New Member

[scarlet]

Hello, I'm a new member. I found this forum doing a search for false positive ra tests. I was diagnosed last week with ra. Had to go back today for another blood test to confrim. I will not know the results until next week. I'm hoping it's a false positive test. I have all of the symptoms of ra.

[loneil]

Hello Scarlet
I know what you are going through. I spent a number of years not knowing what was wrong with me. I was glad to find out what was wrong so that I could be treated. I still don't think I have the right formula of medication to help completely. Some days are a real struggle, others are ok. I bounce back and forth not knowing what to expect til morning comes. I truly hope you have a good Dr. that can get you going on the right track. I just heard from a cousin of mine that told me that his RA is in remission. I can only hope for something like that for all of us. Welcome to the forum.... Have a good day. Linda

[kmoneil]

Welcome to the forum scarlet! Sorry to hear that you have RA. I do hope the we get a lot of people returning to the site to help out.

[scarlet]

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

[purple]

Scarlet,

Welcome to the forum. I hope that you do not have RA. For me my
diagnoses was an answered prayer. I was so upset hearing from other
doctors that nothing was wrong. Now I know what to fight. I have been diagnosed for 1 year and I do feel better than before medicine.
It took awhile for my body to respond. Do not give up hope.

I will be thinking about you while you wait for your results.
Lachele

[scarlet]

Well, my doctor called me tonight. I definitely have RA. My level is 24.4. I'm not sure about the levels. This is all so new to me. I'm going to schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist tomorrow. The closest doctor to me is over 50 miles away. My doctor told me tonight I need to slow down and get some rest. I'm not sure how I'm going to do that. I like to go and go but right now I'm feeling pretty bad so I am going to bed.

[purple]

Scarlet,

Rest is the best thing and a positive outlook. We all get down when the spirit is willing but the body can't.
If you do not rest and restore your body you will crash and
burn and not be productive at all.
RA makes you realize what is important and worth the extra
push.
I drive an 1 1/2 hours to my doctor but if they are good it is worth it. Gas is hurting everyone. Not to mention the
day you use going to the doctor. Car rides do not help me
I know the day after I will be sore. So I rest up the day before and plan for it.

Get a Josh Groban or Andrea Bocelli CD let the music ease you discomfort. I listen to books on tape from the libary when my wrist can't hold a book for long.

The medicine will take a while to take affect do not let that
get you down.

Lachele

[scarlet]

Thanks Lachele for the encouragement. My insurance company is willing to pay in network benefits if my doctor will write a letter to them stating that there aren't any docs within 45 miles of my home. I'm waiting for my family doc to call me so I can be referred to the local doctor that everybody goes too. I hear wonderful things about this doctor.

[loneil]

Scarlet,
I am sorry to hear you have RA but like Lachele said with the proper medicine you will get on the right track. I also have to drive 2 1/2 hours to get to my doctor, but good ones are hard to find. Take care of yourself and good luck. REST!!!! Linda