Rheumatoid Arthritis

The first immune system disorder that I was diagnosed with was Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). I have my family to thank for that as it is hereditary and one of my Great Aunts, my favourite, in fact, suffered from it. In the winter of 2014, my hands hurt so much, it was unbearable. Many of my joints just ached and I knew it was much more than the “regular” arthritis that I thought had plagued me since I was a teenager. My GP sent me for x-rays of my hands as they were my major complaint. On the ring finger of my right hand, on the lowest knuckle, I had a pseudo-cyst.

Seeing the pseudo-cyst, my GP realized I could have RA, not just osteoarthritis and sent a referral out for a Rheumatoid Specialist. In the summer of 2015, I was finally diagnosed with RA.

RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects more than just joints. Other areas of the body can be affected, including the eyes, heart and lungs. RA occurs when your immune system attacks your body’s own tissues. RA affects the lining of your joints, causing very painful swelling, which, if untreated, can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. I am on constant look out for nodules forming on my fingers as I remember my Aunt’s hands being rather gnarled. 

Since RA is an autoimmune disorder, it is treated with immune suppressant medications. I currently take a chemotherapy medication called Methotrexate. Every Saturday, I take out a syringe and load it up with the medication and inject it into my thighs or stomach. I prefer the thighs as when I do it in my stomach it makes me feel bloated. The day before I take my Methotrexate, I take ——— to help curb nausea that comes from a chemotherapy drug. It works most of the time, but there are times that I am still sick from it and end up just curling up on the couch with it.

As of my last doctor’s visit with my specialist, in April 2017, my RA seems to be under control. I have been told to taper down my Methotrexate every four weeks to see if I can still keep it under control with less medication. This makes me ecstatic. There is a part of me that is constantly worried that it will get worse so I am on the look out for symptoms.