ttctiffany@charter.net 

As I look back on last year, 2000, I am amazed that I survived as well as I did.  In mid-August of that year, I started developing what appeared to be anxiety attacks.  I was overworked, stressed, and felt very anxious.  I was having hot flashes.  I finally went to see my family doctor who thought I was "depressed."  I sure didn't feel depressed, but hey, he's the expert.  He did bloodwork and eliminated menopause-type symptoms (I am 47).  He suggested anti-depressents for me.  Approximately two weeks after starting Zoloft, I began to have traveling, random joint pains that would last as little as an hour in one place, or as long as a day.  This went on for over a month.  I read that arthralgia and joint pains are a less common side effect of the Zoloft.  My physician wanted me to remain on the Zoloft.  A few weeks later I was concerned about all of these side effects and told my doctor I was discontinuing the drug.  The pharmacist told me that it would take 4 days to two weeks for the side effects to subside.  They continued and worsened.  By the end of November I could not get myself out of bed, in the shower, on or off the toilet, or dress myself because of the joint pains and swellings.  I could not wear my shoes because my feet were so swollen, nor could I walk without much pain.  Somehow I managed to miss only a few days here and there of work.  As I look back, I honestly don't know how I did it.  But I did.  I kept on going.  Maybe having my routine helped me mentally deal with the unknown that was happening to my body.  I was scared.  I made an appointment with a rheumatologist immediately and was able to get in within two weeks.  My knees were so stiff I could barely get myself in or out of cars, but I did it.  Initially, he saw no evidence of joint problems or RA or anything like that.  My sed rate was elevated, but not horribly.  He was convinced that I was suffering from a viral infection and could have these symptoms up to six months.  This doctor is a specialist at the University of Wisconsin Medical Clinics, so I was in good, trusting hands.  A month later I had a follow up appointment.  At that time he noticed slight swelling in the area around my knuckles by my index finger.  That is a sign to the doctor that something more is indeed going on.  He started me on a low dose (5 mg.) of prednisone for the pain and told me to return in three weeks.  I did and informed me that the pain was more manageable, but definitely not gone.  The prednisone had helped.  That was another clue that this was inflammatory.  Being a teaching hospital, I was put through every test imaginable at that time.  Every vital organ in my body was tested, x-rayed, and went through ultrasound.  I was a wreck with worry about what could be wrong.  I had no diagnosis.  In March I switched to a rheumatologist closer to home so I would not be away from my job as much.  My first appointment I was again put through a thorough physical.  That doctor diagnosed me within 10 minutes with RA.  He thought I was doing okay on just the Plaquenil and 5 mg of prednisone.  He even has many patients in remission on just Plaquenil alone.  I was hopeful!  Four months later I had a swelled right knee that needed to be drained and at that time he informed me that I needed to start a DMARD that was stronger.  I resisted, cried, had a fit, everything imaginable because I did not want to take toxic medications.  Well, I did start the methotrexate.  And three weeks later I was considerably better.  And I was able to drop the prednisone down.  I have had no side effects.  My lab work is consistently good.  I am able to live my life almost as before RA began.  There is hope.  We can never give up.  I don't know what started this or what the cause is for my case.  It doesn't matter any longer.  I have RA and I have to treat it and live with it.  Arthritis Insight is the reason I kept on going and the reason I took my methotrexate.  Without it I know my anxiety would have been much greater.  If I could give anyone any advice that is beginning their journey with RA, it is do not be afraid and gather as much information as you can.  You can do this!