Guest guest Posted May 15, 2003 Report Share Posted May 15, 2003 I'm sorry to hear of your disease and your troubles. Age doesn't slow a person down nearly as much as RA does. I was active at 74 years of age when Arthur came to call and slowed me down dramatically. That was a year and a half ago. Most RA medicines take quite a while to work (several weeks to several months). Plaquenil is probably the mildest of the DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) which are drugs that actually slow down the progression of the disease and may prevent joint damage. With RA you need an effective DMARD and what is effective varies from person to person. You should be seeing a rheumatologist to select the correct medication for you. Many people get quick relief from RA with corticosteroids such as Prednisone. This is not a DMARD and should be used together with a DMARD but not as a replacement for a DMARD. You should get off Prednisone as soon as your disease is well controlled by a DMARD. I can't help you with ADA. Good luck and God bless. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jenet Mullins Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 5:48 AM Subject: (unknown) I'm not sure how this works....in fact I don't know if I am sending this note to the group or just off into cyberspace. <g> I have been lurking around for several weeks. I'm trying to learn as much as possible about my new best friend Arthur who has come to disrupt my life and my families life. I have probably had RA for a couple of years but I just assumed I was getting a bit older and some of my skiing and horseback riding was beginning to take a toll. It wasn't until I really was becoming run down and snippy that I went to the doctor and after blood work and x-rays I was confirmed that both Arthur's had come to live in my body and therefore my home!!! For several months now I have been given ddifferent drugs. Vioxx was first, it helped a little, probably the Osteo side of my disease. Now I am on Mobic 7.5 mg and hydroxychloroquine (plaquinal?). I have been on this combo for about 4 weeks and I feel very little improvement. I know it will take time, but I really hurt! I am now adding Tylenol occasionally. One thing I have tried that is helping my attitude is a supplement called SAM-E. I started taking this after some research and I must tell you...it does help my energy and my attiude. Some of my conserns are my job security. I am missing work more frequently tahn I ever had in the past. I am in outside sales and I have to move slower and I tire more quickily. I have given documentation to my HR department about my condition. But I'm wondering if any of you have had experiences with ADA or any other job oriented limitations and how you handled them. Thanks...from a lurker who is now seeking some support!! Thanks, Vivien "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."--Margaret Mead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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