REactive Arthritis and other health issues connected

May 28, 2011

Hi,

Im 38,female and was diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis in Sept 2008 and since

then it just seems like i'm fighting a losing battle,most joints have been

affected,I seem to have flares constantly, most days I cant even walk because of

immflamtion and pain in my knees,ankles and feet,I have several sausage and

hammer toes and have boutonniere deformity in three of my fingers. Also I have

keratoderma blennorrhagica on the soles of my feet and psoriasis on hands,groin,

feet,chest and in my scalp.I regularly have cysts in my eyes. I have been taking

methotrexate 22.5mg for about 2years, also i am currently taking sulfasalazine

2000mg daily,Nexium 80mg daily, dihydrocodeine, paracetamol,folic acidand

domperidome. In the last year I have developed palpitations and chest pain,was

told I have an epotopic begign arythmia. Also I have been having a lot of

stomach problems, after seeing GI spec and several undignified examinations and

tests I was told I also have Proctitis and acute gastritis. I am still waiting

for some biopsy results on samples taken from colon.Does anyone know if these

stomach and chest problems are linked to ReA or could it be completely seperate

Has anyone else had this. I feel like i'm back to square one with added

complications, is there no end to what this disease can do to you, I'm at my

witsend. I understand there are many people who suffer from this but I feel so

alone, people don't seem to understand how much something like this can affect

your life. I'm a single mum with for young children and sometimes life just

seems too unbearable. I have become quite depressed by all this and have

contemplated suicide several times, the only thing that seems to stop me is my

four beautiful children, I couldnt do that to them. Im sorry about the moaning,

I have nobody I can really talk to, I don't want my children to be burdened with

this,I cant really talk to my family as they all have their own problems and I

get the impression that they think Im playing it up, if only. I dont really have

what you would call a good support base. When I speak to people about this who

have no idea what its like, they seem to think in some kind of hypocondriac. I

feel like im being punished. I cant see any light at the end of the tunnel,

things seem to go from bad to worse. I feel silly sometimes bacause there are a

lot of people out ther who are far worse off than myself, however most days it

doesnt feel that way. Any advice or opinions would be gratefully recieved.

Thankyou.

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