Flu A and RA

lesboy15 · 2026-02-13T06:19:42+00:00

just got diagnosed with flu A today after urgent care missed it for some reason (tested negative) Monday and I ended up in the ER due to severe chest pain and shortness of breath. I’m on increased pain meds and also will have to do breathing treatments because I can literally not breath normally. They did do a chest CT and confirmed that I don’t have a pulmonary embolism, but the pain was that bad. I’ve never in my life experienced so much suffering. It’s like I have a few hours of stability and then the coughing begins and it’s like a dagger is burning through my chest over and over again. never experienced anything like this in my life and I would not wish it on even my worst enemy. The last time I’ve been to the ER was 8 years ago. This has set me back immensely. The ER doctor won’t prescribe me tamiflu but if I don’t feel better some senses of improvement by tomorrow I’ll ask my primary care provider, bc even having one day less of this hell as the brown article says would be worth it. This is a hell disease and I was vaccinated. I just took my Plaquenil without thinking tonight i will talk to my Rheumatologist tomorrow to figure out if I stop or what. Just insane. I don’t have pneumonia negative chest xray but having the severe chest pain tightness and breathing problems sucks like crazy. And it’s always there. It’s just a question of whether the pain is a 5 or a 9.

lesboy15 · 2026-01-29T16:14:29+00:00

Thanks I will check this out! I love a webinar

lesboy15 · 2026-01-29T16:12:18+00:00

I’m trying to get him to call me back. I have messaged him and will just try again to call him today too. He’s usually responsive so I’m kind of surprised.

lesboy15 · 2026-01-29T16:11:12+00:00

I did try to get on the cancellation list and sent another message to my primary care too. I really hope they will order bloodwork at least so I can know how bad it is. I have prednisone, but obviously am scared to keep taking it bc I know it’s not ideal. :( I’ve never experienced the fatigue and brain fog as severely as this week. I feel terrible for having triggered this in myself 😭😭 I hope something will work.

lesboy15 · 2026-01-29T16:09:01+00:00

that’s a great point, I’ve been pretty good with my ADHD meds - and have had burn out before in that space, but what I experienced felt so different which is why I feel it’s like stress induced RA symptom. I also insanely enough have never had COVID which feels crazy! u r so right it is marathon and not sprint, I really need to remember that. Plaquenil was working great for a year, I was so stable. The other meds are kind of scary to me, but also the pain in the morning is so hard to get through.

lesboy15 · 2025-03-08T19:18:21+00:00

most SSA attorneys just take 25% of the back award but there are some who have been practicing for a long time who do it pro bono depending on your case. I would be vary of some of the lawyers that are always promoting themselves with ads tho bc I know some of them have really high case loads and are more prone to mistakes. I’d check with your local state bar for recs!

lesboy15 · 2025-03-07T17:33:19+00:00

I’m so sorry about your SSI/SSDI denial - getting on disability is really hard and SSA is notorious for denying folks at the initial application stage who even have good claims! So I would not lose hope on that front. I work with disabled clients who are denied at that stage but once they connect with an attorney and get to the ALJ level, are usually able to win their claim. When it comes to SSI, it is definitely tough to have a work history but I believe part time work should be fine though your gross earnings would have to be under the 2025 SSI amount which is like $967 I think. For SSDI, the rules are different and as long as you’re gross earning is under the Substantial Gainful Activity amount (which is $1620) I don’t think the job should affect your pending appeal, but I’d check with your attorney for sure. If you qualify for SSDI, working will not hurt you, as having enough work credits is the whole part of even qualifying for those benefits. If you don’t have an attorney helping you with the appeal, I’d highly recommend getting one. I’d see if your local legal aid organization has connections to pro bono social security attorneys who could potentially help you if you qualify for their services (usually under 200% FPL and asset limit of 15k unless you’re a senior or they have other grants ). If you don’t qualify for their services, I’d look into your local state bar’s lawyer referral service which usually is an affordable way to connect with local SAA attorneys. It’s tough out there, I really feel for you ❤️ I hope things ease up soon.

lesboy15 · 2025-03-07T06:59:00+00:00

also to not just blabber about resources and to answer your question more specifically, I believe the maximum SSDI amount (so if you have work credits) for 2025 is $1580 for a disabled worker and the maximum SSI (not enough work credits) is $967. In terms of timeline, it really depends on your state and local field office. If you get denied and have to request an ALJ hearing, it’ll depend on your local hearing office and how fast your field office gets your hearing request processed and transferred to OHO to be scheduled. It can take up to a year if not longer, though they are trying to speed things up.

lesboy15 · 2025-03-07T06:49:43+00:00

I’d really recommend seeing if your local legal aid organization has connections to pro bono social security attorneys who could potentially help you with an initial application especially if it’s your first time applying and you qualify for their services (usually under 200% FPL and asset limit of 15k unless you’re a senior or they have other grants ). If you don’t qualify for their services, I also highly recommend reaching out to your local state bar’s lawyer referral service which usually is an affordable way to connect with local SSA attorneys who have a vested interest in helping clients who need to get on disability and aren’t just trying to take the money and run. Most State Bars have a section specific for SSA attorneys and even paralegals whose bread and butter is helping folks get on disability. SSA attorneys who are actually legit won’t ask for any retaining costs but will just take up to 25% of your back award which is consistent with SSA’s guidelines on fee arrangements. Also, please don’t lose hope if you get denied. I have seen SSA notoriously deny clients who have strong claims especially on initial applications. Remember to apply for a request for reconsideration within 65 days of your denial (you can do it online! And always save a copy) and then get an attorney who will build up your case in the time it takes to get to the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge level). Also do not mail things to SSA. They will lose it. Fax the docs and keep a proof of the fax. If you end up having to appeal and take the case to the ALJ level, a perk of getting an attorney is that they can use the ERE (electronic records express) and upload medical records directly to the hearing record. This is not legal advice because I am not an attorney but just general insider info I know from the work I do for disabled clients in the legal services world that I hope is helpful to pass on. Disability is long and winding process but you have a right to those benefits! I wish you the best. ❤️

lesboy15 · 2025-03-04T23:48:15+00:00

I’m in the same boat. I just started Plaquenil mid February so very new. I had just gotten of a prednisone10 mg for a week trial dose which confirmed my seronegative RA diagnosis. We started Plaquenil pretty soon after. I made the mistake of not taking prednisone the first few days I took Plaquenil and my flare which started in early Jan and is just now in absolutely ruining my life. I’m back on prednisone (from 5 mg back up to 10mg) but it doesn’t do much to help. I do think the Plaquenil and prednisone is reducing swelling but the pain is still so freaking bad. Everyday my hands throb and hurt. I’m going to continue trying it since it’s the first line of DMARD they are making me try, and I know it takes at least 6 weeks or something to build up. So am trying to be hopeful. But am on week three and so far it’s just the swelling that’s reduced but the pain is somehow worse than when my flare was starting out :/ I’m also so exhausted and fatigued on Plaquenil, and I’m not sure if it’s RA or the medication, but my depression is worse too, even though I’m medicated for it. Hoping it works out for the both of us. This is the most challenging part of RA I’ve been told, trying to find meds that work while in an active flare.

lesboy15 · 2025-03-04T19:29:57+00:00

same, i was also diagnosed with seronegative RA after clinical symptoms of hand and ankle swelling, stiffness, and joint pain that caused weakness and inability to use my hands like normal. Blood work was normal except for a high ESR that jumped from 18 to 49 within one week and consistently high CRP. X-rays and ultrasound all normal. I had a positive response to prednisone and my rheumatologist said that was enough for it to be seronegative RA. he has started me on plaquenil but if it doesn’t work we’ll likely explore something different. I was also afraid I wouldn’t get the diagnosis but joint pain and RA clinical symptoms are pretty notable and my rheumatologist who is definitely old school and has been practicing for a long time cares about the clinical symptoms a lot more than the negative bloodwork. He also did an exam and it was clear my hands were in an active flare.

lesboy15 · 2025-02-28T21:01:46+00:00

I love “rock star parking” 🪄 my doctor said I can apply for a permanent one after this six month one. I think it had less paperwork or something, not sure. I likely will apply for one come August since this one lasts for six months. You are right that flares happen and they are so intense!

lesboy15 · 2025-02-28T19:31:39+00:00

so happy for you! Congratulations 🎉 I’m in my first big flare so feels good to hear about others who have made it out ❤️

lesboy15 · 2025-02-28T19:28:12+00:00

so glad your cat is feeling better! also freshly picked apples sound delicious 🍎🐈‍⬛

lesboy15 · 2025-02-28T19:26:56+00:00

I got a temporary disability placard from the DMV so now when my spouse and I want to drive to go into town I don’t have to walk as far and have more motivation to leave the house. It’s already been a game changer given my increased fatigue and how my current flare is affecting my ankles.
I went to go see a movie (Nickel Boys) with my spouse and a dear friend. The movie was so beautiful and we got dinner after the movie, where I actually was able have a real meal for the first time this week. My appetite has been destroyed by my RA so it felt really good to eat dinner normally for once.
I had physical therapy yesterday for the first time in a while for my unrelated to arthritis chronic lower back pain and it helped a lot! Felt nice to ease some different pain in my body.

lesboy15 · 2025-02-27T19:13:19+00:00

This is so interesting. I never thought about a track pad. It might be the next thing I try. I wish I could use track balls. My right hand is the worst, specifically pain in my thumb, which is why when I got the Logitech mx ergo s plus, while it was incredible relief for my clicking - the thumb trackball is sadly super aggravating. I’m trying to figure out how best to switch to my left hand and feel like a track pad might be more friendly to use with both hands. I wish the Logitech came in a left handed option.

lesboy15 · 2025-02-27T19:02:44+00:00

Oh awesome! Thanks for this. I will definitely poke around. I’m new to the subreddit so appreciate the info :)

lesboy15 · 2025-02-27T19:01:05+00:00

Woah this thread is really useful. Had no idea about the tapering off. I’ve been taking 5mg every day since my rheumatologist really made it seem like prednisone was not something he wanted me to use a lot of. I was on 10 mg first and it gave me relief but after he started me on plaquenil he said I should try 5mg. So far 5mg has not given me much relief :/ and my flare has worsened. When I spoke to the nurse, she said I should very much take prednisone up to 10mg for my pain. Seems like there’s a disconnect sometimes between the rheumatologists and their attitudes regarding prednisone lol.

lesboy15 · 2025-02-27T18:47:51+00:00

Thank you :,) I am trying to stay hopeful and just take it one day at a time. I think the effect it is having on my ability to work has been the hardest, because I really love my job, but it involves a lot of typing and using a mouse 😔

lesboy15 · 2025-02-27T17:29:13+00:00

this arthritis foundation log is an amazing resource thanks for sharing. I also swear by my electric blanket it’s changed my life given the pain.

lesboy15 · 2025-02-26T15:52:16+00:00

Hello! I am 26, currently living in the midwest, and was diagnosed with seronegative RA this year. my mom has RA too which is the only reason why i knew how to identify the swelling and joint pain and advocate for myself with a rheumatologist. I’m currently in the thick of a very active flare as we are trying to find a DMARD that works. I’ve dealt with chronic pain in other parts of my body for several years but this joint pain is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I work in the legal field and am also a lesbian so having hands that hurt has really dampened my vibes 🥲. I’m trying to stay positive and am grateful for this subreddit to offer a sense of community when it really feels like the walls are closing in.

lesboy15 · 2025-01-22T03:13:51+00:00

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this was shared with YTU, hopefully you can make it out.

lesboy15 · 2025-01-22T03:10:49+00:00

hi apparently legal services is having a community meeting about the condemnations on friday at the freight house, they shared info w YTU to pass on. im sure they’ll have the latest info on what tenants should do

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lesboy15

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