RE: [SPAM] I Have Severe RA & A Question To Ask

[Guest guest]

I think the commercials show the best outcome

instead of the average or poor outcome. After all, they are designed to sell a

product rather than to provide complete information about that product. They

have to say something about the possible poorer outcomes but usually that is

said very rapidly in a lower voice so it is easy to miss. Commercials for a

cereal never say how many kids don’t like them but do show kids who act

like they are starved (or finishing it so they can get to dessert). We should

not expect any difference with other commercials. God bless.

From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Barbara

Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2007 3:34

PM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: [sPAM]

I Have Severe RA & A Question To Ask

Hi everyone. My name is Barbara. I'm 41 years old. I

was diagnosed

with RA 6 years ago (I still work full time). My RA is severe. I

have good days & bad days.

I take Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Naprosyn, Darvocet, Medrol & Folic

Acid. So far, that combo seems to be working & I haven't had any

major side affects from the medication. My rheumatologist is

considering adding Remicade because the xrays of my wrists show

arthritic erosion, so he wants me to get them xrayed every 6 months

to watch for any changes. Right away I thought...oh great, more

medication.

I see the commercials on tv for various RA meds showing people who

have severe RA & couldn't do " anything " before taking the

advertised

medication. They took this miracle drug & now they can go water

skiing and get on their knees to do gardening. First of all, water

skiing is out of the question for me as I cannot swim. If I could do

that before my RA diagnosis, I definitely could not do that now &

would probably end up at the local E/R from excruciating pain in

every joint of my body. I cannot get on my knees with my RA, so I

cannot imagine one with severe RA able to do gardening on their knees

& to be out in the direct sunlight for an extended time period.

When I go to church, I cannot kneel to pray so I position myself on

the edge of the pew to " kneel " as best as I can. Of course I am

speaking from my own experience with my severe RA. Is it me or does

it seem like the people in these commercials advertising these

(expensive) RA drugs that the activities they're able to do since

taking that medication are somewhat unrealistic?

If anyone here is on the combo of Methotrexate & Remicade, please let

me know how that is working for you. I would appreciate any advice.

Best wishes to all of you for a pain free day,

Barbara

email: ash_belle