Re: RA progression

[Guest guest]

I had sudden onset of RA...went to bed fine and woke up the next morning unable

to move.  That was October 19, 1995.  I had my first RA related surgery in

October of 1997 and quit my job (veterinary technician) on October 26, 1998.  It

was in 2003 that I was encouraged to get knee replacements due to the minimal

cartilege and after dragging my feet I will be getting them done in about 10

days.  I was disabled within 3 years.

 

From my understanding about half of RA patients are disabled within ten years. 

I felt I had excellent treatment, I just have really aggressive RA.  My case

isn't the norm, but it isn't that rare either.

 

Shandi

From: kimriedlinger <kimriedlinger@...>

Subject: [ ] RA progression

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 11:45 PM

I would like some feed back please. I have read the RA can come on

quick or slow. Quick being days and slow being months. I have it in

both hands, wrists, and feet. I progressed over several months. but

suddenly it is in my knees and very painful. How do I know if I should

push for a sooner appointment or can it wait til my appointment in

August? I deal with a lot of pain in my back and legs from the discs

that push on my spinal cord from time to time, but what I am reading

about RA, the joint damage is permanent. How quickly can the damage

occur? Days, Weeks, months? I am interested in others experiences with

RA.

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim,

I'm not aware of what kind of time frame that the damage can happen to

our joints. I assume it may be different for everyone. I do feel

comfortable in telling you that if you feel the need to be seen asap, a

lot of these specialists will have a " cancellation list " that you could

be put on in case something comes up sooner than August. Best of luck

to you..........Doreen

[Guest guest]

RA used to be classified as " mild " " moderate " " severe " .  The American College of

Rheumatology no longer does this in the classification of the disease when

doctors diagnose it.  Because each person's immune system is unique and one

cocktail of medications that work for some won't work for others, its probably

rather difficult to get a precise answer on that.  For instance, Plaquenil and

Sulfasalazine hasn't cut it for me the past 2 years, they are waiting to see if

they should add something more aggressive.  I do take an NSAID, but since my

knees still swell with joint effusion, am I getting more damage? Medications

have to be changed so frequently.  They also say some people can have one really

bad flare, and then it goes into remission and they never have a problem again. 

It might also depend on if the individual is suffering from other autoimmune

diseases in addition to the RA.  Still, early treatment is best from all of the

reading and

studies done.  Mine is mainly in my knees and really there is nothing they have

done besides the medications besides having me ice it, or use the heating pad. 

I understand the pain as it is difficult to walk! I have the joints aspirated,

but they will only give me an injection of cortisone once every 4 to 6 months. 

If they drain the fluid off and don't give an injection, its pretty much

pointless as the doctor explained the fluid will come right back without the

cortison.  If its really bothersome though, I would see if perhaps you can get

in sooner, if there is swelling as the joint aspiration takes some pressure

off:)

From: kimriedlinger <kimriedlinger@...>

Subject: [ ] RA progression

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 11:45 PM

I would like some feed back please. I have read the RA can come on

quick or slow. Quick being days and slow being months. I have it in

both hands, wrists, and feet. I progressed over several months. but

suddenly it is in my knees and very painful. How do I know if I should

push for a sooner appointment or can it wait til my appointment in

August? I deal with a lot of pain in my back and legs from the discs

that push on my spinal cord from time to time, but what I am reading

about RA, the joint damage is permanent. How quickly can the damage

occur? Days, Weeks, months? I am interested in others experiences with

RA.

[Guest guest]

When I was in this same situation, I looked online and found an email

address for the rheumy I had an appointment with. I emailed him, and he

called me and said that he was going to get me in sooner. And he did!

You might also call and ask them to call you if they have a

cancellation.

Sue

On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at 11:45 PM, kimriedlinger wrote:

> I would like some feed back please. I have read the RA can come on

> quick or slow. Quick being days and slow being months. I have it in

> both hands, wrists, and feet. I progressed over several months. but

> suddenly it is in my knees and very painful. How do I know if I should

> push for a sooner appointment or can it wait til my appointment in

> August? I deal with a lot of pain in my back and legs from the discs

> that push on my spinal cord from time to time, but what I am reading

> about RA, the joint damage is permanent. How quickly can the damage

> occur? Days, Weeks, months? I am interested in others experiences with

> RA.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I would push for another appointment sooner. I did permanent damage

at the age of 20 from not listening to my body and still lifting

freight at my summer job. I wasn't expected to do permanent damage

until I was 25. I'm not sure how quickly the damage happened, I was

going to the doctor about once every 4 months at that time, so I know

it happened within 4 months. I just wouldn't want to take that chance

again.

~Autumn

[Guest guest]

Its different for everyone.

I had it come on in a matter of months- and then treated it very aggressivly

for the last 4 years. Enough damage was done- I am needing surgery on my

hand/wrist.

The bottom line is be foreceful in getting an appointment- ask for

cancelations etc.

Good luck!

Jill

On 6/25/08, kimriedlinger <kimriedlinger@...> wrote:

>

> I would like some feed back please. I have read the RA can come on

> quick or slow. Quick being days and slow being months. I have it in

> both hands, wrists, and feet. I progressed over several months. but

> suddenly it is in my knees and very painful. How do I know if I should

> push for a sooner appointment or can it wait til my appointment in

> August? I deal with a lot of pain in my back and legs from the discs

> that push on my spinal cord from time to time, but what I am reading

> about RA, the joint damage is permanent. How quickly can the damage

> occur? Days, Weeks, months? I am interested in others experiences with

> RA.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have worked in a offic for a docter.( a eye docter) Setting up the appoints

and get ones in pain firts. My rheumy told me that my R.A. is so bad that when I

call to make sure to tell them I am in pain.Becasue I am the type of peson that

will not fuss.

So my advise to you is talk to your rheumy. He knows how bad you got it and

knows if you should be in pain. Talk to him and be honst.

Haveing R.A. is one the harest thing I had to live with. It has taked my job,

family,freinds and joints away from me. But still I keep fight it one day at a

time. What does't kill us will makes us stronger that is so true.Age 38 liveing

with R.A. now for 12 years. I have had a hip relpaced, a knee, and a elbow

worked on.

Cindi

[Guest guest]

Hi Kimberley

I would try to get an earlier appointment as research has shown that early,

aggressive treatment can prevent permanent joint damage. In my own case, my

hip went from normal to needing replacement within only 4 months!

You are your own best health advocate

[Guest guest]

Thank and Lucinda,

I will be calling first thing monday. If they can't get me in sooner

I'm going to have my husband drive me to phoenix and camp on their door

step. Today it was so much worse that I could barely walk. and it only

got worse as the day went on. Even my morphine i take for my spine

did't control the pain. by evening i could'nt walk and i don't know

what tomorrow will be like. i hate when i'm down from my back and the

fibro but i have learned how to keep them under control so i can have a

some what normal life but this RA seems to have a mind of its own.

I met a woman today was dx'd 7 years ago and she has whole bones in her

legs that are supported by rods because her bones started to weaken and

crack from her joints going bad and being fused, replaced, or removed.

she recently had both knee caps removed and the dr says next is to

amputate her leg. very frightening.

I've been taking 2400mg Ibuprofen for the last 16 years for my spine. I

recently read it is used for early RA. So their going to have to but me

on something else but I have over a month till then. I don't think it

will wait! Thank you again for your advise and your support!

Sincerely,

>

> Hi Kimberley

>

> I would try to get an earlier appointment as research has shown that

early,

> aggressive treatment can prevent permanent joint damage. In my own

case, my

> hip went from normal to needing replacement within only 4 months!

>

> You are your own best health advocate

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

thank you to everyone who answered. I am so thankful my husband found

this site. I feel i have made a lot of new friends who really

understand my concerns and care. now I'm crying. thank you again. I

don't know if i could fight this new thing on my plate alone.

Sincerely,

>

> I would like some feed back please. I have read the RA can come on

> quick or slow. Quick being days and slow being months. I have it in

> both hands, wrists, and feet. I progressed over several months. but

> suddenly it is in my knees and very painful. How do I know if I

should

> push for a sooner appointment or can it wait til my appointment in

> August? I deal with a lot of pain in my back and legs from the

discs

> that push on my spinal cord from time to time, but what I am

reading

> about RA, the joint damage is permanent. How quickly can the damage

> occur? Days, Weeks, months? I am interested in others experiences

with

> RA.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

While one must prepare for the worst case scenario one must also relax

and hope/pray for the best. While mine is rather agressive right now I

do have a 1st cousin with RA who was diagnosed 20 years ago and she is

just now starting Humira. She has had flares, sure, but it has done its

damage slowly for her. She is now in her late 60s and they travel

extensively. She is very active with their grandchildren. Don't give up!

I was diagnosed with RA back in Sep 07 but he thinks I've had it

actively for 5 years. We are still trying to get it to slow down as the

baseline Xrays showed I have " significant damage " in my hands/wrists.

I'm just 40 yrs old as compared to my cousin.

Lastly be patient. It takes time for the meds to work let alone to find

the combination that will work for you. My cousin had to quit taking

MTX and Plaquinil years ago. I on the other hand am taking 7 MTX,

Plaquenil, Folic acid and am not sleeping well due to the pain so my

Doc put me on Tramadol so I can get some relief to sleep at night. My

cuz has never had to take anything to help her sleep at night...or so

she tells me.

--Dalanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Kimberley

I'm glad you are going to try to get an earlier appointment. As you are

already on the maximum dose of ipobrufen (I take the same dose myself) your

rheumatologist may recommend that you start on a 'DMARD' (disease-modifying

drug). Don't be scared if he/she does: The DMARDS are a group of drugs that

work to suppress the RA activity (getting you into remission), whereas the

ipobrufen helps with symptom control but won't stop the RA from progressing.

(Ipobrufen is one of many anti-inflammatory drugs).

Good luck with getting an appointment and feel free to email me personally

if you want to

in NZ

[Guest guest]

welcome kimberly, i was dx.at age 5. i'm now 38 yrs.old over the years it has

progressed severely. i also have severe osteo & neuropathy. i tell u if it's not

one thing it's another!!! i take sooo many meds it's sickning. what can i do, so

i just MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT I HAVE & MOVE FORWARD. sometimes i get really

depressed cuz i'm tired of being sick & needing help with things, that i use to

do by myself. however, i have a very supportive hub & daughter. u r not alone we

r here 4 u!! god bless,melyndagamez 6/30/08 4:40p.m.central

[ ] Re: RA progression

thank you to everyone who answered. I am so thankful my husband found

this site.. I feel i have made a lot of new friends who really

understand my concerns and care.  now I'm crying.  thank you again. I

don't know if i could fight this new thing on my plate alone.

Sincerely,

>

> I would like some feed back please.  I have read the RA can come on

> quick or slow. Quick being days and slow being months. I have it in

> both hands, wrists, and feet. I progressed over several months. but

> suddenly it is in my knees and very painful. How do I know if I

should

> push for a sooner appointment or can it wait til my appointment in

> August? I deal with a lot of pain in my back and legs from the

discs

> that push on my spinal cord from time to time, but what I am

reading

> about RA, the joint damage is permanent. How quickly can the damage

> occur? Days, Weeks, months? I am interested in others experiences

with

> RA.

>

>

>

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

[Guest guest]

hi dalanne, not to change the subject or anything but i have a question 4 u? im

38 yrs. old & have had ra since i was 5. however the meds i'm taking now r not

the same as back then. so i want toknow does the mtx, plaquenil along with the

folic acid HELP U? i too have a HARD time sleeping due 2 the severe pain i have.

i have ra everywhere, it sux!!!!! does the tramadol help u sleep? i take ambien,

it does not work at all. please let me know,thank-you!! god bless,melyndagamez

6/30p.m.central 6/30/08

[ ] Re: RA progression

While one must prepare for the worst case scenario one must also relax

and hope/pray for the best. While mine is rather agressive right now I

do have a 1st cousin with RA who was diagnosed 20 years ago and she is

just now starting Humira. She has had flares, sure, but it has done its

damage slowly for her. She is now in her late 60s and they travel

extensively. She is very active with their grandchildren. Don't give up!

I was diagnosed with RA back in Sep 07 but he thinks I've had it

actively for 5 years. We are still trying to get it to slow down as the

baseline Xrays showed I have " significant damage " in my hands/wrists.

I'm just 40 yrs old as compared to my cousin.

Lastly be patient. It takes time for the meds to work let alone to find

the combination that will work for you. My cousin had to quit taking

MTX and Plaquinil years ago. I on the other hand am taking 7 MTX,

Plaquenil, Folic acid and am not sleeping well due to the pain so my

Doc put me on Tramadol so I can get some relief to sleep at night. My

cuz has never had to take anything to help her sleep at night...or so

she tells me.

--Dalanne

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

[Guest guest]

Hi Melynda, thank for writing me you've made me feel better. I can

hardly believe there is such a wonderful group of people like all of

you. I have a wonderful hub and son but they can only do so much and

listen so muvh before it ways them down.

I have so much i want to talk about. so many things to say and

questions to ask i don't know where to start.

I relate to the multiple things and your right. it seems if its not

one its another and some times all at once.

Every time i see an new DR and they ask for my med hist they get

writer crap or their jaw drops. the would call me a hypocondreac if

there was't medical evidance to back it up.

thanks to every one and all your encouragement to push for a sooner

appoint. i have an appoint on thurs morning in PHX with the rheumy.

i'm also glad you all speak this form of modern day short hand. you

would think the way i type and talk that i'm not well educated or

lliterate. but i am. i tell my son i blame it on the drugs. he laughs.

my hubby says my brain just goes faster then my mouth can keep up.

i'm gettinh tired again so i'll end now. Thank you all again.

> >

> > I would like some feed back please. I have read the RA can come on

> > quick or slow. Quick being days and slow being months. I have it in

> > both hands, wrists, and feet. I progressed over several months. but

> > suddenly it is in my knees and very painful. How do I know if I

> should

> > push for a sooner appointment or can it wait til my appointment in

> > August? I deal with a lot of pain in my back and legs from the

> discs

> > that push on my spinal cord from time to time, but what I am

> reading

> > about RA, the joint damage is permanent. How quickly can the damage

> > occur? Days, Weeks, months? I am interested in others experiences

> with

> > RA.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dalanne, to follow Melynda's topic. I'm not on rheum meds(yet)

but for the past 8 yrs i've been on narco pain killers, muscle

relaxers,anti inflamitories, anti depress and sleep meds. all this is

for the pain from the degeneration of my spine, nerve damage from the

military and fibromialgia.

What is your dosage of tremedol? I tried it yrs ago but it didn't do

anything. I'm now on elevil but like alot of meds i'm building a

tolorence to it and it's not helping any more.

i tried ambiem but it left me with what i call black out periods. i

look awake , i'm doing daily things but i have no recallection of any

of it. it' worse them sleep walking. until my hubby and figured out

what was going on he would let me get in the car and drive. I run the

budget and pay the bills. once i lost 4 days and had to back track to

fine out how i spent a $1,000 dollars since then when the pain is very

bad and i take the full dose of my meds my family doesn't let me out

of their sight.

ly, i'm alittle scared to start meds for RA.When i read about all

the side affects. Who knows what might happen. Well, I will keep my

fingers crossed, say a pray, and be optomistic. Thanks for listening.

love to hear your thoughts.

sorry about my typing i'm tired and hurting a bit and that don't mix

with typing.

>

> hi dalanne, not to change the subject or anything but i have a

question 4 u? im 38 yrs. old & have had ra since i was 5. however the

meds i'm taking now r not the same as back then. so i want toknow does

the mtx, plaquenil along with the folic acid HELP U? i too have a HARD

time sleeping due 2 the severe pain i have. i have ra everywhere, it

sux!!!!! does the tramadol help u sleep? i take ambien, it does not

work at all. please let me know,thank-you!! god bless,melyndagamez

6/30p.m.central 6/30/08

>

>

> [ ] Re: RA progression

>

> While one must prepare for the worst case scenario one must also relax

> and hope/pray for the best. While mine is rather agressive right now I

> do have a 1st cousin with RA who was diagnosed 20 years ago and she is

> just now starting Humira. She has had flares, sure, but it has done its

> damage slowly for her. She is now in her late 60s and they travel

> extensively. She is very active with their grandchildren. Don't give up!

>

> I was diagnosed with RA back in Sep 07 but he thinks I've had it

> actively for 5 years. We are still trying to get it to slow down as the

> baseline Xrays showed I have " significant damage " in my hands/wrists.

> I'm just 40 yrs old as compared to my cousin.

>

> Lastly be patient. It takes time for the meds to work let alone to find

> the combination that will work for you. My cousin had to quit taking

> MTX and Plaquinil years ago. I on the other hand am taking 7 MTX,

> Plaquenil, Folic acid and am not sleeping well due to the pain so my

> Doc put me on Tramadol so I can get some relief to sleep at night. My

> cuz has never had to take anything to help her sleep at night...or so

> she tells me.

>

> --Dalanne

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

To answer Melynda & Kims questions...Initially the MTX, folic acid, &

Plaquenil helped. They decreased my symptoms considerably. That

lasted about 3 months then the symptoms began getting worse. My

Rheumy has asked me to continue taking them as hopefully next week I

will be starting Orencia and he says the 'old meds' will boost the

effects of Orencia. I've heard good things about it so am looking

forward to it.

The side effects of the three I'm on right now aren't that bad for

me. The worst is the exhaustion from not sleeping/resting. I get

words mixed up and am a constant source of entertainment for our

kids . I will go shopping and forget what I'm supposed to get. I

now carry my " CRS Pad " -Can't Remember Squat notebook. I have to write

EVERYTHING down. My husband makes me laugh- he calls my RA

medications my 'Dumb & Dumber' pills.

The pain at night is the worst part of it for me. My GP, who

prescribed the oxy, didn't want to give me Ambien, Lunesta, or others

as I am on a couple of other medications that he thinks will interact

poorly with Ambien/etc. For 2 weeks I was on oxycontin 20mgs, 1

tablet at night before bedtime & I admit that those were the best

nights sleep I have had in a long time. My Rheumy had kittens over

that drug so I am off the oxy and on Tramadol HCL 50mg tablets. I

started taking 2 tablets at bedtime. It takes a long time for them

to 'kick' in, they wear off around 3am, & again, I'm not getting

decent sleep at all. Rheumy wants me to start taking the Tram 2

tablets at a time three times a day. I don't know if I really want to

as I get nauseous every night from it. At 7pm I take the Tram and

around 10 I am up deciding if I'm going to drive the porcelain bus or

not. That gets really old.

My job, while sporadic, allows me to get out and move around so I'm

not stuck in the cab all day. I get off at 3pm so I take a nap after

I get off work. That allows me to take the edge off the exhaustion so

I can function till bedtime.

The pain at times is bad but tolerable. However it's night when I

don't have distractions that it gets really bad. I do miss my oxy.

That stuff really worked. I didn't want to take it since it has a bad

reputation but it didn't make me sleepy. Instead it dramatically

lowered the pain level so that I could relax and sleep- all night

long. I could get up at 5:30am without any problems.

> hi dalanne, (edited)so i want to know does the mtx, plaquenil along

with the folic acid HELP U? i too have a HARD time sleeping due 2 the

severe pain i have. does the tramadol help u sleep?

[Guest guest]

Have you happened to try Ultram ER? It comes in dosages of 100, 200, and 300. 

My doctor gave it to me for the FMS/inflammatory pain going on.  Tramadol never

helped my FMS that much, but I am noticing a difference with the Ultram as it

stays in my system for an entire day.  I also have less side effects than I did

with the Tramadol

From: tombstone1968 <tombstone1968@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: RA progression

Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 7:17 PM

To answer Melynda & Kims questions... Initially the MTX, folic acid, &

Plaquenil helped. They decreased my symptoms considerably. That

lasted about 3 months then the symptoms began getting worse. My

Rheumy has asked me to continue taking them as hopefully next week I

will be starting Orencia and he says the 'old meds' will boost the

effects of Orencia. I've heard good things about it so am looking

forward to it.

The side effects of the three I'm on right now aren't that bad for

me. The worst is the exhaustion from not sleeping/resting. I get

words mixed up and am a constant source of entertainment for our

kids . I will go shopping and forget what I'm supposed to get. I

now carry my " CRS Pad " -Can't Remember Squat notebook. I have to write

EVERYTHING down. My husband makes me laugh- he calls my RA

medications my 'Dumb & Dumber' pills.

The pain at night is the worst part of it for me. My GP, who

prescribed the oxy, didn't want to give me Ambien, Lunesta, or others

as I am on a couple of other medications that he thinks will interact

poorly with Ambien/etc. For 2 weeks I was on oxycontin 20mgs, 1

tablet at night before bedtime & I admit that those were the best

nights sleep I have had in a long time. My Rheumy had kittens over

that drug so I am off the oxy and on Tramadol HCL 50mg tablets. I

started taking 2 tablets at bedtime. It takes a long time for them

to 'kick' in, they wear off around 3am, & again, I'm not getting

decent sleep at all. Rheumy wants me to start taking the Tram 2

tablets at a time three times a day. I don't know if I really want to

as I get nauseous every night from it. At 7pm I take the Tram and

around 10 I am up deciding if I'm going to drive the porcelain bus or

not. That gets really old.

My job, while sporadic, allows me to get out and move around so I'm

not stuck in the cab all day. I get off at 3pm so I take a nap after

I get off work. That allows me to take the edge off the exhaustion so

I can function till bedtime.

The pain at times is bad but tolerable. However it's night when I

don't have distractions that it gets really bad. I do miss my oxy.

That stuff really worked. I didn't want to take it since it has a bad

reputation but it didn't make me sleepy. Instead it dramatically

lowered the pain level so that I could relax and sleep- all night

long. I could get up at 5:30am without any problems.

> hi dalanne, (edited)so i want to know does the mtx, plaquenil along

with the folic acid HELP U? i too have a HARD time sleeping due 2 the

severe pain i have. does the tramadol help u sleep?

[Guest guest]

hi dalanne, i went to my dr. visit today & he put me on tramadol for pain along

with the lortabs. i HOPE IT helps cuz i've been in alot of PAIN for these past

couple of days & it sux!! please let me know however though what the tramadol

does for u?? god bless,melyndagamez 7/1/08 11:45p.m.central

[ ] Re: RA progression

While one must prepare for the worst case scenario one must also relax

and hope/pray for the best. While mine is rather agressive right now I

do have a 1st cousin with RA who was diagnosed 20 years ago and she is

just now starting Humira. She has had flares, sure, but it has done its

damage slowly for her. She is now in her late 60s and they travel

extensively. She is very active with their grandchildren. Don't give up!

I was diagnosed with RA back in Sep 07 but he thinks I've had it

actively for 5 years. We are still trying to get it to slow down as the

baseline Xrays showed I have " significant damage " in my hands/wrists.

I'm just 40 yrs old as compared to my cousin.

Lastly be patient. It takes time for the meds to work let alone to find

the combination that will work for you. My cousin had to quit taking

MTX and Plaquinil years ago. I on the other hand am taking 7 MTX,

Plaquenil, Folic acid and am not sleeping well due to the pain so my

Doc put me on Tramadol so I can get some relief to sleep at night. My

cuz has never had to take anything to help her sleep at night...or so

she tells me.

--Dalanne

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

[Guest guest]

--- In , Melynda Gamez <melyndagamez@...>

wrote:

Hi Mylynda,

I was reading your email on tramadol. I have just been put on it

for pericarditis (inflamation around the heart) I am taking it along

with other medications for my chest pain. I felt that it helped me

but it knocks me about something silly and I am not suppose to drive

with it.

I hope something works too, I am over it!!!

My last visit by ambulance to hospital on weekend end was pretty

scary. Especially when the chest pain was so severe and I couldnt'

breath properly. They have associated this with my RA. Never

thought it could affect my heart !!

Anyway I hope you get some relief, I am sympathetic to anyone in

pain. It is terrible.

Take care and god bless you. .

>

> hi dalanne, i went to my dr. visit today & he put me on tramadol

for pain along with the lortabs. i HOPE IT helps cuz i've been in

alot of PAIN for these past couple of days & it sux!! please let me

know however though what the tramadol does for u?? god

bless,melyndagamez 7/1/08 11:45p.m.central

>

>

> [ ] Re: RA progression

>

> While one must prepare for the worst case scenario one must also

relax

> and hope/pray for the best. While mine is rather agressive right

now I

> do have a 1st cousin with RA who was diagnosed 20 years ago and

she is

> just now starting Humira. She has had flares, sure, but it has

done its

> damage slowly for her. She is now in her late 60s and they travel

> extensively. She is very active with their grandchildren. Don't

give up!

>

> I was diagnosed with RA back in Sep 07 but he thinks I've had it

> actively for 5 years. We are still trying to get it to slow down

as the

> baseline Xrays showed I have " significant damage " in my

hands/wrists.

> I'm just 40 yrs old as compared to my cousin.

>

> Lastly be patient. It takes time for the meds to work let alone to

find

> the combination that will work for you. My cousin had to quit

taking

> MTX and Plaquinil years ago. I on the other hand am taking 7 MTX,

> Plaquenil, Folic acid and am not sleeping well due to the pain so

my

> Doc put me on Tramadol so I can get some relief to sleep at night.

My

> cuz has never had to take anything to help her sleep at night...or

so

> she tells me.

>

> --Dalanne

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi dalanne, it's melynda. i asked the question about tramadol.i went to the dr.

today & he put me on tramadol. i had asked about lyrica cuz i have friends whose

hubs take it for pain due to back surgery but he put me on the first. now i'm a

lil CONFUSSED, is it for PAIN,TO SLEEP, or A MUSCLE RELAXER???????

today was my first day to try it & it SEEMED TO HELP WITH THE PAIN!! i just HOPE

it continues, keeping fingers x cuz i have a long weekend planned for the 4th of

july.. if u can give me any type of info. i would b greatful......... god

bless,melyndagamez 6/2/08 11:55p.m.central

[ ] Re: RA progression

>

> While one must prepare for the worst case scenario one must also relax

> and hope/pray for the best. While mine is rather agressive right now I

> do have a 1st cousin with RA who was diagnosed 20 years ago and she is

> just now starting Humira. She has had flares, sure, but it has done its

> damage slowly for her. She is now in her late 60s and they travel

> extensively. She is very active with their grandchildren. Don't give up!

>

> I was diagnosed with RA back in Sep 07 but he thinks I've had it

> actively for 5 years. We are still trying to get it to slow down as the

> baseline Xrays showed I have " significant damage " in my hands/wrists.

> I'm just 40 yrs old as compared to my cousin.

>

> Lastly be patient. It takes time for the meds to work let alone to find

> the combination that will work for you. My cousin had to quit taking

> MTX and Plaquinil years ago. I on the other hand am taking 7 MTX,

> Plaquenil, Folic acid and am not sleeping well due to the pain so my

> Doc put me on Tramadol so I can get some relief to sleep at night. My

> cuz has never had to take anything to help her sleep at night...or so

> she tells me.

>

> --Dalanne

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I just read the papers the pharmacy provided on Tramadol. it is " an

analgesic used to treat or prevent pain " .

Hopefully it will continue to help you. My husband and I joke that my

body is wired backwards so that is why medications have a hard time

working right for me. Shoot, when I was giving birth to our kids even

the epidurals wore off too quickly. The last child labor lasted 4

hours and i had to have 3 epdural 'doses'. But I digress....

Last night for pain I went ahead and took the Tramadol, Aleve and

went to bed with a small light and a Sudoku (number puzzle) book. I

laid down at 9pm and finally fell asleep somewhere around midnight. I

got a rough total of 3 hours of sleep before I woke up in pain again.

I picked up my puzzle book and started working more puzzles and dozed

off again for another couple of hours later on.

I refuse to give in to this disease. I have little reminders posted

in places that I will see that motivate me to keep moving and doing

as long as I can. Thank God Himself that He gave me a high pain

tolerance level to keep me going and my family a great sense of humor

to keep up the laughter!

--- In , Melynda Gamez <melyndagamez@...>

wrote:

>

> hi dalanne, it's melynda. i asked the question about tramadol.i

went to the dr. today & he put me on tramadol. i had asked about

lyrica cuz i have friends whose hubs take it for pain due to back

surgery but he put me on the first. now i'm a lil CONFUSSED, is it

for PAIN,TO SLEEP, or A MUSCLE RELAXER???????