Re: Difference in Symptoms of OA and RA

[Guest guest]

I have only RA and have the same problem with my knees. Mine resonates from my

hip and goes right down to my feet. It was mostly on my right side for a long

time due to a bursa sac there. I have had sciatica problems in the past. Now my

left knee is starting to act out. It feels like someone is standing on them and

the pain just doesnt let up. Much worse at night. My guess is it could be

either but an MRI will give you the correct answer.

Carol

[Guest guest]

Hi Betsy,

I don't know the answer to your question, but I was wondering if you could tell

me about your drug induced lupus from Enbrel. What happened? How long were you

on it? and Is the Lupus still there now that you are off Enbrel?

Thank you,

Janet

________________________________

From: texasgal0504 <betsyg77041@...>

Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011 5:13:38 AM

Subject: [ ] Difference in Symptoms of OA and RA

Hi, everyone. I love this group! You are all so knowledgeable, I know you can

help with this question. I have OA and RA. Among other joints and muscles that

hurt, I also have severe pain in my knees. I don't know whether the pain is

coming from OA or RA. I have severe pain while I am trying to sleep, keeping me

awake for a large part of the night. I try not to take pain meds if I can avoid

it, but sometimes I get so tired, I take a pain pill at night. I am currently

taking only Methotrexate (20 mgs.) I was taking Enbrel, but it gave me

" drug-induced " Lupus. If anyone could help me by describing what they feel, and

whether it is OA or RA, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

Betsy

[Guest guest]

Betsy,

I have the exact same issues as you do. Mine is OA as my RA is attacking my

hands and feet and spine. I have trouble walking up stairs and I have trouble

riding my bike. I have to use a cane sometimes and it really helps. I have sever

pain in my feet when I sleep I cannot have even a sheet on my feet. My knee

issues have been helped with surgery. Some words of advice from me. Take it or

leave it I just want to help.

I have an EXCELLENT Rheumy. He has put me on Methotrexate injection and Plaqunil

and I am on Orencia IV monthly. I am getting ready to switch to Retuxin as

Orencia stopped working. I take Tramadol 4 times a day. It is a non addictive

pain medication. In addition you should probably be on an anti inflammatory like

Aleve only much stronger that helps with the pain. I was taking a large dose of

an anti inflammatory Meloxicam and developed Congestive Heart Failure, so I can

no longer take that. Also short bursts of steroids like Prednisone can help in

the short term, just be careful if you use them long term you can develop

serious helth problems.

There is great information about treatments; the arthritis foundation has some

great books that can tell you all about them. Question everything that is going

on. I would guess that you will have to take some pain medication to get through

sleeping and functioning. I was very concerned about getting addicted; he told

me that that should not worry you because you are in pain.

Also, I would get a good ortho surgeon that can help alleviate your knee pain; I

have had 2 scopes and 1 knee replacement. I am getting ready for surgery on my

spine with my neurosurgeon. There are lots of paths that are available you just

have to ask and question your doc. I did that and ultimately left my first

rheumy because he said " what do you want me to do about that. " To which I said,

" HELP ME! " Your Rheumy may not be comfortable with the pain area. If so, get

yourself a good pain management doctor.

There are lots of natural paths too that can help without the use of long term

pain meds. I get accupuncture and massage. I also do meditation and drink some

herbal tea that helps me sleep.

Hope this helps,

BJ

>

> Hi, everyone. I love this group! You are all so knowledgeable, I know you

can help with this question. I have OA and RA. Among other joints and muscles

that hurt, I also have severe pain in my knees. I don't know whether the pain is

coming from OA or RA. I have severe pain while I am trying to sleep, keeping me

awake for a large part of the night. I try not to take pain meds if I can avoid

it, but sometimes I get so tired, I take a pain pill at night. I am currently

taking only Methotrexate (20 mgs.) I was taking Enbrel, but it gave me

" drug-induced " Lupus. If anyone could help me by describing what they feel, and

whether it is OA or RA, I would really appreciate it.

> Thanks in advance!

> Betsy

>

[Guest guest]

Janet,

I got it too, it does go away after you go off of it. I had alot of things

happen to me on Enbrel. I hated that drug.

BJ

[Guest guest]

Thanks BJ, What are you on now instead? Did it take you long to adjust?

Janet

________________________________

From: BjP <bjpontalion@...>

Sent: Thu, March 10, 2011 11:48:42 AM

Subject: [ ] Re: Difference in Symptoms of OA and RA

Janet,

I got it too, it does go away after you go off of it. I had alot of things

happen to me on Enbrel. I hated that drug.

BJ

[Guest guest]

BJ,

I just read your other post, ignore my last e-mail it answered my question.

Janet

________________________________

From: BjP <bjpontalion@...>

Sent: Thu, March 10, 2011 11:48:42 AM

Subject: [ ] Re: Difference in Symptoms of OA and RA

Janet,

I got it too, it does go away after you go off of it. I had alot of things

happen to me on Enbrel. I hated that drug.

BJ