31 and needing many surgeries from RA--feeling VERY alone in all of this

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chrissy1

Posted Saturday, March 10, 2007 11:37 AM

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Hi. I am new to this site but i am finding people who are going through some of the stuff I am. I have had RA for 8 years. My 20's have been consumed by this crap, quite my great job, on disability, and now questionng haveing kids--which I have always wanted. Anyone else happen to be going through this? I am having my 2nd THR next week and need elbows and knees done too. I am not so worried about the knee surgeries as the elbow surgery. I have read you can only lift 10 lbs. I want kids and need to know how it can be done?? Please respond--i need all the support. thanks

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Sharon9

Posted Friday, March 23, 2007 4:11 PM

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Well I thought I'd reply to you even though I do not need my elbows done, at least not yet. They actually bother me the least of any joints. If you are having a difficult time with finding info on elbow replcements and the amount of weight you can lift let me know i will try to find out if I can. I too have bilateral THR and actually have just had the right one revised. i am 30 but have had RA, actually JRA since I was 20 months old. I had my first THR when i was 14 so it lasted a good long time. The 2nd one was done when i was 15 and a neck fusion at 13. I too will eventually need knees, shoulders, and ankles. It will be dependent on the pain as to which is first. I do not have children as i was advised against it, but mainly just because i am only 4ft7inches tall, I didn't really want any anyway. I work for the schools system with special education kids so I get my fill of kids but get to send them home everyday. The best way to have them! I think anyway. Fortuantely I seem to have my crap under control, at least for now. During stress times though I feel like I go through small flare ups. Like I think I may be in one now as i am finishing recovering from this surgery, going to college, and actually am returning to work Monday. Anyway, write me if you want, you can also email me at shar_priv@yahoo.com as somethimes I forget to check this site regularly.
Sharon

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Donna2

Posted Friday, April 13, 2007 4:07 PM

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Hi Chrissy, Ive has R. A. 24 yrs.Adopted 2 childern. Ive been in a wheelchair 17 yrs.Dont let arthristis control you, you control it. I would not change,having children ever. yes Its been hard at times.Dont give up on your dream because of arthristis. Donna in az

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egiamp

Posted Friday, April 20, 2007 3:19 PM

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Last Login: Thursday, March 12, 2009 2:04 PM
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Chrissy,
I'm 40 and got jra at 18. I had 2 hip replacements in young 20's. Went on to have my son at age 30. Thought I might need a c-section but didn't. He is the joy of me and my husbands lives. Went on to have rt hip revision and rt shoulder replacement. This summer having lft hip revision. Then will need lft shoulder and lft elbow replace after that. Hopefully you can find a way to have children in your life whether physically or thru adoption - it really doesn't matter. Just so you know though, physically i was unable to have more children after the 1st. My arthritis got much worse just by caring for the baby during the 1st few years. My upper body has absolutely no strength now. Maybe if your already weak in the upper body from arthritis someday you could adopt children who aren't babies. Whatever you decide, children do bring tons of happiness!! Hope your surgery goes well. Eileen G.

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Donna16

Posted Monday, April 30, 2007 10:03 AM

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The ra must be very aggressive. Do you have a good MD. What meds are you on-hopefully on Disease Modifying Agents-Remicade,Enbrel,MTX, etc.

I have had JRA for 25 yrs-a few surgs on my feet. 2 kids- many flare ups during pregnancy-you can only take prednisone and I did not go into remission like most women do. My MD was not happy when I had #2. I did a lot of damage to my body. You have to think about that too.Your body goes into a type of shock after you give birth also. You need high doses of IV steroids.

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andreasad

Posted Monday, July 16, 2007 2:03 AM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 12:26 PM
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Sorry to derail this thread -- Donna, I'm in AZ, too (West Phoenix). I've had RA for about 18 years now and my husband and I are very interested in adoption. Mind sharing your experiences with me? I'm in the information-seeking stage of adoption. I'd be grateful for any experience from adoption veterans, but I'm especially eager to speak with someone with RA. My e-mail is hurryslowly@hotmail.com.
Andrea

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dirtydesertgirl

Posted Friday, August 17, 2007 3:51 PM

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Hi Chrissy, I don't have much by way of advice for you but I do just want to say I feel for you and send good thoughts your way. I am also 31 and sad that I lost a lot of my 20s dealing with this, but have seen others like me on these boards and it feels nice not to be so so alone. I'm rooting for your elbows! Hugs

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Luis11

Posted Monday, August 20, 2007 5:33 AM

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Last Login: Sunday, October 12, 2008 6:53 PM
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Chrissy, my wife has RA since she was 15 and we had our 1st baby this year (she is 30). RA didn't get better during pregnancy, as it usually does, but it is a wonderfull joy to have a baby. However I think her RA is not as aggressive, since no replacements have yet been needed.
Big Love and good luck,
Luis

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Nikki in OH

Posted Monday, August 20, 2007 11:46 AM

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Hi Chrissy,

I'm 28 and I also want to have children. I have JRA, since age 10. I've had hand surgeries, last one on my thumb in December. I've been having a very hard time dealing with it all. The only comparison I can give regarding the elbows is that I have "golfers elbow" (I don't play golf though) -- which is more nerves than joints. So, medically, we aren't necessarily in the same boat, but I wanted to reply since we do have the rheumatoid and wanting to have children in common.

Let me know if you are interested in talking more and I'll give you my e-mail address.

Best wishes always,
Nikki

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Nikki in OH

Posted Monday, August 20, 2007 11:47 AM

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Congrats Luis!!

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