HELP Have been told I have RA

For tha last 6 weeks or so I have felt horrible no energy, every bone in my body hurting so I called my Dr and he had me come in for a more intensive blood work up and I tested postive for RA. I don`t see that DR until next week and am so scared about what meds I`ll be able to take, Has anyone known of anyone that had our surgery that has this??? I don`t get on here too much so if anyone has any info about this would you please e-mail me with it. Thanks so much ! Debbie -105#

Debbie, First, don't panic. I tested positive for rhumatoid factor and the Rheumatologist determined it was a false positive. They will need to do some followup to determine the diagnosis. Second, RA is an autoimmune disease. The treatments are somewhat different from the NSAids that are used in Osteoarthritis, and should not pose the same stomach problems. There is a lot that they still don't fully understand about RA and there is a lot of research going on. They are coming up with new treatments all the time. Whether it is RA or Osteoarthritis or other joint problems, one of the best things that you can do to feel better is to lose weight to relieve stress on your joings--and you are doing that, so you are ahead of the game in that respect. Let us know how you come out at the specialist... Joy

As well as what Joy said, if you do have to use NSAID's, my doctor told me that Celebrex and one other NSAID (can't remember the name right now) are safe for the stomach and do not cause ulcers. So you have a few options to you if you do have to use something. My mom has RA and does use NSAIDS along with other meds for it. Dina

dear debbie ihas surgery on 3\24\04 but before my surgery i already have ra and it hurt liveing with it but my dr put me on some med and a injection 25mil twice a week call enbrel and its help alot so i know how you feel with the painand so far i haven;thave a promblem taking my med so hope this help and don,t be scare

Also if you already have an auto immune disease such as thyroid disease or diabetes it is likely you can come down with another. I don't think this is related to the surgery. Hope all goes well with your tests.