Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 dd I heard a lot of good stuff about prednisone. I want some. Your letter was very interesting. I seem to be going what you go through too. take care and pain go away. Clora May From: dgd301@... <dgd301@...> Subject: [ ] Prednisone, etc Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:49 PM It's been about three months since I was diagnosed with RA. My rheumatologist put me on 25 mg of Prednisone right away, which took all the pain away. When he got the blood work back with the positive RA test, he put me on 6 MTX pills. Every two weeks, I lower the prednisone 5 mg. So I am now on 5 mg and the pain is starting to come back. Knees and upper arms (not really shoulders, a little below that). I haven't had a problem with weight gain, but one reason is that when I am fatigued, I dont' have much of an appetite. I asked for a FLMA because I don't work at a job where I can go sit down if I get really tired, but I have to go back to work next Thursday and Friday. When I told him that I still feel ill from the MTX on Thursday, he suggested that I cut down to 4 pills. When I saw him last week, he added Arava -- one pill a day. (I take Mtx on Monday) I have had a few days that I have felt really good. Most day, I feel fatigued, weak - -have achy legs. I'm never clear if it's the RA or the drugs. He also gave me the option to go in and have a cortisone shot in my knees and possibly in my upper arms. He gave me a choice of every kind of treatment there is, but I have no idea what is right for me. That's when he decided to try Arava. Of course, when I go there, the pain is gone. So I write down what and where it is, so I can describe it. I've also gone through thyroid tests. My heartbeat is fast and the endocrinologist has given me a beta blocker (Atenolol) to slow it down. That has been better. I find out Thursday what the tests revealed. I know it is borderline hyperactive. One symptom I have forgotten to tell him about is my voice. It gets really hoarse sometimes. I've read that you can get RA in your larynx or my dentist said she has heard of reflux causing voice problems. It's a good thing I only work part time because I spend so much time going to doctors and having tests. I'm grateful that I was diagnosed with RA at an age when I can do some resting if I need to (64). Thanks for reading, dd ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 I also was lucky enough to wait until I was 62 to get RA. My children were all grown and out of the house, and I was retired and able to rest as much as I wanted to. Of course we would have been even luckier if we had never gotten it, LOL. But I am extremely grateful that Enbrel keeps the beast under great control. Sue On Saturday, July 19, 2008, at 10:49 PM, dgd301@... wrote: > > I'm grateful that I was diagnosed with RA at an age when I can do some > resting if I need to (64). > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 In a message dated 7/20/2008 5:54:36 P.M. Central Daylight Time, bcreedon@... writes: I have had bad problems with my voice, and voice box. I have acid reflux, take 2 Prilosec a day. I have Polops on my vocal cords, and have had months of hoarseness, when I couldn't even talk. Have seen a ENT specialist, throat scoped, biopsies done, and the conclusion was all from GERD. The 2 Prilosec a day has taken care of this totally. Haven't had any trouble since. I also have Crohn's Disease and was on mass amounts of prednisone about 30 years ago for that. It is mostly in remission right now, but I've been on meds for reflux for a long time. Most recently two Nexium a day. Prilosec quit working, then we did Prevacid. This worked, but the insurance company wanted me to try Nexium (2 a day). It was ok until I started taking the RA drugs. Then the reflux was awful. So my doctor added Ranitidine (2 a day). And I still have occasional reflux, but not nearly as bad. I'm supposed to have a colonscopy and endoscopy, but they aren't scheduled soon. So right now, I'm dealing with RA, reflux, past Crohn's, borderline hyperthyroid and some skin stuff I haven't even bothered to schedule. But before I was started on Prednisone, I was unable to get out of a chair, couldn't take a bath, could barely get out of my car -- mostly because I couldn't open the door. I went to the clinic and pushed the button for the elevator and the door opened. I couldn't get in the door before it closed. He gave me a prescription for 25 mg of prednisone that day. He wasn't sure which thing I had, but said that the beginning treatment for all the possibilities was prednisone. I took the pills at 3:30 and by 6:00, I could teach my line dancing class. There was one woman who saw me the night before and after I took the pills. She said it was a miracle. I know it's not good to stay on a high dose for a long time. Previously, we were told that anything over 5 mg a day can cause your body to stop producing natural cortisone. So I'm glad I'm down to 5 mg. I'd also like my cheeks and back to get less swollen again. But that's pretty much cosmetic. I just would like to have energy. Although the fatigue is not as bad as it was before I was diagnosed, it's bad enough. dd **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 Hi Clora May and DD: Yes, Pred. is a wonderful drug, and I have been on it since my RA was diagnosed, 5 1/2 years ago. At times, I have been on as high as 40mg. a day. That was when I was in really bad shape, and unbearable pain. I have had the steroid shots also, and they work so good too. I have had them in my back, shoulders, knees, and bottom of my feet. I will do anything to get that damn pain under control. I had tried several times to get off the Pred., just to see how I felt without it. I was not successful until now. I am doing this very slowly, am down to 2.5mg. every other day. I have some pain in my wrists, but is taken care of with Arthritis strength tylenol. If needed, I take Tylenol w/codeine#3. I also have Tramadol and Vicodin. I have never had any mental problems with Pred. Thank God for that. I have had bad problems with my voice, and voice box. I have acid reflux, take 2 Prilosec a day. I have Polops on my vocal cords, and have had months of hoarseness, when I couldn't even talk. Have seen a ENT specialist, throat scoped, biopsies done, and the conclusion was all from GERD. The 2 Prilosec a day has taken care of this totally. Haven't had any trouble since. Wishing you both pain free days very soon. God Bless you. Hugs, Barbara > > From: dgd301@... dgd301@... > Subject: [ ] Prednisone, etc > > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:49 PM > > > > > > > It's been about three months since I was diagnosed with RA. My > rheumatologist put me on 25 mg of Prednisone right away, which took all the pain away. > When he got the blood work back with the positive RA test, he put me on 6 MTX > pills. > > Every two weeks, I lower the prednisone 5 mg. So I am now on 5 mg and the > pain is starting to come back. Knees and upper arms (not really shoulders, a > little below that). I haven't had a problem with weight gain, but one reason is > that when I am fatigued, I dont' have much of an appetite. > > I asked for a FLMA because I don't work at a job where I can go sit down if > I get really tired, but I have to go back to work next Thursday and Friday. > > When I told him that I still feel ill from the MTX on Thursday, he suggested > that I cut down to 4 pills. When I saw him last week, he added Arava -- one > pill a day. (I take Mtx on Monday) > > I have had a few days that I have felt really good. Most day, I feel > fatigued, weak - -have achy legs. I'm never clear if it's the RA or the drugs. He > also gave me the option to go in and have a cortisone shot in my knees and > possibly in my upper arms. > > He gave me a choice of every kind of treatment there is, but I have no idea > what is right for me. That's when he decided to try Arava. > > Of course, when I go there, the pain is gone. So I write down what and where > it is, so I can describe it. > > I've also gone through thyroid tests. My heartbeat is fast and the > endocrinologist has given me a beta blocker (Atenolol) to slow it down. That has been > better. I find out Thursday what the tests revealed. I know it is borderline > hyperactive. > > One symptom I have forgotten to tell him about is my voice. It gets really > hoarse sometimes. I've read that you can get RA in your larynx or my dentist > said she has heard of reflux causing voice problems. > > It's a good thing I only work part time because I spend so much time going > to doctors and having tests. > > I'm grateful that I was diagnosed with RA at an age when I can do some > resting if I need to (64). > > Thanks for reading, > > dd > > > > ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 Barbara, My son was diagnosed with reflux laryngitis, his doctor wrote a book on it, that comes from GERD. We were to 5 specialists over a year and a half period before an ENT specialist diagnosed it. He's only 21. in PA [ ] Prednisone, etc > > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:49 PM > > > > > > > It's been about three months since I was diagnosed with RA. My > rheumatologist put me on 25 mg of Prednisone right away, which took all the pain away. > When he got the blood work back with the positive RA test, he put me on 6 MTX > pills. > > Every two weeks, I lower the prednisone 5 mg. So I am now on 5 mg and the > pain is starting to come back. Knees and upper arms (not really shoulders, a > little below that). I haven't had a problem with weight gain, but one reason is > that when I am fatigued, I dont' have much of an appetite. > > I asked for a FLMA because I don't work at a job where I can go sit down if > I get really tired, but I have to go back to work next Thursday and Friday. > > When I told him that I still feel ill from the MTX on Thursday, he suggested > that I cut down to 4 pills. When I saw him last week, he added Arava -- one > pill a day. (I take Mtx on Monday) > > I have had a few days that I have felt really good. Most day, I feel > fatigued, weak - -have achy legs. I'm never clear if it's the RA or the drugs. He > also gave me the option to go in and have a cortisone shot in my knees and > possibly in my upper arms. > > He gave me a choice of every kind of treatment there is, but I have no idea > what is right for me. That's when he decided to try Arava. > > Of course, when I go there, the pain is gone. So I write down what and where > it is, so I can describe it. > > I've also gone through thyroid tests. My heartbeat is fast and the > endocrinologist has given me a beta blocker (Atenolol) to slow it down. That has been > better. I find out Thursday what the tests revealed. I know it is borderline > hyperactive. > > One symptom I have forgotten to tell him about is my voice. It gets really > hoarse sometimes. I've read that you can get RA in your larynx or my dentist > said she has heard of reflux causing voice problems. > > It's a good thing I only work part time because I spend so much time going > to doctors and having tests. > > I'm grateful that I was diagnosed with RA at an age when I can do some > resting if I need to (64). > > Thanks for reading, > > dd > > > > ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 Barbara and everyone; I hate the thought of getting something good for my pain and then someone taking it away. But I guess you can't stay on it forever. Some people say they been on it for 13 years. In low doses though. Prednisone cause mental problems too. OMG. That's OK I still want it. So you are trying to take it on lower doses. I am glad its working. Sorry about your wrists. I make supper on Sundays if I can. I put a chicken in the oven covered it with allumin foil. a couple hours later I open 2 cans of green beans and put on the stove on low heat. I am doing good.lol. While the green beans was simmering, I peeled four medium potatoes. OMG my wrist were killing me. By the third tater I could barely peel it. I got it done. I put them in cold water and rested. By the time I quartered the taters my fingers was killing me. How do people live with this affliction that don't have family to help them. My husband does laundry cleans the house. Does the cooking. I can't. He works on Sunday. His last job folded up. He hasn't found a job in 2 years. He worked a few but it didn't work out. He is 50 years old. He works on Sundays all day at a convience type gas station store. The house will be a mess when he gets a permanent job. Unless the prednissone works the rheumy said she will give me. Oh I almost forgot. Dinner was a success. And I don't feel to bad. I still have pain but I can take it today. My rheumy was giving me shots in my shoulder and in my hips. I don't know why she stopped. I am going to ask her. Tylenol with codeine sound good. I took that before for my headaches. I take a prilosect every day too for my acid reflux. Sorry about the polyps. I got one in my sinus cavity. The doctor said its not causing the head aches. Well take care Barbara and all. Have a pain free day. Thanks for listening to me. Clora May From: McNally <McNacks@...> Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Prednisone, etc Date: Sunday, July 20, 2008, 7:38 PM Barbara, My son was diagnosed with reflux laryngitis, his doctor wrote a book on it, that comes from GERD. We were to 5 specialists over a year and a half period before an ENT specialist diagnosed it. He's only 21. in PA [ ] Prednisone, etc > @gro ups.com > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:49 PM > > > > > > > It's been about three months since I was diagnosed with RA. My > rheumatologist put me on 25 mg of Prednisone right away, which took all the pain away. > When he got the blood work back with the positive RA test, he put me on 6 MTX > pills. > > Every two weeks, I lower the prednisone 5 mg. So I am now on 5 mg and the > pain is starting to come back. Knees and upper arms (not really shoulders, a > little below that). I haven't had a problem with weight gain, but one reason is > that when I am fatigued, I dont' have much of an appetite. > > I asked for a FLMA because I don't work at a job where I can go sit down if > I get really tired, but I have to go back to work next Thursday and Friday. > > When I told him that I still feel ill from the MTX on Thursday, he suggested > that I cut down to 4 pills. When I saw him last week, he added Arava -- one > pill a day. (I take Mtx on Monday) > > I have had a few days that I have felt really good. Most day, I feel > fatigued, weak - -have achy legs. I'm never clear if it's the RA or the drugs. He > also gave me the option to go in and have a cortisone shot in my knees and > possibly in my upper arms. > > He gave me a choice of every kind of treatment there is, but I have no idea > what is right for me. That's when he decided to try Arava. > > Of course, when I go there, the pain is gone. So I write down what and where > it is, so I can describe it. > > I've also gone through thyroid tests. My heartbeat is fast and the > endocrinologist has given me a beta blocker (Atenolol) to slow it down. That has been > better. I find out Thursday what the tests revealed. I know it is borderline > hyperactive. > > One symptom I have forgotten to tell him about is my voice. It gets really > hoarse sometimes. I've read that you can get RA in your larynx or my dentist > said she has heard of reflux causing voice problems. > > It's a good thing I only work part time because I spend so much time going > to doctors and having tests. > > I'm grateful that I was diagnosed with RA at an age when I can do some > resting if I need to (64). > > Thanks for reading, > > dd > > > > ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 Hi DD, I suffered horribly with Ulcerative Colitis, many hosp. stays, etc. Was on the verge of a total Colostomy, etc. I finally got into remission about 10 years ago. I know how awful you suffered with Crohn's and glad you are in remission too. We really had to go on high doses of Pred. at that time. I have no regrets at all. I tried a few meds. for my stomach, but Prilosec has worked so good for me. I also have had Hypothyroid since I was 10 years old. My RA came on suddenly, and I went from a totally functioning woman to a crippled, swollen all over, pain crazed person in 5 days!! I couldn't get up out of bed, stand on my feet, walk without screaming, dress myself, feed myself, hold a glass, etc. I thought I had a brain tumor, and would be dead very soon. My hands swelled so much, and both hands went into a claw-like tightness, and I couldn't open them. I got a dr. appt. for the next day, it took everything in me to get up on my feet. My hubby dressed me, combed my hair, brushed my teeth, washed my face and hands, put some creme on my face, and got me to the car. I thought I would die from pain just getting into it. Plus, there was a foot of snow on Cape Cod, and bitter cold. My PCP was shocked when he saw me.....I saw him 2 weeks before. He pretty much knew I had RA, did blood work, etc. I had never heard of it before. He started me immediately on 60mg. of Pred., and got me an appt. with a Rheumy the next day. The rest is history. I was 64, and retired also. I never could have worked at that time. I had to move from the Cape to S.W. Florida, as I couldn't take the weather there anymore. I was almost in a wheelchair, house bound, and I too thought my life was over. Boy, was I wrong. I had to really get back my positive thinking, and go forward. I love life, and enjoy so many things life has to offer. I have always done so many hand crafts, making quilts all by hand, crochet, needlepoint, stenciling, painting, wallpapering, sewing, etc. I love all crafts, but knew I would have to find the one I cared about the most, and could do. So, I do folk art painting. I am going to try to paint tomorrow for a short time. I guess we all come to the point when we can change our life, and try to enjoy the things we can do. I had to get out of pain first, then I focused on what I could do, and then, I had to learn to pace myself every day. That was hard for me to do. I have always been a " doer " . It was a big day when I could feed myself, another big day when I could shower, etc. I never gave up hope. I prayed my heart out. I have come a long way from the grim future I thought I had. Life is good no matter what. I feel it is essential to try and stay positve, think of what you can do, even if you hurt, which is hard to do. Good days come eventually. It just takes time to find the right meds., right pain meds. I never thought I would reach the day that I finally had managed my pain and RA. I thank my wonderful Rheumy for that. I had to get my RA in order, before I could get my life in order. I still deal with being so tired all the time, so I rest as much as I can each day. My Rheumy said it is so important to get as much rest as you can. I totally agree. I just take one day at a time, and when I have pain ridden days, I take it minute by minute. I get overwhelmed so badly, that I can't do anything. RA has taught me to draw from inside myself, so I can face whatever my day has to offer. I wish everyone here pain free days. You all deserve it, and need it so badly. You are all truly a wonderful group of caring, loving, and compassionate people. I am so happy to be a member. Hugs, Barbara > > > In a message dated 7/20/2008 5:54:36 P.M. Central Daylight Time, > bcreedon@... writes: > > I have had bad problems with my voice, and voice box. I have acid > reflux, take 2 Prilosec a day. I have Polops on my vocal cords, and > have had months of hoarseness, when I couldn't even talk. Have seen a > ENT specialist, throat scoped, biopsies done, and the conclusion was all > from GERD. The 2 Prilosec a day has taken care of this totally. > Haven't had any trouble since. > > > > I also have Crohn's Disease and was on mass amounts of prednisone about 30 > years ago for that. It is mostly in remission right now, but I've been on meds > for reflux for a long time. Most recently two Nexium a day. Prilosec quit > working, then we did Prevacid. This worked, but the insurance company wanted me > to try Nexium (2 a day). It was ok until I started taking the RA drugs. Then > the reflux was awful. So my doctor added Ranitidine (2 a day). And I still > have occasional reflux, but not nearly as bad. > > I'm supposed to have a colonscopy and endoscopy, but they aren't scheduled > soon. > > So right now, I'm dealing with RA, reflux, past Crohn's, borderline > hyperthyroid and some skin stuff I haven't even bothered to schedule. > > But before I was started on Prednisone, I was unable to get out of a chair, > couldn't take a bath, could barely get out of my car -- mostly because I > couldn't open the door. I went to the clinic and pushed the button for the > elevator and the door opened. I couldn't get in the door before it closed. He gave > me a prescription for 25 mg of prednisone that day. He wasn't sure which > thing I had, but said that the beginning treatment for all the possibilities was > prednisone. I took the pills at 3:30 and by 6:00, I could teach my line > dancing class. There was one woman who saw me the night before and after I took the > pills. She said it was a miracle. > > I know it's not good to stay on a high dose for a long time. Previously, we > were told that anything over 5 mg a day can cause your body to stop producing > natural cortisone. So I'm glad I'm down to 5 mg. > > I'd also like my cheeks and back to get less swollen again. But that's > pretty much cosmetic. > > I just would like to have energy. Although the fatigue is not as bad as it > was before I was diagnosed, it's bad enough. > > dd > > > > **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 Hi : Sorry your son has this at such a young age, Yes, it took me about that long to find out too. I thought the ENT dr. had rocks in his head, as I couldn't imagine acid reflux doing all that. I was diag. 15 years ago. I hope you son is doing good now. Thank God for Prilosec, or any refux meds. that work!! Hugs, Barbara From: McNally <McNacks@...> Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Prednisone, etc Date: Sunday, July 20, 2008, 4:38 PM Barbara, My son was diagnosed with reflux laryngitis, his doctor wrote a book on it, that comes from GERD. We were to 5 specialists over a year and a half period before an ENT specialist diagnosed it. He's only 21. in PA [ ] Prednisone, etc > @gro ups.com > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:49 PM > > > > > > > It's been about three months since I was diagnosed with RA. My > rheumatologist put me on 25 mg of Prednisone right away, which took all the pain away. > When he got the blood work back with the positive RA test, he put me on 6 MTX > pills. > > Every two weeks, I lower the prednisone 5 mg. So I am now on 5 mg and the > pain is starting to come back. Knees and upper arms (not really shoulders, a > little below that). I haven't had a problem with weight gain, but one reason is > that when I am fatigued, I dont' have much of an appetite. > > I asked for a FLMA because I don't work at a job where I can go sit down if > I get really tired, but I have to go back to work next Thursday and Friday. > > When I told him that I still feel ill from the MTX on Thursday, he suggested > that I cut down to 4 pills. When I saw him last week, he added Arava -- one > pill a day. (I take Mtx on Monday) > > I have had a few days that I have felt really good. Most day, I feel > fatigued, weak - -have achy legs. I'm never clear if it's the RA or the drugs. He > also gave me the option to go in and have a cortisone shot in my knees and > possibly in my upper arms. > > He gave me a choice of every kind of treatment there is, but I have no idea > what is right for me. That's when he decided to try Arava. > > Of course, when I go there, the pain is gone. So I write down what and where > it is, so I can describe it. > > I've also gone through thyroid tests. My heartbeat is fast and the > endocrinologist has given me a beta blocker (Atenolol) to slow it down. That has been > better. I find out Thursday what the tests revealed. I know it is borderline > hyperactive. > > One symptom I have forgotten to tell him about is my voice. It gets really > hoarse sometimes. I've read that you can get RA in your larynx or my dentist > said she has heard of reflux causing voice problems. > > It's a good thing I only work part time because I spend so much time going > to doctors and having tests. > > I'm grateful that I was diagnosed with RA at an age when I can do some > resting if I need to (64). > > Thanks for reading, > > dd > > > > ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Hi and Barbara, GERD is a really bad thing. It is another one of those problems that people don't understand. I fist knew that I had problems when it felt like a golf ball stuck in my throat and after a week I went to my doctor. He put me on Prilosec first but after a while had to change me to Prevacid. A few years later I had to change doctors and that doc let my insurance change me to Nexium. It did not work at all for me. After a fight, I got it changed back. I found out about 8 years ago that I have Barrett's Esphogus, so now I have to get my esphogus stretched periodically. This can lead to cancer of the stomach. This is caused by GERD. I just wanted folks to know that if heart burn or digestion is a constant problem, don't let it go. Please, discuss it with your doctor. Shirley --- In , Barbara Creedon <bcreedon@...> wrote: > > Hi : > Sorry your son has this at such a young age, Yes, it took me about that long to find out too. I thought the ENT dr. had rocks in his head, as I couldn't imagine acid reflux doing all that. I was diag. 15 years ago. I hope you son is doing good now. Thank God for Prilosec, or any refux meds. that work!! > Hugs, > Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Shirley and the others; Oh wow thanks for telling us about Gerd. I take prevacid now for it. My food gets stuck when it goes down, I am going to ask my doctor about that. And to give me some test for it. Barrettes Esophagus. Wow. I a so sorry Shirley. It fells like a marble is stuck in my throat Shirley. Digestion is not a problem Shirley , but I will get this throat checked out. Good thing I have you guys to talk to or I wouldn't know half of what I should know. I will let you know what the test reveal and what the doctor does as time goes on. Hugs everyone, Have a pain free day. Clora May From: nana2livi <s.p5315@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Prednisone, etc Date: Monday, July 21, 2008, 6:48 AM Hi and Barbara, GERD is a really bad thing. It is another one of those problems that people don't understand. I fist knew that I had problems when it felt like a golf ball stuck in my throat and after a week I went to my doctor. He put me on Prilosec first but after a while had to change me to Prevacid. A few years later I had to change doctors and that doc let my insurance change me to Nexium. It did not work at all for me. After a fight, I got it changed back. I found out about 8 years ago that I have Barrett's Esphogus, so now I have to get my esphogus stretched periodically. This can lead to cancer of the stomach. This is caused by GERD. I just wanted folks to know that if heart burn or digestion is a constant problem, don't let it go. Please, discuss it with your doctor. Shirley --- In @gro ups.com, Barbara Creedon <bcreedon@.. .> wrote: > > Hi : > Sorry your son has this at such a young age, Yes, it took me about that long to find out too. I thought the ENT dr. had rocks in his head, as I couldn't imagine acid reflux doing all that. I was diag. 15 years ago. I hope you son is doing good now. Thank God for Prilosec, or any refux meds. that work!! > Hugs, > Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Barbara and All Wow Barbara you been through a lot. It is something how we bounce back. I am glad you was thinking positive. That is so hard to do sometimes when one is suffering. I have heard of people that has been in awful car accidents. I am glad you recovered, you are such a positive and great writer to us here. Doctors have seen me in shocking conditions before. For instance when i moved to South Carolina I broke out in hives on my entire body. The dermatologist was in shock when she saw me. lol.... My eyes lids was even swollen like little balloons. lol What a sight. OMG The itching was unbelievable. She gave me lots of prednisone. Thus I learned of the wonderful feeling of prednisone. Goodness Gracious I felt like I was starving on it. Food even tasted better haaaaaaaa. I became very swollen. I return to normal in a few months, but never knew what caused the allergic reaction. Unless it was a move to a new state. New water, new atmosphere. I have no idea what caused the allergic reaction. My husband has to help me dress and wash sometimes. I feel so bad that he has to do everything and he is so sweet about it. Yes, there was times I thought I had a brain tumor to Barbara, Not knowing is sometimes worse than the symptoms. I heard of ulcerated colitis. No thanks I thank God I never have that. And I pray I never do. What is a PCP. Is that a primary doctor??? Thanks Barbara Again you have given us informative information from your life's experiences. Everyone have pain free days. hugs Clora May From: Barbara <bcreedon@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Prednisone, etc Date: Sunday, July 20, 2008, 11:35 PM Hi DD, I suffered horribly with Ulcerative Colitis, many hosp. stays, etc. Was on the verge of a total Colostomy, etc. I finally got into remission about 10 years ago. I know how awful you suffered with Crohn's and glad you are in remission too. We really had to go on high doses of Pred. at that time. I have no regrets at all. I tried a few meds. for my stomach, but Prilosec has worked so good for me. I also have had Hypothyroid since I was 10 years old. My RA came on suddenly, and I went from a totally functioning woman to a crippled, swollen all over, pain crazed person in 5 days!! I couldn't get up out of bed, stand on my feet, walk without screaming, dress myself, feed myself, hold a glass, etc. I thought I had a brain tumor, and would be dead very soon. My hands swelled so much, and both hands went into a claw-like tightness, and I couldn't open them. I got a dr. appt. for the next day, it took everything in me to get up on my feet. My hubby dressed me, combed my hair, brushed my teeth, washed my face and hands, put some creme on my face, and got me to the car. I thought I would die from pain just getting into it. Plus, there was a foot of snow on Cape Cod, and bitter cold. My PCP was shocked when he saw me.....I saw him 2 weeks before. He pretty much knew I had RA, did blood work, etc. I had never heard of it before. He started me immediately on 60mg. of Pred., and got me an appt. with a Rheumy the next day. The rest is history. I was 64, and retired also. I never could have worked at that time. I had to move from the Cape to S.W. Florida, as I couldn't take the weather there anymore. I was almost in a wheelchair, house bound, and I too thought my life was over. Boy, was I wrong. I had to really get back my positive thinking, and go forward. I love life, and enjoy so many things life has to offer. I have always done so many hand crafts, making quilts all by hand, crochet, needlepoint, stenciling, painting, wallpapering, sewing, etc. I love all crafts, but knew I would have to find the one I cared about the most, and could do. So, I do folk art painting. I am going to try to paint tomorrow for a short time. I guess we all come to the point when we can change our life, and try to enjoy the things we can do. I had to get out of pain first, then I focused on what I could do, and then, I had to learn to pace myself every day. That was hard for me to do. I have always been a " doer " . It was a big day when I could feed myself, another big day when I could shower, etc. I never gave up hope. I prayed my heart out. I have come a long way from the grim future I thought I had. Life is good no matter what. I feel it is essential to try and stay positve, think of what you can do, even if you hurt, which is hard to do. Good days come eventually. It just takes time to find the right meds., right pain meds. I never thought I would reach the day that I finally had managed my pain and RA. I thank my wonderful Rheumy for that. I had to get my RA in order, before I could get my life in order. I still deal with being so tired all the time, so I rest as much as I can each day. My Rheumy said it is so important to get as much rest as you can. I totally agree. I just take one day at a time, and when I have pain ridden days, I take it minute by minute. I get overwhelmed so badly, that I can't do anything. RA has taught me to draw from inside myself, so I can face whatever my day has to offer. I wish everyone here pain free days. You all deserve it, and need it so badly. You are all truly a wonderful group of caring, loving, and compassionate people. I am so happy to be a member. Hugs, Barbara > > > In a message dated 7/20/2008 5:54:36 P.M. Central Daylight Time, > bcreedon@... writes: > > I have had bad problems with my voice, and voice box. I have acid > reflux, take 2 Prilosec a day. I have Polops on my vocal cords, and > have had months of hoarseness, when I couldn't even talk. Have seen a > ENT specialist, throat scoped, biopsies done, and the conclusion was all > from GERD. The 2 Prilosec a day has taken care of this totally. > Haven't had any trouble since. > > > > I also have Crohn's Disease and was on mass amounts of prednisone about 30 > years ago for that. It is mostly in remission right now, but I've been on meds > for reflux for a long time. Most recently two Nexium a day. Prilosec quit > working, then we did Prevacid. This worked, but the insurance company wanted me > to try Nexium (2 a day). It was ok until I started taking the RA drugs. Then > the reflux was awful. So my doctor added Ranitidine (2 a day). And I still > have occasional reflux, but not nearly as bad. > > I'm supposed to have a colonscopy and endoscopy, but they aren't scheduled > soon. > > So right now, I'm dealing with RA, reflux, past Crohn's, borderline > hyperthyroid and some skin stuff I haven't even bothered to schedule. > > But before I was started on Prednisone, I was unable to get out of a chair, > couldn't take a bath, could barely get out of my car -- mostly because I > couldn't open the door. I went to the clinic and pushed the button for the > elevator and the door opened. I couldn't get in the door before it closed. He gave > me a prescription for 25 mg of prednisone that day. He wasn't sure which > thing I had, but said that the beginning treatment for all the possibilities was > prednisone. I took the pills at 3:30 and by 6:00, I could teach my line > dancing class. There was one woman who saw me the night before and after I took the > pills. She said it was a miracle. > > I know it's not good to stay on a high dose for a long time. Previously, we > were told that anything over 5 mg a day can cause your body to stop producing > natural cortisone. So I'm glad I'm down to 5 mg. > > I'd also like my cheeks and back to get less swollen again. But that's > pretty much cosmetic. > > I just would like to have energy. Although the fatigue is not as bad as it > was before I was diagnosed, it's bad enough. > > dd > > > > ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Hi Shirley and Clora May: Amazing what GERD can do to us. Every day I learn something new here. I have never heard of Barrett's Esophagus. Thank goodness the GERD meds. work so well on these bad stomach's. Cancer is always a concern. Good advice to seek help for any digestive problems. Wishing everyone pain free days. Hugs, Barbara > > > > Hi : > > Sorry your son has this at such a young age, Yes, it took me > about that long to find out too. I thought the ENT dr. had rocks in > his head, as I couldn't imagine acid reflux doing all that. I was > diag. 15 years ago. I hope you son is doing good now. Thank God > for Prilosec, or any refux meds. that work!! > > Hugs, > > Barbara > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Hi Clora May: I will be happy when you see your Rheumy, and hope she really helps you out. Too much pain and suffering for you to deal with everyday. That was so good you were able to cook a fine chicken dinner, even peeling those potato's!! No wonder your wrists had so much pain. I can only do a few, so hubby does them for me. That's what team work is all about. I do feel bad sometimes, as he has had to take on so much since the RA arrived. I did a little vac. and he had to do the rest. Just happy it got done. I love your letters, they give me a smile or chuckle---- feels good to laugh!!! We all need that in our daily life. Sure brightens my day. Hope your day was better, and wishing you and everyone pain free days. Hugs, Barbara > > > > From: dgd301@ dgd301@ > > Subject: [ ] Prednisone, etc > > @gro ups.com > > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:49 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's been about three months since I was diagnosed with RA. My > > rheumatologist put me on 25 mg of Prednisone right away, which took > all the pain away. > > When he got the blood work back with the positive RA test, he put me > on 6 MTX > > pills. > > > > Every two weeks, I lower the prednisone 5 mg. So I am now on 5 mg and > the > > pain is starting to come back. Knees and upper arms (not really > shoulders, a > > little below that). I haven't had a problem with weight gain, but one > reason is > > that when I am fatigued, I dont' have much of an appetite. > > > > I asked for a FLMA because I don't work at a job where I can go sit > down if > > I get really tired, but I have to go back to work next Thursday and > Friday. > > > > When I told him that I still feel ill from the MTX on Thursday, he > suggested > > that I cut down to 4 pills. When I saw him last week, he added Arava > -- one > > pill a day. (I take Mtx on Monday) > > > > I have had a few days that I have felt really good. Most day, I feel > > fatigued, weak - -have achy legs. I'm never clear if it's the RA or > the drugs. He > > also gave me the option to go in and have a cortisone shot in my knees > and > > possibly in my upper arms. > > > > He gave me a choice of every kind of treatment there is, but I have no > idea > > what is right for me. That's when he decided to try Arava. > > > > Of course, when I go there, the pain is gone. So I write down what and > where > > it is, so I can describe it. > > > > I've also gone through thyroid tests. My heartbeat is fast and the > > endocrinologist has given me a beta blocker (Atenolol) to slow it > down. That has been > > better. I find out Thursday what the tests revealed. I know it is > borderline > > hyperactive. > > > > One symptom I have forgotten to tell him about is my voice. It gets > really > > hoarse sometimes. I've read that you can get RA in your larynx or my > dentist > > said she has heard of reflux causing voice problems. > > > > It's a good thing I only work part time because I spend so much time > going > > to doctors and having tests. > > > > I'm grateful that I was diagnosed with RA at an age when I can do some > > resting if I need to (64). > > > > Thanks for reading, > > > > dd > > > > > > > > ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up > for > > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > > (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 May I make a suggestion.... Tennis balls - preferably used -have become dear friends. I put them on vacuums, brooms, mops, toothbrushes etc....Makes many tasks much easier.... Barbara <bcreedon@...> wrote: Hi Clora May: I will be happy when you see your Rheumy, and hope she really helps you out. Too much pain and suffering for you to deal with everyday. That was so good you were able to cook a fine chicken dinner, even peeling those potato's!! No wonder your wrists had so much pain. I can only do a few, so hubby does them for me. That's what team work is all about. I do feel bad sometimes, as he has had to take on so much since the RA arrived. I did a little vac. and he had to do the rest. Just happy it got done. I love your letters, they give me a smile or chuckle---- feels good to laugh!!! We all need that in our daily life. Sure brightens my day. Hope your day was better, and wishing you and everyone pain free days. Hugs, Barbara > > > > From: dgd301@ dgd301@ > > Subject: [ ] Prednisone, etc > > @gro ups.com > > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:49 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's been about three months since I was diagnosed with RA. My > > rheumatologist put me on 25 mg of Prednisone right away, which took > all the pain away. > > When he got the blood work back with the positive RA test, he put me > on 6 MTX > > pills. > > > > Every two weeks, I lower the prednisone 5 mg. So I am now on 5 mg and > the > > pain is starting to come back. Knees and upper arms (not really > shoulders, a > > little below that). I haven't had a problem with weight gain, but one > reason is > > that when I am fatigued, I dont' have much of an appetite. > > > > I asked for a FLMA because I don't work at a job where I can go sit > down if > > I get really tired, but I have to go back to work next Thursday and > Friday. > > > > When I told him that I still feel ill from the MTX on Thursday, he > suggested > > that I cut down to 4 pills. When I saw him last week, he added Arava > -- one > > pill a day. (I take Mtx on Monday) > > > > I have had a few days that I have felt really good. Most day, I feel > > fatigued, weak - -have achy legs. I'm never clear if it's the RA or > the drugs. He > > also gave me the option to go in and have a cortisone shot in my knees > and > > possibly in my upper arms. > > > > He gave me a choice of every kind of treatment there is, but I have no > idea > > what is right for me. That's when he decided to try Arava. > > > > Of course, when I go there, the pain is gone. So I write down what and > where > > it is, so I can describe it. > > > > I've also gone through thyroid tests. My heartbeat is fast and the > > endocrinologist has given me a beta blocker (Atenolol) to slow it > down. That has been > > better. I find out Thursday what the tests revealed. I know it is > borderline > > hyperactive. > > > > One symptom I have forgotten to tell him about is my voice. It gets > really > > hoarse sometimes. I've read that you can get RA in your larynx or my > dentist > > said she has heard of reflux causing voice problems. > > > > It's a good thing I only work part time because I spend so much time > going > > to doctors and having tests. > > > > I'm grateful that I was diagnosed with RA at an age when I can do some > > resting if I need to (64). > > > > Thanks for reading, > > > > dd > > > > > > > > ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up > for > > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > > (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020) > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 hi barb, i hope u feel better soon. it's so hard when u have to deal with pain on a daily basis. i know it sux! but we have to keep going no matter what!! here's wishing u PAIN FREE DAYS. god bless,melyndagamez [ ] Re: Prednisone, etc Hi DD, I suffered horribly with Ulcerative Colitis, many hosp. stays, etc. Was on the verge of a total Colostomy, etc. I finally got into remission about 10 years ago. I know how awful you suffered with Crohn's and glad you are in remission too. We really had to go on high doses of Pred. at that time. I have no regrets at all. I tried a few meds. for my stomach, but Prilosec has worked so good for me. I also have had Hypothyroid since I was 10 years old. My RA came on suddenly, and I went from a totally functioning woman to a crippled, swollen all over, pain crazed person in 5 days!! I couldn't get up out of bed, stand on my feet, walk without screaming, dress myself, feed myself, hold a glass, etc. I thought I had a brain tumor, and would be dead very soon. My hands swelled so much, and both hands went into a claw-like tightness, and I couldn't open them. I got a dr. appt. for the next day, it took everything in me to get up on my feet. My hubby dressed me, combed my hair, brushed my teeth, washed my face and hands, put some creme on my face, and got me to the car. I thought I would die from pain just getting into it. Plus, there was a foot of snow on Cape Cod, and bitter cold. My PCP was shocked when he saw me.....I saw him 2 weeks before. He pretty much knew I had RA, did blood work, etc. I had never heard of it before. He started me immediately on 60mg. of Pred., and got me an appt. with a Rheumy the next day. The rest is history. I was 64, and retired also. I never could have worked at that time. I had to move from the Cape to S.W. Florida, as I couldn't take the weather there anymore. I was almost in a wheelchair, house bound, and I too thought my life was over. Boy, was I wrong. I had to really get back my positive thinking, and go forward. I love life, and enjoy so many things life has to offer.. I have always done so many hand crafts, making quilts all by hand, crochet, needlepoint, stenciling, painting, wallpapering, sewing, etc. I love all crafts, but knew I would have to find the one I cared about the most, and could do. So, I do folk art painting. I am going to try to paint tomorrow for a short time. I guess we all come to the point when we can change our life, and try to enjoy the things we can do. I had to get out of pain first, then I focused on what I could do, and then, I had to learn to pace myself every day. That was hard for me to do. I have always been a " doer " . It was a big day when I could feed myself, another big day when I could shower, etc. I never gave up hope. I prayed my heart out. I have come a long way from the grim future I thought I had. Life is good no matter what. I feel it is essential to try and stay positve, think of what you can do, even if you hurt, which is hard to do. Good days come eventually. It just takes time to find the right meds., right pain meds. I never thought I would reach the day that I finally had managed my pain and RA. I thank my wonderful Rheumy for that. I had to get my RA in order, before I could get my life in order. I still deal with being so tired all the time, so I rest as much as I can each day. My Rheumy said it is so important to get as much rest as you can. I totally agree. I just take one day at a time, and when I have pain ridden days, I take it minute by minute. I get overwhelmed so badly, that I can't do anything. RA has taught me to draw from inside myself, so I can face whatever my day has to offer. I wish everyone here pain free days. You all deserve it, and need it so badly. You are all truly a wonderful group of caring, loving, and compassionate people. I am so happy to be a member. Hugs, Barbara > > > In a message dated 7/20/2008 5:54:36 P.M. Central Daylight Time, > bcreedon@... writes: > > I have had bad problems with my voice, and voice box. I have acid > reflux, take 2 Prilosec a day. I have Polops on my vocal cords, and > have had months of hoarseness, when I couldn't even talk. Have seen a > ENT specialist, throat scoped, biopsies done, and the conclusion was all > from GERD. The 2 Prilosec a day has taken care of this totally. > Haven't had any trouble since. > > > > I also have Crohn's Disease and was on mass amounts of prednisone about 30 > years ago for that. It is mostly in remission right now, but I've been on meds > for reflux for a long time. Most recently two Nexium a day. Prilosec quit > working, then we did Prevacid. This worked, but the insurance company wanted me > to try Nexium (2 a day). It was ok until I started taking the RA drugs. Then > the reflux was awful. So my doctor added Ranitidine (2 a day). And I still > have occasional reflux, but not nearly as bad. > > I'm supposed to have a colonscopy and endoscopy, but they aren't scheduled > soon. > > So right now, I'm dealing with RA, reflux, past Crohn's, borderline > hyperthyroid and some skin stuff I haven't even bothered to schedule. > > But before I was started on Prednisone, I was unable to get out of a chair, > couldn't take a bath, could barely get out of my car -- mostly because I > couldn't open the door. I went to the clinic and pushed the button for the > elevator and the door opened. I couldn't get in the door before it closed. He gave > me a prescription for 25 mg of prednisone that day. He wasn't sure which > thing I had, but said that the beginning treatment for all the possibilities was > prednisone. I took the pills at 3:30 and by 6:00, I could teach my line > dancing class. There was one woman who saw me the night before and after I took the > pills. She said it was a miracle. > > I know it's not good to stay on a high dose for a long time. Previously, we > were told that anything over 5 mg a day can cause your body to stop producing > natural cortisone. So I'm glad I'm down to 5 mg. > > I'd also like my cheeks and back to get less swollen again. But that's > pretty much cosmetic. > > I just would like to have energy. Although the fatigue is not as bad as it > was before I was diagnosed, it's bad enough. > > dd > > > > **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for > FanHouse Fantasy Football today. > (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 Hi Melynda: I am doing good, still decreasing the Pred., still plugging along. I know you haven't been feeling good with your stomach, and I am sorry to hear that. When do you get the results of that test? I am praying for you, and hope you get a break from all that pain. It makes for long days and nights. God Bless you, and hang in there. Hugs, Barbara From: Melynda Gamez <melyndagamez@...> Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Prednisone, etc Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 3:50 PM hi barb, i hope u feel better soon. it's so hard when u have to deal with pain on a daily basis. i know it sux! but we have to keep going no matter what!! here's wishing u PAIN FREE DAYS. god bless,melyndagamez > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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