Guest guest Posted October 5, 2002 Report Share Posted October 5, 2002 My Dad was diagnosed in June of this year with RA. He's been on Predisone and a couple other drugs, with zero relief. His Dr. only can see him every 3 months. In the meantime, he is suffering so bad he can't even get out of a chair without help. This is only a 51 year old man who has worked heavy labor his whole life without any noticeable problems since around November 2001. He has went from regular job, to light duty, to no more work in a matter of 4 months. It kills me, my mother, my brother, and everyone elso to see him like this. Thankfully, he will be switching to a different Rheumatologist this month who plans to be more aggressive in his treatment. Right now, I'm doing a lot of crying and even more praying, hoping that he will be able to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom in less than an hour one of these mornings. It seems like nothing, so far, has worked for him. It sounds like it just takes time ... and every person is different. My Dad is trying to keep a good attitude & so are the rest of us. It's just so devastating. We are all feeling pretty helpless and are hoping that the new Dr. can figure something out. Anyone care to share about how long it takes before a good drug regimen is figured out? What can family members do to be supportive? What should family members not do during this time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2002 Report Share Posted October 6, 2002 I am a 52 year old granny and have had RA for 15 years. Everyone pretty much says that the first year is the worst. The prednisone usually gives fast relief, but like you said everyone is different. I know that plaquenil and methotrexate take about 6 weeks for full benefit to start. It depends on what other meds he is taking on how long it takes to get relief. It is great that his family wants to be supportive I think that it is hard to understand RA if you don't have it. It might be helpful if you tell us what other meds he is on also. and a have some really good information. I hope that your father is getting some relief soon. I know that it is hard when you are a strong self suffient person and then all of a sudden you can't do the things you used to or sometimes want to. It sounds like a new rheumatologist is a good idea, I have never gone more than three months between doctor visits and usually less. The only way that the doctor knows that the drugs are not working the way they should is if your dad tells him. They may have some other ideas. I don't know that I have been any help but I am sure you will find a lot of good information and support here. in WA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2002 Report Share Posted October 6, 2002 I¹m really sorry about your dad. It¹s hard to watch someone you love suffer so much. He¹s doing the right thing by seeing a rheumatologist that is willing to treat him aggressively. If he finds the right drugs that work for him, it¹s possible to live a somewhat normal life. Many people are able to continue working and lead a full life in spite of RA. Keeping a good attitude is his best defense. Depression is normal in chronic diseases. He is very blessed to have a family that cares so much and is looking for ways to support him. It will mean a lot to him. Here are a few sites that may help: http://www.kineretrx.com/patient/friends_and_family.jsp http://www.arava.com/patient/beingcaregiver.asp?menu=2 http://www.duq.edu/PT/RA/SocialSupport.html I hope your dad finds something that works quickly. I hope you¹ll let us know what his new rheumy prescribes and how he is doing. a > My Dad was diagnosed in June of this year with RA. He's been on > Predisone and a couple other drugs, with zero relief. His Dr. only > can see him every 3 months. In the meantime, he is suffering so bad > he can't even get out of a chair without help. This is only a 51 year > old man who has worked heavy labor his whole life without any > noticeable problems since around November 2001. He has went from > regular job, to light duty, to no more work in a matter of 4 months. > It kills me, my mother, my brother, and everyone elso to see him like > this. Thankfully, he will be switching to a different Rheumatologist > this month who plans to be more aggressive in his treatment. Right > now, I'm doing a lot of crying and even more praying, hoping that he > will be able to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom in less than > an hour one of these mornings. It seems like nothing, so far, has > worked for him. It sounds like it just takes time ... and every > person is different. My Dad is trying to keep a good attitude & so > are the rest of us. It's just so devastating. We are all feeling > pretty helpless and are hoping that the new Dr. can figure something > out. Anyone care to share about how long it takes before a good drug > regimen is figured out? What can family members do to be supportive? > What should family members not do during this time? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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