Northern California Connect Group

Hi,

The Bay Area/Oakland Connect Group meets virtually the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. This coming month will be a Virtual Group Social. Register at the Arthritis Foundation Connect Group Page.

We also wanted to send out a reminder for the upcoming events for the Arthritis Foundation:

• 7/24/25 Webinar: Movement with Arthritis
• 8/28/25 Webinar: Managing Pain Beyond Medication
• 9/6/25 California Coast Classic Bike Tour (in person)

Hi  everyone,

I see that there has not been much activity here for a while, but if anyone is listening, I could use some advice on getting good care for hip osteoarthritis via Kaiser -- which I don't feel I'm getting now -- or where to get treatments outside of Kaiser. I'm on Medicare Advantage.

Thanks,
Jan

Hi All!  

I have not had someone come into my house to do housekeeping since the pandemic (on immunosuppressants). I injured my arm doing vacuuming in 2020.  I have iRobot machines to clean the floors now. :)   I wondered if anyone in this group knows of a housecleaning service that is williing to wear N95 masks and show proof of vaccination?

Thanks,
Anne

Hi Oakland / Bay Area group!

We've been hearing that some people aren't receiving messages sent through the Live Yes Connect Group site, so I am pasting the Zoom link here for our event this Sunday: East West and Me: A Physician's Perspective Discussion with Dr. Beth Biggee.

Please RSVP on our Connect Group page if you are interested in attending.

Here is the Zoom link if you did not receive the email:  https://arthritisfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oc-Ctqz4oEtBOm6tCQX27W5ltDwwIIhhQ

See you on Sunday!

Hello!  I'm so glad I received an email and found this group.  I don't use Social Media and finding this group is a gift!  I signed up for the joint event in November with the physician presentation.

Looking forward to getting to know you all.  

Hello!  I'm so glad I received an email and found this group.  I don't use Social Media and finding this group is a gift!  I signed up for the joint event in November with the physician presentation.

Looking forward to getting to know you all.  

Can anyone tell me why 9.7 is considered high CCP level when everything I have read states 20 is a high level? My RF factor is high 156 but CCP is 9.7 and all other blood tests are normal. I have swollen joints and other signs of RA but wondering if it could be something else? Taking Hydroxychloroquine and my doctor wants to put me on mtx which I don't want to do if I can manage on Hydroxychloroquine. He scares me when he tellls me the RA will attack my organs if I don't take it. Anyone in this group who has lived with this disease for awhile can enlighten me I would appreciate it!

Hello fellow warriors,

Is this group still facilitated?   I was hoping to find robust discussion & networking; dealing with a chronic condition in isolatoin is so challenging!   I've yearned for a local support group for years....anyone else?

Best,

Jennifer (SF)

Hello :)

I used to be fairly active, then started having joint pain in 2019, age 38. My PCP ran bloodwork, but the only thing that shows up sometimes is slightly increased inflammation. She referred me to a rheumatologist in Sept and my bloodwork tests were “reassuringly normal”. I’d like to find out what is causing the joint pain so that it can be treated / not get worse. My mom was diagnosed with RA at 56 and has a finger she cannot bend :(

In an arthritis group, two tests were mentioned that I haven’t had yet: Protein 14-3-3η (Eta) test and Vectra test.

Does anyone have any experience with these? Does insurance in California ever cover these tests?

Thanks!

Jessica

Hi Erin,

Thanks for starting this group. I am new to the group and to RA. I am in the larger Bay Area, but since all connections are virtual, I suppose that will work! I look forward to getting to know the group!

Alice

Hi All! I hope you all are doing well. My name is Eryn and I am the new facilitator for this group. This is a very new group and we are just getting it up and going. Thanks for joining! We are in the process of scheduling our first joint virtual event with other Bay Area Connect groups. Stay tuned for more information soon!

I have RA and I am now unable to get the Hydroxychloroquine that I have been prescribed by my doctor for the last 11 years. I take this in addition to Methotrexate and Prednisone (when needed for flares). The Hydroxychloroquine has helped lessen the severe flares and made them less frequent. My Doctor told me that I should start rationing the Plaquenil (Hydroxy) to make it last longer, because he can no longer prescribe it, due to the nationwide shortage. How can the government do this to people who need this medicine? I hope to raise awareness of this issue and stop the government from taking medicine from those who need it. Help!