Guest guest Posted January 31, 2002 Report Share Posted January 31, 2002 Howdy Tessi, Welcome to one of the best groups on the net. Our moderators are very knowledgeable and super compassionate. If you have any questions, just ask and they usually have the answer or a link to get the answer. If for some unknown reason they cannot, that is where we come in. This is a safe place to learn, ask questions, vent and just enjoy good friendship. **Remember that we serve Whine and Cheese everyday, with no limit on Whine**. Hope you enjoy your time here as much as we will enjoy getting to know you. Gentle, tender, getting to know you angel hugs Debs in FL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2002 Report Share Posted January 31, 2002 Welcome to our group Tess. You have came to the right place for great friendship. They will listen to you and try to answer any question you might have. My name is Becky; age 59; married 2nd time 28 yrs; have 1 daughter who is married and has 1 boy 20 yrs. and 1 girl 17 yrs.; also 1 stepson 37 who also is married with 1 stepdaughter 17 yrs. and our youngest grandson of 9yrs. We live in the deep south, MIssissippi. I'm on disability for r2 yrs. and my husband Ray is retired. I have had RA since 1997 but it didn't get me down until July 1998. Discovered breast cancer in April of 2000, with a mestectomy of left breast on May 9th, followed with 8 chemo treatments, lost all my hair, but it has grown back now. In Dec. 2000 after finishing the chemo I again had a bad flare of the RA, which took me until spring to get mobile again. I too am on Remicade, will have my 5th treatment Feb. 8th., I believe it is really helping and so far I've had no side effects that I'm aware of. Again welcome, Be Blessed,Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2002 Report Share Posted January 31, 2002 Welcome, Tess! I'm sorry you have so many health problems, but I believe you will find people here who will understand. We also have several members who live in your general area. Wish we weren't all so spread out! Our group has been kind of quiet lately, but I have high hopes that we can get back to normal soon. Glad you found us, > Hi, My name is Tess, and I have RA, Psoriatic Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, > Type 2 Diabetes, and several other lovely conditions! I'm currently > rather cooped up in my home due to mobility issues. I'm 50, and have a > youthful spirit if nothing else. > > I just started Remicade last week, and hoping for steady progress. > > I live in the beautiful Pacific NW, about 60 miles from the ocean. I am > single, have 4 grown children and two grandchildren. > > Hope to get to know some folks...this is a rather lonely time. My kids > are wonderful, but, of course, have their own busy lives. > > With Hope for Friendship & Health.... > > Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2002 Report Share Posted January 31, 2002 Welcome Tess...I am sure you will like this group. Can't wait to get to know you better..... Colleen >From: Tess_St_Pierre@... >Reply- > >Subject: [ ] New Member >Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002 14:25:21 -0800 (PST) > >Hi, My name is Tess, and I have RA, Psoriatic Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, >Type 2 Diabetes, and several other lovely conditions! I'm currently >rather cooped up in my home due to mobility issues. I'm 50, and have a >youthful spirit if nothing else. > >I just started Remicade last week, and hoping for steady progress. > >I live in the beautiful Pacific NW, about 60 miles from the ocean. I am >single, have 4 grown children and two grandchildren. > >Hope to get to know some folks...this is a rather lonely time. My kids >are wonderful, but, of course, have their own busy lives. > >With Hope for Friendship & Health.... > >Tess > > Check out my website at: http://www.geocities.com/callyanne21/ _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2002 Report Share Posted January 31, 2002 welcome tess!! i'm kathy 42, i have ra, borderline diabetic, glaucoma, ulcer. i am a widow and have an 18 yr old son living with me. (who has had the flu all week!!) he made it to school about 3 hrs yesterday. we woke up to about 8 " of snow this morning, him coughing. i made him stay again today because i do not want to have to venture out to get him at school today. well better go start shoveling!!! kathy in il Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2002 Report Share Posted February 3, 2002 --- Tess_St_Pierre@... wrote: > Hi, My name is Tess, and I have RA, Psoriatic > Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, > Type 2 Diabetes, and several other lovely > conditions! I'm currently > rather cooped up in my home due to mobility issues. > I'm 50, and have a > youthful spirit if nothing else. > > I just started Remicade last week, and hoping for > steady progress. > > I live in the beautiful Pacific NW, about 60 miles > from the ocean. I am > single, have 4 grown children and two grandchildren. > > Hope to get to know some folks...this is a rather > lonely time. My kids > are wonderful, but, of course, have their own busy > lives. > > With Hope for Friendship & Health.... > > Tess > > Hello Tess....My name is Joyce...I also have RA and I am 33 years old. I understand about looking for friends and health. I have not figured out how to use this support group...I recieved a reply once from someone which was very comforting. I have no idea what I did wrong. I hope you find some good support in this group...I enjoy reading the stories of strength from the group members. Sometimes when I think I can't take anymore and I read some stories and realize I can keep going....I will say some prayers for you as I do for all and hope that you are blessed and enriched in your life everyday. God Bless...Joyce > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2002 Report Share Posted February 3, 2002 Dear Joyce....Welcome!!! I " m so glad you're reaching out to others who share a similar journey. It is wonderful not to have to do this alone! Thank you for your kind words & prayers. You shall be in my prayers as well. With Hope... Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2002 Report Share Posted April 6, 2002 Hi everyone: I joined this group this evening to ask for some help. Ill give some brief info ...I have scleroderma/lupus and was diagnosed three years ago, at the time I was told told by my rheumy ...educate yourself as much as possible because no person will take as good care of you as you....so I try....now to my question recently my sister-in-law was diagnosed with RA....she lives in Yonkers, New York and has spent much money calling me in Oklahoma with a zillion questions, I have tried to help as much as possible. I suggested she find a support group in her local area, because I have found that usually when you attend you find many people with alot of insight. She has no idea how to find a local support group in that area. Can anyone help me lead her in the right direction? I would appreciate anyones help in this matter.....Thank you in advance...Kathi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2002 Report Share Posted April 6, 2002 Hi Kathi, She can go to http://www.arthritis.org/ <http://www.arthritis.org/> , which is the Arthritis Foundation, and they have a section about contacting your local chapter. They are the best source I know of for finding support groups. Carol in FL [ ] RE: New Member Hi everyone: I joined this group this evening to ask for some help. Ill give some brief info ...I have scleroderma/lupus and was diagnosed three years ago, at the time I was told told by my rheumy ...educate yourself as much as possible because no person will take as good care of you as you....so I try....now to my question recently my sister-in-law was diagnosed with RA....she lives in Yonkers, New York and has spent much money calling me in Oklahoma with a zillion questions, I have tried to help as much as possible. I suggested she find a support group in her local area, because I have found that usually when you attend you find many people with alot of insight. She has no idea how to find a local support group in that area. Can anyone help me lead her in the right direction? I would appreciate anyones help in this matter.....Thank you in advance...Kathi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2002 Report Share Posted May 9, 2002 -Hi . Welcome. So sorry about your dx, but you are in good company here. I'm very new to this group myself, but unfortunately, not so new to RA. I'm lucky that I have the single dx, but many here have multiple problems as well. -I like rawatch.com, arthritistrust.org, and of course the Arthritis Foundation.. And healthtalk.com/rain/..there is an online program there on May 23, 7-9pm EDT . Should be some good info for you. Very glad to meet you. So good to hear that someone has a supportive employer! They are a rare commodity these days. Cris in Ohio Hope you f>-- In @y..., " Schmidt " <karenanne_71@h...> wrote: > Hi! I'm new here, and new to RA too. I was diagnosed about a month ago. > I'm 30 years old, a graduate student and I work full-time. I'm a program > analyst for a consulting company - luckily they've been really great about > all of this. We are contracted to support CDCs AIDS research, so most of > what I do involves reviewing data from sites throughout the country, meaning > that my schedule can be easily flexed. This has been an absolute > life-saver. > > I've been symptomatic for about a year. However, diagnosis was complicated > by the fact that I had a lot of other undiagnosed and uncontrolled problems. > I've known that I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis for several years, but when > I started to have problems, my thyroid levels were a little out of whack. I > had tons of tests, but it wasn't until a month ago that I was given any > diagnoses. Then I was told that I have pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency), > psoriasis, and RA. The RA diagnosis came as a complete surprise. > > At this point, I'm taking prednisone and methotrexate for the RA. I just > took my second dose of Methotrexate on Tuesday - does anyone have any hints > for dealing with the nausea? I felt like I was going to throw up for 24 > hours after taking the pills. Today, I feel a little better, just really > tired. > > I ordered a few books about RA, and I'm looking for whatever information or > advice is available. If anyone has any hints or suggestions, or knows of > any good resource materials, that would be great. I'm a little overwhelmed > right now and I thought it would be nice to hear from some people who are > already dealing with RA. > > Thanks - > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Join the world's largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. > http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2002 Report Share Posted May 9, 2002 I just took my second dose of Methotrexate on Tuesday - does anyone have any hints for dealing with the nausea? *************************************************************** Welcome , I too dreaded taking my meds cuz I got so sick, sometimes to the point of skipping them. I switched over to injections about a year ago, and got more out of the meds and no more upset stomach. I figure a shot is not too pleasant, but over quickly. Penny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2002 Report Share Posted May 10, 2002 Welcome . I am very curious about your diagnosis of RA because of having psoriasis. There is another type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis (PA) that is very similar to RA. For over 20 years I was told I had RA, but a new doctor suspects I may have PA. After researching it I don't think I have either. I have some type of inflammatory arthritis, but it has not affected my hands in over 25 years and in both types the small bones are usually the first things affected. When someone has psoriasis, PA is usually diagnosed. They are similar in symptoms but PA can affect the fingernails and has the classic sausage digit. Both are treated the same, so some doctors would say it doesn't make a difference what they call it. I'm just curious as to why RA is diagnosed instead of PA. I was on oral mtx and it upset my stomach and gave me diarrhea. I put up with it for about 3 months and had to discontinue it. When I took it by injections, my stomach was not affected although in a small number of people, even injections can cause stomach upset. Some people on oral will have the side effects lessen with time. Are you taking folic acid? That is usually prescribed in conjunction with mtx. Learning as much as you can about these rheumatic diseases is your best defense. There is a wealth of information online. I have listed some of the best sites on a webpage: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/links.htm This link is at the bottom of each email. It can be overwhelming. Just take it one day at a time. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. a On Thursday, May 9, 2002, at 06:40 AM, Schmidt wrote: > Hi! I'm new here, and new to RA too. I was diagnosed about a month ago. > I'm 30 years old, a graduate student and I work full-time. I'm a > program > analyst for a consulting company - luckily they've been really great > about > all of this. We are contracted to support CDCs AIDS research, so most > of > what I do involves reviewing data from sites throughout the country, > meaning > that my schedule can be easily flexed. This has been an absolute > life-saver. > > I've been symptomatic for about a year. However, diagnosis was > complicated > by the fact that I had a lot of other undiagnosed and uncontrolled > problems. > I've known that I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis for several years, but > when > I started to have problems, my thyroid levels were a little out of > whack. I > had tons of tests, but it wasn't until a month ago that I was given any > diagnoses. Then I was told that I have pernicious anemia (B12 > deficiency), > psoriasis, and RA. The RA diagnosis came as a complete surprise. > > At this point, I'm taking prednisone and methotrexate for the RA. I > just > took my second dose of Methotrexate on Tuesday - does anyone have any > hints > for dealing with the nausea? I felt like I was going to throw up for 24 > hours after taking the pills. Today, I feel a little better, just > really > tired. > > I ordered a few books about RA, and I'm looking for whatever > information or > advice is available. If anyone has any hints or suggestions, or knows > of > any good resource materials, that would be great. I'm a little > overwhelmed > right now and I thought it would be nice to hear from some people who > are > already dealing with RA. > > Thanks - > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Join the worldÃs largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. > http://www.hotmail.com > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2002 Report Share Posted May 10, 2002 Hi a - Thanks for the response and the website. My RD says its RA because the rheumatoid factor was positive (and very high), and my symptoms are fairly classic for RA. I have symmettrical joint problems. Currently I have problems with my hands, wrists, ankles, feet, knees, shoulders, neck, hips, elbows and jaw (my sed rate was ridiculous). My hands and ankles give me the most trouble. I'm currently taking methotrexate and prednisone. I need to talk to the doctor about folic acid and calcium. I don't have the typical nail and finger characteristics for PA. It was certainly considered for a while, but the doctor decided RA. I currently work full-time, and luckily my job is pretty relaxed and sedentary. The only work problem I'm currently having aside from feeling rotten is writing and typing. But, luckily, typing isn't too bad. Thank God for spell-check (lol). Thanks again - >From: a <paula54@...> >Reply- > >Subject: Re: [ ] New Member >Date: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:27:40 -0400 > >Welcome . I am very curious about your diagnosis of RA because of >having >psoriasis. There is another type of arthritis called psoriatic >arthritis (PA) that is >very similar to RA. For over 20 years I was told I had RA, but a new >doctor suspects >I may have PA. After researching it I don't think I have either. I >have some type of >inflammatory arthritis, but it has not affected my hands in over 25 >years and in both >types the small bones are usually the first things affected. When >someone has psoriasis, >PA is usually diagnosed. They are similar in symptoms but PA can affect >the fingernails >and has the classic sausage digit. Both are treated the same, so some >doctors would >say it doesn't make a difference what they call it. I'm just curious >as to why RA is >diagnosed instead of PA. > >I was on oral mtx and it upset my stomach and gave me diarrhea. I put >up with it for about >3 months and had to discontinue it. When I took it by injections, my >stomach was not >affected although in a small number of people, even injections can cause >stomach >upset. Some people on oral will have the side effects lessen with >time. Are you taking >folic acid? That is usually prescribed in conjunction with mtx. > >Learning as much as you can about these rheumatic diseases is your best >defense. There is >a wealth of information online. I have listed some of the best sites on >a webpage: > >http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/links.htm > >This link is at the bottom of each email. It can be overwhelming. Just >take it one day at a time. >Feel free to ask any questions you may have. >a > > > > >On Thursday, May 9, 2002, at 06:40 AM, Schmidt wrote: > > > Hi! I'm new here, and new to RA too. I was diagnosed about a month ago. > > I'm 30 years old, a graduate student and I work full-time. I'm a > > program > > analyst for a consulting company - luckily they've been really great > > about > > all of this. We are contracted to support CDCs AIDS research, so most > > of > > what I do involves reviewing data from sites throughout the country, > > meaning > > that my schedule can be easily flexed. This has been an absolute > > life-saver. > > > > I've been symptomatic for about a year. However, diagnosis was > > complicated > > by the fact that I had a lot of other undiagnosed and uncontrolled > > problems. > > I've known that I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis for several years, but > > when > > I started to have problems, my thyroid levels were a little out of > > whack. I > > had tons of tests, but it wasn't until a month ago that I was given any > > diagnoses. Then I was told that I have pernicious anemia (B12 > > deficiency), > > psoriasis, and RA. The RA diagnosis came as a complete surprise. > > > > At this point, I'm taking prednisone and methotrexate for the RA. I > > just > > took my second dose of Methotrexate on Tuesday - does anyone have any > > hints > > for dealing with the nausea? I felt like I was going to throw up for 24 > > hours after taking the pills. Today, I feel a little better, just > > really > > tired. > > > > I ordered a few books about RA, and I'm looking for whatever > > information or > > advice is available. If anyone has any hints or suggestions, or knows > > of > > any good resource materials, that would be great. I'm a little > > overwhelmed > > right now and I thought it would be nice to hear from some people who > > are > > already dealing with RA. > > > > Thanks - > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Join the worldÃs largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. > > http://www.hotmail.com > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2002 Report Share Posted May 11, 2002 Hi , Sorry to hear about your health problems. I'm relatively newly diagnosed (as of end of January) and also on methotrexate. I was also on prednisone till my last appointment 2 weeks ago. Now I'm taking Vioxx in addition to methotrexate. I was so scared to take the methotrexate that I waited 5 days before starting it when it was first prescribed. I had heard it could cause nausea and didn't want to miss any work if I had that reaction, so I didn't want to start taking it 'til Friday night. The prednisone, by itself, in just 4 short hours, made me feel like a new person! For the next 5 days I didn't want to start taking the methotrexate at all! However, I was assured I couldn't stay on the Prednisone for very long due to all its side effects. I also started taking folic acid at the same time. When that first Friday rolled around, I took the first dose of methotrexate (at that time 7.5 mg) with my supper. I had stocked up on Imodium A-D just in case. My co-worker, who was treated for cancer, swears it helped with the nausea during her chemo. So far I haven't had any side effects, no nausea. I'm now taking 10 mg and still no side effects that I'm aware of. What dosage are you taking? When are you taking it? Are you taking it with food and are you taking folic acid too? Sorry for your diagnosis, but nice to meet you. As far as learning as much as you can, and a are fountains of information, as are the members of this group! I found several good books in my library. One is " Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis " by Tammi L. Shlotzhauer, MD and L. McGuire, MD. I've found that regular exercise is very beneficial. I go to the gym every morning before work. I use the low impact aerobic equipment, the pool and the hot tub. This regime has been a life saver for me. But in the long run, this disease seems to be very individual and everyone seems to be affected differently. Suzanne [ ] New Member > Hi! I'm new here, and new to RA too. I was diagnosed about a month ago. > I'm 30 years old, a graduate student and I work full-time. I'm a program > analyst for a consulting company - luckily they've been really great about > all of this. We are contracted to support CDCs AIDS research, so most of > what I do involves reviewing data from sites throughout the country, meaning > that my schedule can be easily flexed. This has been an absolute > life-saver. > > I've been symptomatic for about a year. However, diagnosis was complicated > by the fact that I had a lot of other undiagnosed and uncontrolled problems. > I've known that I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis for several years, but when > I started to have problems, my thyroid levels were a little out of whack. I > had tons of tests, but it wasn't until a month ago that I was given any > diagnoses. Then I was told that I have pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency), > psoriasis, and RA. The RA diagnosis came as a complete surprise. > > At this point, I'm taking prednisone and methotrexate for the RA. I just > took my second dose of Methotrexate on Tuesday - does anyone have any hints > for dealing with the nausea? I felt like I was going to throw up for 24 > hours after taking the pills. Today, I feel a little better, just really > tired. > > I ordered a few books about RA, and I'm looking for whatever information or > advice is available. If anyone has any hints or suggestions, or knows of > any good resource materials, that would be great. I'm a little overwhelmed > right now and I thought it would be nice to hear from some people who are > already dealing with RA. > > Thanks - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2002 Report Share Posted May 11, 2002 /a, I'm not familiar with the typical nail and finger characteristics for PA you have both referred to. Can you tell me more? Thanks, Suzanne Re: [ ] New Member > >Date: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:27:40 -0400 > > > >Welcome . I am very curious about your diagnosis of RA because of > >having > >psoriasis. There is another type of arthritis called psoriatic > >arthritis (PA) that is > >very similar to RA. For over 20 years I was told I had RA, but a new > >doctor suspects > >I may have PA. After researching it I don't think I have either. I > >have some type of > >inflammatory arthritis, but it has not affected my hands in over 25 > >years and in both > >types the small bones are usually the first things affected. When > >someone has psoriasis, > >PA is usually diagnosed. They are similar in symptoms but PA can affect > >the fingernails > >and has the classic sausage digit. Both are treated the same, so some > >doctors would > >say it doesn't make a difference what they call it. I'm just curious > >as to why RA is > >diagnosed instead of PA. > > > >I was on oral mtx and it upset my stomach and gave me diarrhea. I put > >up with it for about > >3 months and had to discontinue it. When I took it by injections, my > >stomach was not > >affected although in a small number of people, even injections can cause > >stomach > >upset. Some people on oral will have the side effects lessen with > >time. Are you taking > >folic acid? That is usually prescribed in conjunction with mtx. > > > >Learning as much as you can about these rheumatic diseases is your best > >defense. There is > >a wealth of information online. I have listed some of the best sites on > >a webpage: > > > >http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/links.htm > > > >This link is at the bottom of each email. It can be overwhelming. Just > >take it one day at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2002 Report Share Posted May 13, 2002 Hi Suzanne - Thanks for your reply. I'm taking 7.5 mg of methotrexate on Tuesday evenings. I'm hoping that I'll get used to it, but right now its pretty awful. I'm not taking any folic acid, but I will ask my rheumatologist about it. Also, I'll try taking it after eating, maybe that will help. Thanks - >From: " Suzanne " <suzshay@...> >Reply- >< > >Subject: Re: [ ] New Member >Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 21:03:26 -0500 > >Hi , > >Sorry to hear about your health problems. I'm relatively newly diagnosed >(as of end of January) and also on methotrexate. I was also on prednisone >till my last appointment 2 weeks ago. Now I'm taking Vioxx in addition to >methotrexate. I was so scared to take the methotrexate that I waited 5 >days >before starting it when it was first prescribed. I had heard it could >cause >nausea and didn't want to miss any work if I had that reaction, so I didn't >want to start taking it 'til Friday night. The prednisone, by itself, in >just 4 short hours, made me feel like a new person! For the next 5 days I >didn't want to start taking the methotrexate at all! However, I was assured >I couldn't stay on the Prednisone for very long due to all its side >effects. >I also started taking folic acid at the same time. When that first Friday >rolled around, I took the first dose of methotrexate (at that time 7.5 mg) >with my supper. I had stocked up on Imodium A-D just in case. My >co-worker, who was treated for cancer, swears it helped with the nausea >during her chemo. So far I haven't had any side effects, no nausea. I'm >now taking 10 mg and still no side effects that I'm aware of. What dosage >are you taking? When are you taking it? Are you taking it with food and are >you taking folic acid too? > >Sorry for your diagnosis, but nice to meet you. > >As far as learning as much as you can, and a are fountains of >information, as are the members of this group! I found several good books >in my library. One is " Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis " by Tammi L. >Shlotzhauer, MD and L. McGuire, MD. > >I've found that regular exercise is very beneficial. I go to the gym every >morning before work. I use the low impact aerobic equipment, the pool and >the hot tub. This regime has been a life saver for me. > >But in the long run, this disease seems to be very individual and everyone >seems to be affected differently. > >Suzanne > > > [ ] New Member > > > > Hi! I'm new here, and new to RA too. I was diagnosed about a month ago. > > I'm 30 years old, a graduate student and I work full-time. I'm a >program > > analyst for a consulting company - luckily they've been really great >about > > all of this. We are contracted to support CDCs AIDS research, so most >of > > what I do involves reviewing data from sites throughout the country, >meaning > > that my schedule can be easily flexed. This has been an absolute > > life-saver. > > > > I've been symptomatic for about a year. However, diagnosis was >complicated > > by the fact that I had a lot of other undiagnosed and uncontrolled >problems. > > I've known that I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis for several years, but >when > > I started to have problems, my thyroid levels were a little out of >whack. >I > > had tons of tests, but it wasn't until a month ago that I was given any > > diagnoses. Then I was told that I have pernicious anemia (B12 >deficiency), > > psoriasis, and RA. The RA diagnosis came as a complete surprise. > > > > At this point, I'm taking prednisone and methotrexate for the RA. I >just > > took my second dose of Methotrexate on Tuesday - does anyone have any >hints > > for dealing with the nausea? I felt like I was going to throw up for 24 > > hours after taking the pills. Today, I feel a little better, just >really > > tired. > > > > I ordered a few books about RA, and I'm looking for whatever information >or > > advice is available. If anyone has any hints or suggestions, or knows >of > > any good resource materials, that would be great. I'm a little >overwhelmed > > right now and I thought it would be nice to hear from some people who >are > > already dealing with RA. > > > > Thanks - > > _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2002 Report Share Posted May 20, 2002 Hi Bridgette, What part of Maine do you live in? Before I moved to Florida in 1980, we lived in Sebago Lake, Maine for several years. Pretty place; winters were too cold! I was born in NH, lived a number of years in the White Mountains of NH after I was married. Nothing prepared me for the Maine climate!! Are you being treated by a rheumatologist? I did a quick search for rheumatologists with 's link. Not too many names popped up in Maine. Tons popped up when I tried Boston. Suzanne [ ] New Member > Hello all... > New memeber to the RA Support, but not new the the condition. I have > had this now for 2 years, and so glad to see that there is a support > system where as I do not need to leave the house, as it is hard for > me at times. I am curious as to what you all are going through, > wondering if it is the same as myself. I have been on the same meds, > Celebrex, Prednesone, Mobic. You name it I have been on it. Nothing > seems to be working for me. I am also wondering if there is anyone in > or around my area. I am in the State of Maine.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 Dear ...Welcome to this wonderful group where there is much kindness, much information, and much support. Depending on the type of arthritis, pain can bounce around most anywhere. I hope you get more answers soon, and a treatment plan/meds that work for you. It can be a lengthy process, so if you get discouraged, please speak up about it. God bless you & your son. With Hope... Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 >From: " barrypatch " <nbarry@...> <I get tired of whiny, but gosh it hurts and is very painful. I am so glad the intro to this group said we can whine! > Hi - I an new to this list just this week myself. I too was SO happy to see that the intro said we could whine. I am new at all of this & will be seeing my 1st rheumatologist in 2 weeks. There is alot to learn and absorb for me. I'm glad everyone has been so supportive. I dont want to sound whiny myself (and I sure dont think you did) but from what I've read, this is the place we can do so. Glad you are here! Blessings, C. _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 Hi … there are other drugs like mobicox which is a 3rd generation cox 2…there is bextra which is new to the market..and I am sure other drugs the group can recommend u try… you did not say what type of arthritis you have and I do believe there are well over 130 types if not more of arthritis..could you be more specific as to your blood test results findings…was your RA factor negative or positive..your sed rate..ANA etc… the vioxx was like sandpaper in my veins…I have an allergy to sulpha but easily navigated the celebrex for awhile and it was like silk until strange things happened to the viscosity of my body fluids so I came off it… arthritis can affect all the joints in your body…but is it OA you have or RA or sero negative ra or so many of the other types??? thanks Sincerely Sam [ ] New member Hi: I just joined your group and was so thankful to find it. I was diagnosed with arthritis in my finger and knuckle joint a few months ago. My middle finger hurt when I griped something, turned a door knob, etc.... I mentioned it to my doctor when I was seeing her for something else. I went through a battery of tests and they decided on bone spurs and arthritis. The physiatrist could feel the bone spurs in my knuckle joint. They wrote a prescription for Celebrex. Before I got it filled, I read about it and discovered I couldn't take it. I am allergic to sulfa drugs and break out in hives really bad. I can't take Vioxx because it raises my blood pressure. I really thought I could live without the meds, use the ring splint the OT got me and life would be good. Now, I am having horrible pain in my thumb on the same hand. The source seems to be in the fleshy part between the thumb and my index finger. I go back to the doctor in two weeks, but I am going to call and see if I can get in quicker. The OT suggested a paraffin wax machine, which I did buy and finally used tonight. It made my whole hand feel good, but the pain is creeping back. Is this normal (or whatever you want to call it) for arthritis pain to affect more than one spot on your hand? I am right handed and I am candle maker which requires the use of my right hand a lot. I get tired of whiny, but gosh it hurts and is very painful. I am so glad the intro to this group said we can whine! I am not shy at all, so feel free to ask me anything you think would help me. I am 44 and am a single parent to a 14 year old son with a connective tissue condition, it is progressive. deals with joint pain and severe visual impairment as a result of that. I tend to whine and complain much more than he does. LOL Thanks for letting me join, I look forward to getting to know all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 hi nancy, i'm kathy 42. i have had those same problems with my hands. i know how you feel. the knuckle part is in my left hand. but i did experience pain, (in different areas) burning tingling. i did all the drugs therapies and ended up having carpal tunnel release, which did brin me some relief. i remember when it first happened i was turning a door knob. i am also allergic to sulfa. there are many other drugs to try and hopefully one will work for you. kathy in il Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 Hi Sam: I have osteoarthritis. My hand/thumb pain was so bad I couldn't sleep last night. I went to the walk-in clinic, he mentioned Bextra, but then found out it has sulfpha in it. He gave me a sample of Relafen and told me to follow up with my doctor. He doesn't know exactly what is wrong. He mentioned tendonitis and all the ligaments that are in that area. He said to rest it, use heat and take the Relafen. So, I don't know much more than I did. He was concerned about my overuse of the hand pouring candles, so I am laying off of that for a while until I can get the inflammation and pain to go away. This can get so depressing because the pain is so severe and I get tired of not being able to do things. I really appreciate this group already, it makes me feel better to know there are others that understand. Thanks. there are other drugs like mobicox which is a 3rd generation cox 2.there is bextra which is new to the market..and I am sure other drugs the group can recommend u try. you did not say what type of arthritis you have and I do believe there are well over 130 types if not more of arthritis..could you be more specific as to your blood test results findings.was your RA factor negative or positive..your sed rate..ANA etc. the vioxx was like sandpaper in my veins.I have an allergy to sulpha but easily navigated the celebrex for awhile and it was like silk until strange things happened to the viscosity of my body fluids so I came off it. arthritis can affect all the joints in your body.but is it OA you have or RA or sero negative ra or so many of the other types??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 thanks nancy. nice to meet you too. were in il are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2002 Report Share Posted May 30, 2002 Kathy: I am in Illinois, also. The pain in my middle finger is only felt when I grasp something without thinking. The pain around my thumb is constant. I am going to hold off on the candle making and see if that provides relief. I have such a terrible time with meds, I am taking the Relafen before I go to bed in case I have trouble with my stomach. I have the pain and the tingling so far. I look forward to the burning. Not (as my 14 year old would say). Nice to meet you, glad you had some relief. http://www.pierrerobin.org > hi nancy, i'm kathy 42. i have had those same problems with my hands. i know > how you feel. the knuckle part is in my left hand. but i did experience pain, > (in different areas) burning tingling. i did all the drugs therapies and > ended up having carpal tunnel release, which did brin me some relief. i > remember when it first happened i was turning a door knob. i am also allergic > to sulfa. there are many other drugs to try and hopefully one will work for > you. kathy in il Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2002 Report Share Posted May 30, 2002 I am in west central Illinois near Quincy, right on the Mississippi River, home of the 93 flood. > thanks nancy. nice to meet you too. were in il are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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