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I have just been diagnosed with RA and my doctor put me on planqunil and prednisone for a month. I had to have all kinds of x-rays and blood tests and ultimately I think he wants to put me on mexatrexate. If the planqunil works will i still be go on mexatrexate? I have not heard very many good stories about RA and it has me a little worried that I will be in a wheelchair in a few years so I am looking for some uplifting stories. I also want to know if exercise helps your RA.
I feel for you during this time and I know it's scarey. I was there. But rest assured that if you are catching this in the early stages and have an agressive Rheumatologist, you will do fine. THere are so many drugs available now to help slow the progression of the disease and help mantain a good life. Please see my message I just posted under the "how did your symptons start" under my name and date is 04/17/2008. I explained what I had personally gone through just to get a diagnosis. The diagnosis is the hardest thing to begin with. Most Rheumatologists will start out with the NSADS & DMARDS and if that doesn't work, then the bio-agents. Just pay attention to your body and listen to it. If the drug is not working after awhile, contact your doctor. That way the disease it not being ignored and progressing to the point of deformity. Eventually, your doctor will allow some mild exercising...nothing high impact. When your body needs rest, it will let you know, and you better rest. Your immune system is full of surprises and you never know when a flare will happen. But, when it does, be sure to get the rest and take anythng extra your doctor recommends during that time. If you have to, keep a journal. I did that for awhile because my memory started going, and I couldn't remember one day from the next if it was a good or bad day to tell the doctor. It really does help to do this and look back at your days and what hurt. It also helps the doctor then you trying to guess.
I wish you good luck and know you are not alone. Be sure to read through the rest of these forum messages, they will be helpful for you. Someone may have had a sympton that you had or have and no one else ever experienced it. RA is different with everyone.
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