Post # 1
Member
448 posts
Helper bee
For the past six months or so, I have been having major foot pain and was incorrectly diagnosed with hallux rigidus. (I posted about this a couple weeks ago.) I got a second opinion from a podiatrist and was told that everything looked good and what was going on was systemic. They made me an appointment with a podiatrist for today.
Fast forward to this morning……I went to the podiatrist this morning and he suspects that I have a form of rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. They took a lot of blood and are trying steroids as well. I am scared as anything right now since I know how severe RA gets even though the doctor told me to not worry, and it is treatable.
I am just sitting here waiting for the results and just don’t know how to cope. RA can be very disabling (and potentially fatal in the worst situations), and I am scared. Has anyone ever been in a situation like this? I feel like my family is just sick and tired of me. My fiance is saying he’s not going anywhere, but I wish I could just find someone who has been in my situation who can knock some sense into me.
Post # 3
Member
202 posts
Helper bee
@Cluelessbride10: Hey there, I am sorry you’re dealing with this. I haven’t experienced this, but I do have a family friend with RA. Sometimes it limits things she can do, but overall you’d never know anything was wrong. Have you tried seeing a counselor? They might be able to help you talk through this. And I’m sure your fiance will talk to you too. Good luck.
Post # 4
Member
46336 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@Cluelessbride10: A new diagnosis can be really difficult to deal with.
I would respectfully suggest that you consider a visit to a rheumatologist or an internist. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat foot problems, but systemic illnesses shoud really be managed by someone else.
Post # 5
Member
448 posts
Helper bee
@julies1949: I went to the rheumatologist today, and he’s pretty suspicious about RA.
@butterfliesandhoney: Thanks. The problem is that my Fiance and I feed off each other. I get upset, he gets upset, and nothing gets accomplished. We’ll just have to see about a counselor. It’s not out of the question, but I need to figure out what is occuring first.
Post # 6
Member
46336 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@Cluelessbride10: Try not to dwell on the worst possible outcomes. Look to famous people with RA for inspiration: Lucille Ball, Kathleen Turner, Kristy McPherson (professional golfer) etc.
I used to be a real worry wart. Then one day I realized all that worrying wasn’t accomplishing a single thing. It was simply draining all my energy.
Post # 7
Member
2376 posts
Buzzing bee
One of the veterinarians I used to work with has RA. It’s very treatable in most cases. She was diagnosed well over a decade ago and still practices, has no problem doing surgeries or anything else. She’s limited some things – she no longer restrains large animals herself, is careful about the weight of things she tries to pick up, things like that.
Don’t panic. (Yes, that’s easy for me to say) And for the love of all that you find holy, stay OFF google and webMD. Wait till the diagnosis is confirmed, and talk to the rheumatologist about your specific case. Every person is different, and the treatment plan for you may not be the same as it is for some other random person on the internet. If you freak out about worst case scenarios, all you do is drive yourself crazy and knock down your immune system, making you feel even worse.
Post # 8
Member
448 posts
Helper bee
I’m trying not to dwell. I keep on thinking when will it be time to clue work in on what’s going on? I have no problem doing my job, but they’re probably wondering why I’m always going to the doctor.
Post # 9
Member
1691 posts
Bumble bee
@Cluelessbride10: Until you get any results back try not to worry. There has been something wrong with my right foot for around 4 years now and after cortisone shots, dozens of X-rays and 2 bone scans I gave up. A lot of drs thought they knew but they didn’t. What I know is that I can’t run or even take too long a walk without most likely needing crutches, and I’ve just become ok with that, I can still bike 🙂 no matter thediagnoses you’ll be ok! You’ll just have to adapt.
Post # 10
Member
1572 posts
Bumble bee
I have rheumatoid arthritis (in addition to some other chronic health issues), and it’s not the end of the world. Honestly, when I was diagnosed (I was diagnosed w/ RA and lupus at the same time) I was just relieved to know WHAT I had. Definitely see a rheumatologist – mine is very amazing, and I feel very secure in his care. There are so many good medications out there. I am debating going back on infusions as my health has been flaring the last few months. i take medication every day (Plaquenil for my lupus and RA twice a day, Celebrex twice a day and can add a third pill if needed, and Tramadol or Vicodin as needed). You might also look into any support groups in your area (I wish I had started going to lupus support groups earlier – and I recently made a friend in one). I also really love the website Chronic Babe; they have great message boards that may be of assistance to you.
and PM me if you have any questions or want to chat. Good luck
Post # 11
Member
1385 posts
Bumble bee
@Cluelessbride10: I have a rare autoimmune inflammatory disorder that leaves me bedridden for days at a time so I can relate. I also think you need to toughen up a little bit and look forward to a proper diagnosis so that you can get the proper treatment. It’s only going to get better from here so try to take it easy. Everything will be fine! No one is going to leave you or turn their backs on you! They will be more attentive and sympathetic if anything. Hope you are feeling well!
Post # 12
Member
448 posts
Helper bee
My doctor has received my test results and I’ve been called back to the office tomorrow. I’m doing okay, but I hate not knowing. At least I’ll hopefully have an answer tomorrow.
Post # 13
Member
9683 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
@Cluelessbride10: I am so sorry you are going through this. My uncle was incorrectly diagnosed as having RA and it actually ended up being something completely different. I would honestly try and avoid Googling anything and making things worse for yourself. A medical professional is the best person to tell you what to expect and treatment options that are available to you.
Post # 14
Member
448 posts
Helper bee
Update:
I went to the doctor this morning. My labs are normal, the steriods helped, but I am not still “perfect.” He thinks it’s the beginning of some kind of inflammatory arthritis but not sure what. The good news is that it’s still early and we may be able to get rid of it. I was given the prescription for Plaquenil and we will reassess in a month.
It is a huge relief! 
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