Re: New to RA!

[Guest guest]

Robin you need to find a good rheumy.. There are some good drugs out there that

will help you a great deal, it just takes time and some trial and error. It is

very hard when you are in a physical job, I am also. i would tell you to look

into something that might be a little less taxing. I know you are an OB nurse

and I really dont know what the options are in your field but I hope you will

check it out.

Hope you feel better soon.

Heres to a pain free day, or a hour

CArol

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin,

IF you have RA you MUST be on a DMARD, it seems you aren't right now. Maybe

he is waiting for the testing for AS to come back first. Are you seeing a

rheumy or are you still with your gp?

When mine started 11 years ago I could not get off the sofa without help.

Once I started my meds, my life was almost back to normal, it's a new

normal but there is nothing that I can't do now that I did before.

Good luck,

in PA

On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 8:00 AM, RobinG <jkrdrmom@...> wrote:

>

>

> Hi, I am 47 years old and have recently started being treated for RA. Since

> August, my legs, hips, ankles and feet joints have been very stiff and

> sore.Some days I can barely walk. It takes several hours after I wake up for

> the joints to feel like I can move but they basically hurt, ache or are

> stiff all day. The doctor discovered my rheumatoid factor was high but my

> xrays do not show any damage yet. I am also going in for an MRI of my hips

> and back this week to check for Ankylosing Spondeolytis (SP?) On top of it

> all I have raynauds (I had not really known what that was before).

> Originally, I just thought I was just pulling muscles at work or standing

> too long etc... I never associated my pain with any RA since I don't have

> any close family with it.

>

> I work as an RN in Labor and Delivery so I use my legs and feet all the

> time. This condition is really taking its toll on me emotionally and

> physically. I have to take meds for my stomach, Wellbutrin for depression,

> and LOTS of pain meds. I am so tired of not feeling well. Some days I just

> want to stay in bed and cry.

>

> They started me on Mobic than changed to Indomethacin. Neither of those

> helped other than to take the edge off the pain. I just started taking

> sulfasalazine. It is not really helping either. I have to take 800mg of

> Ibuprofin all the time AND tylenol to even be able to walk some days. It

> still does not control the pain or stiffness. Lately my fingers and arms

> have joined in and they are achy and sore.

>

> I am not really sure what to do!!!! I am so tired and depressed about this

> and am wondering how anyone could live the rest of their life like this. The

> pain is so bad that it takes my breath away sometimes. My back is a mess! It

> hurts worse when I sleep or rest. If I try to keep moving, than my back does

> feel a little better, but than my ankles and feet hurt and get swollen. I am

> not sleeping well and my home and work life is suffering.

>

> I don't really know what I am asking for here! I just want someone to tell

> me that this " acute " stage can be brought under control and " maybe " my life

> can still be functional? Do people have such terrible acute episodes that

> last this long and still find relief? OR am I doomed to hobbel and walk bent

> over in pain for the rest of my life? I never thought I would feel so old at

> 47!!! I am the mother of 5 children. 2 are off and married but I still have

> 3 at home (ages 12, 15 and 19) I hate that they see me so sore and cranky

> all the time. I hate not being able to bend and clean things or carry

> things. I am not really sure what to do about my job either. I HAVE to work.

> I love Obstetrics! I just can't help push beds or move and lift patients

> lately. I am afraid that I will start missing too much work also. PLUS I am

> so sore after parking my car and walking into the building in the AM, that I

> have a terrible time getting started in the morning.

>

> What are my options? What should I do about the medications? I am so

> confused right now! I am so sorry that this post was so long and cranky! I

> just really need some good advice from someone who has the same type of

> issue.

>

> Robin in St. Louis

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

This statement worries me a tad. I've been doing a lot of lurking, but

need to know about this. My rheumotologist tried me an Arava, which I

think is a DMARD, but my liver didn't like it, and it didn't help the

swelling and/or pain. Now I'm taking sulfasalazine, and the pain and

swelling are backing off somewhat. So, if I MUST be on a DMARD, but

can't take them because of liver damage, what else can I do???

Carol R

Huntington Beach CA

On 2/28/11 7:32 AM, McNally wrote:

> Hi Robin,

>

> IF you have RA you MUST be on a DMARD,

[Guest guest]

Carol,

From what I have read Avara and Sulf are DMARDS but if the Sulf doens't end

up working for you there are many more to try including the biologics. It

may take alot of trial and error but with a good doc you will find your

cocktail that will work for you. A DMARD is going to stop the damage to the

joints.

in PA

On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 10:44 AM, Carol

<carolroberts1@...>wrote:

>

>

> This statement worries me a tad. I've been doing a lot of lurking, but

> need to know about this. My rheumotologist tried me an Arava, which I

> think is a DMARD, but my liver didn't like it, and it didn't help the

> swelling and/or pain. Now I'm taking sulfasalazine, and the pain and

> swelling are backing off somewhat. So, if I MUST be on a DMARD, but

> can't take them because of liver damage, what else can I do???

>

> Carol R

> Huntington Beach CA

>

>

> On 2/28/11 7:32 AM, McNally wrote:

> > Hi Robin,

> >

> > IF you have RA you MUST be on a DMARD,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Rob:

Our situation is very similar except that I went through it three years ago and

I am ten years older than you. I had the same symptoms and a similar work

situation. I've given it some thought and I think these are the three best

things you can do right now:

1. Seek aggressive treatment from a qualified Rheumatologist. By that I mean

share with them everything you are going through pain and all. Don't hold back.

They need to do something about your condition because it isn't going away and

if they don't you need to find someone else. In my opinion you should already be

on Methotraxate. I've been on the medication you're taking and it is a wimpy

treatment, they're treating the flares not the the disease.

2. Do something about the sleep, it only exasperates how you feel and your

physical condition. If you need a mild sleeping mediation then get one. I use

Tylenol PM on occasion and it works for me. Getting enough rest is a key

ingredient to how to deal with your RA on a daily basis.

3. Everyone in the group has dealt with depression to some degree. Being

diagnosed with a chronic disease is overwhelming but it is subtle. It's also one

of the more difficult issues to deal with because like the RA it is long term.

Therefore deal with it now and avoid the sink hole I found myself in (without

even realizing it). If you need medication (like I still take) then get it. Also

finding something to do that you like and can do in any physical condition helps

a lot.

I hope this helps. To answer your primary question, yes it does get better. You

won't have to live your life in pain constantly and you'll have a lot to offer.

Stan

Seattle, Rain and Snow! 

[ ] New to RA!

Hi, I am 47 years old and have recently started being treated for RA. Since

August, my legs, hips, ankles and feet joints have been very stiff and sore.Some

days I can barely walk. It takes several hours after I wake up for the joints to

feel like I can move but they basically hurt, ache or are stiff all day. The

doctor discovered my rheumatoid factor was high but my xrays do not show any

damage yet. I am also going in for an MRI of my hips and back this week to check

for Ankylosing Spondeolytis (SP?) On top of it all I have raynauds (I had not

really known what that was before). Originally, I just thought I was just

pulling muscles at work or standing too long etc... I never associated my pain

with any RA since I don't have any close family with it.

I work as an RN in Labor and Delivery so I use my legs and feet all the time.

This condition is really taking its toll on me emotionally and physically. I

have to take meds for my stomach, Wellbutrin for depression, and LOTS of pain

meds. I am so tired of not feeling well. Some days I just want to stay in bed

and cry.

They started me on Mobic than changed to Indomethacin. Neither of those helped

other than to take the edge off the pain. I just started taking sulfasalazine.

It is not really helping either. I have to take 800mg of Ibuprofin all the time

AND tylenol to even be able to walk some days. It still does not control the

pain or stiffness. Lately my fingers and arms have joined in and they are achy

and sore.

I am not really sure what to do!!!! I am so tired and depressed about this and

am wondering how anyone could live the rest of their life like this. The pain is

so bad that it takes my breath away sometimes. My back is a mess! It hurts worse

when I sleep or rest. If I try to keep moving, than my back does feel a little

better, but than my ankles and feet hurt and get swollen. I am not sleeping well

and my home and work life is suffering.

I don't really know what I am asking for here! I just want someone to tell me

that this " acute " stage can be brought under control and " maybe " my life can

still be functional?  Do people have such terrible acute episodes that last

this long and still find relief? OR am I doomed to hobbel and walk bent over in

pain for the rest of my life? I never thought I would feel so old at 47!!! I am

the mother of 5 children. 2 are off and married but I still have 3 at home (ages

12, 15 and 19) I hate that they see me so sore and cranky all the time. I hate

not being able to bend and clean things or carry things. I am not really sure

what to do about my job either. I HAVE to work. I love Obstetrics! I just can't

help push beds or move and lift patients lately. I am afraid that I will start

missing too much work also. PLUS I am so sore after parking my car and walking

into the building in the AM, that I have a terrible time getting started in the

morning.

What are my options?  What should I do about the medications? I am so confused

right now! I am so sorry that this post was so long and cranky! I just really

need some good advice from someone who has the same type of issue.

Robin in St. Louis

[Guest guest]

Carol:

I was put on Sulfasalazene in Feb. by my Rheumy who gave me the impression that

it is a DMARD. I was told that if it works, then it will decrease the

progression of my arthritis. Hope that helps.

Theresa

> > Hi Robin,

> >

> > IF you have RA you MUST be on a DMARD,

>

[Guest guest]

Sulfasalazine is one of the milder DMARD's. If it is not helping, your

doctor needs to switch to something else or add another DMARD. RA

should be attacked aggressively from the beginning in order to prevent

joint damage, which is irreversible. Be the squeaky wheel that gets

the grease and keep complaining to the doctor about what you're going

through. If you're not seeing a rheumatologist, you need to find one.

I'm on one of the biologics, Enbrel, and it does a wonderful job of

controlling my pain and inflammation.

Keep asking questions, and keep us posted on your progress.

Sue

On Feb 28, 2011, at 8:00 AM, RobinG wrote:

>

> They started me on Mobic than changed to Indomethacin. Neither of

> those helped other than to take the edge off the pain. I just

> started taking sulfasalazine. It is not really helping either. I

> have to take 800mg of Ibuprofin all the time AND tylenol to even be

> able to walk some days. It still does not control the pain or

> stiffness. Lately my fingers and arms have joined in and they are

> achy and sore.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, I thought that the sulfasalizine was a DMARD. I might be wrong though. I

know he said that if the sulfasalizine did not help, the next step might be

methotrexate. I am still very new to RA and the medications. My rheumatologist

seems to be very good. He came with very high recommendations. I know that he is

waiting for me to have my MRI this week to see if my SI joints have indications

of the Ankylosing Spondeolytis to determine the exact meds and treatments that

are best.

It IS very nice to hear that many people are getting some relief and gettng back

to a " normal " life when they find the right treatment. I am a little impatient

though so this waiting and being in pain is very frustrating for me.

Thank you so much for your reply

Robin

>

> Hi Robin,

>

> IF you have RA you MUST be on a DMARD, it seems you aren't right now. Maybe

> he is waiting for the testing for AS to come back first. Are you seeing a

> rheumy or are you still with your gp?

>

> When mine started 11 years ago I could not get off the sofa without help.

> Once I started my meds, my life was almost back to normal, it's a new

> normal but there is nothing that I can't do now that I did before.

>

> Good luck,

>

> in PA

[Guest guest]

Stan,

Thank you for the advise and encouragment. I am taking some meds for depression

and I am starting to take Lunesta to hopefully help me sleep. It is very nice to

hear that things might get better.

Robin in St. LOuis

[Guest guest]

Robin,

I believe that it is, one of the milder ones. Mtx is the gold standard of

care, you might ask him why he doesn't want to start you on that, it may be

because of the possible AS (which I have no experience with).

When i comes to RA, I think you will learn " patience " .

in PA

On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 3:23 PM, RobinG <jkrdrmom@...> wrote:

>

>

> Hi, I thought that the sulfasalizine was a DMARD. I might be wrong though.

> I know he said that if the sulfasalizine did not help, the next step might

> be methotrexate. I am still very new to RA and the medications. My

> rheumatologist seems to be very good. He came with very high

> recommendations. I know that he is waiting for me to have my MRI this week

> to see if my SI joints have indications of the Ankylosing Spondeolytis to

> determine the exact meds and treatments that are best.

>

> It IS very nice to hear that many people are getting some relief and gettng

> back to a " normal " life when they find the right treatment. I am a little

> impatient though so this waiting and being in pain is very frustrating for

> me.

>

> Thank you so much for your reply

> Robin

>

>

> >

> > Hi Robin,

> >

> > IF you have RA you MUST be on a DMARD, it seems you aren't right now.

> Maybe

> > he is waiting for the testing for AS to come back first. Are you seeing a

> > rheumy or are you still with your gp?

> >

> > When mine started 11 years ago I could not get off the sofa without help.

> > Once I started my meds, my life was almost back to normal, it's a new

> > normal but there is nothing that I can't do now that I did before.

> >

> > Good luck,

> >

> > in PA

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin.

 

I know it is very hard in the beginning dealing with RA and all the meds.  we

need to take.

 

I have had RA for almost 7 years now and I am 71.

 

For my RA I take Prednisone, Sulfasalizine, Lyrica, MTX injections, Placquenil,

Leucovorin, and I have been in a medicine induced remission for almost 2 years

now.  I have no swollen joints, no pain anywhere, my blood work is always

wonderful and my life is good now.  I have found my " cocktail " if meds. and

feeling very good.  I also have Neuropathy in both feet which were very

painful, and now with the Lyrica and B12 my feet feel wonderful and no pain.

 

It just takes time to find out what works and what doesn't.  It is an

individual thing for each person here.

 

I am able to do pretty much what I did before I got RA, but I tire easily and

rest each day.  My Rheumy insists on that.  No one would ever know now that I

have RA.

 

Think positive thoughts, rest when you can, and let your Rheumy see what drugs

you need to take.  Do not be afraid to ask for pain meds.  I have mine handy

if I need one.  I got struck hard and fast with RA and was almost in a

wheelchair before I moved here to Florida.  The weather here is perfect and

makes my RA feel good,

 

Good luck, keep us posted, and get some pain meds, for when you are really

hurting.  They really do help.

 

Hugs,

 

Barbara

From: RobinG <jkrdrmom@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: New to RA!

Date: Monday, February 28, 2011, 3:23 PM

 

Hi, I thought that the sulfasalizine was a DMARD. I might be wrong though. I

know he said that if the sulfasalizine did not help, the next step might be

methotrexate. I am still very new to RA and the medications. My rheumatologist

seems to be very good. He came with very high recommendations. I know that he is

waiting for me to have my MRI this week to see if my SI joints have indications

of the Ankylosing Spondeolytis to determine the exact meds and treatments that

are best.

It IS very nice to hear that many people are getting some relief and gettng back

to a " normal " life when they find the right treatment. I am a little impatient

though so this waiting and being in pain is very frustrating for me.

Thank you so much for your reply

Robin

>

> Hi Robin,

>

> IF you have RA you MUST be on a DMARD, it seems you aren't right now. Maybe

> he is waiting for the testing for AS to come back first. Are you seeing a

> rheumy or are you still with your gp?

>

> When mine started 11 years ago I could not get off the sofa without help.

> Once I started my meds, my life was almost back to normal, it's a new

> normal but there is nothing that I can't do now that I did before.

>

> Good luck,

>

> in PA

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin,

I'm glad you found this group like I did. They are a great

support on your journey with RA. I just turned 39 last Friday and was

diagnosed with RA and Sjogren's Syndrome almost 3 years ago. My family has a

long history of RA on my mother's side so I wasn't totally surprised when

mine showed up but it has still been a lot to cope with both physically and

mentally. It's almost like you go through a mourning process mentally each

time you lose the ability to do certain things. I have found that Cymbalta

is the best anti-depressant for me after trying several as it helps with my

muscle pain as well. I am still trying to find my magic cocktail as I seem

to have weird side effects to all kinds of meds. I also have a cold allergy

where if I get too cold I break out in hives all over. ( I know I know but I

did mention I was weird lol ) I had to stop all of my RA meds 3 weeks ago

as I got an infected cut on my knuckle and it turned sever in 3 days time.

When I do take them I'm usually on Arava and Enbrel. The last time I saw my

Rheumy she said it was controlled but not totally so she wants me to try

Orencia if we can ever get me over my infection.

When I was first diagnosed I couldn't even button my own pants and my

daughter (now 12) would have to help me go potty. Like you, I thought there

is no end to this pain and I will never be able to function with my children

like this. I found a good Rheumy and started with one med after another to

try and stop this terrible disease. I have had my ups and downs but there

are more ups these days. Most days I function like a normal person just abit

slower and abit weaker than before. I have 2 children ages 10 and 12 and

they are wonderful helpers. My husband is also a great support to me and

helps when I just can not function. There is light and hope at the end of

the dark tunnel you find yourself in right now. Just hang in there and lean

on us till you reach your light. We have all been where you are right now

and have gone through the same emotions so if you need a shoulder to lean on

or just need to vent give us a shout.

I did abit of research for you today when my hands would work and found that

Enbrel can be used to treat both RA and AS so that may be why the Doc is

waiting on your MRI. He may want to try one drug for both if you have both

because the fewer meds you are on the easier it is for them to figure out

which one you have a reaction to if you do react. You are more than welcome

to email me personally if you just want to chat or vent. I'm a stay at home

mom so I'm around most the time. I am also on Facebook and belong to a

wonderful group on there that has alot of great discussions saved that are

very informative.

This is not the end of your life and it will get better. Remember to take

one day at a time and try to move at a slower pace and you will get through

this rough stage.

Prayers and Gentle Hugs

Jeanette-Houston

-- [ ] Re: New to RA!

Hi, I thought that the sulfasalizine was a DMARD. I might be wrong though. I

know he said that if the sulfasalizine did not help, the next step might be

methotrexate. I am still very new to RA and the medications. My

rheumatologist seems to be very good. He came with very high recommendations

I know that he is waiting for me to have my MRI this week to see if my SI

joints have indications of the Ankylosing Spondeolytis to determine the

exact meds and treatments that are best.

It IS very nice to hear that many people are getting some relief and gettng

back to a " normal " life when they find the right treatment. I am a little

impatient though so this waiting and being in pain is very frustrating for

me.

Thank you so much for your reply

Robin

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jeanette for the support. At this point I am still very new so I an

learning alot about this disease. I have a hard time doing just about anything

around the house right now. It is hard to lift my legs to put on pants or tie

shoes etc...It is very frustrating. I am really hopeful (thanks to advise from

this group) that I will find a treatment that will help. I hate asking my kids

to pick up things for me or reach for things that I used to be able to get

easily.

I am having my MRI tomorrow, so hopefully I will get some useful information

from that so my Rheumatologist can give me some meds that will help. All the

ibuprofen has really messed up my stomach! I am nauseated alot and have actually

lost about 5 pounds in the last month because eating is really not very fun! I

even have a hard time driving my car because it is a manual transmission and

shifting is really difficult right now.

I was totally taken my surprise with this RA! Nobody in my family has it, so I

was not expecting it.

Anyhow I really do appreciate the great posts and support I have gotten from

this group. It is really helpful to find people who understand my situation and

how awful this pain is. It really has affected my ability to do even the " basic "

things in life. I am excited to hopefully find a treatment that will help me get

back to a somewhat " normal " life.

Thanks again,

Robin in St. Louis

>

>

> Hi Robin,

>

> I'm glad you found this group like I did. They are a great

> support on your journey with RA. I just turned 39 last Friday and was

> diagnosed with RA and Sjogren's Syndrome almost 3 years ago. My family has a

> long history of RA on my mother's side so I wasn't totally surprised when

> mine showed up but it has still been a lot to cope with both physically and

> mentally. It's almost like you go through a mourning process mentally each

> time you lose the ability to do certain things. I have found that Cymbalta

> is the best anti-depressant for me after trying several as it helps with my

> muscle pain as well. I am still trying to find my magic cocktail as I seem

> to have weird side effects to all kinds of meds. I also have a cold allergy

> where if I get too cold I break out in hives all over. ( I know I know but I

> did mention I was weird lol ) I had to stop all of my RA meds 3 weeks ago

> as I got an infected cut on my knuckle and it turned sever in 3 days time.

> When I do take them I'm usually on Arava and Enbrel. The last time I saw my

> Rheumy she said it was controlled but not totally so she wants me to try

> Orencia if we can ever get me over my infection.

>

> When I was first diagnosed I couldn't even button my own pants and my

> daughter (now 12) would have to help me go potty. Like you, I thought there

> is no end to this pain and I will never be able to function with my children

> like this. I found a good Rheumy and started with one med after another to

> try and stop this terrible disease. I have had my ups and downs but there

> are more ups these days. Most days I function like a normal person just abit

> slower and abit weaker than before. I have 2 children ages 10 and 12 and

> they are wonderful helpers. My husband is also a great support to me and

> helps when I just can not function. There is light and hope at the end of

> the dark tunnel you find yourself in right now. Just hang in there and lean

> on us till you reach your light. We have all been where you are right now

> and have gone through the same emotions so if you need a shoulder to lean on

> or just need to vent give us a shout.

>

> I did abit of research for you today when my hands would work and found that

> Enbrel can be used to treat both RA and AS so that may be why the Doc is

> waiting on your MRI. He may want to try one drug for both if you have both

> because the fewer meds you are on the easier it is for them to figure out

> which one you have a reaction to if you do react. You are more than welcome

> to email me personally if you just want to chat or vent. I'm a stay at home

> mom so I'm around most the time. I am also on Facebook and belong to a

> wonderful group on there that has alot of great discussions saved that are

> very informative.

>

> This is not the end of your life and it will get better. Remember to take

> one day at a time and try to move at a slower pace and you will get through

> this rough stage.

>

> Prayers and Gentle Hugs

> Jeanette-Houston

>

[Guest guest]

Robin, I am new, too. I was originally diagnosed PMR, but changed to RA based

on blood tests. I was at a point where I was barely walking in January, so I

know how you are feeling. Anti-inflammatories took the worst edge off the pain

and stiffness, so I still dragged myself into work, but it was tough. I was put

on 15 mg. prednisone and it helped my symptoms about 80% within days. When the

RA diagnosis came the followiig week, we started a plan to wean off the pred and

on methotrexate. I am a three weeks into that now. Last week, at 3 pills MTX

per week and 12.5 mg. pred. I realized I had no more stiffness getting out of

bed or up out of a chair later in the day. I am taking yoga classes and walking

the dog a mile everyday. I am now up to 5 MTX and reduced the pred to 10 mg.

today. I will do an adustment every 2 weeks until I am at 7 pills MTX a week

and zero pred. I am feeling basically normal, except for I wonder if every

twinge or ache is " something " or " nothing. " This is a very scary diagnosis, but

there seem to be many, many people who are well-managed and I think we can be

hopeful. I have not felt any med side effects yet.

Janice in GA

>

> Thanks Jeanette for the support. At this point I am still very new so I an

learning alot about this disease. I have a hard time doing just about anything

around the house right now. It is hard to lift my legs to put on pants or tie

shoes etc...It is very frustrating. I am really hopeful (thanks to advise from

this group) that I will find a treatment that will help. I hate asking my kids

to pick up things for me or reach for things that I used to be able to get

easily.

>

> I am having my MRI tomorrow, so hopefully I will get some useful information

from that so my Rheumatologist can give me some meds that will help. All the

ibuprofen has really messed up my stomach! I am nauseated alot and have actually

lost about 5 pounds in the last month because eating is really not very fun! I

even have a hard time driving my car because it is a manual transmission and

shifting is really difficult right now.

>

> I was totally taken my surprise with this RA! Nobody in my family has it, so I

was not expecting it.

>

> Anyhow I really do appreciate the great posts and support I have gotten from

this group. It is really helpful to find people who understand my situation and

how awful this pain is. It really has affected my ability to do even the " basic "

things in life. I am excited to hopefully find a treatment that will help me get

back to a somewhat " normal " life.

>

> Thanks again,

> Robin in St. Louis

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/1/2011 4:14:30 A.M. Central Standard Time,

jkrdrmom@... writes:

All the ibuprofen has really messed up my stomach! I am nauseated alot and

have actually lost about 5 pounds in the last month because eating is

really not very fun! I even have a hard time driving my car because it is a

manual transmission and shifting is really difficult right now. >

My fatigue comes with a kind of nausea. Get one -- get the other. I also

couldn't get out of my car. I went to see the Rheumatologist and couldn't

walk fast enough to get in the elevator after the door opened. Finally got

upstairs and discovered they had high chairs for people like me. I would be

able to get out of the chair!!

He did blood tests and said it could be one of three types of arthritis.

RA, Psoriatic RA, or something to do with Crohn's (which I also have). He

said the initial treatment for all three was the same, but it was Prednisone.

I think he started me with 30 mg a day. I filled the Rx and took my pills

at the store. Within a couple hours, I was able to teach my line dancing

class. One woman saw me the night before I started and the day I started. She

said it was a miracle.

In three weeks, I went back and found out it was RA. I was started on

Methotrexate and we cut down on Prednisone each week. I did get sick from the

Mtx for a couple of days a week. So we tried Arava -- not much better and my

hair started falling out. Then I saw my GI for Crohn's and she suggested

we try Remicade, which works for both. It has worked well for me. Especially

if you compare the shape I was in when I first saw him.

When is your appointment?

dd

[Guest guest]

Make sure that the ibuprofen doesn't give you an ulcer. Aleve gave me

one, so now I stay away from all the NSAIDs and take acetaminophen

instead. I hope your rheumatologist will put you on a stronger DMARD

soon.

Sue

On Mar 1, 2011, at 12:47 AM, RobinG wrote:

>

> I am having my MRI tomorrow, so hopefully I will get some useful

> information from that so my Rheumatologist can give me some meds

> that will help. All the ibuprofen has really messed up my stomach! I

> am nauseated alot and have actually lost about 5 pounds in the last

> month because eating is really not very fun! I even have a hard time

> driving my car because it is a manual transmission and shifting is

> really difficult right now.