Re: Had My Rheumy Visit Today

[Guest guest]

Bob,

What did your rheumatologist say about trying to reduce the prednisone?

Not an MD

On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 9:01 PM, fullwave2 <w8nyy.1@...> wrote:

> Had my appointment with the Rheumy this afternoon. Things went pretty

> much as I had expected except with one more little twist thrown in to

> the mix. After checking me out and listening to the latest update

> since it was a month since seeing her, she said that I'm one of the

> blessed ones that in addition to having RA, also has Fibromyalgia!

> Didn't see that coming. Wham! Not even sure I know how to spell it.

>

> She said that if it wasn't for the positive blood results for RA and

> the clinical symptoms of RA, she would have looked for Fibro earlier

> but since RA was positive, it wasn't until now that she did the

> pressure point test thingy and along with other things I'm telling her

> she is certain I have both. She says it's pretty common to have both.

> No hurry though to deal with the Fibro though until we get the RA

> under control.

>

> She did up my dosage of Methotrexate and we are going directly to the

> self injectable needle route. I had to show her in the office I could

> give myself the shot which went OK. I was blessed to have no fear of

> needles so it was just figuring out where to do it. Going with

> syringes versus the epi-pen. I understand from what I've read here and

> elsewhere that it stings less since you can regulate the flow as

> you're injecting.

>

> As for the depression, she felt pretty certain the Pred. was screwing

> around with my Thyroid hormone levels and my hypothyroidism. She

> ordered a blood test and said before we go the anti-depressant route

> which we may have to do also for the Fibro she wanted to make sure my

> thyroid medication didn't need adjustment. That blood test won't be

> for another 2-3 weeks so until then I may just need to keep a stiff

> upper lip.

>

> Also changed me over from Lunesta to Ambien CR to see if that helped

> better with the insomnia.

> I am exhausted but glad the visit is over. I am fortunate that I have

> a good Rheumy she's proven to me so far that it's OK to put my faith

> in her. She really seems to know her stuff and seems to have my best

> interest in mind so what more can I ask?

> Over all, quite a day.

> Thanks all again to all of you for your support. It is very much

> appreciated.

> Bob

[Guest guest]

Since she's increasing the MTX she wants that to stabilize before

making the change. She did say though that when we do, it will be in

smaller increments. 15 to 12.5, then 12.5 to 10. Made sense to me at

the time.

> > Had my appointment with the Rheumy this afternoon. Things went pretty

> > much as I had expected except with one more little twist thrown in to

> > the mix. After checking me out and listening to the latest update

> > since it was a month since seeing her, she said that I'm one of the

> > blessed ones that in addition to having RA, also has Fibromyalgia!

> > Didn't see that coming. Wham! Not even sure I know how to spell it.

> >

> > She said that if it wasn't for the positive blood results for RA and

> > the clinical symptoms of RA, she would have looked for Fibro earlier

> > but since RA was positive, it wasn't until now that she did the

> > pressure point test thingy and along with other things I'm telling her

> > she is certain I have both. She says it's pretty common to have both.

> > No hurry though to deal with the Fibro though until we get the RA

> > under control.

> >

> > She did up my dosage of Methotrexate and we are going directly to the

> > self injectable needle route. I had to show her in the office I could

> > give myself the shot which went OK. I was blessed to have no fear of

> > needles so it was just figuring out where to do it. Going with

> > syringes versus the epi-pen. I understand from what I've read here and

> > elsewhere that it stings less since you can regulate the flow as

> > you're injecting.

> >

> > As for the depression, she felt pretty certain the Pred. was screwing

> > around with my Thyroid hormone levels and my hypothyroidism. She

> > ordered a blood test and said before we go the anti-depressant route

> > which we may have to do also for the Fibro she wanted to make sure my

> > thyroid medication didn't need adjustment. That blood test won't be

> > for another 2-3 weeks so until then I may just need to keep a stiff

> > upper lip.

> >

> > Also changed me over from Lunesta to Ambien CR to see if that helped

> > better with the insomnia.

> > I am exhausted but glad the visit is over. I am fortunate that I have

> > a good Rheumy she's proven to me so far that it's OK to put my faith

> > in her. She really seems to know her stuff and seems to have my best

> > interest in mind so what more can I ask?

> > Over all, quite a day.

> > Thanks all again to all of you for your support. It is very much

> > appreciated.

> > Bob

>

[Guest guest]

Sounds good, Bob.

Not an MD

On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 9:18 PM, fullwave2 <w8nyy.1@...> wrote:

> Since she's increasing the MTX she wants that to stabilize before

> making the change. She did say though that when we do, it will be in

> smaller increments. 15 to 12.5, then 12.5 to 10. Made sense to me at

> the time.

[Guest guest]

Hi Bob - I also have the wonderful dual diagnosis of RA and FMS - and

yes, you did spell Fibromyalgia correctly <G> I know how sometimes it

feels like if its not one thing its another. I pray you get some

relief from your depression with a good night's sleep that the Ambien

CR may give you and the stopping (?) of the Prednisone. I have an

appointment with my Rheumy tomorrow, so we'll see if he'll approve the

MTX injections this time. He told me last visit that we'd talk about

it - at that point in time I was still doing the clinical study, but

since that's not an option anymore, well, we'll see. Its wonderful

that you feel so comfortable with your Rheumy. Sometimes that is half

the battle. Thanks for the update. My prayers are with you. I'll

update everyone after tomorrow's visit.....Doreen

>

> Had my appointment with the Rheumy this afternoon. Things went

> pretty much as I had expected except with one more little twist

> thrown in to the mix. After checking me out and listening to the

> latest update since it was a month since seeing her, she said that

> I'm one of the blessed ones that in addition to having RA, also has

> Fibromyalgia! Didn't see that coming. Wham! Not even sure I know

>how to spell it.

>

> She said that if it wasn't for the positive blood results for RA and

> the clinical symptoms of RA, she would have looked for Fibro earlier

> but since RA was positive, it wasn't until now that she did the

> pressure point test thingy and along with other things I'm telling

> her she is certain I have both. She says it's pretty common to have

> both. No hurry though to deal with the Fibro though until we get

> the RA under control.

>

> She did up my dosage of Methotrexate and we are going directly to

> the self injectable needle route. I had to show her in the office I

> could give myself the shot which went OK. I was blessed to have no

> fear of needles so it was just figuring out where to do it. Going

> with syringes versus the epi-pen. I understand from what I've read

> here and elsewhere that it stings less since you can regulate the

> flow as you're injecting.

>

> As for the depression, she felt pretty certain the Pred. was

> screwing around with my Thyroid hormone levels and my

> hypothyroidism. She ordered a blood test and said before we go the

> anti-depressant route which we may have to do also for the Fibro

> she wanted to make sure my thyroid medication didn't need

> adjustment. That blood test won't be for another 2-3 weeks so until

> then I may just need to keep a stiff upper lip.

>

> Also changed me over from Lunesta to Ambien CR to see if that helped

> better with the insomnia. I am exhausted but glad the visit is

> over. I am fortunate that I have a good Rheumy she's proven to me

> so far that it's OK to put my faith in her. She really seems to

> know her stuff and seems to have my best interest in mind so what

> more can I ask?

> Over all, quite a day.

> Thanks all again to all of you for your support. It is very much

> appreciated.

> Bob

>

[Guest guest]

Bob may i ask are you in ny?

Jolene

In a message dated 10/21/2008 10:01:38 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

w8nyy.1@... writes:

Thanks Tawny,

I too have been struggling to get through all the posts here. Seems

the number of posts have nearly doubled recently.

Yes, we talked about weaning the Prednisone, but not to start for at

least another month and then it will be more gradual than the last

attempt. We'll go from 15MG to 12.5, etc. Sounds like a better plan.

I'll just have to put up with the weight gain for now.

I'm aching today. Yesterday was too much.

God bless.

Bob

>

>

> Hi Bob,

>

> I've been trying to wade through posts today, sorry its taken so long.

> I'm in quite a bit of pain today, so have to stop for awhile. It sounds

> like you had a nice rheumy visit,(you have a good rheumy.) It seems

> like she knows how to take care of her patient.

>

> I'm glad you went to mtx injection, let me know how it works for you.

> Increasing your mtx will help you quite a bit. I'm glad you passed the

> test, giving yourself the injection, no worries right, we chatted about

> that a few days ago. We can do so much more, when we have to. I've

> always hated needles, and sometimes I still amaze myself. When you get

> to the pain level, where you just can't deal with much more, you'll do

> it. I know you will do wonderful. I just can't wait until you feel

> better, and get off the prednisone.

>

> I read your post today, where the ambien helped, yeah!!!! You can at

> least get some good sleep, especially with you getting up so early, and

> working. She is so right about your depression. Is she going to wean

> you off the prednisone soon? I'm sure she wants to get the mtx kicked

> in first, before doing anything about the prednisone.

>

> I'm sorry about Fibro, I am one of the unlucky ones too. It sucks,

> don't it? It seems like everytime I see the doctor, there is something

> new added to my diagnosis. I've heard Cymbalta helps with Fibro too. I

> take Neurontin for neuropathy pain, and it hels fibro too.

>

> I know your doc visit was exhausting, so hope you've had time to rest a

> bit. I'm so glad your appointment finally came, I know you were getting

> a bit frustrated.

>

> You take care, and have a good evening, Tawny

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Thanks Doreen. The Ambien was much better than the Lunesta. I

probably slept the best that I have in a long time. Woke up once

during the night and went right back to sleep even after a bathroom

visit.

The Rheumy made a lot of sense around checking my thyroid first before

starting any antidepressants. It is very possibly that my

levothyroxine needs adjustment due to the Prednisone. It's a blessing

I have a Rheumy who is careful and conservative but not afraid to try

something different if it makes sense. I have a lot of faith in this

doctor which is a big plus dealing with this disease. Good luck with

your Rheumy visit. Let us know how it goes.

God bless.

Bob

> >

> > Had my appointment with the Rheumy this afternoon. Things went

> > pretty much as I had expected except with one more little twist

> > thrown in to the mix. After checking me out and listening to the

> > latest update since it was a month since seeing her, she said that

> > I'm one of the blessed ones that in addition to having RA, also has

> > Fibromyalgia! Didn't see that coming. Wham! Not even sure I know

> >how to spell it.

> >

> > She said that if it wasn't for the positive blood results for RA and

> > the clinical symptoms of RA, she would have looked for Fibro earlier

> > but since RA was positive, it wasn't until now that she did the

> > pressure point test thingy and along with other things I'm telling

> > her she is certain I have both. She says it's pretty common to have

> > both. No hurry though to deal with the Fibro though until we get

> > the RA under control.

> >

> > She did up my dosage of Methotrexate and we are going directly to

> > the self injectable needle route. I had to show her in the office I

> > could give myself the shot which went OK. I was blessed to have no

> > fear of needles so it was just figuring out where to do it. Going

> > with syringes versus the epi-pen. I understand from what I've read

> > here and elsewhere that it stings less since you can regulate the

> > flow as you're injecting.

> >

> > As for the depression, she felt pretty certain the Pred. was

> > screwing around with my Thyroid hormone levels and my

> > hypothyroidism. She ordered a blood test and said before we go the

> > anti-depressant route which we may have to do also for the Fibro

> > she wanted to make sure my thyroid medication didn't need

> > adjustment. That blood test won't be for another 2-3 weeks so until

> > then I may just need to keep a stiff upper lip.

> >

> > Also changed me over from Lunesta to Ambien CR to see if that helped

> > better with the insomnia. I am exhausted but glad the visit is

> > over. I am fortunate that I have a good Rheumy she's proven to me

> > so far that it's OK to put my faith in her. She really seems to

> > know her stuff and seems to have my best interest in mind so what

> > more can I ask?

> > Over all, quite a day.

> > Thanks all again to all of you for your support. It is very much

> > appreciated.

> > Bob

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bob,

I've been trying to wade through posts today, sorry its taken so long.

I'm in quite a bit of pain today, so have to stop for awhile. It sounds

like you had a nice rheumy visit,(you have a good rheumy.) It seems

like she knows how to take care of her patient.

I'm glad you went to mtx injection, let me know how it works for you.

Increasing your mtx will help you quite a bit. I'm glad you passed the

test, giving yourself the injection, no worries right, we chatted about

that a few days ago. We can do so much more, when we have to. I've

always hated needles, and sometimes I still amaze myself. When you get

to the pain level, where you just can't deal with much more, you'll do

it. I know you will do wonderful. I just can't wait until you feel

better, and get off the prednisone.

I read your post today, where the ambien helped, yeah!!!! You can at

least get some good sleep, especially with you getting up so early, and

working. She is so right about your depression. Is she going to wean

you off the prednisone soon? I'm sure she wants to get the mtx kicked

in first, before doing anything about the prednisone.

I'm sorry about Fibro, I am one of the unlucky ones too. It sucks,

don't it? It seems like everytime I see the doctor, there is something

new added to my diagnosis. I've heard Cymbalta helps with Fibro too. I

take Neurontin for neuropathy pain, and it hels fibro too.

I know your doc visit was exhausting, so hope you've had time to rest a

bit. I'm so glad your appointment finally came, I know you were getting

a bit frustrated.

You take care, and have a good evening, Tawny

>

> Had my appointment with the Rheumy this afternoon. Things went pretty

> much as I had expected except with one more little twist thrown in to

> the mix. After checking me out and listening to the latest update

> since it was a month since seeing her, she said that I'm one of the

> blessed ones that in addition to having RA, also has Fibromyalgia!

> Didn't see that coming. Wham! Not even sure I know how to spell it.

>

> She said that if it wasn't for the positive blood results for RA and

> the clinical symptoms of RA, she would have looked for Fibro earlier

> but since RA was positive, it wasn't until now that she did the

> pressure point test thingy and along with other things I'm telling her

> she is certain I have both. She says it's pretty common to have both.

> No hurry though to deal with the Fibro though until we get the RA

> under control.

>

> She did up my dosage of Methotrexate and we are going directly to the

> self injectable needle route. I had to show her in the office I could

> give myself the shot which went OK. I was blessed to have no fear of

> needles so it was just figuring out where to do it. Going with

> syringes versus the epi-pen. I understand from what I've read here and

> elsewhere that it stings less since you can regulate the flow as

> you're injecting.

>

> As for the depression, she felt pretty certain the Pred. was screwing

> around with my Thyroid hormone levels and my hypothyroidism. She

> ordered a blood test and said before we go the anti-depressant route

> which we may have to do also for the Fibro she wanted to make sure my

> thyroid medication didn't need adjustment. That blood test won't be

> for another 2-3 weeks so until then I may just need to keep a stiff

> upper lip.

>

> Also changed me over from Lunesta to Ambien CR to see if that helped

> better with the insomnia.

> I am exhausted but glad the visit is over. I am fortunate that I have

> a good Rheumy she's proven to me so far that it's OK to put my faith

> in her. She really seems to know her stuff and seems to have my best

> interest in mind so what more can I ask?

> Over all, quite a day.

> Thanks all again to all of you for your support. It is very much

> appreciated.

> Bob

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Tawny,

I too have been struggling to get through all the posts here. Seems

the number of posts have nearly doubled recently.

Yes, we talked about weaning the Prednisone, but not to start for at

least another month and then it will be more gradual than the last

attempt. We'll go from 15MG to 12.5, etc. Sounds like a better plan.

I'll just have to put up with the weight gain for now.

I'm aching today. Yesterday was too much.

God bless.

Bob

>

>

> Hi Bob,

>

> I've been trying to wade through posts today, sorry its taken so long.

> I'm in quite a bit of pain today, so have to stop for awhile. It sounds

> like you had a nice rheumy visit,(you have a good rheumy.) It seems

> like she knows how to take care of her patient.

>

> I'm glad you went to mtx injection, let me know how it works for you.

> Increasing your mtx will help you quite a bit. I'm glad you passed the

> test, giving yourself the injection, no worries right, we chatted about

> that a few days ago. We can do so much more, when we have to. I've

> always hated needles, and sometimes I still amaze myself. When you get

> to the pain level, where you just can't deal with much more, you'll do

> it. I know you will do wonderful. I just can't wait until you feel

> better, and get off the prednisone.

>

> I read your post today, where the ambien helped, yeah!!!! You can at

> least get some good sleep, especially with you getting up so early, and

> working. She is so right about your depression. Is she going to wean

> you off the prednisone soon? I'm sure she wants to get the mtx kicked

> in first, before doing anything about the prednisone.

>

> I'm sorry about Fibro, I am one of the unlucky ones too. It sucks,

> don't it? It seems like everytime I see the doctor, there is something

> new added to my diagnosis. I've heard Cymbalta helps with Fibro too. I

> take Neurontin for neuropathy pain, and it hels fibro too.

>

> I know your doc visit was exhausting, so hope you've had time to rest a

> bit. I'm so glad your appointment finally came, I know you were getting

> a bit frustrated.

>

> You take care, and have a good evening, Tawny

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bob,

Going to the doctor takes so much out of me. When I leave the office, I

feel like I've done a days work. I am getting anxiety so bad too, and

that doesn't help either.

Your rheumy seems to have a plan, and it sounds like a good one. I wish

you a lot of luck in the months ahead. I'm sure you will lose all the

extra weight, when you get off the prednisone.

I like taking the steroid shot, when I see my rheumy. I take it when I

really need to. I didn't take one on my last visit, so I'll get one

this time. It helps so much.

You take care of yourself, and get some rest when you can, Tawny

>

> Thanks Tawny,

> I too have been struggling to get through all the posts here. Seems

> the number of posts have nearly doubled recently.

> Yes, we talked about weaning the Prednisone, but not to start for at

> least another month and then it will be more gradual than the last

> attempt. We'll go from 15MG to 12.5, etc. Sounds like a better plan.

> I'll just have to put up with the weight gain for now.

> I'm aching today. Yesterday was too much.

> God bless.

> Bob

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jolene. By the way, your name is very similar to my wife's. Hers

is len.

I grew up in Hackensack NJ, about 10 miles from the Washington

Bridge. Lived in northern NJ for 46 years before moving to NW Ohio 13

years ago due to a corporate transfer. Could you tell it from my

accent? LOL! By the way, I don't say Joisey.

God bless.

Bob

> >

> >

> > Hi Bob,

> >

> > I've been trying to wade through posts today, sorry its taken so

long.

> > I'm in quite a bit of pain today, so have to stop for awhile. It

sounds

> > like you had a nice rheumy visit,(you have a good rheumy.) It seems

> > like she knows how to take care of her patient.

> >

> > I'm glad you went to mtx injection, let me know how it works for

you.

> > Increasing your mtx will help you quite a bit. I'm glad you

passed the

> > test, giving yourself the injection, no worries right, we chatted

about

> > that a few days ago. We can do so much more, when we have to. I've

> > always hated needles, and sometimes I still amaze myself. When

you get

> > to the pain level, where you just can't deal with much more,

you'll do

> > it. I know you will do wonderful. I just can't wait until you feel

> > better, and get off the prednisone.

> >

> > I read your post today, where the ambien helped, yeah!!!! You can at

> > least get some good sleep, especially with you getting up so

early, and

> > working. She is so right about your depression. Is she going to wean

> > you off the prednisone soon? I'm sure she wants to get the mtx kicked

> > in first, before doing anything about the prednisone.

> >

> > I'm sorry about Fibro, I am one of the unlucky ones too. It sucks,

> > don't it? It seems like everytime I see the doctor, there is

something

> > new added to my diagnosis. I've heard Cymbalta helps with Fibro

too. I

> > take Neurontin for neuropathy pain, and it hels fibro too.

> >

> > I know your doc visit was exhausting, so hope you've had time to

rest a

> > bit. I'm so glad your appointment finally came, I know you were

getting

> > a bit frustrated.

> >

> > You take care, and have a good evening, Tawny

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

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destination.

> Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out

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>

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