Re: This doesn't look so good...does it :(

[Guest guest]

Hi Missie, I'm glad to hear you're being seen at the Cleveland Clinic, but sorry

you're hurting. I think depression is often part of flares. I lose perspective

easily and fear that the flare will never end. I remember the early stages of RA

for me and how every hour used to bring unpleasant surprises. I think you just

have to hang in there, and make sure your primary doc and rheum have a plan to

handle pain. Prednisone (along w hi dose NSAID like Lodine or Celebrex) was

always my lifeline when I was acutely sick. Not only does it work fast, but it

helped me thru the tough emotional aspects of being 28 and unable to dress

myself, chew solid food, or put weight on my feet. I'm 39 now and my last big

flare was in 2006, so it's possible to get to the point of good control. You're

in my thoughts and prayers, Kate F

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 11, 2011, at 10:47 PM, " missieph " <missieph@...> wrote:

> I had the 2nd half of my first dose of Rituxan last Monday, 1/3. My Rheumy

from the Cleveland Clinic (I'm using him as a specialist) told me it could take

4-6 or 8 weeks for it to kick in. Every day I get progressively worse. I

personally don't think I'm going to get better from this. Thoughts?

> Thanks,

> Missie- PA

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Missie,

I am from NJ  I am much like you right now I am in another exacerbation after

having this disease for 15 years.  I haven't had any major disfigurement until

the last few weeks now my toes are starting to point to the outer aspect of the

foot.  And now the pain is severe some nights that I cannot tolerate

blankets on

my feet.  I finally fall asleep around 7 am exhausted and then my husbands

says

to me why are you still sleeping it is 10 am.   When he does that I am ready

to

crown him.  LOL   We sleep in separate rooms because of my pains and

restlessness and his snoring and restlessness.  I guess we are even on that

score.  Most of my joints are swollen but they have been like that so long

I see

them as  " normal " .  So when the dr says your joints are worse, I am a little

shocked.  I use the pain level as my sign of exacerbation.  I have

been on and

outgrown many of the meds as they do not work anymore.  Yesterday, my

rheumatologist said it is time for Rituxan and I am now waiting for insurance

approval.  There are times, especially now, that I feel like I am not going to

get any better.  But I want my old life back and we start again on a new

med.  

And if this med fails like the others I am sure I will try another.   As the

Brits say, " keep a stiff upper lip " .

I'll let you know what happens with my experience with Rituxan and compare it

with yours.

Janice Cline

 

________________________________

From: missieph <missieph@...>

Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 11:47:26 PM

Subject: [ ] This doesn't look so good...does it

 

I had the 2nd half of my first dose of Rituxan last Monday, 1/3. My Rheumy from

the Cleveland Clinic (I'm using him as a specialist) told me it could take 4-6

or 8 weeks for it to kick in. Every day I get progressively worse. I personally

don't think I'm going to get better from this. Thoughts?

Thanks,

Missie- PA