I have had RA for almost 15 years. At first it was my hands and feet, and sciatica on left side. After being on mtx for 10 years, i went on cimzia which destroyed my immune system to the point if a life threatening bacteria. I have IVIG treatments every 2 weeks now that seems to be helping. The disease changes i now have lower back pain, stomach problems and very dry eyes.i also have read evetything about.this complicated disease and learn something new everyday. I changed Rheumatologists after 10 years as he wasn’t very understanding and unwilling to explain or work with me. My new one is excellent younger and very knowledgeable. I have 2 new knees and a new shoulder and await the other shoulder. Change Rheumatologist if you can as this disease can hit any organ and i never know which one is going to flare up.

I think I have had RA for a long time but no one could spot it nor did they do my bloodwork for it. But now I know I am sero positive for RA - I have had arthritis since little in my knees. Never been to back ben or flips (like my friends) I just couldn't. I could swim though. I have a slew of things that were all diagnosed in the past 18 months except Type 2, Sleep APnea, COPD, no pulmonary thinks its related to RA because they found a 3mm nodule in my lung. ( my old dr said i had "air spaces in my lungs I should take bigger breaths" Next day in IC with lung infection DX. I got sick last Dec with another lung infection, then in Feb I had stomach BR major problems in ER twice UGH ok. So then I am talking to my dr about a bulge in my stomach - ha hernia ventral x 2, he then happens to listen to my neck - two open neck surgeries March 31 and Jun 1 or 2. Dr saw a black spot ( previous event?) on pre surgical testing.... have not gone back YET to deal with that. I still deal feel well took months to get my voice back and now I have nerve and and permanent numbness in the front of my neck. - STILL not feel well sore swollen joints - FINALLy get referral to RA doc - Sero positive, MTX, and PRednisone (bad bad) Type 2!!! Numbness in my arms and hands - took several months but now on gabapentin, baclofen and tramadol. + Vit D alsop DX in the past year with Hashimoto's - enlarged Thyroid. - DRYNESS here too. Natural Tears 7-8 bucks works, mouth no teeth getting dentures, dry mouth dry eyes and hair loss, I use Sugar free candies ($1 store) and Biotene and Dr recommended the toothpaste too (on the first) Is it a lot YES? But with good care you can get through it - I have major issues my spine too and I worries YES I have great friends and great Church helping me through. If not comfortable with Dr Find another. I went to see a Physiatrist who was total idiot ( complaint filed etc) Ahe was supposed eval for Fibro so have to find someon else for that.. We all get through dear Find someone you are comfortable with and it will fall into place

I have had questions also, I just believe I am more on the moderate side of the diagnosis right now. I have been reading about RA in WebMD and I can relate to what they say about the disease. I have Googled it and I have read and read anything I can about it.

It wasn't until I got on this site I realized how lucky I am I don't have the swelling. I do have the pain, brain fog and fatigue.

The people here who are further along in the disease are true warriors and have my heart felt respect.

That is a weird one too. Are you going to pursue another opinion? I really can’t afford (financially) to keep searching. It’s been 3 years of medical bills (even with insurance) and I still feel like I am nowhere closer to an answer of what is wrong with me. But my gut tells me this is not right; only one symptom on the checklist.

No doubt in my mind. Have had it now for almost 14 years.