Hello to all

[Guest guest]

I have just recently joined this group, but have been diagnosed with RA/SLE

for over 20 years. During this time, I was a single working mom with an

absent ex-husband. Things weren't easy and I worked, and hurt, a lot. My

point is that I have been dealing with this for so long, but this board

still helped me out.

Last week, I had a flare while visiting my daughter in Arizona. Of course,

I forgot my extra Prednisone which I take along with Humira for flare-ups.

My kids were shocked at the appearance of my hand, (I told them that my

whole body felt that way) apparently they never noticed growing up how sick

I was... It took 2 days to arrange for another prescription and I didn't

want to ruin my time there, so I remembered reading what you all were saying

for break through pain. I bought some Icy Hot patches and was able to get

through the days until I got the meds.

I just wanted to say, Thank You, to everyone that shares their stories,

painful as they may be, you never know who you are helping with your emails.

It is because of this board that I was able to enjoy the time with my kids

(26 & 22 years old...but they will always be the " kids " ). My rhuemy wants

to start me on Orencia due to the many flares I have been having but it is

so new that tests results for 12 months or more aren't available yet.

MEANWHILE, I got the doc to give me a script of Provigil to help with the

weariness. I have to wait for my insurance to approve, but I will be in

touch with the Group and let you know how it works for me.

Thanks again, everyone, and I am glad to be here.

Joanne, Chicago, IL area