Myra

[Guest guest]

Myra,

You often do have to give DMARDs a fairly long period of time before you

decide if they are working, but that doesn't mean that you should have

to suffer in the meantime. Disease control and pain control are often

attacked differently (although DMARDs can help the pain, too).

For starters, tell him that the Lortab isn't working. There are many

other treatment options for pain. If your rheumatologist isn't sure what

to do, ask him for a referral to a pain management specialist or pain

management clinic.

Please tell him, too, what you have told me here: " there is no life

outside of this disease " and that you are not sure of how much more you

can take. This is not complaining, this is essential information that

your rheumatologist must have. He cannot read your mind. If you tell him

how bad it is and he does nothing more to help you, please find another

doctor.

I'm happy to hear that you have an appointment in November with someone

else. I hope he or she will be able to help you more effectively.

Yes, it can get better! When talking with your doctors, full disclosure

about how you body is feeling, what impact it has on your life, and what

you think about that is essential. Please tell all.

And don't listen to negative people who don't understand how hard things

are for you right now. They have no idea.

Good luck! Please let us know how October 11th goes.

Re: [ ] Re: ARAVA anyone?

>

> Dear ,

> Thank you for your kind thoughts. I am not sure of what to say to my

physician on my next visit. I am not sure if I have given Arava a

chance. I am taking Plaquenil and Arave. My doc did give me lortabs 5

mgs but they seems to be doing nothing, I do not take them. They

provide no relief. I have been on Betra since June and I am still

hurting. My left sholder that had arthro surgery in July still hurts

with not much more range of motion. The pain in my feet/knees are what

is really getting to me now and the fatigue is overwhelming. I am also

having more and more trouble with my hands. I am just not so sure of

how much more I can take. I do work so on the weekends...I rest. I do

nothing...there is no life outside of this disease. It takes

everything for me. There is no one that can help me. I have been on my

own for the last 20 years. My only daughter move to FL before my

dx....said all this was just in my head.... What can I expect? More of

the same? Has anyone else had this much progression of the disease. I

almost know when it started kicking my but...I was a healthy....active

48 year old women....now I am a 51 year old...old person. When will

it get a bit better? How long should I give Arava? I am tired of this

disease...and not really understanding why it does not kill you...you

just wish it would. I do have an appointment with another

Rheumatologist Nov 21...that was first available...had it since sometime

is Sept. Anyone that can add anything to help me I would appreciate

the advise. Myra

> wrote:Myra, I hope that on the 11th your physician will

come up with a better

> way to treat your pain. If not, please seek out someone else. It's a

> crime that you've been living with so much pain for so long.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Myra,

I am so sorry that you are doing poorly..Having severe RA myself I surely

understand...I am surprised that the prednisone did not help as it is the

only medication that I know of for this disease that acts quickly and

dramatically however has some very bad side effects. only if taken for a long

period , particularly a high dose. It may be too early for the ARAVA to work

but thank you for the info as I am gathering it for the group.

What else have you tried? Your apt is on my birthday so I will say an extra

special prayer that they find something to work and work fast.

Love Joanne