Re: New, Confused, and Extremely Depressed

[Guest guest]

Hi Sparrow,

Welcome to our group. We do understand what you are going through

and are here to help you any way that we can. Personally I can tell

you that I experienced problems when I was working. I was an

accountant who had just finished my masters degree when I'm called

into my supervisor's office and told that my work need to improve as

it was not up to standards expected of someone with my educational

level. Needless to say I was crushed as I was in a lot of pain and

doing the very best I could. Some days I was working overtime (not

getting paid for it either as I was salaried) to finish projects and

then hurting so much I had a difficult time making it to my car in

the parking lot. I felt like no one at work cared about what I was

going through and there was absolutely no understanding at all given

to me and my physical problems. I was told that if my work did not

dramatically improve within the next 30 days that I would be fired.

Like a good trooper I gave it my best shot and at the two week point

we had another meeting. They said my work was better but now I also

needed to improve my working relationship with my co-workers. I was

stunned. Previous to all this happening I had scheduled to take some

vacation time and I couldn't wait to get away from that office. I

was fed up by that time, angry and mad at them as I felt they were

just looking for some excuse to fire me. I worked the next week and

then had my week of vacation. Since I was afraid they would fire me,

I did not return to work. Instead I called human resources and told

them I was going to go on short-term disability as my physical

problems were so bad that I could not return to work. I never went

back to that office except to get my personal things that had been

boxed up by someone.

I used to go to a gym, but gave that up when I was in a lot of back

pain. Eventhough I've been told by more than one doctor that water

exercise would benefit me, I am afraid to return as I have problems

pacing myself and then end up in a lot of pain.

Hope all this sharing has enouraged you and not caused you to be more

depressed. I'm learning to be content in the place God has put me.

I'm not there yet as it was only the end of Feb. that I went on short-

term disability, but coping better every day.

Now here's a joke for you. It really applies to me as I'm reached

the age mark of 62.

My brain is like a computer, the older I get the less

avaliable memory I have.

So glad you decided to join our group. Take care and hope things

start to get better for you.

--- In , " tornsparrow " <tornsparrow@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

> in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

> doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

> treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

> grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

> that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot

these

> days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

> minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

> swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month

later.

> A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

> my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

> day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

> whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

> RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

> acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

> still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

> coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

> notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

> actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

> felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

> group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

> even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

> wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a

joke

> to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

> that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

> because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

> to cry. "

> Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I

still

> have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

> anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

>

[Guest guest]

--- In , " tornsparrow " <tornsparrow@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

> in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

> doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

> treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

> grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

> that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot

these

> days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

> minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

> swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month

later.

> A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

> my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

> day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

> whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

> RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

> acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

> still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

> coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

> notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

> actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

> felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

> group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

> even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

> wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a

joke

> to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

> that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

> because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

> to cry. "

> Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I

still

> have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

> anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

>

Hi Sparrow

Welcome to the group and sorry to hear that you are having such a bad

time of it. What meds do you take for pain? I'm lucky that I work

with really nice folk who are caring. I think they saw me deteriorate

for 12 months before I was diagnosed and knew that it was something

quite severe. I think the tiredness and mental fog has been one of

the worst symptoms to deal with. It is literally totally

debilitating. No one warned me about that! I have found that my body

is now a stranger to me and I am getting to know it again. This takes

time (and many errors of judgement). I have found that I will do only

one task at a time instead of 3-4 at once. I rest b/n tasks. If I get

tired I now know that to push on will be counter-productive tomorrow.

I say NO if it's too much. I don't worry about what people say or

think anymore - they can make all the assumptions that they want to -

but only you know the truth!

Have faith in yourself, recognise your limits and be kind to

yourself. Good luck.

Deb in Oz

[Guest guest]

--- In , " tornsparrow " <tornsparrow@...>

wrote:

(((((Sparrow)))))

I hear you I too am very over weight and all I hear is lose the

weight and you will not have the pain any more Yea Right, I too was

very depressed most of the time. I take Cymblata once a day and I

think it helps some. Now I have this heart burn so bad I have been

eatting tums like candy and with no help and have been having lose

stools so much that my butt hurts like hell. My mom told me to see a

dr at once, all could say is I feel like it is always some thing

all the time and people must think I am faking it.. so I know what

you are feel belive me. We hurt and people just don't understand,

But you have found the right place because we know how you feel,

take care and welcome to the group

>

> Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

> in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

> doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric

[Guest guest]

For years, I could get indigestion from a glass of water. The last couple of

years I've been having indigestion/heartburn constantly from my meds, so I

was prescribed Prilosec OTC daily. That starts getting expensive, so I

devised a way to get through it. I cut the pills in half and take one half

every morning. It's cheaper than the prescribed (whatever the name) and is

still very effective. The occasional need is gone with only one Rolaids, and

I have no side effects. It works for me. Maybe if you get the acid under

control, the diarrhea and burning will go away, too.

Dennis in Eastexas

" It's not Rocket Surgery "

[ ] Re: New, Confused, and Extremely Depressed

>

>

> (((((Sparrow)))))

> I hear you I too am very over weight and all I hear is lose the

> weight and you will not have the pain any more Yea Right, I too was

> very depressed most of the time. I take Cymblata once a day and I

> think it helps some. Now I have this heart burn so bad I have been

> eatting tums like candy and with no help and have been having lose

> stools so much that my butt hurts like hell. My mom told me to see a

> dr at once, all could say is I feel like it is always some thing

> all the time and people must think I am faking it.. so I know what

> you are feel belive me. We hurt and people just don't understand,

> But you have found the right place because we know how you feel,

> take care and welcome to the group

>

>>

>> Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

>> in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

>> doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric

[Guest guest]

Hi Sparrow:

It's very normal to be depressed and confused with

your new diagnosis of RA. What will RA mean to your

life? What about medications? How will RA affect me?

What joints will be affected? Will I be crippled by

RA? Will I have to quit working? There is soooo much

to consider. RA is a lifetime disease, and so it will

definately affect the rest of your life, but not

necessarily in a negative way, as long as you are able

to find the right medication or combo of medications,

you should feel much better. There will be some

compromises and adjustments, but it is the quality of

life that is important, and adjustments and adaptions

that you may need to take to make it a quality life.

It's very hard to get family and friends to understand

- after all, this is an invisible disease. There is

no outward sign of pain, unless you see deformity of

the fingers or have a cane, walker or wheelchair. The

majority of us just don't look sick or like we have

chronic pain, we look " normal " . But underneath that

normal exterior is a life of chronic pain,

medications, and worries about what will happen in the

future. Many of us are overweight, and when I use the

handicapped space, or the little store scooter, I

definately feel people look at me and think, boy if

she would only loose some weight, she would not be so

lazy to have to use that thing. Believe me, if weight

loss was the cure, we'd all be skinny!

That was great that you were trying to work on your

weight by going to the gym, but it sounds like you

went overboard a bit, and that is what brought on your

flare. Easy goes it, little steps, and pace yourself.

It is possible for some of us to use the gym, but do

not use anything that causes pain. Curves is a good

place to go as everything is set to one level, and you

go as fast or slow as you need. After you are feeling

better, that might be something to look into.

The fatigue is a hard thing to deal with - it never

really goes away. It can get better, but I am always

tired to some degree, no matter how much sleep I get.

I even nod off at the computer, reading a book, or

watching a movie. It's quite frustrating. The best I

can say for that is rest when you body tells you to do

so, and try to pace yourself so that you do not

overdo. On my good days I tend to do that, and then

pay for it the next day. You'd think that after 7

years with this I would get it, but I still try to

push the limits at times.

It sounds like your doctor is on the right path by

starting you off on a DMARD (disease modifying drug)

like Methotrexate. Sometimes adding another DMARD to

Mtx will be beneficial and there are several choices

for that. I tried many medications, and the one that

has worked best for me has been Methotrexate combined

with Enbrel. I can't say that every day is wonderful

(I also deal with OA, Raynaud's, and Fibro), but it is

so much better than it was. I am even able to ride my

horse on occasion, when body and weather permit. I do

pretty much what I want and need to do for my family,

and to have a good quality of life.

Believe me, we are a hard bunch to chase off! We

truly do understand what you are talking about, and

what you have been going through - we've all been

there. You are not crazy - you are in pain and

stressed and probably not sleeping well, and all of

that can mess up your mind. We welcome you to our

group, but are sorry for the reason you are here. We

are here for you and will help you in any way we can.

Please ask all the questions you want to ask, and

somebody here will be able to answer you, I am sure.

Well, if you have made it to the end of my novella

lol, I am glad, and hope I have helped. Hang in

there!

Kathe in CA

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Sparrow,

Your story is very similar to mine. I have went through a recent weight gain,

worked out, started hurting, went to the doctor, diagnosed with some form of

arthritis (most likely RA), my husband doesn't believe me, and I think that my

medication is not doing what it should. Although the pain is better, I still

hurt. You are not crazy, there are many people that are suffering from this

affliction that have similar experiences to yours.

Cohen

blondie10@...

rcohen1@...

[ ] New, Confused, and Extremely Depressed

Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot these

days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month later.

A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a joke

to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

to cry. "

Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I still

have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

[Guest guest]

Sparrow & ,

I truly understand what you are feeling. I am also extremely overweight, all

the docs used to say just exercise, lose the weight, you will fell better. Then

one doctor finally listened to me and sent me to a rheumo. I feared I was going

to hear the same response. After trying a few different meds and dosages, they

finally found a combo that has actually helped most days. It wasn't until I

finally got relief from a regime of meds that everyone who had been doubting me

realized that something actually was wrong with me. Now they see the difference

and believe that the arthritis is real. Hang in there, be strong, keep a log of

your symptoms to help you when you talk to the rheumo. Stick with it, there is

hope. Until then, just know that we at this group know and feel your pain. As

for the depression, mention that to your primary, they put me on Prozac and that

helped a little until the other meds kicked in. But has really been helping my

depression are my cats. They are wonderful and they don't need a medical degree

to understand, they just sit and purr. Mine like to chase a laser pointer too.

Just a thought. Also, make sure you take the Aleve with a little milk or a

cracker or two. it will keep your stomach from burning.

Lynn

[ ] New, Confused, and Extremely Depressed

Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot these

days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month later.

A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a joke

to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

to cry. "

Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I still

have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

[Guest guest]

Is RA connected with weight gain? I was a size 8/10 till my 50's. I had ovariam

cancer and put on 100 poundas. I have never had this problem. I am much less

active because it hurts to do things.I am greatful I survuved the cancer. I can

not grasp the weight...I am considering human growth hormone - HGH Some claim

it rejuvenantes cells. I figure I can only lose my kids measly

inheritance.....GRIN

I would rather set an example of going down fighting than their mother

defeated.

N ot being believed I understand. Super adult children who think I should

move on....They don't get it////

REBECCA COHEN <blondie10@...> wrote:

Hi Sparrow,

Your story is very similar to mine. I have went through a recent weight gain,

worked out, started hurting, went to the doctor, diagnosed with some form of

arthritis (most likely RA), my husband doesn't believe me, and I think that my

medication is not doing what it should. Although the pain is better, I still

hurt. You are not crazy, there are many people that are suffering from this

affliction that have similar experiences to yours.

Cohen

blondie10@...

rcohen1@...

[ ] New, Confused, and Extremely Depressed

Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot these

days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month later.

A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a joke

to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

to cry. "

Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I still

have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

[Guest guest]

People with RA who take steroid meds often speak of stuggles with

weight. Pain can cause inactivity which can also cause weight gain.

But RA is also very often associated with loss of weight.

Sierra

> Hi Sparrow,

>

> Your story is very similar to mine. I have went through a recent

weight gain, worked out, started hurting, went to the doctor,

diagnosed with some form of arthritis (most likely RA), my husband

doesn't believe me, and I think that my medication is not doing what

it should. Although the pain is better, I still hurt. You are not

crazy, there are many people that are suffering from this affliction

that have similar experiences to yours.

>

> Cohen

> blondie10@...

> rcohen1@...

>

> [ ] New, Confused, and Extremely Depressed

>

> Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

> in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

> doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

> treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

> grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

> that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot

these

> days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

> minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

> swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month later.

> A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

> my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

> day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

> whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

> RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

> acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

> still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

> coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

> notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

> actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

> felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

> group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

> even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

> wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a joke

> to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

> that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

> because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

> to cry. "

> Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I still

> have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

> anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Are there any people in this group who have experienced weight loss?

It would truly be encouraging to note. I too am battling the

battle of the buldge! It's a new thing for me as well.

Carol

On Oct 3, 2006, at 7:20 PM, snowdrift52003 wrote:

> People with RA who take steroid meds often speak of stuggles with

> weight. Pain can cause inactivity which can also cause weight gain.

> But RA is also very often associated with loss of weight.

>

> Sierra

>

>

> > Hi Sparrow,

> >

> > Your story is very similar to mine. I have went through a recent

> weight gain, worked out, started hurting, went to the doctor,

> diagnosed with some form of arthritis (most likely RA), my husband

> doesn't believe me, and I think that my medication is not doing what

> it should. Although the pain is better, I still hurt. You are not

> crazy, there are many people that are suffering from this affliction

> that have similar experiences to yours.

> >

> > Cohen

> > blondie10@...

> > rcohen1@...

> >

> > [ ] New, Confused, and Extremely Depressed

> >

> > Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

> > in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

> > doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

> > treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

> > grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

> > that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot

> these

> > days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

> > minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

> > swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month later.

> > A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

> > my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

> > day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

> > whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

> > RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

> > acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

> > still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

> > coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

> > notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

> > actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

> > felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

> > group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

> > even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

> > wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a joke

> > to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

> > that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

> > because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

> > to cry. "

> > Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I still

> > have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

> > anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

on the issue of weight, I gained weight on prednisone and when I

began MTX I lost alot of weight. Then the ulcer, more weight loss.

Now, there are times that I have to force myself to eat. Usually

when my stomach is acting up the only thing that

sounds good is red meat. Is that weird or what?

I'm a former vegetarian...go figure.

Can't exercise either because of pain and potential damage.

Peace,

River

[Guest guest]

the best advice i can give you is take care of yourself. don't listen

to all the get up get moving you'll feel better, you don't look sick

crud that well meaning friends and family will spout off. you have to

grow a tough hide and learn to listen to your body it will tell you

when you are pushing it or need to rest. as for the weight i too

fight it but it may make my knees hurt more but i know it is not what

causes the pain in my hands. i'm much to old to walk around on them.

hehehe. try to temper your frustration about the things you cannot do

and try to expand the things you can do. like laptops in recliners,

crochet instead of cross stitch when you are hurting, reading if its

bad and mostly resting as much as your body needs. make the most of

your trips to the bathroom, kitchen, etc and keep anything you might

want or need as close by as you can when you are resting. i love my

recliner because it gets me up but keeps my legs elevated. also my

tivo so at 3am when it hurts to much to sleep there is always

something i want to watch. oh i get angry and frustrated but it

doesn't help and frankly my faimly is frustrated enough with the

things i can't do. they try to be understanding but they get

frustrated to and sometimes make comments that hurt my feelings. but

i just have to take care of me first and know my limitations. hope

this helps you found a place that definately understands.

> Hi Sparrow,

>

> Your story is very similar to mine. I have went through a recent

weight gain, worked out, started hurting, went to the doctor,

diagnosed with some form of arthritis (most likely RA), my husband

doesn't believe me, and I think that my medication is not doing what

it should. Although the pain is better, I still hurt. You are not

crazy, there are many people that are suffering from this affliction

that have similar experiences to yours.

>

> Cohen

> blondie10@...

> rcohen1@...

>

> [ ] New, Confused, and Extremely Depressed

>

> Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

> in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

> doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

> treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

> grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

> that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot these

> days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

> minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

> swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month later.

> A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

> my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

> day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

> whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

> RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

> acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

> still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

> coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

> notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

> actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

> felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

> group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

> even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

> wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a joke

> to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

> that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

> because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

> to cry. "

> Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I still

> have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

> anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi sparro- Sorry to say but you don't get RA and then it goes away. What you

experienced in your 20's was prob. arthritis in early stages or someting

isolated. It does not go away. Maybe you are not being believed because you tell

your story this way. Anyone who knows anything would not believe you if you said

that you had RA and then got rid of it. Your doctor should set you straight. Do

you have the same doc as your early 20's and are you seeing a Ruemitoligist?

(spelling is bad!)

A ruemy is the only person who should be diagnosing RA. And Metheltrxate and

folic acid will do nothing for your pain, it just slows the disease from

progressing. Before you lable me a " know it all " I have AS. Ankilosing

Spondilitis. It is the worst form of RA. It is a auto-imune disease where you

imune system attacks your spine, and the discs, musules and joints attached to

your spine with constent inflamation . I have had it for 23 years (well it

became active 23 years ago, I was born with it as you were with RA) It is very,

very painfull. It is also debilitative.

(please excuse my spelling I am a college grad, but my spelling is really

bad!!!)

I spend at least one week in the hospital a year, and I take injections once a

week as well as Remicade infustions every 6 weeks and spinal steroid injections

3 times a year. Let me give some advice

1. If you are not seeing a ruemy doctor-see one. They should be the only one

treating you. NEVER GO TO A CHIROPRACTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. You need to be on an anti-inflamitory DAILY!. Alive or advil at least, but

you should try Celebrex, or Mobid which are prescriptions. You may however find

that Alive and advil work fine.

3. You need to be on some pain med-even Darvicete which is the weekest

narcotic is better than nothing but you NEED something.

4. Metheltrxate is fine and the Folic acid is just to protect your liver from

the Methtrex-niether do anything directly for pain.

5. Eat protien-protien attacts the inflamation molicules that cause the

iternal swelling. The swelling presses against the largest group of nerves in

your body and cases pain!!

6. If you have cramps or spasims eat bananas and drink a glass of tonic water

(without the Gin!) every day before you go to bed. Tonis water has Quinine in it

and the bananas have potasium both of which helps cramps and spasims.

7. GET SOME PAIM MEDS. Don't feel like a drug addict. It is a quality of life

issue. As well as helping with the pain, pain meds help you to calm down and

feel better, all around. Watch yourself though you have to take as directed, you

are young and you have a lot of years to pace yourself.

Well I am getting tired and going to bed. Any time you need advise or have

quetions please feel free to write.

Feel better and God Bless!

Mike

all around

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

Hi

I'm also new to the group. I'm 29 and have been diagnosed with RA

after I gave birth to my daughter two years ago. I did not have this

problem before my pregnancy, it just hit me. My doctor also put me on

Methotrexate and folic acid. I have started with 5 pill of metho, but

it got increased to 7 pill once a week. This was working for me for

about a year, but I noticed that my body got used to the Metho and

although my dose incrased, the pain increased as well. My doctor

subscribed me Celebrex so I take that everyday in addition to the

Metho and folic acid.

So you are not alone...

-- In , " tornsparrow " <tornsparrow@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi. I'm " Sparrow " , 32, and I've got RA. I had it once when I was

> in my early 20's. But it was only in my hands and the way the

> doctor got rid of it was to put me through steroids, electric shock

> treatment, and huge cold packs that encased my lower arms. I'm

> grossly overweight (a couple of hundred lbs), have a data entry job

> that I hate more than anything, and find that I'm crying a lot

these

> days. A few months ago, I started going to a gym - swimming for 30

> minutes then sometimes on a treadmill for 20. Mostly I love the

> swimming. The trainer started me on weight training a month

later.

> A few weeks after that, I suddenly started feeling pain throughout

> my body. Then suddenly all of my joints started screaming every

> day. I quit the gym and have been in pain every day since. But

> whatever I was doing at the gym seemed to make the pain worse. The

> RA doc now has me on Methotrexate at a very low dosage and folic

> acid every day. I've been doing that for about four days. I'm

> still tired as hell every day and all I can think of at work is

> coming home to my bed or my cozy rocking chair. But I seem to

> notice that NOW taking 3 Aleve before I go to bed each night

> actually helps the next day. Today it was just my left leg that

> felt twisted and caused me to use a cane. I guess I've joined this

> group b/c arthritis isn't visible and people like supervisors and

> even family members don't seem to believe you. I guess I just

> wanted someone to say, " Heck, yes! You're not crazy. Here's a

joke

> to brighten your day. And, yes, I know what you mean when you say

> that you scream into a pillow some mornings while getting dressed

> because your joints don't want to cooperate....And, yes, it's okay

> to cry. "

> Well, that's my story summed up. I'm in hell but I am aware I

still

> have it better than a lot of people out there. If I haven't chased

> anyone off, then I want to say thanks for letting me be here.

>