Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 judy, ra in my opinoin is based on lab results(blood),x-rays,redness, moderate to severe pain & inflammation of the joints.... i have been on prednisone since i was 18 yrs old. & if i had to do it all over again, I WOULD NOT TAKE IT!!! yes, the side effects are BAD!! i also have osteo.my bones are very FRAGILE & BREAK easily!!! yes it helps SOMETIMES but its not worth all those AWEFUL SIDE EFFECTS! good luck in whatever you decide to do... god bless,melyndagamez 3/29/08 4:48p.m.central time Re: [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY I was advised of this too. If my SED Rate, Westgren, anti ccp were elevated and if I responded to the treatment then they knew inflammatory arthritis was present. --- J Acciarito <jacyone@...> wrote: > Is that generally true? That if your symptoms are > relieved with prednisone, then RA is indicated? > > Judy > > Diane wrote: > > Hi Sharon, > In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the > prednisone to see if > it works...if it does, than she knows it is > definitely RA...sometimes > there can be other reason for a raised count or a > false positive but > if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then > she knows it is RA > for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are > right, prednisone > is not the only treatment for the inflammation. > Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the > prednisone...it is > a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side > effects... > > I would suggest getting yourself to a good > Rheumatologist as quickly > as possible...I think you said she was your family > doctor... > .___ > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer: Blockbuster Total Access for one month at no cost. http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text4.com ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 hi sharon, hope your doing well. i take pred. & i take lortabs for the pain but it does not work, so i pretty much pop whatever i have tylenol,aleve or just anything to relive this HORRIBLE PAIN I HAVE EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE...... god bless, melyndagamez 3/29/08 4:54p.m.central time [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > Hi , > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred > will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I > run into another situation where I find something else I can no > longer do. I constantly drop things...it's starting to hurt to hold > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take > Tylenol? > Take care, > Sharon ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Dennis i have severe ra and ankylosing spondolysis. my dr puts me on prednisone for flare ups. i take it about 4 times a years for about a week 3 pills or less a day 10 mg. when i have to go on it it is the last resort. i cannot function. on this site everyone talks so bad about the prednisone, but it has been a life saver for me. i know the long term effects but i want to live today. i have already been put on the fentayl pain patches and sometimes prednisone is all that will help. good to hear someone else takes it too. how is your mobility, do you work, can you sleep, general overall wellbeing. good to hear from someone that sees prednisone as a must for some people. rita in georgia [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > Hi , > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred > will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I > run into another situation where I find something else I can no > longer do. I constantly drop things...it' s starting to hurt to hold > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take > Tylenol? > Take care, > Sharon ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text5.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Hi Rita in Georgia! My 15 yr old son and 8 yr old daughter both have Ankylosing Spondylitis. Son was diagnosed 12 yrs ago and daughter 3 years ago. Any insight into what we can be doing as I look to their future? Neither one is doing very well right now with many complex problems with no answers other than they have arthritis. None of the drugs seem to work for very long with either one of them and they both have such stomach pain right now that they are both off of pain meds to try to ease their stomaches. Prednisone hasn't been very successful for them when they have tried it. Myndi > > Dennis i have severe ra and ankylosing spondolysis. my dr puts me on prednisone for flare ups. i take it about 4 times a years for about a week 3 pills or less a day 10 mg. when i have to go on it it is the last resort. i cannot function. on this site everyone talks so bad about the prednisone, but it has been a life saver for me. i know the long term effects but i want to live today. i have already been put on the fentayl pain patches and sometimes prednisone is all that will help. good to hear someone else takes it too. how is your mobility, do you work, can you sleep, general overall wellbeing. good to hear from someone that sees prednisone as a must for some people. rita in georgia > > > [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > > Hi , > > > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred > > will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had > > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I > > run into another situation where I find something else I can no > > longer do. I constantly drop things...it' s starting to hurt to hold > > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and > > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing > > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can > > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. > > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you > > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can > > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take > > Tylenol? > > Take care, > > Sharon > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. > http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text5.com > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 > if you're on Pred...what can you > take for pain? > Vicodan, codeine, or Percocet! Pris ************** Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & amp; ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Hi , I started my Pred yesterday and it looks like I'll be on it for a while to come. I'm 56 years old..what is it going to do to me? Well, I have a plan. I'm on charity care offered by out local hospital who also runs a clinic in town. Since I had a doctor I didn't see the need to really go to the clinic but I want to see if I can get an appointment with a Rhuematologist at the clinic sometime soon. I want to get a copy of my lab work from the doctor tomorrow and then go to the hospital to talk to someone in charity care about going to the clinic. Hopefully that will work out and I can see someone who knows a bit more about this condition than my Internist. I guess IF I was new to RA which I'm not maybe all this Pred would be a good thing and she wants to see me when the treatment is over. I don't know. I know I've had it for years but without insurance or care I've just lived with it and suffered with it until I couldn't stand it anymore!! I'll know more if I can see the Rhuematologist. If not I guess I'm SOL!! By the way, for pain relief the Pharmacist told me the only over the counter thing I can take is Tylenol...?? It's kind of funny when you have morphine sized pain!! Take care, Sharon > > > > > > Hi Sharon, sorry, do you see a rheumatologist? > > You're right that > > you need something else to control the RA. The > > course of pred will > > help with inflammation, but not over all disease > > management. As for > > the rheumatoid factor (RF) test, I think the cut off > > for many labs is > > <20 is normal. When I was first symptomatic my RF > > was 20. Then > > several years later it was much higher, I think in > > the 50s. My rheum > > did do baseline xrays, I think that's pretty > > standard practice. It > > did take me 3 visits to 3 different rheums before I > > found one I > > liked, it might be good to try a 2nd opinion. > > > > > > [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my > > doctor's office to > > > inform me that they had my labs back and she > > wanted to talk to me > > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it > > would be. She > > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse > > a day....if only > > I > > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme > > and Lupus. I > > asked > > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I > > asked if that > > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was > > like a pregnency > > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know > > there were > > numbers > > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a > > number associated > > > with this? > > > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 > > month > > thing...this > > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and > > after 5 months of > > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm > > not a rocket > > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. > > It's just > > helping > > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or > > a bone > > scan....?? > > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of > > days I'm less to do > > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are > > they going to > > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does > > this sound about > > > right to any of you??? > > > > > > Take good care, > > > Sharon > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <!-- > > > > > > #ygrp-mkp{ > > > border:1px solid > > #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:14px > > 0px;padding:0px 14px;} > > > #ygrp-mkp hr{ > > > border:1px solid #d8d8d8;} > > > #ygrp-mkp #hd{ > > > color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:bold;line- > > height:122%;margin:10px 0px;} > > > #ygrp-mkp #ads{ > > > margin-bottom:10px;} > > > #ygrp-mkp .ad{ > > > padding:0 0;} > > > #ygrp-mkp .ad a{ > > > color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;} > > > --> > > > > > > <!-- > > > > > > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc{ > > > font-family:Arial;} > > > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd{ > > > margin:10px > > > 0px;font-weight:bold;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;} > > > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad{ > > > margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;} > > > --> > > > > > > <!-- > > > > > > #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, > > helvetica, > > clean, sans-serif;} > > > #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} > > > #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% > > arial, helvetica, > > clean, sans-serif;} > > > #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} > > > #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} > > > #ygrp-text{ > > > font-family:Georgia; > > > } > > > #ygrp-text p{ > > > margin:0 0 1em 0;} > > > #ygrp-tpmsgs{ > > > font-family:Arial; > > > clear:both;} > > > #ygrp-vitnav{ > > > > > > padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} > > > #ygrp-vitnav a{ > > > padding:0 1px;} > > > #ygrp-actbar{ > > > clear:both;margin:25px > > 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text- > > align:right;} > > > #ygrp-actbar .left{ > > > float:left;white-space:nowrap;} > > > .bld{font-weight:bold;} > > > #ygrp-grft{ > > > font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} > > > #ygrp-ft{ > > > font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px > > solid #666; > > > padding:5px 0; > > > } > > > #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ > > > padding-bottom:10px;} > > > > > > #ygrp-reco { > > > margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;} > > > #ygrp-reco #reco-head { > > > font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;} > > > > > > #reco-grpname{ > > > font-weight:bold;margin-top:10px;} > > > #reco-category{ > > > font-size:77%;} > > > #reco-desc{ > > > font-size:77%;} > > > > > > #ygrp-vital{ > > > > > > background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px > > 0 8px 8px;} > > > #ygrp-vital #vithd{ > > > > > > font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text- > > > === message truncated === > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. > http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text5.com > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Hi , I am going to find out tomorrow if I can see a Rhuematologist at the charity care clinic. If not I guess I won't have that option. We'll see what happens tomorrow. I'm going to go to my doctor's office and get a copy of my labs and take it to the hospital in hopes they will tell me who to call or maybe even make the appointment for me. I'll know more tomorrow. Thank you and take care, Sharon --- In , " " <Matsumura_Clan@...> wrote: > > Sharon, > > The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is not like a pregnancy test. > > Despite its name, rheumatoid factor production is not specific to RA. There > are many possible reasons for a positive RF, even simply aging. > > In addition, there is no one standard test for RF, so the way the results > are determined, reported, and interpreted will vary from lab to lab. > > I suspect that your physician is not sure of the diagnosis and wants to see > how you do on prednisone; however, watching and waiting for five months is > not a good idea. > > It would be wise to find a rheumatologist for a second opinion. > > > > Not an MD > > > > [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > > with this? > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > > right to any of you??? > > > > Take good care, > > Sharon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Hi Melynda, The Pharmacist told me yesterday the only OTC pain relief I could take with Pred was Tylenol and that everything else would tear up my stomach. I already have GERD...I don't want an ulcer too. This is day two for Pred...how long does it take to make you feel better?? I'm starting at 20 mil daily for the next month. Do you have flares or are you the same all the time? I used to flare years ago but now...it's constant. Have a good day!! Sharon --- In , Melynda Gamez <melyndagamez@...> wrote: > > hi sharon, hope your doing well. i take pred. & i take lortabs for the pain but it does not work, so i pretty much pop whatever i have tylenol,aleve or just anything to relive this HORRIBLE PAIN I HAVE EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE...... god bless, melyndagamez 3/29/08 4:54p.m.central time > > > [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > > > Hi , > > > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred > > will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had > > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I > > run into another situation where I find something else I can no > > longer do. I constantly drop things...it's starting to hurt to hold > > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and > > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing > > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can > > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. > > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you > > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can > > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take > > Tylenol? > > Take care, > > Sharon > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 i am on humira injections. and fentayl pain patches. what are their symptoms? i have stomach problems also because i have taken so many pain meds. i am 53. i have an excellent rheumatologist. i have had spinal fusions by surgery. i am so stiff. i have many bone spurs. does this sound familiar? can your children do sports or attend school? rita [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > > Hi , > > > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred > > will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had > > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I > > run into another situation where I find something else I can no > > longer do. I constantly drop things...it' s starting to hurt to hold > > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and > > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing > > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can > > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. > > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you > > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can > > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take > > Tylenol? > > Take care, > > Sharon > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > You rock. That's why Blockbuster' s offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. > http://tc.deals. / tc/blockbuster/ text5.com > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 usually for me on prednisone the 3rd day i begin to feel better. it is so disgusting that I too feel like i am always in a flair. it scares me. rita [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > > > Hi , > > > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred > > will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had > > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I > > run into another situation where I find something else I can no > > longer do. I constantly drop things...it' s starting to hurt to hold > > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and > > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing > > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can > > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. > > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you > > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can > > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take > > Tylenol? > > Take care, > > Sharon > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 My son has numbness in his foot, urinary pain/bleeding (the bleeding was a while ago), chest pain, constipation, swollen lymph nodes throughout GI system (called Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia), dizziness, vasculitis (at least in his legs/feet - diagnosed by skin biopsies), gall stones, and stomachaches. My daughter also has been having chronic stomachaches since last Oct. She has also been seeing spots with her vision since Oct. She's had a brain MRI (normal) and endoscopy (also normal). Both kids do participate in sports - with pain. We do have to make adjustments though when we have to be " active " for long periods of time - like shopping, etc. We usually end up with a wheelchair when available since their knees and ankles hurt them too much. They also are in school although they miss a lot due to Dr appointments, etc. No bone spurs or fusions! No reasons for all of their symptoms - we've had MANY tests and seen MANY specialists. Myndi > > > > Dennis i have severe ra and ankylosing spondolysis. my dr puts me on prednisone for > flare ups. i take it about 4 times a years for about a week 3 pills or less a day 10 mg. > when i have to go on it it is the last resort. i cannot function. on this site everyone talks > so bad about the prednisone, but it has been a life saver for me. i know the long term > effects but i want to live today. i have already been put on the fentayl pain patches and > sometimes prednisone is all that will help. good to hear someone else takes it too. how > is your mobility, do you work, can you sleep, general overall wellbeing. good to hear from > someone that sees prednisone as a must for some people. rita in georgia > > > > > > [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > > > > Hi , > > > > > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred > > > will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had > > > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I > > > run into another situation where I find something else I can no > > > longer do. I constantly drop things...it' s starting to hurt to hold > > > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and > > > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing > > > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can > > > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. > > > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you > > > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can > > > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take > > > Tylenol? > > > Take care, > > > Sharon > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > > You rock. That's why Blockbuster' s offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, > No Cost. > > http://tc.deals. / tc/blockbuster/ text5.com > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Hi Rita, I think mine is so bad beause I've had it so long and gone untreated. It just feels out of control now. I don't remember the last time I didn't feel it. It keeps progressing too. It's like every couple of weeks it's in another joint. Glad to know that maybe tomorrow I might feel a little relief from the Pred. I'm hopeful anyway. This is day two. > > usually for me on prednisone the 3rd day i begin to feel better. it is so disgusting that I too feel like i am always in a flair. it scares me. rita > > > > [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > Hi Melynda, > > The Pharmacist told me yesterday the only OTC pain relief I could > take with Pred was Tylenol and that everything else would tear up my > stomach. I already have GERD...I don't want an ulcer too. This is > day two for Pred...how long does it take to make you feel better?? > I'm starting at 20 mil daily for the next month. > > Do you have flares or are you the same all the time? I used to flare > years ago but now...it's constant. > > Have a good day!! > Sharon > > > > > > hi sharon, hope your doing well. i take pred. & i take lortabs for > the pain but it does not work, so i pretty much pop whatever i have > tylenol,aleve or just anything to relive this HORRIBLE PAIN I HAVE > EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE...... god bless, melyndagamez 3/29/08 > 4:54p.m.central time > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 The Pharmacist had suggested Vicodan toom Pris. I think my doctor wants to see how I do on Pred on its own thinking maybe it will reduce the inflammation and the pain will be gone. I guess it's possible but it's just hard to imagine. Thanks, Sharon > > > > > > if you're on Pred...what can you > > take for pain? > > > > Vicodan, codeine, or Percocet! > Pris > > > ************** > Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL > Home. > (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer? video=15 & amp; > ncid=aolhom00030000000001) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 mine too. i usually have to get shots in my joints at least one joint every six weeks or so.it is so freightening to know there is really NO way to stop it. If one thing lasts a few months then it causes a reaction and then the dosage is increased, etc. it seems like a merry go round. its like one of the nurses at my rhemy said, she use to work at a cancer center and she said at least cancer patients can have it taken out and be totally normal for a long time. ours never is totally gone. i feel it every minute i breathe. love and hugs rita [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > Hi Melynda, > > The Pharmacist told me yesterday the only OTC pain relief I could > take with Pred was Tylenol and that everything else would tear up my > stomach. I already have GERD...I don't want an ulcer too. This is > day two for Pred...how long does it take to make you feel better?? > I'm starting at 20 mil daily for the next month. > > Do you have flares or are you the same all the time? I used to flare > years ago but now...it's constant. > > Have a good day!! > Sharon > > > > > > hi sharon, hope your doing well. i take pred. & i take lortabs for > the pain but it does not work, so i pretty much pop whatever i have > tylenol,aleve or just anything to relive this HORRIBLE PAIN I HAVE > EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE...... god bless, melyndagamez 3/29/08 > 4:54p.m.central time > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Never miss a thing. Make your home page. http://www./r/hs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 hi sharon, i got your message.. as a matter of fact,this past weekend i had a BAD FLARE UP!! i could not MOVE my whole right side.. so i called my rheummy & she upped my pred. to 10mg.for a week,then 5 in half for a week then so on. YES it does help but not to the effect that it TOTALLY takes away the pain. im still achey & tired,no ENERGY AT ALL!! since my rheummy cut my pred. i have NOTICE that i tend to have more BAD DAYS THAN GOOD!! when i made the comment that i pop WHATEVER, I WAS kinda being SARCASTIC & feeling BLAH at the time.. SORRY!!!! HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD ONE!!! god bless,melyndagamez 3/30/08 9:42p.m.central time [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > Hi Melynda, > > The Pharmacist told me yesterday the only OTC pain relief I could > take with Pred was Tylenol and that everything else would tear up my > stomach. I already have GERD...I don't want an ulcer too. This is > day two for Pred...how long does it take to make you feel better?? > I'm starting at 20 mil daily for the next month. > > Do you have flares or are you the same all the time? I used to flare > years ago but now...it's constant. > > Have a good day!! > Sharon > > > > > > hi sharon, hope your doing well. i take pred. & i take lortabs for > the pain but it does not work, so i pretty much pop whatever i have > tylenol,aleve or just anything to relive this HORRIBLE PAIN I HAVE > EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE...... god bless, melyndagamez 3/29/08 > 4:54p.m.central time > > > > > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 hi sharon all this talk about this and that are MAKING ME LIL CRAZY!!!! just recently my ra levels were verey HIGH compared to OTHERS that are NORMAL!! CALL ME CRAZY BUT WHATS NORMAL????? anyway my ra lab (blood) came back and it was at a 9,which is TO HIGH!!the normal range is 2 or 1.. so that MEANT THAT MY RA IS VERY ACTIVE & INFLAMMED IN ALL MY JOINTS...IT HURTS SOO BAD.. i HOPE they find OUT what you need to know,sharon.HANG IN THERE GIRL! god bless,melyndagamez 3/30/08 11:09p.m.central time [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > > with this? > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > > right to any of you??? > > > > Take good care, > > Sharon > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 I have been on prednisone for the last 3 years. Ranging from 5 mg per day all the way up to 40 mg. I average 10mg unless I am flaring really bad. My doc also prescribes Oxycontin for pain with Lortab for breakthrough pain. Jill On 3/29/08, Melynda Gamez <melyndagamez@...> wrote: > > judy, ra in my opinoin is based on lab results(blood),x-rays,redness, > moderate to severe pain & inflammation of the joints.... i have been on > prednisone since i was 18 yrs old. & if i had to do it all over again, I > WOULD NOT TAKE IT!!! yes, the side effects are BAD!! i also have osteo.mybones are very FRAGILE & BREAK easily!!! yes it helps SOMETIMES but its not > worth all those AWEFUL SIDE EFFECTS! good luck in whatever you decide to > do... god bless,melyndagamez 3/29/08 4:48p.m.central time > > Re: [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > I was advised of this too. If my SED Rate, Westgren, > anti ccp were elevated and if I responded to the > treatment then they knew inflammatory arthritis was > present. > --- J Acciarito <jacyone@... <jacyone%40comcast.net>> wrote: > > > Is that generally true? That if your symptoms are > > relieved with prednisone, then RA is indicated? > > > > Judy > > > > Diane wrote: > > > > Hi Sharon, > > In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the > > prednisone to see if > > it works...if it does, than she knows it is > > definitely RA...sometimes > > there can be other reason for a raised count or a > > false positive but > > if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then > > she knows it is RA > > for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are > > right, prednisone > > is not the only treatment for the inflammation. > > Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the > > prednisone...it is > > a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side > > effects... > > > > I would suggest getting yourself to a good > > Rheumatologist as quickly > > as possible...I think you said she was your family > > doctor... > > .___ > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > __________________________________________________________ > Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer: Blockbuster Total Access for one > month at no cost. > http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text4.com > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 I have AS. I was diagnosed a year and half ago. My Rhuemy says that pred doesn't work for AS. I take MTX, Remicade, Folic Acid, and we added two months ago Arava and Volteran(as needed). Stress is a huge factor in my flairs. But I am much, much, much better off than I was a year ago. I can do much more and feel like I have a life again. My recommendation is they need to stay in communication with their doctor and talk about different combos. What works for one isn't right for another. Kate G AS Hashi's At 08:43 AM 3/30/2008, you wrote: >Hi Rita in Georgia! My 15 yr old son and 8 yr old daughter both have >Ankylosing >Spondylitis. Son was diagnosed 12 yrs ago and daughter 3 years ago. Any >insight into >what we can be doing as I look to their future? Neither one is doing very >well right now >with many complex problems with no answers other than they have >arthritis. None of the >drugs seem to work for very long with either one of them and they both >have such >stomach pain right now that they are both off of pain meds to try to ease >their stomaches. >Prednisone hasn't been very successful for them when they have tried it. >Myndi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 Hi Melynda, I still don't know yet what my actual numbers were. I called the doctor's office today to get a copy of my labs and DX and they were supposed to call back..well guess what? They didn't. Could be they stuck it in the mail though. Maybe it will come tomorrow or at least they'll call and I can go pick it up. Normal is 1 or 2 huh? I'll have to see what mine is when I get the report. That's good to know. I'm stil waiting for Pred to kick in. I had a different approach today. I had a lot of things to do and rather than sit and complain about how rotten I felt..I decided to get on with it and go as far as I could. It was all stuff at my desk basically and I did accomplish a lot. The I paid the bills and I took a little nap. I got back up and got a few more things done...had another down time. I'm just not going to complain about it anymore. I have really let myself get into a complaining mode and it's making me feel even worse. I'll save the complaining for the doctor's offices. Not to worry..I'm hanging in there. I hope you can do the same. Thanks again for the information. Take good care, Sharon > > > > Sharon, > > > > The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is not like a pregnancy test. > > > > Despite its name, rheumatoid factor production is not specific to > RA. There > > are many possible reasons for a positive RF, even simply aging. > > > > In addition, there is no one standard test for RF, so the way the > results > > are determined, reported, and interpreted will vary from lab to lab. > > > > I suspect that your physician is not sure of the diagnosis and > wants to see > > how you do on prednisone; however, watching and waiting for five > months is > > not a good idea. > > > > It would be wise to find a rheumatologist for a second opinion. > > > > > > > > Not an MD > > > > > > > [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > > > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if > only I > > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I > asked > > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a > pregnency > > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were > numbers > > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > > > with this? > > > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month > thing...this > > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just > helping > > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone > scan....?? > > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to > do > > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > > > right to any of you??? > > > > > > Take good care, > > > Sharon > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 this is rita. what exactly is your symptoms for as??? where is your pain, etc. thanks ritawages@... Re: [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY I have AS. I was diagnosed a year and half ago. My Rhuemy says that pred doesn't work for AS. I take MTX, Remicade, Folic Acid, and we added two months ago Arava and Volteran(as needed). Stress is a huge factor in my flairs. But I am much, much, much better off than I was a year ago. I can do much more and feel like I have a life again. My recommendation is they need to stay in communication with their doctor and talk about different combos. What works for one isn't right for another. Kate G AS Hashi's At 08:43 AM 3/30/2008, you wrote: >Hi Rita in Georgia! My 15 yr old son and 8 yr old daughter both have >Ankylosing >Spondylitis. Son was diagnosed 12 yrs ago and daughter 3 years ago. Any >insight into >what we can be doing as I look to their future? Neither one is doing very >well right now >with many complex problems with no answers other than they have >arthritis. None of the >drugs seem to work for very long with either one of them and they both >have such >stomach pain right now that they are both off of pain meds to try to ease >their stomaches. >Prednisone hasn't been very successful for them when they have tried it. >Myndi ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ No Cost - Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now. Sweet deal for users and friends. http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text1.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 thank you jill for not stabbing perdnisone. i take it for flares only and could not live without it. i would go weeks and not be able to move out of bed plus due to ra i have restrictive lung disease and with a flare i get tons of inflammation in the lungs and oxygen goes down. do you take the pred daily for three years? besides the fragile bones and swelling what is so bad about prednisone? i would be dead without it. my ra is severe my rhuemy has told me it will definately shorten my lifespan it is so bad. so if i can have a few good days every now and then with prednisone and go to church or get groceries then thank god for prednision. this support group totally is against prednison. is it me will i be doomed because i take it for flares????thanks rita Re: [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > I was advised of this too. If my SED Rate, Westgren, > anti ccp were elevated and if I responded to the > treatment then they knew inflammatory arthritis was > present. > --- J Acciarito <jacyonecomcast (DOT) net <jacyone%40comcast. net>> wrote: > > > Is that generally true? That if your symptoms are > > relieved with prednisone, then RA is indicated? > > > > Judy > > > > Diane wrote: > > > > Hi Sharon, > > In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the > > prednisone to see if > > it works...if it does, than she knows it is > > definitely RA...sometimes > > there can be other reason for a raised count or a > > false positive but > > if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then > > she knows it is RA > > for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are > > right, prednisone > > is not the only treatment for the inflammation. > > Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the > > prednisone.. .it is > > a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side > > effects... > > > > I would suggest getting yourself to a good > > Rheumatologist as quickly > > as possible...I think you said she was your family > > doctor... > > .___ > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer: Blockbuster Total Access for one > month at no cost. > http://tc.deals. / tc/blockbuster/ text4.com > > ------------ --------- --------- ------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 Thanks Kate. I'm so glad to hear you say that Pred doesn't always work for AS. It really doesn't work for my kids. Therefore, the Dr thinks their pain isn't due to their arthritis when we know it is. What else would it be? My daughter's Dr is sending her to PT which is helping, but I still am worried about long term damage. Neither one has ever tried Remicade. My son tried Enbrel - no luck either. Both have done/do MTX - don't know how much this is helping. They both have lower leg pain mainly. Ankles hurt the most and then the knees. They can't stand too long or walk too long. My daughter has been having neck pain and has had shoulder & elbow pain as well. These haven't lasted too long. Sports are manageable since they are giving a lot for a short amount of time. We're always being told that they don't show signs of swelling so everything " looks good " . Well, it's my understanding that AS doesn't show obvious swelling, so then what do we do? We can't get MRI's every month. They have pain every day and they adjust. Great! But, what about long term damage? That's what is frightening me. As for other symptoms - they have included vision problems, dizziness, GI problems, urinary problems, chest pain, numbness in feet, gall stones, swollen lymph nodes in GI, GI inflammation, vasculitis in legs (that we know of), psoriasis.... All of this " stuff " brought on depression in my son - who can blame him??? So, we had to add that to the list of what we are battling. It's never ending - and still they have pain every day! By the way, most of the above symptoms started in my son when he had been medication free for almost an entire year, so they have basically ruled out the fact that it could be due to medication. Still searching for answers.... Myndi > >Hi Rita in Georgia! My 15 yr old son and 8 yr old daughter both have > >Ankylosing > >Spondylitis. Son was diagnosed 12 yrs ago and daughter 3 years ago. Any > >insight into > >what we can be doing as I look to their future? Neither one is doing very > >well right now > >with many complex problems with no answers other than they have > >arthritis. None of the > >drugs seem to work for very long with either one of them and they both > >have such > >stomach pain right now that they are both off of pain meds to try to ease > >their stomaches. > >Prednisone hasn't been very successful for them when they have tried it. > >Myndi > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ > No Cost - Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now. Sweet deal for users and friends. > http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text1.com > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 no rita you wont be doomed! we all have our views on this HORRIBLE med but YES it does HELP but KILLS as well!!! i know first hand what this med does for me & what IT DOES TO MY BODY... my BONES are always fracturing or breaking, i cant walk, i have gained soo much weight & my BONES cant TAKE IT!!! this is my reason as for others, i dont know!!! god bless,melyndagamez 4/01/08 12:06p.m.central Re: [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > I was advised of this too. If my SED Rate, Westgren, > anti ccp were elevated and if I responded to the > treatment then they knew inflammatory arthritis was > present. > --- J Acciarito <jacyonecomcast (DOT) net <jacyone%40comcast. net>> wrote: > > > Is that generally true? That if your symptoms are > > relieved with prednisone, then RA is indicated? > > > > Judy > > > > Diane wrote: > > > > Hi Sharon, > > In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the > > prednisone to see if > > it works...if it does, than she knows it is > > definitely RA...sometimes > > there can be other reason for a raised count or a > > false positive but > > if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then > > she knows it is RA > > for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are > > right, prednisone > > is not the only treatment for the inflammation. > > Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the > > prednisone.. .it is > > a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side > > effects... > > > > I would suggest getting yourself to a good > > Rheumatologist as quickly > > as possible...I think you said she was your family > > doctor... > > .___ > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer: Blockbuster Total Access for one > month at no cost. > http://tc.deals. / tc/blockbuster/ text4.com > > ------------ --------- --------- ------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 I > She has also been seeing spots with her vision since Oct. > Sounds like an ocular migraine . I have those spots episodes too without the pain of the migraine. Ask your doctor! Pris ************** Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & amp; ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 I > The Pharmacist had suggested Vicodan toom Pris. I think my doctor > wants to see how I do on Pred on its own thinking maybe it will > reduce the inflammation and the pain will be gone. I guess it's > possible but it's just hard to imagine.>>>> > For me Prednisone is the best pain pill I have ever had. Also, he may be using it to diagnose if you have an inflammation problem....(RA). Pris ************** Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & amp; ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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