What is life like?

[Guest guest]

It's so nice knowing this group of people understands what I am living through

and can share their insights, in the process educating me as to how I can better

deal with and adapt to my new situation.

I have been on Azulfidine for 4 weeks, Plaquenil for 1 week and celebrex for 6

weeks. My pain and swelling are down, I am again able to exercise (pilates 3

times/week)but not able to yet wear my wedding rings.

Will my fingers go back to their " normal " size, so I can wear my rings? Will the

morning stiffness disappear? Will I ever be able to stop taking so many drugs?

I appreciate all the help and kindness.

Jane in Michigan

[Guest guest]

Hi Jane:

Welcome to our great group.

I also take Sulfasazine, and Placquenil, but have never tried Celebrix.

I have found since having RA for 6 years, that my meds. did increase. I

have also found the right " cocktail " for me. My RA flares are shorter

and farther apart. I am very thankful for that. I have also been on a

daily dose of Prednisone for the entire 6 years. Without the Pred. I

would not be able to funtion, and would probably be in a wheelchair.

The only time I have RA pain is when I am in a flare. I have my blood

work done each month, and so far, it has been perfect.

I hope this information is helpful.

Hugs,

Barbara

>

> It's so nice knowing this group of people understands what I am living

through and can share their insights, in the process educating me as to

how I can better deal with and adapt to my new situation.

>

> I have been on Azulfidine for 4 weeks, Plaquenil for 1 week and

celebrex for 6 weeks. My pain and swelling are down, I am again able to

exercise (pilates 3 times/week)but not able to yet wear my wedding

rings.

>

> Will my fingers go back to their " normal " size, so I can wear my

rings? Will the morning stiffness disappear? Will I ever be able to stop

taking so many drugs?

>

> I appreciate all the help and kindness.

>

> Jane in Michigan

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Jane, my name is , I am from Michigan also. I have had RA for about 8

years now. I was on enbrel for a year an d half, which slowed the disease

progression alot. I take MTX, mobic, folic acid, vicodin for pain. The morning

stiffness seems to never go away, but learn to stretch before getting out of

bed. I also use an electyric blanket for heat. And a good hot shower in the

morning and sometimes at night helps also. Staying active helps alot, however my

Doctor tells me I do to much, I'm 49 years old, not ready to roll over yet. My

hands are just now starting to deform at the joints.

Stay away from the prednisone if at all possible, I was on it for 7 years, it

wacked out my adrenaline system, now I a have to be on a beta blocker to keep my

heart fom racing all the time. Just know that even thow the drugs help they do

come with side effects. Make sure your Doc checks and does blood work often, I

have mine done every 8 weeks. It is not an easy disease to lve with, and so any

people don't understand what we go through, this is a great group, I have

learned so much here, and there is so much support and wonderful people. Keep

exercising it does help. Give your self more time to do things. Wishing you well

and happy manageable days. Jean

From: evansnot <wisfam@...>

Subject: [ ] What is life like?

Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 4:53 PM

It's so nice knowing this group of people understands what I am living through

and can share their insights, in the process educating me as to how I can better

deal with and adapt to my new situation.

I have been on Azulfidine for 4 weeks, Plaquenil for 1 week and celebrex for 6

weeks. My pain and swelling are down, I am again able to exercise (pilates 3

times/week)but not able to yet wear my wedding rings.

Will my fingers go back to their " normal " size, so I can wear my rings? Will the

morning stiffness disappear? Will I ever be able to stop taking so many drugs?

I appreciate all the help and kindness.

Jane in Michigan