update and some questions

[Guest guest]

This is my 3rd month on Simponi for RA and it has done nothing for me. Not even

a bit. So my doctors visit was today and we will be trying Enbrel next month.

They filled out all the paper work to start on it. I know there were several of

you that posted about getting help paying for it. I'll be looking that up. I

do have insurance but if I remember correctly I still have a high monthly cost

so I will be looking for info on that.

I've also read that some of you have posted your sed rate as over 100. The

doctor said something interesting to me today. I asked him the exact amount

mine was and he said that my normal is around 20 but that it was very high this

time. So I asked again what the number was this time and he said it was more

than double and very high for me at 45. So I was wondering if the sed rate is

different on everyone? I thought there was a normal level and high level but he

made it sound like lows and highs are different for different people.

I also got put on 2 weeks of prednisone. I have to take 2 tablets a day for 7

days and then 1 tablet for the last 7 days of 10MG. Is that normal? Cause I

felt wierd, loopy, not myself today after taking my first dose. I have never

wanted to try prednisone but gave in because of the pain and swelling.

He also prescribe Lyrica for fibromyalgia and pain and hopefully to help with

sleep. After reading all the side effects I'm wondering if I should take it or

not. Is anyone taking Lyrica? Has anyone had problems taking it?

I am hoping that my next set of drugs will help because I've been in lots of

pain for a year now. Any thoughts on my questions would be appreciated.

Although I don't post much I do read everyones posts that is why I am finally

breaking down and trying prednisone.

Thanks in advance to all of you,

Maty