Tested positive for RA factor

[tmstclaire]

Just a little bit of history:

Went to school to become a massage therapist in 2008, a lifelong dream. I'm 43. Have not really practiced; was working as an admin and couldn't turn down the money until I got laid off in Feburary. Applied for a home occupation permit and I'm my last leg of approval. Went to the Dr. last week because of pain in my hands and she did a blood test for RA factor and it came back today positive. I'm devasted not only because rheumatoid arthritis is such a nasty disease but I'm I going to have to give up my dream now?

Looking for positive stories from MT's with RA or positive stories from people in general with RA. I go back to the Dr. to learn more tommorrow.

[Rozax]

I'm no expert on the matter, and naturally a google search didn't work, because all the results just tell us that massage therapy is a nice treatment for RA (obvious to us, neh?). However, one bit of consistent information I've found in regards to RA is that it's very important to keep moving. A huge mistake that a lot of people make when they're in pain is to lay down and suffer. I don't have RA, but I come from a situation where I'd be in bad shape right now if I stopped moving. Do what you can right now, and if it gets difficult for you, look for lighter modalities, such as manual lymph drainage. Play to your strengths, but don't give up. You could start a blog, documenting your experience for people who may run into this situation in the future, or who are experiencing this right now, as well.

For fun, you might look into getting a hand-held gyroscopic powerball. To quote the site, this is "[the] perfect instrument to gently rehabilitate lower forearm and wrist joints affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain[/stress] injury (RSI), arthritis or previous breakage." I know it'll be rough, but spirit willing, you can work through it.

[JLWmassage]

There is and MT that I know from facebook that has all kinds of pain issues and is still working. Send me a pm and I can connect the two of you if your are on Facebook

[YFChoice]

I am that massage therapist that JLW knows. I have lupus and scleroderma, both related to the arthritis family. I've had the scleroderma for 30 years and lupus for 27. I was given less than a year to live on diagnosis of the scleroderma. I've been a massage therapist for 11 years. When I applied to massage school, the question they asked was, "Can I do massage?" My fingers were somewhat contractual and therefore I didn't have a flat hand. I assured the school I could massage even with my hands. And I have been able to. I use a lot of forearms, palms and have developed some of my own techniques. None of my clients would suspect unless they had seen my hands.

I do mostly corporate chair massage but my table biz has picked up. My secret is: take care of yourself, stay active and try to find little ways to stay positive. I work out, hike, snowshoe, and used to ride bicycles long distances. To me, massage is easy compared to my workouts...and that's the purpose of them. I am more conscious of my techniques because I can't afford to mess up my body any more than it is. I have short and long term goals with the purpose of not letting myself feel sorry for myself. Course, helping others with their stress and ailments certainly take my mind off of my problems. Gardening, reading, spending time with my wife, grandkids all help my mental makeup. As does reading, studying and researching massage. Because my body is such a focal point because of my disease(s), I am much more interested in how it works.

I'm not saying it's that cut and dried. I have days that keep me from work. I've been thru so many different meds and been to the docs and hospitals so many times, I'm surprised I haven't fixed the health care system with my money alone. I've been thru a heart attack, chemo 3 times, have 70% lung function and my joints scream at me to let me know they're still there...like I need the reminder. The fatigue at times has been debilitating. I've been hit by a car twice while cycling with the last one ending up in a rebuilt left arm that will never be 100%. And, on top of that, I was recently given a diagnose of disc degenerative disease (severe, in the neck). But don't feel sorry for me. I don't. I love my life. I met my soulmate because of the scleroderma...she has it too. I wouldn't change anything because going thru these experiences has made me a stronger and better person. At age 55, I have no problems with that.

I wake up every day in pain. Most days I am in pain, in different degrees, all day. I do what it takes to ease it somewhat. Mostly I embrace it. It reminds me that I am still alive.

tmstclaire...good luck. If you want to keep in touch, let me know.

[JasonE]

There are many, many ways to work as an MT. RA isn't the end, it's a turning point. You now need to place a higher priority on your self-care and body mechanics, and consider what else you may wish to study to improve your effectiveness while minimizing the stresses placed on your body.

I'm not a big fan of the Powerball, but you might find it helpful for strengthening purposes. All of my RA clients are now practicing Active Isolated Stretching (and strengthening!) as part of their self-care. It is very effective for minimizing their signs and symptoms, and all report much less discomfort. Learn it for self-care, and you may be inspired to practice it with your clients as well. Some people with RA have been practicing AIS for over 30 years, and they can still work.

Learn about nutrition and consider seeing a naturopathic doctor for guidance on how to tailor your diet. What you eat can have a huge impact upon RA.

You can do this.

[tmstclaire]

Hello everyone and thanks for responding.

Here is an update:

I went to my physician for a followup and it turns out that I did not test postitive for RA but I did test positive to ANA which could be a sign of an autoimmune disease that is developing. The nurse that called me and told me the results on the phone had it backward! So I'm going to the see a rheumatologist at the end of September.

I am having pain in my hands and wrists but it is minor compared to what I have read.

YFchoice,

Your response is very inspirational! You are my new hero! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting what you did. I have had a trying year (got laid off in Feb., Father died in May, Live in BF got laid off in June, had a Miscarriage in June, and got stung 27 times by yellow jackets in July.) I try to stay oppotimistic but I'm prone to depression anyway so I have to got fight it. I am a fighter and I just need to remember that!

I read threads here and there and I'm amazed at the community here. Thank God for this forum.

[tmstclaire]

I forgot to mention that the ana test reported an nucclleolar pattern which is common Scleroderma and CREST syndrome.

[YFChoice]

Jason reminded me. I love love love active isolated stretching. Get Aaron Mattes book, lots of pictures and descriptive text, both for self stretching and assisted.

Let us know how you're doing.

[riversinger]

I hope you find the best solutions that will work well for you, whatever the doctors are telling you. There are an amazing number of people who practice alternative complementary therapies which work well for all sorts of health conditions. Naturopathic & Chinese medical practitioners, as well as nutritionists have invaluable advice to offer & consider - so while regular medical doctors are great at diagnosis - there are many paths to healing - whether you can get a complete cure or at least have the best possible ongoing treatment & outcome possible.

Just out of curiosity have you been tested for any of the tick-born conditions such as Lyme, Babesia, or Ehrlichia? Any of them can cause similar symptoms to yours - but require specific testing to rule them out.

I communicate regularly with a woman on Facebook who is trained in both nutritional & naturopathic traditions - who goes by the name of Granny Goodfood. It may sound like a strange name - but trust me when I say she knows her stuff! Here's a link if you want to check her out & friend her for helpful suggestions:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001230502119

Though I can't say for sure - it may be possible to turn your diagnosis around or at the very least reduce your symptoms!

Another couple suggestions - check out all food related products you eat regularly, especially processed foods for MSG, and other artificial ingredients, avoid artificial sweeteners especially those like Sweet & Low, Aspartame (sp?) and others. Many of these things cause similar symptoms to what you've described.

Cut back on or eliminate all sugars (or if you use them at all use only organic, turbinado sugars & raw honey) Avoid all products with High Fructose Corn Syrup too as it spikes the blood sugar. Also look up acid vs alkaline foods...A highly acidic diet (which is much of the American Diet) will likely cause you higher pain levels! For those with any form of arthritis - some people suffer more due to either food allergies or sensitivities particularly to foods from the nightshade family: potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant & peppers - even tobacco!

Best wishes to you in finding the solutions & support you need to overcome what is going on for you. Take care, & keep your spirits up, we're here to lend an ear & cheer you on!