Rheumatoid Arthritis Anyone?

I don't post often because I can't find the time. But I started experiencing symptoms shortly after giving birth and have recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis triggered by pregnancy. Anyone else experience this and how did you deal with it? TIA

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis Anyone?

I don't have it, but my grandmother does. Until the found the right meds that worked for her it was a LONG process of incredible lows. She has it somewhat under control now and it is much better. She takes one day/step at a time. There was a point where she wanted Dr Kavorkian (sp) for the pain, but like I said above, now that she has the right meds she is ok.

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis Anyone?

I do not have rheumatoid arthritis, but I was diagnosed with lupus shortly after giving birth. I think there are some similarities in the illnesses (though differences too), and both can be triggered by hormonal shifts. In retropsect, I think I had flare-ups over the years here and there, but the symptoms were always vague and vanished in time.

It's definitely not what you need with a newborn, but I know once my medication started to work, it got easier. Not 100% better, I don't think I ever will be exactly, but better than I was, much less pain and fatigue.

Hope it gets easier for you soon!