New here

[Guest guest]

Hi !

I really do understand though. I don't have children

but I am a new first time aunt. With my FMS, I can't

lift 10 pounds, I really am not supposed to lift 2

pounds but I love to hold my nephew when he is here. I

have my dark days and times too..I try to journal, if

I can't write that day I keep one on my computer.

This past week when dealing with the bronchitis and

not being able to take my meds so I was having a bad

knee flare, was a difficult time. I was reading

articles in the Sept/Oct magazine of Arthritis TOday

about how one day with injections they might be able

to make remissions last longer, or to actually find a

cure. And I was so happy to see that but on the other

end I was thinking Geez I missed some of the best

years of my life that I can't get back! Feel free to

email me any time. I've learned alot from a CBT doctor

that treats chronic pain and some are in our age

group. I went to a support group once and I dont know

if it was really helpful. Most of the people in the

group didn't get any problems until late 50's and

almost near their retirement. So they had raised

their families and had careers while being in good

health..I find this board so helpful because we are

all various ages and all struggling some how. Just

remember we are going to be THRIVERS:) I like to say

this instead of survivor:)

--- <qt_pie_f_84@...> wrote:

> It's great to see others that have had it hard be so

> positive about

> things, I have a great life...It just gets

> deppressing sometimes to

> think that I could have done so much more for my

> family had it not

> happend to me. I try not to let it bother me and

> really I have gotten

> used to it and forget about it alot of the times

> until I drop

> something or bend my fingers or wrists the wrong

> way, then it all

> slaps me in the face. You sound like you have had it

> alot worse than

> me over the years and I am sorry to hear that, I am

> glad you have a

> poitive outlook on it, I try to keep one most the

> time.

>

> >

> > > Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was

> diagnosed

> > > with Juvenile RA

> > > when I was 15. I went on medication for it right

> > > away, tacking

> > > methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade

> > > infusions once a month. I

> > > had to stop at age 19 though because my dads

> > > insurance wouldnt cover

> > > me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5,

> and

> > > 10 months. My

> > > husband recently got insurance at his work, but

> I

> > > wont be coverd for

> > > 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on

> disability

> > > july of this year

> > > after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my

> > > medicare wont kick in

> > > for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to

> give

> > > everything up I

> > > have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out

> my

> > > senior year

> > > because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I

> > > didnt get to go to

> > > college like I wanted. Now that i am on

> disability I

> > > make enough to

> > > pay the mortgage each month but my husband is

> left

> > > paying everything

> > > else out of his checks each week and I feel like

> I

> > > dont help enough.

> > > He is very supportive of me and never complains

> but

> > > I cant help

> > > feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I

> have

> > > never met anyone

> > > else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says

> I

> > > am the only one he

> > > ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all

> the

> > > time if her

> > > fingers are going to be bent and broken like

> mine

> > > and I just want to

> > > cry because that is the first thing people

> notice

> > > when they meet me

> > > and then I have all the questions to answer.

> Sorry

> > > for getting on

> > > here and pretty much crying the first time I

> post

> > > but I just want

> > > other people with the same things I have to talk

> to.

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

______________________________________________________________________

> ______________

> > Be a better pen pal.

> > Text or chat with friends inside . See

> how.

> http://overview.mail./

> >

>

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Be a better pen pal.

Text or chat with friends inside . See how.

http://overview.mail./

[Guest guest]

Good luck with your interview tomorrow! I think I did pretty well on mine today.

She said she is making final decisions and contacting the new employee tomorrow!

~Deneen

[ ] New here

>

>

> Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was diagnosed with Juvenile

RA

> when I was 15. I went on medication for it right away, tacking

> methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade infusions once a

month. I

> had to stop at age 19 though because my dads insurance wouldnt

cover

> me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5, and 10 months.

My

> husband recently got insurance at his work, but I wont be coverd

for

> 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on disability july of this

year

> after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my medicare wont

kick in

> for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to give everything up

I

> have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out my senior year

> because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I didnt get to go

to

> college like I wanted. Now that i am on disability I make enough

to

> pay the mortgage each month but my husband is left paying

everything

> else out of his checks each week and I feel like I dont help

enough.

> He is very supportive of me and never complains but I cant help

> feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I have never met

anyone

> else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says I am the only

one he

> ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all the time if her

> fingers are going to be bent and broken like mine and I just want

to

> cry because that is the first thing people notice when they meet

me

> and then I have all the questions to answer. Sorry for getting on

> here and pretty much crying the first time I post but I just want

> other people with the same things I have to talk to.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am now an Avon sales Rep....HORAY....Got my start kit today and my

first 10 books, now I just gotta get me some costumers lol. Good luck

to you too.

>

> Good luck with your interview tomorrow! I think I did pretty well

on mine today. She said she is making final decisions and contacting

the new employee tomorrow!

>

> ~Deneen

>

> [ ] New here

> >

> >

> > Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was diagnosed with Juvenile

> RA

> > when I was 15. I went on medication for it right away, tacking

> > methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade infusions once a

> month. I

> > had to stop at age 19 though because my dads insurance wouldnt

> cover

> > me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5, and 10 months.

> My

> > husband recently got insurance at his work, but I wont be

coverd

> for

> > 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on disability july of this

> year

> > after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my medicare wont

> kick in

> > for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to give everything

up

> I

> > have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out my senior year

> > because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I didnt get to go

> to

> > college like I wanted. Now that i am on disability I make

enough

> to

> > pay the mortgage each month but my husband is left paying

> everything

> > else out of his checks each week and I feel like I dont help

> enough.

> > He is very supportive of me and never complains but I cant help

> > feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I have never met

> anyone

> > else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says I am the only

> one he

> > ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all the time if

her

> > fingers are going to be bent and broken like mine and I just

want

> to

> > cry because that is the first thing people notice when they

meet

> me

> > and then I have all the questions to answer. Sorry for getting

on

> > here and pretty much crying the first time I post but I just

want

> > other people with the same things I have to talk to.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you. You are so sweet.

> > >

> > > > Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was

> > diagnosed

> > > > with Juvenile RA

> > > > when I was 15. I went on medication for it right

> > > > away, tacking

> > > > methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade

> > > > infusions once a month. I

> > > > had to stop at age 19 though because my dads

> > > > insurance wouldnt cover

> > > > me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5,

> > and

> > > > 10 months. My

> > > > husband recently got insurance at his work, but

> > I

> > > > wont be coverd for

> > > > 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on

> > disability

> > > > july of this year

> > > > after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my

> > > > medicare wont kick in

> > > > for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to

> > give

> > > > everything up I

> > > > have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out

> > my

> > > > senior year

> > > > because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I

> > > > didnt get to go to

> > > > college like I wanted. Now that i am on

> > disability I

> > > > make enough to

> > > > pay the mortgage each month but my husband is

> > left

> > > > paying everything

> > > > else out of his checks each week and I feel like

> > I

> > > > dont help enough.

> > > > He is very supportive of me and never complains

> > but

> > > > I cant help

> > > > feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I

> > have

> > > > never met anyone

> > > > else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says

> > I

> > > > am the only one he

> > > > ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all

> > the

> > > > time if her

> > > > fingers are going to be bent and broken like

> > mine

> > > > and I just want to

> > > > cry because that is the first thing people

> > notice

> > > > when they meet me

> > > > and then I have all the questions to answer.

> > Sorry

> > > > for getting on

> > > > here and pretty much crying the first time I

> > post

> > > > but I just want

> > > > other people with the same things I have to talk

> > to.

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

______________________________________________________________________

> > ______________

> > > Be a better pen pal.

> > > Text or chat with friends inside . See

> > how.

> > http://overview.mail./

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

> Be a better pen pal.

> Text or chat with friends inside . See how.

http://overview.mail./

>

[Guest guest]

That is so awesome!! I am very happy for you, and it will probably help

with any depression that you may be having. Congrats from Ok.

Hugs, Gloria

> > >

> > > Hi, !

> > >

> > > Reading your post makes me think of myself, actually. We have a

> lot

> > in common! I am 25 years old with RA. Have had it for 3 years

> now. It

> > does take a toll on you and make you feel bad. I was volunteering

> at

> > my son's school this morning and I had a gauge wrapped around my

> > wrist because of the pain I was having and I got a swarm of

> questions

> > for that!

> > >

> > > Trust me, I know EXACTLY how you feel! I have a 4 year old son

> who

> > knows when 'mommy has pain in her wrists'. It's hard because you

> want

> > to do things sometimes and you just CANT do it! It's like your

> brain

> > says 'yes, we can do this, but your body will not let you do it.

> I

> > have been so down lately because of this. I currently am

> unemployed

> > and looking for a job now (I have an interview @ 2:30 today) but

> it

> > is has really been a struggle.

> > >

> > > Feel free to write me anytime.

> > >

> > > Hope you feel better soon!

> > >

> > > ~Deneen

> > >

> > > [ ] New here

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi. My name is and I am 23, I was diagnosed with Juvenile

> > RA

> > > when I was 15. I went on medication for it right away, tacking

> > > methotrexate shots once a week and Remicade infusions once a

> > month. I

> > > had to stop at age 19 though because my dads insurance wouldnt

> > cover

> > > me anymore. I am married with 3 kids, ages 6, 5, and 10 months.

> > My

> > > husband recently got insurance at his work, but I wont be

> coverd

> > for

> > > 2 years, and i finally decided to ge on disability july of this

> > year

> > > after losing 2 jobs because of my hands, but my medicare wont

> > kick in

> > > for 2 years either. I feel like I have had to give everything

> up

> > I

> > > have ever wanted. School was hard, I dropped out my senior year

> > > because I couldnt keep up and was failing, so I didnt get to go

> > to

> > > college like I wanted. Now that i am on disability I make

> enough

> > to

> > > pay the mortgage each month but my husband is left paying

> > everything

> > > else out of his checks each week and I feel like I dont help

> > enough.

> > > He is very supportive of me and never complains but I cant help

> > > feeling bad because I can't bring in more. I have never met

> > anyone

> > > else as young as me with RA, even my doctor says I am the only

> > one he

> > > ever treated that young. My daughter asks me all the time if

> her

> > > fingers are going to be bent and broken like mine and I just

> want

> > to

> > > cry because that is the first thing people notice when they

> meet

> > me

> > > and then I have all the questions to answer. Sorry for getting

> on

> > > here and pretty much crying the first time I post but I just

> want

> > > other people with the same things I have to talk to.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi -- it's hard to give much feedback without knowing what your

symptoms are. Your xrays may be showing signs of joint erosion already.

My early symptons were pretty elusive. Both my shoulders went out, and I

was treated by an orthopedist as though the shoulders were an isolated

problem, even though symmetrical joint issues are a common symptom of

RA. Months later one knee became inflamed, and then the other. When I

was finally diagnosed with RA I went on celebrex first for inflammation,

then plaquenil and minocin. These drugs have made a huge difference for

me. I have some days now where I forget I have RA. If you really don't

have confidence in the diagnosis get a second opinion. Methotrexate is a

powerful drug and if you don't have RA you don't want to use it. Do you

suspect something else?Hopefully there are other rheumatologists in your

area. Good luck to you.

Bonnie Lou (RA/1 year)

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> less than a week ago I was diagnosed with RA. I don't want to believe

> it. I think it's because I don't feel there is enough supporting the

> dianosis. The dianosis was based on my c-reactive protien test, x-rays

> and symptoms. The doctor RX'ed me: Celebrex, Pred, MTX and folic acid.

> I don't want to take MTX. Any imput on this?

>

> thank all

>

[Guest guest]

I'm new here, too, . And I don't want to believe it either. But I

didn't get any meds to take other than " take up to 9 Advil a day. " I go

back to the doctor next Tuesday.

----- Original Message -----

From: " " <karenlvt@...>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> less than a week ago I was diagnosed with RA. I don't want to believe

> it. I think it's because I don't feel there is enough supporting the

> dianosis. The dianosis was based on my c-reactive protien test, x-rays

> and symptoms. The doctor RX'ed me: Celebrex, Pred, MTX and folic acid.

> I don't want to take MTX. Any imput on this?

[Guest guest]

I have Seronegative RA which means blood tests for RA are negative

but my symptoms are consistent with RA. I started methotrexate at

that time which was 3 months ago. It has helped a lot, in

conjunction with Plaquinel.

> >

> > Hello Everyone,

> >

> > less than a week ago I was diagnosed with RA. I don't want to

believe

> > it. I think it's because I don't feel there is enough supporting

the

> > dianosis. The dianosis was based on my c-reactive protien test, x-

rays

> > and symptoms. The doctor RX'ed me: Celebrex, Pred, MTX and folic

acid.

> > I don't want to take MTX. Any imput on this?

> >

> > thank all

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, !

What are your symptoms, and what did your x-rays reveal?

If you have RA, methotrexate (MTX) is one of the best

disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) available to treat your

disease. It can put your RA into remission and keep it there,

especially if you use it early in the disease course.

The risks of untreated or undertreated RA are greater than the risks

of taking MTX.

Not an MD

On Nov 21, 2007 1:50 PM, <karenlvt@...> wrote:

> Hello Everyone,

>

> less than a week ago I was diagnosed with RA. I don't want to believe

> it. I think it's because I don't feel there is enough supporting the

> dianosis. The dianosis was based on my c-reactive protien test, x-rays

> and symptoms. The doctor RX'ed me: Celebrex, Pred, MTX and folic acid.

> I don't want to take MTX. Any imput on this?

>

> thank all

[Guest guest]

I have had unexplained aches/pains/soreness since my mid 20's. Currently my

joints ache all the time. I can't play around with my son (he is 10yrs old), it

always hurts to be laid on, pushed or pulled. My knee's are really bad, I

haven't been able to get down on them since I was 30, I am 41 now. I broke my

humerus (bone between shoulder and elbow) by falling into a door way and had

nerve damage that never totally resolved. I had a cyst removed from my wrist

and the ache never goes away. My finger joints are/have been showing formation

changes. My feet/ankles hurt, if the dog steps on them.......I go through the

roof. My neck/spine hurt with too much walking. My knees and ankles swell and

become red. I am tired all the time. I have decresed my activity, this is/has

changed my life. I am overweight and have been told that is my problem. The

rheumatologist said on the first visit that he didn't think I have RA, he thinks

I have Fibro. After blood test and xrays he

said I have RA and in a month after being on meds, we are checking blood again.

I don't think he got the xrays back, he never said what the results were on

them. I am divorced now, but if I wasn't, I would not be intamate with my

husband. 8 years ago when I was still with him, I had a really hard time with

it. Whatever this is, it has really changed me.

thank you all for reading and giving me your opinions.

jennifer_thorson <jennifer_thorson@...> wrote:

I have Seronegative RA which means blood tests for RA are negative

but my symptoms are consistent with RA. I started methotrexate at

that time which was 3 months ago. It has helped a lot, in

conjunction with Plaquinel.

> >

> > Hello Everyone,

> >

> > less than a week ago I was diagnosed with RA. I don't want to

believe

> > it. I think it's because I don't feel there is enough supporting

the

> > dianosis. The dianosis was based on my c-reactive protien test, x-

rays

> > and symptoms. The doctor RX'ed me: Celebrex, Pred, MTX and folic

acid.

> > I don't want to take MTX. Any imput on this?

> >

> > thank all

> >

>

KAREN LVT

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

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

hi Selena,my nameisMelyndaGamez.I live in Corpus Christi,Texas.Oh my gosh

someone who finally has had ra for as long as i have.I to have had RA since i

was 5yrs.old,how weird is that?Everything you said was soo totally me!!! Im

38yrs.old now & am married with a lil girl,Alyssa is her name.OHHHHHHH MY GOSH i

would totally LOVE to chat with you!!!!Do you have Messanger?You sound like

me,im open for any conversation!!How old are you?I to use a wheelchair for

certain places.However,i walk with SPECIAL shoes,so i can be a lil more

independent!!What meds are you on Selena?If you dont mind answering my

questions????THIS IS SOOO GREAT!! MELYNDA GAMEZ

Selena Millman <forevertyandmore@...> wrote: I'm new to this

group but I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was

5-years-old. It has gotten worse over the years. I cannot walk without

crutches and I use a wheelchair. The arthritis isn't my only health

problem. About me personally I love to write and take photos. I don't

know what else you might want to know but I'm a very open person so I

will answer most questions.

Selena Millman

Cleveland Ohio

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

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

I got to the rheum doc today, wish me luck, I hope she has something

constructive to help with this.

welcome to the group !!!

amber

**************Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.

(http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv00030000000016)

[Guest guest]

I have not been going to the Rhuemy that long, I do go in every 3-4

months though. My Dr. checks how I'm doing on plan, & we're cutting

prednisone out of the pic, maybe plaquenil too, after that. I'm

comfortable with every 4 mos. I really understand just visiting

Doctors all the time, the expense involved, and wondering if they are

really all that necessary?! It's your decision to go to these

doctors or not. I was once referred to a opthalmologist that the

doctor trusted before I started plaquenil. But when I found out I

would have to pay $350 for the exam I skipped it & did not start on

the plaquenil till much later. After all, at that time both my

husband & I were unemployed, living on food stamps and un-insured.

Now, I have medicaid, it's tight but I've been able to make it.

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

wrote:

>

> Hi all! I hate to jump right in and start complaining but I'm sure

> ya'll understand.

>

> I've been going to my RA doc for about 3 years. I'm on Enbrel and

> Arava. I have to go to the RA doc every 2 months, at least. Last

> year he drove me nuts sending me to an oncologist and the oncologist

> sent me to a pulmonary doc and they didn't find anything but I still

> have to see them. I spent nearly $6000 out of pocket with pet

scans,

> cat scans, xrays, etc. etc. If I get the sniffles or my white count

is

> a little high he sends me to other docs etc.etc.

>

> The meds did just fine but all this extra doctor visit crap has

really

> got me depressed and broke! Is this normal, I mean so many

visits? I

> understand quality of life, that's why I decided to start see the

> doctor but quality of life sucks if all you do is go to doctors.

>

> I just don't understand and I'm not sure they aren't just in it for

> the bucks and in cahoots with each other.

>

> My RA was extremely bad and horribly painful. The meds brought it

> under control but the expense and the visits...I just don't know if

it

> is worth it.

>

> Thanks for letting me carry on. I'm curious what ya'll experienced

or

> are doing about your situations.

>

> Thanks and HUGZ

> PeggyH

>

[Guest guest]

hi amber, let me know how things go o.k. with your rheummy.... hope all goes

well!! god bless,melyndagamez 4/11/08 9:45p.m.central

Re: [ ] Re: New Here

I got to the rheum doc today, wish me luck, I hope she has something

constructive to help with this.

welcome to the group !!!

amber

**************Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.

(http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv00030000000016)

[Guest guest]

Kate,

Thank you for the information on possible treatments. I think I will have my

internist pass me to a rheumatologist. From talking with her office about the

asprin allergy I can see they are not up on all there is available out there. I

think it's wonderful that there are options out there that will slow the RA down

and that is what I would like to have if possible. I can see I need more

options.

Grand Rapids is about 2 hours north of us. We go about once a year or two and

visit their mall and my favorite spice store Penzeys.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Hi Jaimie! My best friend from college lives in Grand Rapids, so we go there a

lot. You're right about the snow, that lake effect stuff really is something!

Have you checked out the Arthritis Foundation's site? www.arthritis.org They

have some good things relevant to being newly diagnosed and they have a book on

RA that you can order which is really comprehensive.

Drugs can be divided into several classes. Of course there are steriods which

can be used short term in higher doses, or longer term in lower doses. Then

there's NSAIDs like Celebrex, Lodine, Motrin which reduce inflammation by

inhibiting prostagladins. A jump up from that are Disease Modifying

Antirheumatic Drugs which actually slow the progression of RA and are considered

joint sparing treatments. DMARDs include Plaquenil and Methotrexate (and I'm

sure others that I'm not thinking of). In the late 90's a new class of drugs

called biologics were introduced. They work higher in the chain of inflammation

to reduce RA symptoms and protect joints. They suppress the immune system, so

you have to be sure you don't have a latent infection like TB before starting

them. They are administered either by injection or by infusion in the office.

For me, weekly injected Enbrel has been *magical*. I feel like a new girl on

it. I think their site

is www.enlivenservices.com or try www.enbrel.com .

Soon you'll have all this drug info and lab stuff down cold. Hang in there, the

first 6 mos of diagnosis and trying to find a treatment plan that works is

challenging. Soon, it will be old hat.

Oh, and on the MD front, it's a good idea to have a rheumatologist managing you.

They are MDs/DOs who go through an internal medicine residency and then do

advanced training in rheumatic diseases. They are the most up to date and if

you want a biologic, you have to see them, rather than a general internist.

Keep me posted on how you're doing!

Kate

____________________________________________________________

Click for free info on getting an MBA, $200K/ year potential.

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[Guest guest]

,

Hello! I could not imagine living on the lake. Even not being too too far your

weather is more extreme there. We are about 20 mins south of Kalamazoo near the

Indiana line. The one thing we do love about being here is all the lakes

everywhere. We have so many so close and dh can fish to his hearts content. The

humidity has been a problem for me too and I've had the air conditioning on for

awhile now to get it out of the house. Thanks for the good wishes, this is such

a great and supportive group and so much help and information.

Thank you!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Hi !

Welcome to the group! I have lived in southwest michigan my entire life except

for when living in NY and NJ. I live right on Lake Michigan with 2 other lakes

just down the street. The winters and extreme cold here kill me with the

inflammatory arthritis and pain. I have Fibromyalgia as well, and Reynaud's

which the cold weather is rough on! The humidity that is now kicking in does not

help the pain either, so its a no win at times! Good luck on the upcoming lab

work and physical exam! I hope they are able to find the cause and to begin you

on a treatment to help decrease the pain

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[Guest guest]

Britt,

I'm under the impression that I take the mtx and soon to be Orencia to stop the

deterioration of my joints to this disease and that I have to live/cope with the

side effects and hopefully lessen them to the best degree possible. There are

so many choices today with the biologics that I think you should look at. I

believe the thinking that water therapy without meds is going to keep your RA in

check is like sticking your head in sand. It's a help but not a cure. Just my

opinion. in PA

[ ] New Here

Hi,

I'm a month away from being 21 and I have had RA for 18 years... possibly

earlier but that

was when I was diagnosed. It is actually the side affect of an eye disease

that I was born

with. I currently do not have a rheumatologist but am in the process of

looking for one. I

have a problem with new doctors because I have had so many so I keep putting

off getting a

new one. I left my old one because they didn't do anything except tell me to

take

methotrexate. I am apprehensive about medications because I know all it does

is slow down

the process and I feel that if I can deal with the pain I would rather do that

than end up with

the side affects of the medication. I guess what I am looking for is someone

that is kind of

young and has been living with it this long. I am sorry for everyone who has

it because it

really is an awful thing. I would love input from anyone but like most of you

know you are

always looking for someone who can relate to exactly what you have.

I'm also looking for anyone who also has refused medication because I am

looking for

alternative treatments. I have done water therapy which I thought was the best

thing but If

anyone else has any ideas I would love to hear them.

Thanks everyone and I look forward to hearing from you.

~God gives us only as much as He knows we can handle~

Britt

[Guest guest]

WELCOME BRITT, U R SO RIGHT ABOUT THAT SAYING, " GOD ONLY GIVES US ONLY AS MUCH AS

WE CAN BEAR " .

IS THAT NOT THE GOD HONEST TRUTH? WELL BRITT I WAS IN THE SAME SITUATION AT ONE

TIME OR ANOTHER.

I HAD PROBLEMS WITH SOO MANY DRS. HERE IN TEXAS. SOME JUST WANT TO GIVE MEDS &

THE OTHERS SUGGEST

SURGERY. WHAT THE HELL!! WE HAVE ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH!! I DEVELOPED RA SINCE THE

AGE OF 5 & SO I'VE HAD IT FOR OVER33YRS. TOO LONG FOR ME!!!!! YES IT'S PAINFUL

BRITT BUT IF U HAVE A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM THEN U SHOULD B JUST FINE....

I HAVE REFUSED MEDS MAYB ONCE OR TWICE CUZ I'M SOOOOO SICK OF ALL THESE DRUGS(I

HATE THEM) THEN THEY WANT ME TO TAKE MORE. SOMETIMES I'M NOT SURE WHAT'S BETTER

LIVING WITH THE PAIN  OR WITHOUT THE PAIN IN MY BODY. IT'S MY BODY & IT'S MY

CHOICE!!

I DID WATER THERAPY FOR AWILE WHEN I WAS YOUNGER BUT IT REALLY DID NOT HELP, SO

NOW I PRETTY MUCH GO WITH FLOW & LIVE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST!!! GOOD LUCK &

BEST WISHES, HOPE U FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR. GOD BLESS,MELYNDAGAMEZ 7/16/08

10:16P.M.CENTRAL

[ ] New Here

Hi,

  I'm a month away from being 21 and I have had RA for 18 years... possibly

earlier but that

was when I was diagnosed. It is actually the side affect of an eye disease that

I was  born

with. I currently do not have a rheumatologist but am in the process of looking

for one. I

have a problem with new doctors because I have had so many so I keep putting off

getting a

new one. I left my old one because they didn't do anything except tell me to

take

methotrexate. I am apprehensive about medications because I know all it does is

slow down

the process and I feel that if I can deal with the pain I would rather do that

than end up with

the side affects of the medication. I guess what I am looking for is someone

that is kind of

young and has been living with it this long. I am sorry for everyone who has it

because it

really is an awful thing. I would love input from anyone but like most of you

know you are

always looking for someone who can relate to exactly what you have.

  I'm also looking for anyone who also has refused medication because I am

looking for

alternative treatments. I have done water therapy which I thought was the best

thing but If

anyone else has any ideas I would love to hear them.

Thanks everyone and I look forward to hearing from you.

~God gives us only as much as He knows we can handle~

  Britt

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

[Guest guest]

,

Hi, I've had RA for 9 years now, since that time I've been on 3 mtx a week with

folic twice a day, the only result I have is slight thinning of my hair on top.

I am thinking of going to Orencia without mtx because my doc says that is less

toxic to the body (not sure if I'm on line with that thining yet, still

researching it). My opinion is just that you must be on a DMARD or a Biologic

to hold off joint damage. There is no one out there that hates taking meds more

than me but I have a disease and I have to fight it. Good Luck. in PA

[ ] new here

Hi

I have had RA since 97 - diagnosed in 99. started plaquenil then and

didn't help. was scared of mtx so went on minocin - as per the road

back foundation - was in complete remission for 3 years and then got

very sick with nausea dizziness vertigo. turns out the antibiotic

knocked all the good bacteria out of my gut so it made me really

sick. so stopped minocin in 03 and by 04 RA was back. find diet helps

minimize pain a lot but it is hard to stick to all the time and isn't

enough on its own. recently tried low dose naltrexone adn that helped

but dizziness and nausea came back. rheumy wants me to try mtx but am

scared. have gotten a bad reaction from every anti-inflamm except

vioxx so now can't take them anymore, can't take prednisone as it

wreaks havoc with my bl sugar. no i'm not diabetic but scared pred

would make me one. any advice? i am so tired of being limited and

feeling sick. so basically i seem really sensit to meds. so am scared

of mtx. anyone here had problems with it? anyone here it's worked for?

thanks

monique

[Guest guest]

and Group

Welcome , I just started with the group about a month ago. I

love everyone one here. I have learned so much from everyone. I been

taking methextrate for about a year. I am ok so far. Don't know if it

works. I just started new meds today. Thank God. STill taking MTX too.

You sound pretty much what I have been going through with meds. For me

I mostly broke out in welps all over my arms chest and back. The ones

I take now dont seem to make and problems for me. Welcome to our

support group.

Gengle hugs

Clora

[Guest guest]

hi clora

what med made you break out in welts? sorry that happened to you. sounds

nasty. the only meds i haven;t reacted to so far are plauqenil which

didn;t help and vioxx which they took off market. aaarrgggg i say to

that! so the mtx hasn't helped? what med are you starting now?

thanks

monique

[Guest guest]

mary did you try folinic acid? my doc wants me on that with folic acid

as he said it prevents side effects. maybe it will help with hair loss?

orencia safer than mtx? that's a new one. all pharmacists and docs i've

talked to say mtx is much safer since it's long term effects are known.

monique

[Guest guest]

,

Yes, 2 folics a day from the beginning. Orencia, he says less toxic, not safer,

now I have to figure out which one is better, safer or less toxic, gee, the

lesser of two evils. mary

[ ] Re: new here

mary did you try folinic acid? my doc wants me on that with folic acid

as he said it prevents side effects. maybe it will help with hair loss?

orencia safer than mtx? that's a new one. all pharmacists and docs i've

talked to say mtx is much safer since it's long term effects are known.

monique

[Guest guest]

Monquie and Group

Gee I cant remember, I know the chemo did. I am ver sensitive. I am

alergic to dish liquid. and bunch other stuff. What I do take I am

lucky I can take. Remember meds work differently on everyone

sometimes.

Pain free days to all

Clora

[Guest guest]

mary folinic acid is different that folic acid. it's stronger. it's

given to chemo patients on mtx to lessen side effects. if i take mtx he

will give me both.

i don't understand the difference - if it's less toxic wouldn't it be safer?

,

Yes, 2 folics a day from the beginning. Orencia, he says less toxic, not

safer, now I have to figure out which one is better, safer or less

toxic, gee, the lesser of two evils. mary