Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Hi all: I'm new to the group and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kathy. I am 34 years old and was diagnosed with some form of arthritis when I was 16 after years of unexplained joint pain. During college they diagnosed me with RA. Over the years I have run the gamut of symptoms from minor (a couple of slightly swollen joints) to very severe (i.e. not able to stand up from seated position or dress myself) and treatments from OTC to alternative to just about all the NSAIDS, DMARDS, etc. available. I currently have my RA under fairly good control. I just started back on all my meds after having a baby. My current meds include Enbrel (tried Remicade but am severely allergic), prednisone (currently working to get to every other day), celebrex, and pain medication (occassional tylenol typically, but sometimes Vicodin for a bad flare). I've also been on Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Neoral, 90% of the NSAIDS, Minocyline (allergic), and others in the past. I attribute my success in getting my RA under control to a combination of finding the right medications, using alternative therapies such as compression (I've tried most alternatives and found that western medicine works best for me, but some of the more conventional alternatives like compression work well) and a significant change of lifestyle (I moved from a very busy/hectic life in Chicago, IL to a more laid back lifestyle in Southern California). I also have a very supportive family including an amazing husband that make life if not easy, a whole lot more enjoyable. It looks as though there are a whole range of people in this group that have a wide variety of experiences. I hope to be able to learn more as well as provide any encouragement or assistance I can. Thanks for taking the time to read about me... I look forward to getting to know you. Kathy in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 Hi Kathy. Congratulations on your new baby and welcome to the group. I'm 75 years old, diagnosed with RA in December 2001, and pretty well controlled with Remicade, Methotrexate, and occasional Prednisone for breakthrough pain. I didn't notice but one DMARD in your list and I have heard that people often do better with two or more DMARDs because all of them act somewhat differently. You might see if Plaquenil or Methotrexate would help and perhaps get you completely off Prednisone. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Good luck and God bless. ----- Original Message ----- From: gnikpk Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2003 2:25 PM Subject: New Member Intro Hi all:I'm new to the group and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kathy. I am 34 years old and was diagnosed with some form of arthritis when I was 16 after years of unexplained joint pain. During college they diagnosed me with RA. Over the years I have run the gamut of symptoms from minor (a couple of slightly swollen joints) to very severe (i.e. not able to stand up from seated position or dress myself) and treatments from OTC to alternative to just about all the NSAIDS, DMARDS, etc. available. I currently have my RA under fairly good control. I just started back on all my meds after having a baby. My current meds include Enbrel (tried Remicade but am severely allergic), prednisone (currently working to get to every other day), celebrex, and pain medication (occassional tylenol typically, but sometimes Vicodin for a bad flare). I've also been on Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Neoral, 90% of the NSAIDS, Minocyline (allergic), and others in the past.I attribute my success in getting my RA under control to a combination of finding the right medications, using alternative therapies such as compression (I've tried most alternatives and found that western medicine works best for me, but some of the more conventional alternatives like compression work well) and a significant change of lifestyle (I moved from a very busy/hectic life in Chicago, IL to a more laid back lifestyle in Southern California). I also have a very supportive family including an amazing husband that make life if not easy, a whole lot more enjoyable.It looks as though there are a whole range of people in this group that have a wide variety of experiences. I hope to be able to learn more as well as provide any encouragement or assistance I can.Thanks for taking the time to read about me... I look forward to getting to know you.Kathy in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 Hi Kathy, My name is Sherri, and welcome to the group!!! I have found that the people have A LOT of information and support available anytime you need it!!! I am 36 yrs.old and presently work as a Registered NUrse…am also facing my 2nd knee replacement. Looking forward to your posts!!! sherri ----- Original Message ----- From: Harold Van Tuyl Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Monday, June 09, 2003 12:34 PM Subject: Re: New Member Intro Hi Kathy. Congratulations on your new baby and welcome to the group. I'm 75 years old, diagnosed with RA in December 2001, and pretty well controlled with Remicade, Methotrexate, and occasional Prednisone for breakthrough pain. I didn't notice but one DMARD in your list and I have heard that people often do better with two or more DMARDs because all of them act somewhat differently. You might see if Plaquenil or Methotrexate would help and perhaps get you completely off Prednisone. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Good luck and God bless. ----- Original Message ----- From: gnikpk Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2003 2:25 PM Subject: New Member Intro Hi all:I'm new to the group and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kathy. I am 34 years old and was diagnosed with some form of arthritis when I was 16 after years of unexplained joint pain. During college they diagnosed me with RA. Over the years I have run the gamut of symptoms from minor (a couple of slightly swollen joints) to very severe (i.e. not able to stand up from seated position or dress myself) and treatments from OTC to alternative to just about all the NSAIDS, DMARDS, etc. available. I currently have my RA under fairly good control. I just started back on all my meds after having a baby. My current meds include Enbrel (tried Remicade but am severely allergic), prednisone (currently working to get to every other day), celebrex, and pain medication (occassional tylenol typically, but sometimes Vicodin for a bad flare). I've also been on Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Neoral, 90% of the NSAIDS, Minocyline (allergic), and others in the past.I attribute my success in getting my RA under control to a combination of finding the right medications, using alternative therapies such as compression (I've tried most alternatives and found that western medicine works best for me, but some of the more conventional alternatives like compression work well) and a significant change of lifestyle (I moved from a very busy/hectic life in Chicago, IL to a more laid back lifestyle in Southern California). I also have a very supportive family including an amazing husband that make life if not easy, a whole lot more enjoyable.It looks as though there are a whole range of people in this group that have a wide variety of experiences. I hope to be able to learn more as well as provide any encouragement or assistance I can.Thanks for taking the time to read about me... I look forward to getting to know you.Kathy in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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