Hello, I'm new!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Hello, I'm new!
5
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 2:44pm

HI to all!

I was just dx'ed yesterday after thinking for a year that I had Fibromyalgia...Cyn gave me the link and I definitely need all the support I can get...basically, I'm in a tremendous amount of pain and am terrified.

I am waiting on blood work to come back from my GP and then he will refer me to a Rheumy and I don't know what happens from there...my hands, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and toes are really bad, with my hands wrists and knees being the worst right now...I was rx'ed Lodine yesterday for the inflammation and the pain, but it hasn't done much but make me feel sick and tired.

I also suffer from Bipolar disorder, and just when I think I've gotten that somewhat under control after 4 years, this is thrown at me...I'm 35 years old and feel like I'm literally falling apart.

I don't know how to get the pain to stop, and I am so upset that I will feel this way for the rest of my life...I don't know that's true or not, but it sure feels that way right now...

I am going to start water exercising, as my doc told me no walking right now...my knees are really bad...I'll start that Monday next week. Hopefully it will help some.

I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello.

Hugs,

Keli

Avatar for cla3a
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 2:52pm

Hi Keli!!!!
I am so happy that you came here. I know you will get all kinds of support,understanding, hugs, advice and anything you else you need from these wonderful ladies. Did you check out the other links I posted on the BP board? I told you at the other board and will tell you here if you need me, please reach out I will always be there.


I think you might want to make some rice socks. They are easy to make. You take a old sock, fill it with rice and microwave it for a couple of minutes. You then place it on your swollen, hurting joints and it feels so good. I forgot to put that in my other post to you.


I really hope you will stick around. I know you will grow to love these ladies like I have. I am sure our CL- Molly will have a whole lot more info for you than I did.
Hang in there sweetie!!!

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2005
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 5:12pm

((((Keli)))) I understand what you are going through. I was dx with RA first and a year later dx with FM. These two often go hand in hand. If you do indeed have RA, it does not mean that you don't have fibro. In regards to the water exercise, please start out gradually. It does not take much to set the fibro off. I started off with walking across the width of a WARM pool (90 degrees) and riding a noodle like a horse, doing the dog paddle at a slow speed. The water did really help me, so good luck with that.

I can promise you this, you will not always feel this badly. The new RA meds help tremendously, but sometimes it will take a mixture of meds or as we call it a "cocktail". ;o) I am not saying you won't have any pain, but usually it is worse before meds. We all have our bad days, but there will be good days too. Learn as much as you can about RA, knowledge is the key here. Work with your doctor, don't just depend on him. We are not doctors on this board, we can only tell you from our experience. Before you try anything new, you should ask your doctor first.

Many of the stores now sell rice bags for the back, feet, neck and hands. Bed, Bath & Beyond have them where I live. You stick them in the micro-wave and then on the sore "part". I just love these! Maybe you need to give the Lodine some more time to work. Lodine is an anti-inflammatory and will not help to slow down the progression of RA. You need something else and only a Rheumatologist (rheumy) can prescribe these. Lodine can cause stomach upset, but I am not sure about causing you to be tired. RA causes fatigue and I am sure you know FM causes it also.

I live in Sacramento, CA, I am married and I am 58 years old. I am also a friend of Cyn's. I have had RA for 7 years. Please share a little more about yourself. It is very nice to meet you. This board is just great with lots of caring support, knowledge and laughs. I hope to see you around here again.

Gentle Hugs,
Vicki

Avatar for cla3a
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 7:33pm
Thank you for posting Vicki!!
You are the best. Now I know why I love you so much!!! ;)
Love you,

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2005
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 1:46am

Hi everyone and hi Keli. I do know just what you are going through. I was diagnosed just a few months ago, though I figured I had something for a long time. I know how terrified I was. First, they thought it was lupus then ruled that out and came up with the the RA diagnosis. I have had bad feet and knees for a while. My left knee was replaced a year ago and my right is getting bad! (A combination of OA & RA) I know how terribly hard the waiting for tests can be - it seems to take forever! But I will tell you - you have come to the right place. The women on here helped me so much when I was first diagnosed - I don't know how I would have made it without their wonderful advice and support. They answered any questions I had and are there to talk to( the RA chats). All of them have really helped me.

I know the falling apart feeling! I'm 45 and feel that way too! But support of people who know how you feel is really a big help!

Please let us know how you are doing and ask the ladies here questions (they have a lot of knowledge)! Take care of yourself and things will get better.

Hugs to you,
Julie

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 1:41pm

A big hello, Keli.

Molly