Re:new to group and need advice

[Guest guest]

Hi Trish, Hi, Sorry for your situation. I have Psoriatic Arthritis as well as a liver problem due to autoimmune disease. They both are autoimmune diseases, as it RA. Our immune system turns on our body seeing it as something to fight off. Unfortunately it destroys joints, skin, liver, and other organs in the process. I'm sure you are aware of all this. My liver specialist insisted on immunizing me against pneumonia, flu, hepatitis, and whatever else he could poke me with. I thought it was too much at the time but now am glad after hearing your story. I am on Humira too. I had to take 2 weeks off because of a BAD sinus infection. But now am cleared up and will be getting my shots again this week. In the mean time, I am in a lot of pain. I use the only time remedy, ICE, it is my best friend. I grab whatever is handy in the freezer, also have ice packs, but make my own too. It takes down the

inflammation so quick. I also use Tramadol which works great. I try not to use any opiates whatsoever because of my liver, but somethings have to. Also, I'm on Celebrates non that the prednisone dose is low. I was on 40mg of pred. at one time because of the destruction of the liver but now have weaned to 3 mg a day. If you help it, don't use prednisone. It does work though if you are in desperate pain because it relieves the inflammation so well, but is weakens the immune system and causes a whole bunch of other problems. I hope this has helped. For short term, grab that ice, frozen veggies wrapped in a pillowcase or whatever you can find.. for every area that is hurting for at least 10-15 min.. at a time. put back in freezer and get again when needed. I could not stand it, if I didn't have my ice. I hope this helped. I f you want to write me off the board., my addy is judith_annky@.... I"ll try to be supportive as much as I can. I mostly hurt in my ankles, hips, hands and back.. meant to mention that. :-) JudyHave a Blessed Day! Judy

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