. Strange disease.
Well, good luck to you. Sounds like you'll be feeling more normal in no time!
I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years (I will be 54 in January). I have been on prednisone in the past but only take it now when I have a severe flare up as it adds to my depression. I am currently taking plaquenil twice a day, folgard twice a day, and my methotrexate dose I spread out taking it Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to reduce the upset stomach. When Enbrel first came out my rheumatologist started me on once weekly injections which I still take. It has actually improved my arthritis in my hands and feet. I, too was unable to hold a pen. Being a teacher, this was a problem. Unfortunately, my knee was too far gone due to an athletic injury in high school and I had a total knee replacement done (with great success) in 2006. Right now, as long as I keep taking my medications, I have very good mobility and minimal pain almost every day. I look forward to another 10 to 12 years in the classroom with the joy and anticipation that I have always had, knowing that the medications are keeping my body working for me instead of against me. It isn't always easy but there is hope.
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