Newly Diagnosed - anyone with a similar story?
Kind of a long post - appreciate anyone who takes the time to read…
I’m a 37M, newly diagnosed RA as of March this year.
I suspect I’ve gone undiagnosed for a while, at least since my mid twenties. Started with some hand/wrist pains that would come and go. Has jumped around to shoulder, knees, ankles all over the place but at random times and never lasting more than a month. Always just thought it was normal pains of being active (I lift and bike/run) and getting older. I’ve led a generally normal life.
The past year has been different and challenging however. I’ve lost a good chunk of muscle mass, I’m always hungry, and my body has generally felt like it is slow cooking/inflamed. I had a bad flare of bilateral tendinitis and foot pain that lasted a couple months, which led to the doctor visit, > 250 anti Ccp labs, followed by the RA diagnosis.
Started with prednisone, then MXT but had a bad reaction, so I’ve now been on enbrel for about 4 weeks. Was horrified of needing to take meds, but now I’m all for it. I feel pretty good the first 4-5 days after injection, but still brutal the last couple and find myself jonesin’ for my next dose. I’m hopeful it’ll start kicking in soon, doc said 3-6 months is normal.
Doc thinks I’m still pretty early based on having no immediate signs of permanent dmg. But I sometimes think the RA is more aggressive than he thinks even though it’s early. Regardless he seems like a great rheum and I trust him so I’m following his guidance.
I was just wondering if anyone else out there is having a similar experience? I’m hoping my metabolism can correct itself after my inflammation goes down, and I can get back to normal workouts and rebuilding. Not to mention being able to actually focus on work and family and being happy without my RA being at the forefront of everything.
Any stories out there to give some hope? I feel for all of you others out there with this disease.