Guest guest Posted December 12, 2002 Report Share Posted December 12, 2002 Hi gang, Well, the " official " diagnosis is in--she says fibro is the culprit that has been causing all my troubles. She agrees that I " could " have early RA, as there was swelling in my hands, elbows, and knees, but feels that since my symptoms came on so late in life and so quickly, that the fibro is masquerading as RA. I also have severe osteoarthritis in both ankles, due to 2 nasty fractures years ago (one of which was a crushing fracture.) She's got me on Ultracet and Elavil, and I have a date with a physical therapist Tuesday. All my tests were negative for RA, lupus, malignancy, etc. I scored on 14 of the tender points. So here's my question. Those of you who are in the fibro boat with me, how are you being treated? This is my first experience with a rheumy, and she is new in the area, so I don't know if she's giving me the straight skinny or not. Of course, the therapist may support her findings Tuesday, and I see my pcp tomorrow. Anyone have any feedback on the meds? I will just be so happy to stop hurting and start living again. I've nearly pulled the handrail out of the wall from our bedroom to the living room! Thanks for listening, and I hope everyone is having a comfortable day. Hugs, Judi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 I, too, am just back from an appointment with my rheumy. This was an " unscheduled " appointment as I was having a great deal of trouble with my right foot and wanted her opinion. The outcome was that the PA has caused significant changes in my foot, especially my 2nd and 3rd toes separating causing severe pain. Also, my right knee is now involved - this used to be my " good " knee. I was on Mobicox with Tylenol 3 and Percocet for pain. This has been changed to Bextra 20 mg and Oxycodin has been added nightly to help with pain control. I am SOOOOO tired of this disease and everything that goes with it! I've decided to push myself right now and fight back against the PA - probably not a very bright thing to do, but I refuse to give in to it. Blessings, Sam --- " shane_k_helm <shelm@...> " <shelm@...> wrote: --------------------------------- Well I found out why I am getting a CT scan. (thanks for the replies). The x-ray technicians are seeing something in my left knee that is not PA related and is nothing to worry about...(yeah right) Anyways I have been going downhill in a bad way with my PA recently. I told my rheumy on Tuesday that I hurt bad. I really wanted to start a DMARD because I am young(22), but he is a older rhuemy and is very traditional in arthritis treatments. Start off small and go bigger. I told him my histroy... Celebrex --- worked great for a year, then stopped Vioxx (50mg)--- worked great for half a year, then stopped His next step is to put me on Volturen.... I have never heard of this drug??! Anyways he said it is a older drug and may work. I have a 6 week checkup with the same doctor. If the Volturen doesn't work he will put me on MTX. Shane " The Worried " ---------------- Moderator 2 cents: I was on Celebrex until I ended up going to the Emergency room because of upper respiratory problems due to the Celebrex. Tried Vioxx for a brief spell and it wasn't working. Went on Voltaren, actually Diclofenac is the generic and it has worked quite well for a whiile now. Good luck, PatB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2003 Report Share Posted February 10, 2003 Robin, I've just started Bextra and don't know how it will work, but the Prednisone shot seems to be starting to work. I'm not holding out much hope that this will work for too long, so I'll be starting on MTX in the near future. I'll take your advice to take it at night and probably on the weekend so I can spend some time resting. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2003 Report Share Posted February 10, 2003 It really does help to take it at night Sam....I took it Friday night and felt alright on Saturday but Sunday I was exhausted. So...will continue to take it at night. Good luck. I go in next week for blood work so will know where I am at with the MTX. Fun, fun!! Robin, Penny, Chance, Heidi, and Hope (Florida) http://www.geocities.com/goldens4life2000/index.html Robin, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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