re: First visit to RA specialist

[Guest guest]

(ignore the > I had to resend this.

Hey. Thanks for writing. Well, the Predisone is indeed turning out to be a

> wonder drug. It is the only thing making my life bearable at the moment.

> But I just can't stay on it, there is no way I can afford to gain any more

> weight. I am five foot three and 250 pounds, and there is diabetes in my

> family. I did not gain my weight by overeating- rather, I had an untreated

> and undiagnosed thyroid problem for a long time, and to add to that I was

on

> Lithium and Depakote, two medicines that really put the weight on you.

> Somehow, I will have to cope without the Predisone, I just have no choice,

I

> MUST lose weight or I will get diabetes on top of everything I have now.

>

> I am also on Arava, no diahrrea so far. I am hoping that it and the

> Plaquenil will control my symptoms enough so that I don't need the

> Predisone. The dr. said that they will not kick in for another three or

four

> weeks, and the Predisone will tie me over until then.

>

> My insurance company only covers an eye exam once every 2 years- I had one

> last week. I have to call them and try to get it covered. I really hope I

> can, because I know how important it is to prevent eye damage. How often

> should I have an eye exam? The dr only said that eye damage didn't happen

> before five years, so I would not have to worry, but I don't want to take

> any chances.

>

> The dr did not mention Methotrexate. It may be because of the other

> medications I am on: cytomel for thyroid, and Lamictal, Geadon, Luvox and

> Wellburtin (yes, I'm on a lot) for mental health issues.

>

> I still struggle with thoughts of suicide but I am hanging in there.

Trying

> to keep up as postive an attitude as I can. I have a friend who was just

> diagnosed with MS, another who has cerebal palsy and diabetes so severe

that

> his legs swell and he is on major doses of insulin, his life is in danger

> every day, another friend who just had brain surgery. It's all relative.

>

> I don't know why life has to be so hard for so many people. I mentioned

> before that I was not really a Christian, or religious, but I did have a

> bible- the day I was diagnosed I threw it out with the kitty

litter....it's

> hard.

>

> On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 10:42 PM, ~Kami~ <kamilleon@...> wrote:

>

> >

> >

> > ,

> >

> > Welcome to the list! I have been following your posts with interest, I

just

> > haven't had a chance to reply to them. My name is Kami and RA came into

my

> > life on my 38th birthday. By far the least favorite " present " I have

ever

> > received however I have learned so much about myself in the 2 years

since

> > then I can't even put it into words. This group has saved my life. I am

not

> > speaking figuratively, I am speaking literally. The friendships and

support

> > that have come to me through this group are ones that I treasure deep

into

> > my heart.

> >

> > I can look at my bottle of prednisone and gain 10 lb. But you know what?

> > Prednisone is a wonder drug. I would not be walking right now if it

weren't

> > for Prednisone. I would not be typing this if it were not for

prednisone.

> > Sometimes... we have to look at the good things a medication can do for

us

> > and realize that sometimes the benefits outweigh the side effects.

> >

> > Plaquenil was the first medication I was placed on. I do hope that your

> > doctor sent you to an ophthalmologist for a baseline vision field.

Plaquenil

> > can cause retinopathy which is why you need to have an ophthamologist

> > monitor you as well. I was a VERY RARE CASE of retinopathy at 4 months

and

> > had to stop Plaquenil but it DID work! I wasn't sure that it was working

> > until I stopped it!

> >

> > Arava worked the best IMO but gave me extreme diahrrea.

> >

> > I am kind of surprised your doctor didn't start you out with

methotrexate!

> > Did he mention it?

> >

> > Kami

[Guest guest]

Hi , I have been on leflunomide ( Arava) and hydroxychloroquine (

Plaquinal) for 3 yrs now. I have only had to go on prednisone once in the last 2

yrs. I use the generic meds because they are working well and cost a lot less.

It did take quite awhile for things to kick in. I go to the opthamologist 2

times a year, my doctor says it is medically necessary and the ins. co. covers

it. I tried the methotrexate when I was first diagnosed but, it didn't agree

with me. Recently I have been able to decrease my hydroxychloroquine to 300 mil

a day, from 400 mil. Sometimes it takes time to find the right combination of

meds. Be patient and be well. BBK

[Guest guest]

I'm so sorry to hear about and your friends. I'm not trying

to change your mind one way or another about Christian,

or religious. In my life if I didn't put Christ first I wouldn't

know what he can do. I'm 40 years old and I can tell you

what he has done for me. He has healed my body several

times and I'm praying for a healing with RA. I was told I had

Lupas and RA 8 months ago. My family, friends and I has

been doing some strong pray. I went to my Rum. Dr on

the 29 of April and I got good news that I don't have Lupas.

Like I say it is something that gets me through.

Be incourage, takes your meds and try to get some rest.

Please keep intouch.

Tonia Conley