Re: Carol in FL..

[Guest guest]

I think, Carol, that only the strong ones are given disease such as ours.

Personally, I look at mine as a gift, to be able to see the world through

different eyes. Of course, I would prefer not to have this, but since I do,

I intend to take from it the good as well. But know, it took me a good 20

years to develop this attitude. This Spring marks my 20th anniversary. I was

13 and in the 7th grade when I looked down at my right knee and saw it

swollen. Of all places, I was sitting in PE with my best friend to my right.

We were in the small gym waiting to run the jaunt. That is like a mile or

something. I ran it, and it was the last time I did. Later on when the

arthritis really hit, I walked it. I had to. It was just one of those things

you have to do.

I am sure you have tried just about everything to make the pain subside, but

I will ask anyhow, have you tried any of those creams they have out there? I

actually had to put some on my shoulder a few mins ago. The stuff is called

Arth-Rx. I got it from my boyfriend's Mom. I really don't know if they make

it anymore or not, I've looked, and this stuff works! The first cream I have

ever found to work the way it has, and that is 20 years of looking. I've

checked the Internet as well and can't find any info on it. I will cry when

it is gone. It's a roll-on as well, which is perfect and doesn't stink.

Did you know that prednisone causes mood swings? That could be what's

causing your depression. I am on Paxil for depression and it has worked

miracles for me. But I also have depression in my family. Later on you might

want to go on an anti-depressant. They actually help with the pain as well.

What other drugs are you on? If you have any questions, please feel free to

ask.

I hope you can find some comfort today!

~Rainy

~*~Rainy~*~

rainysu@...

RE: Carol in FL.. Re: [ ] New Month/Week 1 Check-In April

6

> Rainy, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. And you always have such

a

> wonderful, inspiring attitude. My pain isn't quite that bad, I just can't

> get the pain to subside enough to get comfortable at all. The pain is

deep

> in the joints.like a burning toothache pain. I've only been diagnosed

for

> a couple of months, and I was doing so well last month. It is so scary to

> be in this much pain. And the depression after going through this since

> Monday is getting to be pretty bad (the prednisone isn't helping much,

> either). I told my husband that I was sorry he must endure this with me,

> and he was so sweet. He said that he cares about me, and knows how hard

it

> is for me right now, and wishes he could make it better. That meant so

much

> to me. I guess one of the bright spots in this situation is knowing how

> much we are loved.

>

> Thanks for the support!

> Carol in FL

[Guest guest]

Rainy, I understand what you're saying about this disease being a gift, and

I've gone through another experience where I know I've become a

stronger/better person for going through a hardship. I have so many fears

about the future, and I'm still going through a denial/grief phase. I've

actually had milder symptoms for almost 5 years, and only pursued it with my

Dr. when it really got intolerable. Twenty years of dealing with chronic

pain can either make you calloused and bitter, or stronger and more

compassionate. And, only pray that 20 years from now I will be the latter

as you are.

I have tried creams and I have some patches, too. But, I've never tried the

Arth-Rx. I will definitely look for it. I had some Biofreeze I've been

using, but I ran out. The chiropractor sells it, and I will definitely

stock up tomorrow. They make it in a roll-on, too!

Normally I am pretty upbeat and optimistic (some of my friends tease me

about how optimistic I am!), and I think the prednisone is much of the

problem right now. I've noticed for the past few months that coping with

pain and my fear of the future has made me somewhat depressed, as well. I

have read that anti-depressants will help with pain perception and may ask

for one at some point. The medications I'm on right now are:

Prednisone 15 mg daily

Mobic 7.5 mg daily

Methotrexate 7.5 mg weekly (up to 10 mg next Sunday)

Plaquenil 400 mg daily

Folic Acid 1 mg daily

Armour thyroid ? grain daily

Natural compounded estrogen, progesterone and testosterone (I've had a

hysterectomy)

As needed I have:

Soma at bedtime (I only use it very occasionally, makes me groggy the next

day)

Skelaxin (I use more often at bedtime if I feel too stiff)

Vicoprofen (for headaches, but if I'm bad enough I take one)

Phenergen (for nausea with the MTX)

Oh, I also take fish oil capsules - 2 daily, selenium 200 mg daily, and a

multi-vitamin.

The number of medications in my cabinet right now is just unbelievable to

me.

I just took a Vicoprofen, and am feeling less uncomfortable. I try to cope

with the pain as long as I can without taking that kind of thing. I've read

if you use it too much, it stops working. Also, like many people I'm afraid

of becoming addicted to them.

What has helped you most with your RA? Are you on one of the biologic

DMARDS?

There are not words for how much your support means to me today. I'm really

feeling down, and appreciate the friendship.

Thanks again, Rainy!

Carol in FL

[ ] Re: Carol in FL..

I think, Carol, that only the strong ones are given disease such as ours.

Personally, I look at mine as a gift, to be able to see the world through

different eyes. Of course, I would prefer not to have this, but since I do,

I intend to take from it the good as well. But know, it took me a good 20

years to develop this attitude. This Spring marks my 20th anniversary. I was

13 and in the 7th grade when I looked down at my right knee and saw it

swollen. Of all places, I was sitting in PE with my best friend to my right.

We were in the small gym waiting to run the jaunt. That is like a mile or

something. I ran it, and it was the last time I did. Later on when the

arthritis really hit, I walked it. I had to. It was just one of those things

you have to do.

I am sure you have tried just about everything to make the pain subside, but

I will ask anyhow, have you tried any of those creams they have out there? I

actually had to put some on my shoulder a few mins ago. The stuff is called

Arth-Rx. I got it from my boyfriend's Mom. I really don't know if they make

it anymore or not, I've looked, and this stuff works! The first cream I have

ever found to work the way it has, and that is 20 years of looking. I've

checked the Internet as well and can't find any info on it. I will cry when

it is gone. It's a roll-on as well, which is perfect and doesn't stink.

Did you know that prednisone causes mood swings? That could be what's

causing your depression. I am on Paxil for depression and it has worked

miracles for me. But I also have depression in my family. Later on you might

want to go on an anti-depressant. They actually help with the pain as well.

What other drugs are you on? If you have any questions, please feel free to

ask.

I hope you can find some comfort today!

~Rainy

~*~Rainy~*~

rainysu@...

RE: Carol in FL.. Re: [ ] New Month/Week 1 Check-In April

6

> Rainy, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. And you always have such

a

> wonderful, inspiring attitude. My pain isn't quite that bad, I just can't

> get the pain to subside enough to get comfortable at all. The pain is

deep

> in the joints.like a burning toothache pain. I've only been diagnosed

for

> a couple of months, and I was doing so well last month. It is so scary to

> be in this much pain. And the depression after going through this since

> Monday is getting to be pretty bad (the prednisone isn't helping much,

> either). I told my husband that I was sorry he must endure this with me,

> and he was so sweet. He said that he cares about me, and knows how hard

it

> is for me right now, and wishes he could make it better. That meant so

much

> to me. I guess one of the bright spots in this situation is knowing how

> much we are loved.

>

> Thanks for the support!

> Carol in FL

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I am glad to help! I know how long a day can be when you hurt so bad. Try a

nice hot bath, or heating pad on your hips. I am glad you finally broke down

and took some pain meds. Don't worry about becoming addicted to them. It is

different when you take those for pain. You don't become addicted to them

that way. And when your pain is so high and you are that uncomfortable, you

don't become addicted to them because you relate them to the pain going

away, not getting a high. Not only that, IF you were to become addicted, it

really isn't a bad thing. You will come to a point when you decide that

quality of life is more important than watching it go by while you sit there

in pain. But do what you need to do for you. I am just giving you my

opinion.

I know what you mean about the number of meds. I could open my own pharmacy.

The meds I am on now are:

10 mg Prednisone

Arava every other day

Remicade every 8 weeks

Amitriptyline

Paxil

Didronel - to strengthen bones after the damage prednisone has done

Ultram

Vicodin

Vits/Iron/Calcium

Folic Acid

The Remicade and Arava have been my true miracle drugs. I have been on

plaquenil, I was on this in the very beginning for a very short time, it

gave me massive headaches. I was on MTX for 12 or 13 years. I finally

couldn't take the side effects anymore. You are actually lucky to be dx'd

now because there are so many more drug options. For years I had nothing

left to try. It has only been over the past few years that so many new drugs

have come out for me to try. I wish I was being dx'd today rather than 20

years ago. I am really crippled up, and I truly believe that today's drugs

will slow down the progression so people dx'd today won't have as much

damage as I have. I am still lucky, don't get me wrong, because what I am

taking is slowing my RA, but fact is I have irreparable damage. How long

have you been on the MTX and do you feel it is working? Besides the Remicade

and Arava, all those years when there was nothing new to try, it was always

the prednisone that helped me the most. The drug we all love to hate, and

hate to love!

I do have to tell you, I am NOT always in the best of moods. My attitude can

really suck. At times I can be extremely bitter. It's only over the past 5

years that I have looked at my RA in a new light. Instead of letting it take

me so far down in that black hole that I can't climb out, I *use* it to my

advantage. *It* may think it's winning the war, but it isn't. I am smarter

than it is. I know it's little tricks with my body and I know how I can

win. I also had many fears about the future. Especially as a teenager, but

not anymore. I can tell you more about those if you like. Share yours with

me, and see if I can help. I really want to help you. Since learning how to

beat my RA, I made it my goal to help others. I am a walking resource when

it comes to RA. Well, not necessarily walking!

May I ask how old you are? You can always tell me to mind my own business.

I am 33.

Oh my goodness, if you do find the Arth-Rx, please let me know. In fact, the

company that sold the stuff is there in Largo, Florida. It's called

Gulf Corporation.

Do you have any questions? Ask away!

{Hugs} ~ Rainy

RE: [ ] Re: Carol in FL..

> Rainy, I understand what you're saying about this disease being a gift,

and

> I've gone through another experience where I know I've become a

> stronger/better person for going through a hardship. I have so many fears

> about the future, and I'm still going through a denial/grief phase. I've

> actually had milder symptoms for almost 5 years, and only pursued it with

my

> Dr. when it really got intolerable. Twenty years of dealing with chronic

> pain can either make you calloused and bitter, or stronger and more

> compassionate. And, only pray that 20 years from now I will be the latter

> as you are.

>

> I have tried creams and I have some patches, too. But, I've never tried

the

> Arth-Rx. I will definitely look for it. I had some Biofreeze I've been

> using, but I ran out. The chiropractor sells it, and I will definitely

> stock up tomorrow. They make it in a roll-on, too!

>

> Normally I am pretty upbeat and optimistic (some of my friends tease me

> about how optimistic I am!), and I think the prednisone is much of the

> problem right now. I've noticed for the past few months that coping with

> pain and my fear of the future has made me somewhat depressed, as well. I

> have read that anti-depressants will help with pain perception and may ask

> for one at some point. The medications I'm on right now are:

>

> Prednisone 15 mg daily

> Mobic 7.5 mg daily

> Methotrexate 7.5 mg weekly (up to 10 mg next Sunday)

> Plaquenil 400 mg daily

> Folic Acid 1 mg daily

> Armour thyroid ? grain daily

> Natural compounded estrogen, progesterone and testosterone (I've had a

> hysterectomy)

>

> As needed I have:

> Soma at bedtime (I only use it very occasionally, makes me groggy the next

> day)

> Skelaxin (I use more often at bedtime if I feel too stiff)

> Vicoprofen (for headaches, but if I'm bad enough I take one)

> Phenergen (for nausea with the MTX)

>

> Oh, I also take fish oil capsules - 2 daily, selenium 200 mg daily, and a

> multi-vitamin.

>

> The number of medications in my cabinet right now is just unbelievable to

> me.

>

> I just took a Vicoprofen, and am feeling less uncomfortable. I try to

cope

> with the pain as long as I can without taking that kind of thing. I've

read

> if you use it too much, it stops working. Also, like many people I'm

afraid

> of becoming addicted to them.

>

> What has helped you most with your RA? Are you on one of the biologic

> DMARDS?

>

> There are not words for how much your support means to me today. I'm

really

> feeling down, and appreciate the friendship.

>

>

> Thanks again, Rainy!

> Carol in FL

[Guest guest]

Rainy, you're so sweet to be helping me!

It's such a shame that you've already had damage that is irreversible, but

it is nice that you are getting relief with the Arava and the Remicade.

Which of the two do you think helps you most?

My fears are about my career goals, my marriage, and getting the medications

that will help me the most.

I've been going back to school to get my AA in Computer Programming, and

really want to be able to finish it up. I feel like that won't be too much

of a problem. I would also like to get my BS after I finish my AA, and that

's where I wonder if I should bother. What if circumstances change and I

need to get a job for financial reasons.will I be able to work? My husband

wants me to learn to day trade commodity futures as a source of extra

income. I'm doing a little of it, but the truth is that most day traders

don' t make money, they lose it. It's a consideration, but hardly a good

game plan in my eyes. I'm too risk-aversive, I think.

Speaking of my husband, I fear that he will get sick of my being sick all

the time and it will hurt my marriage. I try not to let my pain be the only

focus of my conversations with him. My Mom is my best friend, and although

she lives in Atlanta I have free night/weekend long distance on my cell and

I'm able to vent with her. My husband has been nothing but supportive,

these are just my own fears.

Then there's the matter of not having insurance. Before I spoke to my MD

the first time about this, I got health insurance quotes. I knew that

something was really wrong, and that I needed insurance. With a small

business we already pay out a lot of money in insurance, and my husband said

he would rather self-insure for our health care. With the most effective

medications being over $1K per month, I feel like that is a lot to ask of

him. The business was his before we met, although we have been together in

it for over 6 years. He does about 85% and I do maybe 15% of the work,

though, and hate the thought of asking him to pay for these medications.

What you said about my being fortunate to be diagnosed now is true. I know

there are a lot more options. Now it's just a matter of paying for them.

If it comes down to it he would pay for it, it's just my pride that I want

to feel like I can contribute. I don't think we'd qualify for any

assistance, either. My rheumy is great that he charges me $54 per visit,

and then gives me at least that much in medication samples.

Oh, by the way, I'm 36 years old. And feel free to ask me just about

anything!

Hugs to you too,

Carol in FL

Re: [ ] Re: Carol in FL..

Hi Carol,

I am glad to help! I know how long a day can be when you hurt so bad. Try a

nice hot bath, or heating pad on your hips. I am glad you finally broke down

and took some pain meds. Don't worry about becoming addicted to them. It is

different when you take those for pain. You don't become addicted to them

that way. And when your pain is so high and you are that uncomfortable, you

don't become addicted to them because you relate them to the pain going

away, not getting a high. Not only that, IF you were to become addicted, it

really isn't a bad thing. You will come to a point when you decide that

quality of life is more important than watching it go by while you sit there

in pain. But do what you need to do for you. I am just giving you my

opinion.

I know what you mean about the number of meds. I could open my own pharmacy.

The meds I am on now are:

10 mg Prednisone

Arava every other day

Remicade every 8 weeks

Amitriptyline

Paxil

Didronel - to strengthen bones after the damage prednisone has done

Ultram

Vicodin

Vits/Iron/Calcium

Folic Acid

The Remicade and Arava have been my true miracle drugs. I have been on

plaquenil, I was on this in the very beginning for a very short time, it

gave me massive headaches. I was on MTX for 12 or 13 years. I finally

couldn't take the side effects anymore. You are actually lucky to be dx'd

now because there are so many more drug options. For years I had nothing

left to try. It has only been over the past few years that so many new drugs

have come out for me to try. I wish I was being dx'd today rather than 20

years ago. I am really crippled up, and I truly believe that today's drugs

will slow down the progression so people dx'd today won't have as much

damage as I have. I am still lucky, don't get me wrong, because what I am

taking is slowing my RA, but fact is I have irreparable damage. How long

have you been on the MTX and do you feel it is working? Besides the Remicade

and Arava, all those years when there was nothing new to try, it was always

the prednisone that helped me the most. The drug we all love to hate, and

hate to love!

I do have to tell you, I am NOT always in the best of moods. My attitude can

really suck. At times I can be extremely bitter. It's only over the past 5

years that I have looked at my RA in a new light. Instead of letting it take

me so far down in that black hole that I can't climb out, I *use* it to my

advantage. *It* may think it's winning the war, but it isn't. I am smarter

than it is. I know it's little tricks with my body and I know how I can

win. I also had many fears about the future. Especially as a teenager, but

not anymore. I can tell you more about those if you like. Share yours with

me, and see if I can help. I really want to help you. Since learning how to

beat my RA, I made it my goal to help others. I am a walking resource when

it comes to RA. Well, not necessarily walking!

May I ask how old you are? You can always tell me to mind my own business.

I am 33.

Oh my goodness, if you do find the Arth-Rx, please let me know. In fact, the

company that sold the stuff is there in Largo, Florida. It's called

Gulf Corporation.

Do you have any questions? Ask away!

{Hugs} ~ Rainy

RE: [ ] Re: Carol in FL..

> Rainy, I understand what you're saying about this disease being a gift,

and

> I've gone through another experience where I know I've become a

> stronger/better person for going through a hardship. I have so many fears

> about the future, and I'm still going through a denial/grief phase. I've

> actually had milder symptoms for almost 5 years, and only pursued it with

my

> Dr. when it really got intolerable. Twenty years of dealing with chronic

> pain can either make you calloused and bitter, or stronger and more

> compassionate. And, only pray that 20 years from now I will be the latter

> as you are.

>

> I have tried creams and I have some patches, too. But, I've never tried

the

> Arth-Rx. I will definitely look for it. I had some Biofreeze I've been

> using, but I ran out. The chiropractor sells it, and I will definitely

> stock up tomorrow. They make it in a roll-on, too!

>

> Normally I am pretty upbeat and optimistic (some of my friends tease me

> about how optimistic I am!), and I think the prednisone is much of the

> problem right now. I've noticed for the past few months that coping with

> pain and my fear of the future has made me somewhat depressed, as well. I

> have read that anti-depressants will help with pain perception and may ask

> for one at some point. The medications I'm on right now are:

>

> Prednisone 15 mg daily

> Mobic 7.5 mg daily

> Methotrexate 7.5 mg weekly (up to 10 mg next Sunday)

> Plaquenil 400 mg daily

> Folic Acid 1 mg daily

> Armour thyroid ? grain daily

> Natural compounded estrogen, progesterone and testosterone (I've had a

> hysterectomy)

>

> As needed I have:

> Soma at bedtime (I only use it very occasionally, makes me groggy the next

> day)

> Skelaxin (I use more often at bedtime if I feel too stiff)

> Vicoprofen (for headaches, but if I'm bad enough I take one)

> Phenergen (for nausea with the MTX)

>

> Oh, I also take fish oil capsules - 2 daily, selenium 200 mg daily, and a

> multi-vitamin.

>

> The number of medications in my cabinet right now is just unbelievable to

> me.

>

> I just took a Vicoprofen, and am feeling less uncomfortable. I try to

cope

> with the pain as long as I can without taking that kind of thing. I've

read

> if you use it too much, it stops working. Also, like many people I'm

afraid

> of becoming addicted to them.

>

> What has helped you most with your RA? Are you on one of the biologic

> DMARDS?

>

> There are not words for how much your support means to me today. I'm

really

> feeling down, and appreciate the friendship.

>

>

> Thanks again, Rainy!

> Carol in FL