Update: 5/31/09
My name is Mary. I am 50 yrs old and live in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I have two sons, ages 19 and 22. My older son just graduated from college and my younger son just completed his first year at U of I in Champaign. They are good kids and the light of my life. I work full-time in corporate finance as a strategic business leader implementing the finance parts of the company’s business systems.

I was diagnosed with RA in August 2005 after sudden onset 16 months before that. I currently take Orencia and Plaquenil to control the disease and occasionally take a Darvocet during a bad flare. I was on Prednisone in the beginning and again a couple more times for short periods in the first three years, but have pretty much been Prednisone free for the last two years. I was on Remicade prior to the Orencia, but it never really got the RA under control. I started Orencia last June and finally feel like I have this monster under control.

I don’t know anyone else with RA, so this board has been a lifeline for me. As most of us know, this can be a very lonely disease without support. So, I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of the regular posters who so generously give their time and attention to others in need.

Take Care,
Mary