Question posted by Anonymous on 24 March 2011
Last updated on 20 March 2017
I just got lab work results, and it seems that I may have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Just want to know the average age of people with this condition. I don't feel as if I am in the right demographic (for lack of a better word) for this disease.
Also, anyone that has an opinion on pain relief, please help me out on this?
Thank you in advance!
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
hi, yeh i was around 12yrs old when docs started to prescribe me panadeine forte for this reason. now im 39, and i also have just found out i have osteoarthiritis! M
ost days, im in pain and sometimes jus convince myself that i have to jus accept the fact that i'll have to live with pain for rest of my life. my latest doc has been prescribing me Durogesic patches, which help alot,but not magic, still feel pain,sometimes (depends on how active my day has been).
I was diagnosed at 2. I had JRA - Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. I do not show any markers in my blood though. Apparently 5% of people with Lupis or RA do not show these markers. I quit eating and one day I quit walking. They had me in the hospital for weeks running tests and life has been one big management plan since then.
I have to say that for pain Celebrex was my drug of choice. The words Celebrex and Peace go hand in hand for me. Next to remission, it's the most pain free I've ever been. Unfortunately, I was on Celebrex for a long time and can no longer take it due to heart/cardiovascular problems. Value it while you can. The retail price of Celebrex is approx $60 per month for a 400 mg a day regimin in the US. Basically $1 per pill. If your insurance will cover it... GREAT!! If not, it's worth it to get it anyway if you can afford it.
If you're looking for help on a flair... soak in the bath tub for about 20 min with the water as hot as your skin can stand it to help with pain. Then elivate and ice the joint imediately to reduce swelling. I HATE the cold, so for me to offer this as a solution... it's worked for me.
There are ways to help reduce flairs by controlling your diet as well, but this is hard to balance and it takes time figure out what you can and cannot have. Think "no red meat, no alcohol." Those are the two biggest factors that set me off.
Hope this helps.
Thank you Caculver! Very informative. I am not on any RA meds, as I prefer denial !! But will keep Celebrex in mind when the pain gets the best of me.
Best wishes to you,
I was 49 years old and had recently had an auto accident with a neck injury. I have had it for 1 1/2 years now and still working and taking the meds for it. I do not take anything for pain relief except advil and occasionally Flexeril. Hope you find some relief.
Even children can have RA, Lara. Sorry to hear that's part of your diagnosis. Mary
I worked at Children's Hospital of WI for 15 years and saw alot of JRA(juvinele ra)I worked in the pediatric intensive care when I started at the hospital in 1983 there were 2-13 yr old boys in beds next to each other and both were dying from jra and the treatment for it. Back then it seemed like the treatment was worse than the disease itself. They were treated with high does of asprin and tylenol and it damaged their livers-so they ended up dying from liver failure. Thankfully treatment has evoled since then-although I have yet to find anything that works for me. I didn't work in the ICU for long because it was unbearably sad. I guess the best we can do is find a doc we trust and be patient until we find something that helps the awful symptoms of RA--- kim
Kim,
I would have quit that job too, how very sad!
Lara
Hi sweetlemon-
I was diagnosed with RA last year (33 yrs. old) I thought I was way too young for that. I was fine one day and unable to open a jug of milk the next. It was extremely upsetting, but it is what it is... anyway, I have 2 young boys and needed to get feeling better quick. Dr. put me on a Prednisone burst and I felt like doing cartwheels, but then I gained 15lbs. In the meantime I was put on methotrexate and plaquanil. (motrin 800, mobic, did nothing for me) this has helped a GREAT deal, but still get frequent flare ups, that for me, norco works wonders. Everyones mix of drugs is different... and it takes time to figure out what that is (which to me was very distressing) but its the only way, no quick fix. My Rhume. freaked me out with the methotrexate and preganacy so much that I got my tubes tied. Anyway, It helps to know others are out there and you're not alone... hope I helped some!!!
Hi onekamamom,
Thank you for your response, and yes it does feel good to know I'm not alone!
I also have a difficult time with opening certain things, grrrrrrrr, why is packaging made so impermeable? Doc took more blood samples (without embalming me, yay!) and I will find out the results in about a week. I think tis RA though. It started with my "flippers" (hands) in my mid twenties, yet never suspected RA back then.
If you are new here, WELCOME to this great group of caring and compassionate people, you will be a great addition to the clan here! Hope you are feeling better, especially if you have wee ones to care for!! My daughter is a teenager, so I am lucky... no bottles to make, no babyfood jars to open!!!
How are the meds working for you? I am reticent to go on any steroids, they scare the bejesus out of me!!!
Thank you again,
Lara (sweetlemon)
SL,
My aunt was diagnosed at age 30, and she is still doing well at 66-as well as RA will allow, but still walking. She had bunion surgery a year before, and had complications. She was informed that the surgery had triggered the RA, but I am not sure that really was the case. Here is what I found about the age:
The disease can begin at any age and even affects children (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), but it most often starts after 40 years of age and before 60 years of age. In some families, multiple members can be affected, suggesting a genetic basis for the disorder.
Hi Springer,
Sorry about your Aunt! The weird thing is nobody in my family has RA, so I've no idea if I may have gotten it from THE MAILMAN now !!!
More blood work was done, don't have results yet. But if it is positive for RA I shall see a Rheumatolgist, and have a serious talk with my Dad about THE MAILMAN!!!
xxxxxxxx,
Lara
Yeah, Lara, I'd have a serious talk about the mailman too. Bad mailman, bad!
Springer,
Now that I've given some thought to the MAILMAN, he did have sort of gnarly hands, like RA-esque. And dark hair, full lips, big sloe eyes, UH OH MY DAD IS NOT GONNA BE HAPPY!!! lol
lala
Lara, you just had to go find another thing wrong with you didn't you? haha Just kidding! I don't have RA, but severe OA, & completely understand the pain. Am having surgery on left wrist & thumb on April 11th to remove a cyst & arthritis on the thumb. Can't use it at all. Makes it a Bitch to type! I have heard that even children get RA, so maybe you've had it for a while. Is this the first time you have been tested for it? Seems like I've been tested for everything in the book! Three positives for Lupus , 2 negatives. Crazy! Not to mention all the other things, but they were negative. I have fibromyalgia too. It's the most miserable disease in the world! I found out you even have trigger points in the tummy left & right side. Was having problems with bowel pain & a new doc gave me trigger point injections.
Walla! Pain was gone! Guess I haven't really answered your question, but just wanted to put in my 2 cents worth! I wish you all the best. Take good care of those joints...
Mary,
Thanks for the support lady!! I know, fibro sucks, but it could be worse, eh?
Lara
Hi sweetlemon, I'm not sure if I was in the right demographic, but I was diagnosed at about 35 years old. Big problems didn't begin with it until I was about 48. I'm 53 now and am having a rough time with RA and Fibromyalgia. It might be a weird question, but do you have irritable bowel syndrome and/or Fibro? These conditions sometimes appear together. As far as pain relief goes, I've been taking methadone for about 18 years. It's the only thing that has helped me. I started with percs and Vicodin, but those things aren't as long lasting as methadone. I'm certainly not encouraging you to take methadone! It's an absolutely hellish detox. These days there are medications (like Lyrica and Savella) for fibro and RA that work for a lot of people. You have to discuss all of this with your doctor. I hope you have one you trust and feel comfortable talking with.
You didn't mention your age, but please be very careful about what prescriptions you take. Life is long (hopefully), and you don't want to be a slave to your meds like I am! I wish you the best, keemo7
Hi Keemo,
I do have Fibro as well, I'd no idea they are often found together!!
I am 36, but feel 86 today!!! (just kidding) I have a good GP, and he will send me to a Rheumatologist I am sure.
Thank you for answering my query!
Lara
keemo7 is correct on that one. They are finding that fibro, Ra, IBS, and one other I cant remember (its late) are often seen together and studies are showing they may all be intererelated.
DZ and Keemo,
Thanks, can't wait for the IBS to arrive!! (just kidding)
Lara
Hey Lara! Even children can be diagnosed with RA. I worked with a girl who was diagnosed at age 10. It can affect all ages. Feeling like an ole lady are ya? :) I have heard a lot of good things about Remicade. Then again some cant tolerate it. You know how that kind of thing goes. It is one of those things of trial and error until you find what works for you like so much of medicine is. At least you may have a definite diagnosis for why you hurt all over. Perhaps it has been more RA than fibro?
DZ,
You are so funny, thanks for the laugh! I've been wondering if perhaps tis RA instead of fibro all day!! Yet my hands are not all gnarly, isn't that a symptom?
They get red and swollen by the end of the day, but they look fine! Go figure.
I've been looking at sites all day (Thanks Laurie and Maso!!) and I doubt this diagnoses now. arghhhhhhhhhhhhh !!! It could be worse!!!
Lara
The red, warm and swollen is definitely a symptom. The gnarly may come later!!!
No No No No No No Gnarliness!!! Oh please, I can't handle gnarliness!
I am sayin' a prayer and lighting every candle in this house!!!
lol
Lara
Like with anything symptoms vary from person to person. It can affect so much that not everyone that has RA will have the same symptoms or degree of symptoms. I'm sure you know that there are great RA doctors but an endocrinoligist can really help too. Especialy with getiing a defenitve diagnosis. Good Luck SL!
Hi Mel,
Ok girl, I am soooo confused, an Endocrinologist? Ummmm, why?
And thanks for letting me know there are varying degrees of RA, I am not absorbing the info that I'm reading (on websites) I think I may be a bit nervous about this whole thing. So all of your comments are helping greatly!!!
What a great bunch of supportive people you all are!!!
sweetlemon
An endocrinologist can be really great at figureing out exactly whats going on especially with auto-immune disorders, plus help decode anything else.
I would actually recommend a rheumatologist. RA is the cornerstone of their whole field. Rheumatologists are the gold star for treating people with RA. I've actually not heard of an endocrinologist seeing someone for RA. Endos usually treat hormonal issues like diabetes and thyroid issues. RA is more of an autoimmune thing. I'm going to send you a link to a really good site for info. I'll have to get a list together for you. I know a lot of good info sites. I'll send in a PM. Here is one to start you off.
https://www.drugs.com/rheumatoid-arthritis.html
DZooBaby,
Thank you ever so much, that is going above the call of duty to do that for me girl, you are quite a knowledgable woman! I've read a few sites that another friend sent me, and I almost want to stick my head in the sand, be an ostrich, stay ignorant about it all, how silly is that? I just don't want to believe I have RA.
Lara
Hello my dear friend!
I was initally thought to have problem with RA when I was around 40, then after I caught these series of falls and had all the special studies with MRI's, laboratory work and CT scans they knew then that for sure I had it, I have found that they could have given me enough Opana to sent me out of this world and it didn't get rid of the pain, the doctor added Ibuprofen prescription 800mg. one tablet every 6 hours which equalled 3200mg, I found that gave me a lot of relief, she said that the combination of Opana and Ibuprofen worked well together but she said that the Opana especially when you had inflammation and anything to do with rheumatoid problems you needed to use the two together because of the anti-inflammatory effect of the Ibuprofen. Hope that you start to feel better with this, good to hear from you, take good care,
Billy,
Thank you ever so much for the tips on pain meds, I will tell my doc just what you've written. So the Ibu is an RX? Can't I just take otc Ibuprofen?
Your friend,
Lara
Hello Sweetlemon
I went back over and read what you wrote asking me if you can buy Ibuprofen without a prescription the answer is yes but you cannot buy more than 200mg over the counter, it comes on prescription in 400mg, in 600mg and 800mg. and I think the prescription dose works better than the over the counter tablets,
I do hope you are right and the doctors are wrong and that you don't have RA but if you do have one thing that the doctor told me is that Ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory drugs work best because of inflammation and swelling of the joints Take good care!
Billy,
Thank you, again good sir!!
Lara
Lara, you could take 4 OTC Ibuprofen to equal the 800 mg Rx strength but many people swear the Rx works better than taking 4 OTC's. You would have to try it out for yourself to see what it does for you. I think Rx ibuprofen isnt one of the more expensive ones like Celebrex and some of the others are.
By the way, Ibuprofen does not get its anti-inflammatory effect unless you take at least a 600mg dose. Anything less than 600mg is acting as an analgesic only. A lot of people dont know that.
DZ,
I did not know that about Ibuprofen, thank you !!!
SL
Billy, you are correct about the NSAIDs and Ibruprofen for inflammation. Opiates do not work for my aunt's pain.
Hey sweetlemon,
First of all, let me say that you are in my prayers. RA can be diagnosed even in young people so you aren't out of the ball park. I would get a second opinion by a rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
In the meantime, educate yourself as much as possible about this disease. There is a wonderful website at:
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis
At the top is a drop down menu with a wonderful list of info about RA including home remedies. On the left margin is another plethera of info to click on. So check it out. Exercise and diet are key to the treatment of early stages of RA. It can be controlled without serious medication.
I take Celebrex which is a NSAID of the Cox 2 inhibitor type for my osteoarthritis. It has less side effects on the stomach then the "older" type NSAIDS. It is also prescribed for RA and really helps my pain. I don't have to take any other from of pain medication.
I know you are concerned and rightly so, but try the website I mentioned and start a proactive plan of gentle exercise and appropriate diet and talk to a rhumatologist. I think you will find that with the appropriate actions you can ward off the worst of the symptoms of RA.
Wishing you the very best,
Laurie
I wish my stupid insurance company would let me have my Celebrex back! They have put it on one of those step therapy things where you have to try the less expensive crap before you can get authorized to take it. I'm not going thru all that again! (But yet they pay for my more expensive OxyContin-go figure? I guess I shouldnt complain. The Oxy does more for me anyway but sometimes the Celebrex would allow me to take less Oxy) Just a rant there! :)
Hey DzooBaby,
I hear ya!! My insurance company does the same kinda thing, but my doctor just tells them that the other meds they want you to try first don't work and my insurance company gives in. Have you ever tried to fight their decision?
The dr I was going to was fairly new and I had tried all the other stuff with a previous Dr and didnt want to go thru all that again. Most NSAIDS upset my stomach. He would have to submit notes that he has tried others. Now he has passed me off to someone else. I go to her next month. I guess she is the associate in the pain mangement office for the hopeless cases! I'm going to see if she can make some changes starting with the stupid OP OxyContin! I want something different as that stuff doesnt work nearly as well as everyone has heard. I'll ask her about the Celebrex again. If it helps me use less opioids then that is a good thing!
YES!! I would definitely discuss with the new doctor as the Celebrx has less stomach upset problems then the typical NSAID's and it keeps me from having to take opiates for pain control. Try an dget your previous records from the doctor that tried you on the previous meds so she won't have to do the step tharapy with you. Worth a try. Good luck!!
He has them!
Hi S.L., Of all the people that I know, NSAIDS seem to have helped them the best. I don't do too well with those meds., but that's me. I always wonder why God built us these wonderful, intricate bodies and we always forget to have our engines checked every so many miles! LOL! Seroiusly, I hope you feel better, please keep me posted. Fall Queen
Rajive, Mel, and Fall Queen,
The only thing that bothers, besides the fibro, are fingers and toes! For the most part anyway.
I just think this diagnoses may be wrong. Or I am in denial, one of the two!!
Thank you for answering my Q guys, still think I'm too young for RA!!! lol
Lara
Dear Lara: So sorry to hear about this! Let's hope you are right and that the docs are wrong. Best wishes, and I will hold you close in my thoughts.
Sorry I haven't been online here lately, but am running around like a crazy person trying to get ready to leave on Sunday for a rush trip to CA, to take my husband to see two specialists. Best Wishes, mary.
Mary,
No worries Lady, have fun on your trip, even though tis for medical purposes hope you have a good time, regardless!
Lara
Hi SL, my mom was diaganosed at 27. It really is a disease for all ages including adolecents. My mom had never used anything for pain relief even when she was really ill and bed ridden when I was an infant. She does now get injections in her knees, non sterodial. Kind of a filler for lack of a better term. It was a fight with the insurance company to get it, but it was worth it. Like most auto immune disorders RA affects everyone differently. As I'm sure must know with your fibromyalgia. For her she has periods of flare ups followed by years of remission, with things like her knees being a constant. I think education and a good doctor are going to be key for you. Best of luck my friend. Love
Usually it is diagnosed over the age of 40-45 perhaps in the knees as the knees have taken the body weight long enough to get effected, the pain then sets in on a almost permanent basis.
SL, between the joints of the knee cap is a fluid like substance which when in constant use depletes which acts an lubricant for the joints, there are some methods/home remedies to reduce the pains, start to take the juice of aloevera, perhaps it would be available in a shop where you could pick up natural products or try a good homeopath, there are medications available in stronger potency to give immediate relief.
Take care & keep me posted, please.
Just another comment about the joints affected, my aunt has been affected in every joint-nodules on her elbows, knees, fingers, toes (which now curl under); pretty much everywhere, but it has taken many years for it to spread. She just had surgery for a prolapsed colon, and is in tremendous pain as they had her stop her RA meds two weeks before and two after.
I was diagnosed about 13months ago at 47, it was quite a blow since I already have fibromyalgia,degenerative disc disease(with spinal fusion at c4-5,and more that need surg)and celiac disease. I was already on fentanyl for pain but because the RA was so severe at diagnosis my rheumatologist also gave me Vicodin that I only use when I can't tolerate the pain. I was started on prednisone(all the way up to 40mg because of severe inflammation),methotrexate,panquinal for the RA without much relief so I started on remicade 400mg x3 treatments-then 600mgx2 and I was finally getting some relief we even weaned me off the prednisone wasn't needing any additional pain meds and then in January my labs went crazy with much increased inflammation and all my joints are so inflammed I'm back to square1.
So now I'm back on prednisone 10mg andI've had 1 treatment of remicade at 800mg-I'm due for my next treatment next week and I'm still weak and sick from the last one(I get them every 4 weeks). I hope you have luck getting your symptoms under control--I know it takes awhile so hang in there! Kim
Thank you Kim for such a quick and knowledgable response! I know nothing about RA, so I am researching a bit on the net. I am 36, and also have Fibromyalgia. I'm so sorry that you also have degenerative disc disease and Celiac's disease! You must be in quite a struggle. My heart goes out to you.
Best wishes to you,
Lara
this is just a note to say that I hope things start to improve and some of these drugs at first cause side effects especially when they have to be given IV I think you mentioned the Remicaide, anyway take good care of yourself and I sincerely hope that you start feeling better soon.
Kaloeding:
as I said I hope the IV medidcations and the low dose of the steroid will help you to start to feel better, you said that you were on Methrotrexate (I had a friend who was on it for 5 years) she took it once a week she went to her doctor's office and they gave it to her by injection. I am unsure but I don't even remember if it even comes orally I think if I remember what she told me it comes by injection, Take care and feel better Caringson (Billy)
Hi Billy,
No Remicade for me, don't even know what that is! I'm fine, just to let you know.
Thanks for being so nice!
Lara
erm, sorry, thought that comment was to me Billy, I just woke up.
duhhhhhhhhh
Lara
caringsonbj- I am able to give myself the methotrexate by injection once a week my doc said it does come in pill form but thinks this works better. I sure hope things improve soon!!It is so discouraging to finally feel some improvement and then to crash for no apparent reason. I have my remicade infusion 800mg this week,1 more in 4 weeks and then I see the doc to see what we need to do next--it really has been a long year and a half=thanks for the good wishes-kaloeding(kim)
Kaloeding, how long have you been on Methotrexate? My aunt was on it for 20 years, and she has suffered liver damage from it. Has it caused any trouble for you?
I was diagnosed at age 49. I was doing ok with methotrexate 6 tabs on sat. and prednisone 5 mg and leucovorin. Then was told to wean down to 1 mg of prednisone gradually. I got down to 2 1/2 mg for 3 days and 4 mg on 4th day and the pain was back. So now back to 4 mg daily of prednisone. Problem with this is insomnia. I just can't sleep again. Hope you find relief.
Stay strong is the only advice I can really provide. I was diagnoses with osteoarthritis at the age of 9. It developed after I fell and broked my right wrist and later on that year my mom, my brother and I ended up in a car accident which caused the arthritis to develop in both knees. The doctor said I injured them so badly that arthritis was sure to set in. Later on in life about when I was in mid 30's, rhuematoid sat in and completely hinderd all of my normal activities. Who knew that simple things such as combing my hair, washing dishes, or walking would become a difficult challenge.
springer10--I've been on methotrexate for about a year now-having my labs checked every other month-so far so good. I am on a fairly low dose. My biggest problem is getting this RA under control-its been about 15 months and I still am getting remicade every 4 weeks with little help, it seemed to be working about 4 months ago and now am in a downword spiral for no apparent reason.
Why not try plaqunil-something not so bad as methotrexate-I have been on it for 5 years with steriods for flairs and perocet for pain-I don't want any bad side effects of the stronger dangerous meds-i have ra fibro oa and a few mored lesser problems--ulcers from mobic now--its all bad stuff--if anyone knows of a healthyier way to deal with this please let me know-Thanks-have a pain free night-Shari
shari28-thanks for the idea but i am on paquinel with the methotrexate and the remicade already with no relief--its really rough when it seemed to finally be working and now its a total turnaround back to the begining.
I was diagnosed 7 years ago with RA, have degenerative disc disease and OA in my neck and lower back. Have tried Prednisone, Methotrexate (unsuccessfully), Enbrel (Some success), Plaquinil (with success), Minocycline (with success). I lived on Prednisone for a year - then developed breast cancer (stage one and underwent a mastectomy and chemo) I believe that it was due to the prednisone usage (RA patients tend to go back to Prednisone as it makes them feel better.)
I now take Plaquinil and Zanaflex at night, avoid night-shade vegetables, increase omega-3s, take L-Lysine in divided doses, avoid processed foods and sugar, limit dairy and meat, take acidophlus and I feel much better (have good energy level) and have less flare ups. Walking or some type of exercise is also important. My Rheumatologist actually acknowledges that my RA has improved from severe to mild. I would prefer no meds, but by modifying my diet and avoiding foods that cause flare ups I can take less meds. Educate yourself on healthy and nutritional ways to heal and feel better. Good health to you!
4health,
Thank you for your response! I eat quite healthy, and I do exercise daily, yoga and mild cardio.
I am so sorry that you had cancer because of steroid use, my heart goes out to you. I shall avoid steroids at all costs. The pain from the fibro is worse than the suspected RA, so I will not be on any meds for it... hopefully.
Thank you again,
I was diagnosed 1 1/2 years ago at age 49 and I am a female. I had just had a car accident with some neck pain and wondered if any of this could have brought this on. We were t-boned and not hurt otherwise. I am doing ok with methotrexate, prednisone, and leucovorin. I had the swelling and pain but have been able to work and maintain so far.
I just had blood work done a couple of weeks ago, and my neuro called and told me I had RA. She is sending me to a Reumatologist. I had back sugery at age 12 and have with my age started to experience back pain, but the last few months, I had been experiencing neck and hand pain. I am 52 years of age, I don't know much about RA, but am researching it, any help on this diagnosis would be great. Thanks
My mom has been living with RA since long time. He have also heart problem due to use RA medicine. However now she is taking methotrexate 10mg & folic Acid since long time. Nowadays she is taking prednisolone 20mg, , sulindac 100mg.
I was diagnosed at age 29 after the birth of my daughter, by age 32 I had my 1st knee replaced, I'm 45 now & had my second knee replaced 1 1/2 years ago. I've been on about everything. I was on Enbrel for 12 years, amazing drug, got me off prednisone, but it petered out & now I'm on Humira which doesn't do the job so I take 10 mg. of prednisone daily & Lortabs for pain. I'm trying to find financial support for Rituxan coz my co-pay is around $2000 & there's no way I can do that. Trying to see if the drug company will give it to me, I currently get Humira free.
Good luck, prednisone & 90 lbs. since diagnosed... UGH, I dislike prednisone but it works wonders.
rheumatoid arthritis, pain, fibromyalgia
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.