A Proper Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone,

Although I have been lurking (forgive the expression) in this group

for some time, I have not really introduced myself so I think the

time has come. I am 39, married, and have a 2 year old daughter. I

have had RA since I was 16 and, like many of you, have been through

a plethora of meds. Currently, I am taking Mtx, Remicade,

Prednisone, Plaquanil, Diclofenac, and Folic acid. Although my

current regiment has worked wonders, I recently had a flare in my

knee and had to have it injected. I have not had any surgeries yet

but with no space left in my wrists, knee, and elbows and the

gradual loss of motion in the affected joints, it is only a matter

of time.

In 1999 I was taking Enbrel but had to go off Mtx in order for my

wife and I to conceive. The efficacy of Enbrel diminishes when not

used with Mtx and soon I had a flare of a lifetime. Determined, my

wife and I finally conceived in Feb of 2000 only to have a

miscarriage in the 8th week. Unfettered, with tried again 3 months

later and conceived again. was born in Feb. of 2001.

Raising a daughter has not been easy with RA, but we knew I would

have challenges other fathers do not. She is indeed a blessing!

Recently, I found encouragment in reading Amye Leong's book " Get a

Grip " . From reading Amye's book and from reading many posts on this

website, men and women appear to share many of the same challenges

with this disease. However, I believe there are also some striking

differences as well (another post).

Getting a " grip " on this disease is just as much about " attitude " as

medical treatment. No longer lurking!

Wolff