I was diagnosed in 2006 when I was 35 years old. I had a couple of flair-ups where my shoulder or hip would lock up for no reason. I was a big stoner at the time and would simply smoke my way out of these painful flair-ups.
My mom has RA, and when I told her my symptoms, she told me I had RA. I went to my Rheumy, the great Dr. Mark Bele (Hudson Valley, NY) and he confirmed my diagnosis.
Dr. Bele was able to help me find the treatment that basically put my RA into remission for many years.
Fast forward, because I just can't recall every drug we tried before landing on weekly injections of Orencia. That was what put me into remission.
Now, I moved rather abruptly from the Hudson Valley to Myrtle Beach. I lost my insurance and Dr. Bele. I started over down here, but I was unable to get a new Rheumy right away.
Without Orencia, my RA flared up, and the uncontrollable pain and fatigue returned.
Right now, I am on steroids, waiting for treatment. I have returned to my self help tricks of napping, Epsom salt baths, swimming, and a tems unit to help the pain and fatigue.
I have hope that I can be in remission again.
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