Re: Newly diagnoses with RA

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to the group! I am on the same meds as youare and I hurt

everywhere also, including neck and jaws. I don't feel that the Plaquenil

does much good soI am going to seek a second opinion. I have been suffering

for 9 months like this and if anything I am getting worse. Does your doc

have you seeing a specialist? From what I read on this board this is lots

and lots of support and info here that hopefully will make things easier for

you. Isn't it strange that one day you are feeling fine and the next you

can barely move??? I keep hoping to get better and maybe I will. Dont give

up!!! There are lots of meds out there and hopefully you will get some

relief!

Suzy

-- [ ] Newly diagnoses with RA

HI!

I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

Still having difficulty with typing -- but I can get out of bed and

up and down from a couch or chair. It appears to have attacked my

body from my toes to my neck - which makes moving my head difficult.

Just need a little support. Six months ago I was running and

participating in triathlones. I am now going to lose my job because

I was not working for a year. So the family leave act doesn't apply

to me.

Just looing for some support and information on how others have

managed to get through the diagnostic and stabilizing process of

this disease.

Beth

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to the group! I am on the same meds as youare and I hurt

everywhere also, including neck and jaws. I don't feel that the Plaquenil

does much good soI am going to seek a second opinion. I have been suffering

for 9 months like this and if anything I am getting worse. Does your doc

have you seeing a specialist? From what I read on this board this is lots

and lots of support and info here that hopefully will make things easier for

you. Isn't it strange that one day you are feeling fine and the next you

can barely move??? I keep hoping to get better and maybe I will. Dont give

up!!! There are lots of meds out there and hopefully you will get some

relief!

Suzy

-- [ ] Newly diagnoses with RA

HI!

I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

Still having difficulty with typing -- but I can get out of bed and

up and down from a couch or chair. It appears to have attacked my

body from my toes to my neck - which makes moving my head difficult.

Just need a little support. Six months ago I was running and

participating in triathlones. I am now going to lose my job because

I was not working for a year. So the family leave act doesn't apply

to me.

Just looing for some support and information on how others have

managed to get through the diagnostic and stabilizing process of

this disease.

Beth

[Guest guest]

Beth,

Welcome to the group. I know this is a hard thing to deal with,

understand and accept. I hope we can help you get there.

One thing I'm curious about, is that your RA sounds very

aggressive. Plaquinil takes quite a while to start working at all.

Did your rheumatologist discuss any other medication options with

you? In many cases medication can allow you to function enough to

work, and the faster you get there the better.

Jennie

--- In , " mlabar7661 " <mlabar7661@y...>

wrote:

> HI!

>

> I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

> period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

> begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

> from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

>

> I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

> Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

> diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Beth,

Welcome to the group. I know this is a hard thing to deal with,

understand and accept. I hope we can help you get there.

One thing I'm curious about, is that your RA sounds very

aggressive. Plaquinil takes quite a while to start working at all.

Did your rheumatologist discuss any other medication options with

you? In many cases medication can allow you to function enough to

work, and the faster you get there the better.

Jennie

> HI!

>

> I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

> period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

> begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

> from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

>

> I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

> Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

> diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth and welcome. Yeah, I would definitely look for a second

opinion if you're not getting the response you want from your

doctor. If you're to the point where you can't work, I would think

you need some stronger meds. I also take Plaquinel. It works for

me, I think, but it didn't really work that well until I started

taking it in combination with methotrexate. Since I've been taking

both, I've had really minimum pain and swelling.

Someone else may have asked this, but you mention you got the letter

from your primary doctor. Are you seeing a rheumatologist, too?

--- In , " mlabar7661 " <mlabar7661@y...>

wrote:

> HI!

>

> I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

> period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

> begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

> from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

>

> I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

> Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

> diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

>

> Still having difficulty with typing -- but I can get out of bed and

> up and down from a couch or chair. It appears to have attacked my

> body from my toes to my neck - which makes moving my head difficult.

>

> Just need a little support. Six months ago I was running and

> participating in triathlones. I am now going to lose my job

because

> I was not working for a year. So the family leave act doesn't

apply

> to me.

>

> Just looing for some support and information on how others have

> managed to get through the diagnostic and stabilizing process of

> this disease.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth and welcome. Yeah, I would definitely look for a second

opinion if you're not getting the response you want from your

doctor. If you're to the point where you can't work, I would think

you need some stronger meds. I also take Plaquinel. It works for

me, I think, but it didn't really work that well until I started

taking it in combination with methotrexate. Since I've been taking

both, I've had really minimum pain and swelling.

Someone else may have asked this, but you mention you got the letter

from your primary doctor. Are you seeing a rheumatologist, too?

> HI!

>

> I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

> period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

> begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

> from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

>

> I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

> Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

> diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

>

> Still having difficulty with typing -- but I can get out of bed and

> up and down from a couch or chair. It appears to have attacked my

> body from my toes to my neck - which makes moving my head difficult.

>

> Just need a little support. Six months ago I was running and

> participating in triathlones. I am now going to lose my job

because

> I was not working for a year. So the family leave act doesn't

apply

> to me.

>

> Just looing for some support and information on how others have

> managed to get through the diagnostic and stabilizing process of

> this disease.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Samdra.

I am seeing a Rheumatologist. I first saw him two weeks ago. I like him very

much.

I am not familiar with Mexat..... Can't remember how to spell it. I will

research this. I also read in a book about a treatment of antibiotics which has

been successful. Any information on this treatment?

Beth

<dumbblondejogger@...> wrote:

Hi Beth and welcome. Yeah, I would definitely look for a second

opinion if you're not getting the response you want from your

doctor. If you're to the point where you can't work, I would think

you need some stronger meds. I also take Plaquinel. It works for

me, I think, but it didn't really work that well until I started

taking it in combination with methotrexate. Since I've been taking

both, I've had really minimum pain and swelling.

Someone else may have asked this, but you mention you got the letter

from your primary doctor. Are you seeing a rheumatologist, too?

--- In , " mlabar7661 " <mlabar7661@y...>

wrote:

> HI!

>

> I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

> period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

> begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

> from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

>

> I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

> Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

> diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

>

> Still having difficulty with typing -- but I can get out of bed and

> up and down from a couch or chair. It appears to have attacked my

> body from my toes to my neck - which makes moving my head difficult.

>

> Just need a little support. Six months ago I was running and

> participating in triathlones. I am now going to lose my job

because

> I was not working for a year. So the family leave act doesn't

apply

> to me.

>

> Just looing for some support and information on how others have

> managed to get through the diagnostic and stabilizing process of

> this disease.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Samdra.

I am seeing a Rheumatologist. I first saw him two weeks ago. I like him very

much.

I am not familiar with Mexat..... Can't remember how to spell it. I will

research this. I also read in a book about a treatment of antibiotics which has

been successful. Any information on this treatment?

Beth

<dumbblondejogger@...> wrote:

Hi Beth and welcome. Yeah, I would definitely look for a second

opinion if you're not getting the response you want from your

doctor. If you're to the point where you can't work, I would think

you need some stronger meds. I also take Plaquinel. It works for

me, I think, but it didn't really work that well until I started

taking it in combination with methotrexate. Since I've been taking

both, I've had really minimum pain and swelling.

Someone else may have asked this, but you mention you got the letter

from your primary doctor. Are you seeing a rheumatologist, too?

> HI!

>

> I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

> period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

> begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

> from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

>

> I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

> Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

> diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

>

> Still having difficulty with typing -- but I can get out of bed and

> up and down from a couch or chair. It appears to have attacked my

> body from my toes to my neck - which makes moving my head difficult.

>

> Just need a little support. Six months ago I was running and

> participating in triathlones. I am now going to lose my job

because

> I was not working for a year. So the family leave act doesn't

apply

> to me.

>

> Just looing for some support and information on how others have

> managed to get through the diagnostic and stabilizing process of

> this disease.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Jennie,

Yes, my RA does appear to be very aggressive. But, then again, so am I.

Pagquaril does take a long time to work; but I am also taking PRednisone. Hate

it, but it keeps my moving. Without the prednisone, I am very nearly immobile.

I have developed that unsightly hump in the back of the neck! UGH!

I have another appointment in two weeks with the Rhematologist to disucss

further options. So, I will know more then.

I also have elevated Liver enzymes (am not a drinker nor do I take drugs, well

until now). THe doctor is concerned; and is doing more blood work next week.

Do you know anything about elevated liver enzymes in conjunction with RA?

Still having difficulty accepting the reality of all of this. Looking to wake

up from this nightmare any morning now!

THanks for your response,

Beth

Jennie G <xponder70@...> wrote:

Beth,

Welcome to the group. I know this is a hard thing to deal with,

understand and accept. I hope we can help you get there.

One thing I'm curious about, is that your RA sounds very

aggressive. Plaquinil takes quite a while to start working at all.

Did your rheumatologist discuss any other medication options with

you? In many cases medication can allow you to function enough to

work, and the faster you get there the better.

Jennie

--- In , " mlabar7661 " <mlabar7661@y...>

wrote:

> HI!

>

> I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

> period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

> begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

> from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

>

> I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

> Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

> diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Jennie,

Yes, my RA does appear to be very aggressive. But, then again, so am I.

Pagquaril does take a long time to work; but I am also taking PRednisone. Hate

it, but it keeps my moving. Without the prednisone, I am very nearly immobile.

I have developed that unsightly hump in the back of the neck! UGH!

I have another appointment in two weeks with the Rhematologist to disucss

further options. So, I will know more then.

I also have elevated Liver enzymes (am not a drinker nor do I take drugs, well

until now). THe doctor is concerned; and is doing more blood work next week.

Do you know anything about elevated liver enzymes in conjunction with RA?

Still having difficulty accepting the reality of all of this. Looking to wake

up from this nightmare any morning now!

THanks for your response,

Beth

Jennie G <xponder70@...> wrote:

Beth,

Welcome to the group. I know this is a hard thing to deal with,

understand and accept. I hope we can help you get there.

One thing I'm curious about, is that your RA sounds very

aggressive. Plaquinil takes quite a while to start working at all.

Did your rheumatologist discuss any other medication options with

you? In many cases medication can allow you to function enough to

work, and the faster you get there the better.

Jennie

> HI!

>

> I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

> period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

> begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

> from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

>

> I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

> Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

> diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Suzy,

THanks for your reply. I have seen a Rheumatologist who I like a lot. But, I

am considering a second opinion. I had been having difficulty with my eyesight

prior to going on Plaquaril; but now it appears to be worsening. I have an

appointment with the Opthomologist next week to get a base line exam. I hate

having to take all of these meds.

IN addition, I have Vicodin for the pain. I try to take it only as needed. I

probably average taking it once a day when I just need the relief. I have tried

Tylenol Arthritis; but when my neck and head are hurting, it doesn't seem to cut

it.

I, like you, are hoping that this will simply disappear one day like a bad

dream. The reality of all this has still not set in. Interestingly, I am

jealous of anyone with their health. Never know what you have until it's gone!

Oh! What I would do to have a normal day where exhaustion comes from activity

rather than mere existence. Today, I am going to try to get into a pool to move

around a little. My aparement has a pool. I'll have to go at night because I

can't be in the sun due to the prednisone and plaquaril. Plus, the prednisone

has created a roundness to my body that might be cause for a porpoise scare.

So, nighttime appears to be a good time for a clandestine swim!

Talk to you again,

Beth

Suzy <suzy11@...> wrote:

Hi and welcome to the group! I am on the same meds as youare and I hurt

everywhere also, including neck and jaws. I don't feel that the Plaquenil

does much good soI am going to seek a second opinion. I have been suffering

for 9 months like this and if anything I am getting worse. Does your doc

have you seeing a specialist? From what I read on this board this is lots

and lots of support and info here that hopefully will make things easier for

you. Isn't it strange that one day you are feeling fine and the next you

can barely move??? I keep hoping to get better and maybe I will. Dont give

up!!! There are lots of meds out there and hopefully you will get some

relief!

Suzy

-- [ ] Newly diagnoses with RA

HI!

I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

Still having difficulty with typing -- but I can get out of bed and

up and down from a couch or chair. It appears to have attacked my

body from my toes to my neck - which makes moving my head difficult.

Just need a little support. Six months ago I was running and

participating in triathlones. I am now going to lose my job because

I was not working for a year. So the family leave act doesn't apply

to me.

Just looing for some support and information on how others have

managed to get through the diagnostic and stabilizing process of

this disease.

Beth

[Guest guest]

Suzy,

THanks for your reply. I have seen a Rheumatologist who I like a lot. But, I

am considering a second opinion. I had been having difficulty with my eyesight

prior to going on Plaquaril; but now it appears to be worsening. I have an

appointment with the Opthomologist next week to get a base line exam. I hate

having to take all of these meds.

IN addition, I have Vicodin for the pain. I try to take it only as needed. I

probably average taking it once a day when I just need the relief. I have tried

Tylenol Arthritis; but when my neck and head are hurting, it doesn't seem to cut

it.

I, like you, are hoping that this will simply disappear one day like a bad

dream. The reality of all this has still not set in. Interestingly, I am

jealous of anyone with their health. Never know what you have until it's gone!

Oh! What I would do to have a normal day where exhaustion comes from activity

rather than mere existence. Today, I am going to try to get into a pool to move

around a little. My aparement has a pool. I'll have to go at night because I

can't be in the sun due to the prednisone and plaquaril. Plus, the prednisone

has created a roundness to my body that might be cause for a porpoise scare.

So, nighttime appears to be a good time for a clandestine swim!

Talk to you again,

Beth

Suzy <suzy11@...> wrote:

Hi and welcome to the group! I am on the same meds as youare and I hurt

everywhere also, including neck and jaws. I don't feel that the Plaquenil

does much good soI am going to seek a second opinion. I have been suffering

for 9 months like this and if anything I am getting worse. Does your doc

have you seeing a specialist? From what I read on this board this is lots

and lots of support and info here that hopefully will make things easier for

you. Isn't it strange that one day you are feeling fine and the next you

can barely move??? I keep hoping to get better and maybe I will. Dont give

up!!! There are lots of meds out there and hopefully you will get some

relief!

Suzy

-- [ ] Newly diagnoses with RA

HI!

I have just been diagnosed with RA after 4 months. Within this

period of time, I struggled to maintain my job which I had just

begun this April. I lost the struggle last Monday with an letter

from my primary doctor stating that I could no longer work.

I have just begun a treatment including Prednisone, 10MG/day and

Plaquaril 2x/day. I began the Prednisone in June at 40MG with no

diagnosis; but just began the Plaquaril last Friday.

Still having difficulty with typing -- but I can get out of bed and

up and down from a couch or chair. It appears to have attacked my

body from my toes to my neck - which makes moving my head difficult.

Just need a little support. Six months ago I was running and

participating in triathlones. I am now going to lose my job because

I was not working for a year. So the family leave act doesn't apply

to me.

Just looing for some support and information on how others have

managed to get through the diagnostic and stabilizing process of

this disease.

Beth

[Guest guest]

Beth,

I've read about the antibiotic treatment and have put links on my website:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/drugs.html#antibioics

There are 2 websites that are the best source of information on antibiotics,

roadback.org and rheumatic.org

There is also information on my site about methotrexate and other options.

a

>

> Samdra.

>

> I am seeing a Rheumatologist. I first saw him two weeks ago. I like him very

> much.

>

> I am not familiar with Mexat..... Can't remember how to spell it. I will

> research this. I also read in a book about a treatment of antibiotics which

> has been successful. Any information on this treatment?

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Beth,

I've read about the antibiotic treatment and have put links on my website:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/drugs.html#antibioics

There are 2 websites that are the best source of information on antibiotics,

roadback.org and rheumatic.org

There is also information on my site about methotrexate and other options.

a

>

> Samdra.

>

> I am seeing a Rheumatologist. I first saw him two weeks ago. I like him very

> much.

>

> I am not familiar with Mexat..... Can't remember how to spell it. I will

> research this. I also read in a book about a treatment of antibiotics which

> has been successful. Any information on this treatment?

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Beth,

Elevated liver enzymes is a rare side effect of plaquenil.

http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Datasheet/p/Plaqueniltab.htm

I've had elevated liver enzymes that went back to normal after discontinuing

the drug that caused it, in my case methotrexate.

Your doctor may look for other options if your liver enzymes continue to be

high. I've had this disease for over 25 years and still hope I'll wake up

one day and it will all be a bad dream.

a

>

> Jennie,

>

> Yes, my RA does appear to be very aggressive. But, then again, so am I.

> Pagquaril does take a long time to work; but I am also taking PRednisone.

> Hate it, but it keeps my moving. Without the prednisone, I am very nearly

> immobile. I have developed that unsightly hump in the back of the neck! UGH!

>

> I have another appointment in two weeks with the Rhematologist to disucss

> further options. So, I will know more then.

>

> I also have elevated Liver enzymes (am not a drinker nor do I take drugs, well

> until now). THe doctor is concerned; and is doing more blood work next week.

> Do you know anything about elevated liver enzymes in conjunction with RA?

>

> Still having difficulty accepting the reality of all of this. Looking to wake

> up from this nightmare any morning now!

>

> THanks for your response,

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Beth,

Elevated liver enzymes is a rare side effect of plaquenil.

http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Datasheet/p/Plaqueniltab.htm

I've had elevated liver enzymes that went back to normal after discontinuing

the drug that caused it, in my case methotrexate.

Your doctor may look for other options if your liver enzymes continue to be

high. I've had this disease for over 25 years and still hope I'll wake up

one day and it will all be a bad dream.

a

>

> Jennie,

>

> Yes, my RA does appear to be very aggressive. But, then again, so am I.

> Pagquaril does take a long time to work; but I am also taking PRednisone.

> Hate it, but it keeps my moving. Without the prednisone, I am very nearly

> immobile. I have developed that unsightly hump in the back of the neck! UGH!

>

> I have another appointment in two weeks with the Rhematologist to disucss

> further options. So, I will know more then.

>

> I also have elevated Liver enzymes (am not a drinker nor do I take drugs, well

> until now). THe doctor is concerned; and is doing more blood work next week.

> Do you know anything about elevated liver enzymes in conjunction with RA?

>

> Still having difficulty accepting the reality of all of this. Looking to wake

> up from this nightmare any morning now!

>

> THanks for your response,

>

> Beth