Re: scared, depressed, miserable

[Guest guest]

Janice, I'm new to this, so take anything I say with a grain of salt,

but how long have you been taking the meds you're on? I was feeling

a lot the way you are when I was taking just celebrex and plaquenil

(It takes a long time to kick in). I started on a small dose of

Prednisone, which took the edge off but not much. Then I started on

methotrexate, and within a week, at least 75% of my pain went away (I

don't know if methotrexate works this fast, or if it was the

plaquenil finally helping.) From what I've read on this website,

different combinations of meds just work differently from person to

person. Maybe what you're taking now just isn't doing the trick. But

I would definitely talk to my doctor.

You're right, this isn't fun at all. But try to keep your spirits

up. I know everytime I have a flare I tend to think this is the " big

one " and that I'm never going to feel halfway normal again. But that

hasn't been my experience and hopefully you'll be able to get your

pain under control too.

> hi my name is janice and i have r a

> the pain in my upper arms and arm pit area and back of neck is

> becoming unbearable can't put my arms forward or raise on the

outside

> burning in the neck

> wrists feel like they are broken

> knees are stiff

> left ankle swolen and mushy

> i feel like i am on a pity party and i really believed that i was

> going to beat this thing but each day seems worse

> i am taking thyroid, sulfasalazine, celebrex, plaquenil and tylenol

> arthritis no fun at all

> it hurts also to see my family go through this with me

> i get irritated cry easy feel worthless

> any suggestions besides just quitting it all

> thank you

[Guest guest]

Janice, welcome to the group! I'm sorry you are hurting and down.

Do you have a rheumatologist? If you do, have you told him or her what

you are going through? If your physician knows the full extent of your

suffering and isn't aggressively trying to change the situation for the

better, it's time for a new physician.

Please don't give up. Things can get better. There are many effective

treatment strategies today.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] scared, depressed, miserable

> hi my name is janice and i have r a

> the pain in my upper arms and arm pit area and back of neck is

> becoming unbearable can't put my arms forward or raise on the outside

> burning in the neck

> wrists feel like they are broken

> knees are stiff

> left ankle swolen and mushy

> i feel like i am on a pity party and i really believed that i was

> going to beat this thing but each day seems worse

> i am taking thyroid, sulfasalazine, celebrex, plaquenil and tylenol

> arthritis no fun at all

> it hurts also to see my family go through this with me

> i get irritated cry easy feel worthless

> any suggestions besides just quitting it all

> thank you

[Guest guest]

i agree quitting is not an option!! but i do understand how you feel. 2 years

ago i felt horrible, sat inside and cried. i wrote my dr a 4 page letter that

made her cry. i swithced meds. stuck out the side effects and i have been

working part time for a year and a half now!!! i had a couple bad days now and

again, but i have missed 3 days of work last year. not too shabby for a disabled

person!! i am on mtx 0.4 sq per week and 5 mgs prednisone. kathy in il hang

in there

[Guest guest]

Hi Janice,

I'm sorry you are in such pain and suffering. What ever you do,

giving up is definitely NOT an option! Stick with this group, and

the suggestions and support you will find here, and you'll find the

strength to deal with this disease.

Meanwhile, I'll keep you in my prayers,

Judi