u/Dezzaroomama

CCP >250, RF 214, ESR 112, CRP 60.

Had a follow up with my pcp who diagnosed and when she heard I have another 6 weeks until my Rheumatologist appointment she said she was going to prescribe a low dose of methotrexate so I can get started because my levels were relatively high.

I’m new at this so I’m not 100% sure how high “high” is. But I’m a little surprised how aggressively she wants to treat this. She did ask to see my joints and said there is visible swelling, and it’s time to start meds. And she put me on hold to consult with a rheumatologist and put in the script immediately.

So ??

I guess I’m starting my mtx journey this week. Yikes.

Anyone with more knowledge and experience have any advice? Thoughts? Anything?

Hi everyone. I’m 39F, I’m new here but I’ve been reading along for a while.

My pcp did blood work in July and diagnosed me with RA. I suspected it for a long time. I’ve been in pain for over two years but my previous pcp kept telling me that I was “pushing forty and forty hurts. Lose some weight and you’ll feel a lot better.” Here I am two years in and 70lbs smaller and still hurting. All. The. Time. I complained about it to my new Doc and she immediately started tests.

As I said, I had pretty much surmised that it was probably RA from tracking symptoms at home. But, because I didn’t have the diagnosis I tried to tell myself maybe it wasn’t that bad.

Since learning that I do have it I’ve been researching and I am absolutely terrified from what I’m seeing.

I know that technically until I get in with my Rheumatologist in September I can’t know what my exact DX is. But, with levels and symptom like what I have, I’m confident I have a journey ahead of me.

My fears? Well I’m scared of the meds. I’m scared to be immunocompromised. I’m scared that I won’t feel better. I’m scared I’ll be trading a list of symptoms for a list of side effects. I’m scared I can’t financially afford this. And, I’m MOST afraid that I am going to have to fight this battle for the next 50 years.

Is it really going to be ok?

Any advice?

I just wanted to revive one of my old stories as I re-watch the show for the first time in ages. Be gentle. This story is 18 years old.

I hope you like it!

I 40F have recently become reacquainted with a lady 82F who was good friends with my biological mother Deceased F.

This woman has no children of her own and I have vague memories of her in and out when I was a child. She would bring me puzzles and books etc. But when my mother passed when I was 11 this lady fell off the radar for many, many years.

I now have a child of my own M12 and I think this woman wants to step info some sort of a grandmotherly role to my son. I have no ill will or negativity towards this person. So I have tentatively welcomed her back into our lives. I send her Christmas cards and updates when my son does well in school etc. The presumed “auntie” treatment that most folks do for distant relatives?

The issue is that this woman remembers a completely different version of my mother than I do. She remembers a warm, happy, generous to a fault woman who loved with abandon and was the best friend she ever had. My only memories are of a severely mentally ill addict who brutalized her children. She was cruel. Selfish. And scary. I only know her as scary. I was 11 the last time I saw her. And all I remember when I think of her is “this person scares me. I am not safe here.”

My aunt doesn’t want to know my biological brother 42m who is following in our mother’s footsteps. I also choose not to know him as adults. I completely get why she doesn’t want him in her life.

But. She desperately wants to connect with me over the memory of my mother.

She keeps giving me gifts intended to warm my feelings towards my mom. Pictures of her when she was young. Old journals. Jewelry. I DO NOT WANT THEM. Though I have taken to allowing my son to decide if he wants them. If he were to say yes I would offer to save them for him. (He does not).

Before anyone asks: I have been through therapy. And my mother has been gone almost 30 years. I’m ok. And no, I don’t need to forgive her.

I think I might be the AH for politely declining these offerings because it visibly upsets my “aunt” when I do.