Esther, that is truly the worst time. Between diagnosis and seeing a rheumatologist. My PCP diagnosed some kind of autoimmune. When I had the blood work they call and said the doctor would like to see you today. I thought, what the heck. I get there, and he was extremely concerned. I asked is it cancer. He said I don't think so but it's really bad what ever it is. He instantly put me on methotrexate until I could see a rheumatologist. We had on here in our region and he figured it would be at least 6 months. Worst month of my life. I thought the methotrexate was killing me. My family thought I was having a mental breakdown because I was so lethargic I'd just start out the window. Thank God they got me in in 2 months. I think this doctor was 100 years old. I had told him I went off the methotrexate because of how bad I got. I seen him twice and then he retired. Second doc was in Vegas, since the only one here retired. This one diagnosed me with mixed connective tissue disorder.
Anyway, our minds definitely go down that rabbit hole until we are actually diagnosed. I'm sore for anyone just starting out with all of this.

The best way to provide support to someone that has just been given the dx of RA is sit and listen to the other person speak without giving judgement, just let them vent what is on their mind.

I have. But she doesn’t see it yet. I will just try to be there for her. I’m coming up on 3 years since I found out and Yes. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I was there a year ago and now I'm not. Please let her know there is light at the end of the tunnel. 🙏