So today, August 13, 1009 at 9:20 am, was the day and time I got the final diagnosis based on the more detailed lab work and X-rays. Dr. K confirmed that it is Rheumatoid Arthritis, and not Lupus, which was the other possible diagnosis. One piece of good news is that the X-rays showed no joint damage!
I am going to continue with Prednisone for the next few weeks while I will now also start the initial dose of methotrexate with the goal of allowing methotrexate to take effect and then reducing and finally eliminating Prednisone. This is the clinical part.
And so the journey is on. I was dreading the finality of this moment, as in a way there is no turning back now, no denial, and I need to take this head on!
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Getting a diagnois is a life-changing thing, but try to stay positive. I'm glad to hear that you have no damage at this point!! You definately don't want to be on prednisone for too long (I have a love/hate relationship with that drug--love getting over bad flares quicker but hate the side effects). I'll be thinking of you during this early stage in your RA journey.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear it's definitely RA; glad they caught it before there's joint damage.
ReplyDeleteYou don't mention other meds. Did your rheumy also recommend folic acid? It's supposed to help with the mtx.
Your journey to an RA diagnosis sounds familar. My started with visits to orthopedics, etc and finally last month, the rheumatologist diagnosed me with RA and fibromyalgia.
ReplyDeleteNow, there is so much to learn!
Thank you for alll your supportive thoughts. Patti, hang in there, sorry to hear about the added fibromyalgia complication, that must be really tough!
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