Re: Me and my Prednisone {Bob & Tawny}

[Guest guest]

As I stated in an earlier email, I also had to go off of the prednisone.

Frightening for me because it really did help with the pain in my hands and

feet.

I switched to the injections of MTX because the pills were upsetting my stomach

and GI tract. I can honestly tell you that was the best thing I could have done.

Allowed me to continue with MTX without the stomach issues.

I also use the injection pen for Humira. I used to be so afraid of needles and

shots, now it is second nature for me.

For sleep the Lunesta quit working for me about a year ago. I am now Ambien CR

which is working wonderful for now anyway. By the way it is also much cheaper

even with insurance. I do think our bodies can get used to certain meds such as

sleep aids causing them to not work as well as they once did.

Tawny is right, Cynbalta is quite expensive. With my Blue Cross I still pay $30

a month for it. Without insurance the cost here in Iowa is over $100. But on the

other hand it has helped me considerably. I tried several before I found the one

that worked the best for me. You may have to do the same. If you are not getting

the results you need, keep telling your Rheumy.

I truly hope you get to feeling better and get some relief soon. Even a few days

is wonderful isn't it?

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

Vicki,

You are right, ambien is a lot cheaper. We take the same meds, humira,

mtx, and ambien. I don't like to keep blabbing about the mtx

injections,(I know some might get tired of hearing it.) I feel if it

helps someone to feel better, instead of suffering all week with side

effects from the pills, so be it. I know, these meds are not for

everyone. The mtx injections works so well for me, after suffering all

week, and then have one day until the next dose.

After taking prednisone for a few days, I notice my fingers and ankles

swell. So, it helps with the pain, but then I have the swelling. Did

you ever have that problem?

I would like to try Cymbalta, will talk to my doctor. I can't get in to

see my GP doc, so I'm hoping someone will cancel.

Take care, Tawny

>

> As I stated in an earlier email, I also had to go off of the

prednisone. Frightening for me because it really did help with the pain

in my hands and feet.

>

> I switched to the injections of MTX because the pills were upsetting

my stomach and GI tract. I can honestly tell you that was the best thing

I could have done. Allowed me to continue with MTX without the stomach

issues.

>

> I also use the injection pen for Humira. I used to be so afraid of

needles and shots, now it is second nature for me.

>

> For sleep the Lunesta quit working for me about a year ago. I am now

Ambien CR which is working wonderful for now anyway. By the way it is

also much cheaper even with insurance. I do think our bodies can get

used to certain meds such as sleep aids causing them to not work as well

as they once did.

>

> Tawny is right, Cynbalta is quite expensive. With my Blue Cross I

still pay $30 a month for it. Without insurance the cost here in Iowa is

over $100. But on the other hand it has helped me considerably. I tried

several before I found the one that worked the best for me. You may have

to do the same. If you are not getting the results you need, keep

telling your Rheumy.

>

> I truly hope you get to feeling better and get some relief soon. Even

a few days is wonderful isn't it?

>

> Vicki

> Iowa

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tawny,

The prednisone did make me swell up. I also gained about 20 pounds. I am small

in stature, only 5 foot tall and normally weigh in at about 105 pounds. When I

reached 129 and none of my clothes fit anymore I had a tough time. I told my

husband I went to bed thin and woke up fat. Not to offend anyone, but for

someone short and small boned like myself it was awful. My eyes looked Chinese

almost due to facial swelling. When I went off the medicine it was like the

pounds just melted away. I went off cold turkey with constant blood tests and

the watchful eyes of my doctor. Please do not attempt it yourselves without a

regimen with your doctors as it can be very dangerous. It was just for me, even

though it was helping with the pain, it was also causing other health issues to

get worse. I am now 110 pounds and at least I look somewhat healthy on the

outside. Make sense?

Cymbalta is not only used for depression but also for some of the pain caused by

Fibro which is why my rheumy and I finally settled on it. Especially helps in

the upper back area. Drowsiness is a side affect so I take it at night with my

ambien. My sleep patterns have improved immensely.

Thank you so much for always answering my posts. Is nice to know I am not alone

in this endeavor.

Vicki

Iowa