I am a happy homemaker,age 50.I have been married almost 21 years.We live in Florida and have one "child".His name is Pepe.He is a 12 year old Bichon Frise.That is him with me in my profile picture.

I have known about RA for years because my Grandmother had it.I started feeling alot of pain in my back and neck 3 years ago.I found out through an MRI and many xrays that I had 2 ruptured discs in my neck and 4 in my lower back.I also have degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis.My blood work last month tested positive for the rheumatoid factor.I had known before testing that I had it due to symptoms I have been having for over a year.They peaked this January when I could not get out of bed for the whole month.I was having low grade fevers,excrutiating pain in just about every joint in my body,swollen glands and zero energy! I knew I had to see my rheumatologist and get tested .It was not a surprise that it was positve.Now I am scared about the meds that are used to treat RA as the side effects sound worse than the disease!