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WarmSocks

Posted Wednesday, December 23, 2009 7:26 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 1:19 AM
Posts: 1,226, Visits: 1,570

Welcome
This is a forum where all members share information and try to give support to all. Please feel free to join in and post.

We would love to have you introduce yourself. There are a couple ways to do that. One is to complete your profile. The other is to start a new message thread – include some variation of the word “newbie” or “introduction” in your post title. You can post whatever information about yourself you want to share with us. It helps us to know you better and respond better. We welcome all new members and hope you enjoy being here. We look forward to hearing more from you.

RA Diagnostic Criteria
From 1987 to 2009, ACR’s diagnostic criteria for RA was any four of the following:
1. Morning stiffness, lasting for at least an hour, present daily for at least 6 weeks
2. Arthritis of 3 or more joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks
3. Arthritis of the hand joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks
4. Symmetric arthritis, lasting for at least 6 weeks
5. Rheumatoid nodules
6. Positive rheumatoid factor (blood test)
7. Joint changes on x-ray

In October of 2009, the American College of Rheumatology collaborated with the European League Against Rheumatism to re-define diagnostic criteria. The goal is to recognize RA early, then treat it aggressively enough that the above criteria are never met.

Now, instead of the aforementioned criteria, there is a scoresheet that looks at joint involvement, serology, duration of synovitis, and acute phase reactants:

Joint Involvement
• 1 med-large joint (0 points)
• 2-10 med-lg joints (1 point)
• 1-3 small joints (2 points)
• 4-10 small joints (3 points)
• >10 joints (at least one small joint) (5 points)

Serology
• Neither RF or ACPA (anti-CCP) positive (0 points)
• At least one test low positive titer (2 points)
• At least one test high positive titer (3 points)

Duration of Synovitis
• <6 weeks (0 points)
• >6 weeks (1 point)

Acute Phase Reactants
• Neither ESR nor CRP abnormal (0 points)
• Abnormal CRP or abnormal ESR (1 point)

Total score of six or more points means a definite RA diagnosis, even without x-ray evidence. Doctors aren’t limited by normal sed rate, CRP, or RF. A zillion joints involved for six or more weeks equates to a positive diagnosis without it mattering one bit what any lab results might say.

General RA Information
Arthritis Foundation's Disease Center
Arthritis Today's Focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis Foundation's Q&A Page

Links to Additional Helpful Information
Spoon Theory
Tip-offs to Rip-offs
Alternative Therapies
Defining the Terms
First Visit to The Rheumatologist
Finding A Rheumy
Antibiotic Therapy - Road Back Foundation
Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI programs)
Food Intolerance
The Squat Shot - how to give yourself a shot
The Prednisone Battle - weaning off of pred
Lab Tests Online
Discussion of ESR, CRP, ANA, Anti-CCP, and RF tests
Assistive Devices for Rheumatoid Arthritis
North Coast Medical - formerly BeAbleToDo
Stress (good but technical)
What's the Harm?
ReliefInsite
The Arthritis Store
Ease-of-Use Program

Medication Information
Arthritis Drug Types
Drug Information Online
RxList - The Internet Drug Index
Drugs & Supplements - Mayo Clinic
Arthritis Drug Guide

Financial Assistance
Patient Assistance Programs for Rheumatology-Related Drugs
Partnership for Prescription Alliance
Needy Meds
The Medicine Program
Free Medicine Program
Rx Assist
Medication Foundation
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs (pdf file)
QDrug Discounts

Message from Susan on Whidbey, Posted : 9/4/2006 12:21 PM
I'm writing because it seems appropriate, with so many joining our ranks, to talk about the emotional upheaval you're now experiencing.

You should know that most of us have gone through the process. First you're just peeking at the posts because you KNOW you probably don't have RA, but there's that nagging fear.

Then, as more symptoms seem to fall into place, you decide to find out for sure because you know SOMETHING is wrong.

Then there is, for many, an interminable wait as symptoms get worse but the blood tests seem normal. And NO you're not a hypochondriac. Take that one off your list right now.

Then, though it may take a second opinion or three or four, you have the diagnosis. You'll feel a smidgeon of relief, but now you've opened up a whole new can of worms.

And right here, when you're really feeling awful because none of the medications kick in for an eternity, you need to look carefully at the rheumatologist and decide whether this is the person with whom you want to be sharing the battle against the rheumatoid monster. This is your first really important decision. You'll read here of the frustration and disappointment that comes of a poor match between patient and doctor. Making the most of your health depends on being able to stay upbeat- and that ain't happening with the wrong combination, no matter how diplomaed he/she is.

But all the while, you'll be going through the classic stages of grief. The sooner you work through denial, anger, guilt, the better. Bottling that stuff up 'for the sake of the family' only holds you back. Go off by yourself, if you must, to scream and cry. Or come here to vent. But get that bad stuff out so you can devote your energy to taking up every sword you can find again the RA monster.

Please know that you are NOT alone. Chances are there is someone here who has already experienced the strangest symptom you can think of. It would be SO much easier if there were a predictable pathway of symptoms and outcomes.

There's not. You'll have to do battle as your body dictates. In that sense, it's a lonely struggle. But this community is united in sharing support, and from that you will gain the strength to keep taming the beast within.

Information about RA? There's loads of it here. Hints, tricks, and inside jokes to boot. But underneath all that is sharing a lifeline with all who join us. Please do and help make us stronger by your participation.

RA Info On Other Sites
Rheumatoid Arthritis Guide – WebMD
Arthritis Center – Johns Hopkins
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Mayo Clinic
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Arthritis Research Campaign
Diagnosis of RA – UpToDate for Patients
Rheumatoid Arthritis - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Diagnosis and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis – American Academy of Family Physicians
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Family Doctor
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary & Alternative Medicine - National Center for CAM
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - Johns Hopkins
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment – UpToDate for Patients
60-Second Guide to RA - Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy's blog
RA 101 - Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior's blog

General Information About the Board
The board contains "threads" that consist of an initial post and the related replies that were written by clicking the "add reply" button while reading the open post. A new thread is started by clicking the “add topic” button. If you are changing a subject it is best to start a new thread.

In addition to the information you’ve hopefully/probably already located, some site features that you might have missed include:

Profiles
To learn about a person, click on that individual’s name and you will be able to view the person’s profile. Many of us do this so that we can refresh our memory about you and customize an answer to questions you pose (depending on your privacy settings). It is helpful to know your diagnosis and meds. When you create your profile, you have the option of (1) allowing all AF members to view your profile, (2) allowing only those you friend to view your profile, or (3) not allowing anyone to view your profile. Here is a thread about changing profiles.

Signature Line
You will notice that some people have a standard signature line. It is not necessary to re-type this information every time; directions for creating a signature line can be found here.

Site Mail & Private Messages
Sometimes it’s nice to communicate with people one-on-one instead of on the open discussion board. There are two different ways to do this. Discussion of site mail versus private messages can be found here on the technical support message board.

MedBlog Articles You Might Find Helpful

Pain Management
Never Say 10! How Doctors Interpret the Pain Scale
Non-Pharmaceutical Pain Management Options
Dr. Rob on Narcotics
Letter from a Chronic Pain Sufferer (and response from an ER doc)

Understanding the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Types of Doctors – Finding a Doctor part1
To My Patients
How to be a Good Patient
Dr. Grumpy’s Tips for Patients
Letter to Patients from the Healthcare System
Getting Along Part 1 – Doctor Rules
Getting Along Part 2 – Patient Rules
An Open Letter to Consultants
Why See A Doctor
Be Reasonable
Breaking Up
I Work for a Living
I Work for a Living Part 2
Making Patients Angry
Top Ten Ways to Annoy Your Doctor
How to Bug A Doctor
Patient’s Bill of Responsibilities
How Not To Be an Obnoxious Patient

RA Patient Blogs
Arthritis Foundation's Community Page
List of additional RA blogs

Thank you to Jess, Grandpavan, SusanOnWhidbey, Pam, and everyone else who contributed.

+WarmSocks
______________________________________________________
Aiming for NED
...Plaquenil (hcq), Azulfidine (ssz), Methotrexate (mtx), Enbrel, Folic Acid, Feldene, Prilosec,Verapamil, Maxalt, vitamins

Post #4284586

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Donna Hager

Posted Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:08 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:04 PM
Posts: 1, Visits: 4

Help. How do I get started asking questions? I have so much I want to talk about. Does anyone have spinal stenois? Or am I in the wrong web site to discuss this form of arthritis? I have the knots on my hands, the pain in my back, the numbness in my legs, the tingling, the planter factious. Does anyone ever go to a chiropractor? I only take over counter meds and I have to say, they don't work.

Post #4335145

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Grandpavan

Posted Friday, March 12, 2010 12:20 AM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 1:37 PM
Posts: 5,202, Visits: 4,278

Welcome to the board, and it is confusing. Scroll down to the next section and click on any post. Right near the top there are choices to add reply, add new post, or add poll. Click on the "add new post" and speak your piece. Alternatively you can go to the very bottom of the page and find a similar link there. I hope to hear from you, and we should remove this post when you find out how to make another one. I might have to delete my post before you can delete yours. God bless.

Age 82, diagnosed RA 12/2001, married since 1952, 4 sons no daughters, 4 grandsons 1 granddaughter. Doing well on Methotrexate and Remicade.

Post #4335320

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Awma

Posted Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:09 AM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 9:24 PM
Posts: 224, Visits: 558

Warmsocks, what an excellent post! Thank you so much for putting this together!

Phyllis

Graves Disease diagnosed 2003. Diagnosed with RA April 2009. Methotrexate, Remicade beginning August 2009. Mobic, Folic Acid, Prednisone, Vit D

Married to Rick and blessed with 2 sons ages 29 and 21, 2 daughters ages 31 and 27. Grandma (Awma) to Makalya (9). Quinten (7), Zac (6) and Emily (4).

Post #4335892

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