Summer is over & so is my drug 'holiday'

[Guest guest]

So... this summer I was lucky enough... or maybe frustrated enough that I got to go on a 'drug holiday.' Of course I told my Rheumy what I was doing and he supported me. I think that I have told you guys that I am 24 and have had RA since I was 18. Anyways, I have been on pretty much ALL the RA drugs out there and we have not been having much luck. This summer my joints were not too bad and I just got rejected from a Humira trial (I live in BC, Canada and its still in trial here) so I went on a 'drug holiday' to give myself a break. I am usually just as good on meds as I am off them. Well... summer is over and so is my 'drug holiday!' The weather here in Vancouver has been fluctuating so much and my joints have been extremely painful, swollen AND THE FATIGUE... oh my goodness... its bad. I tried the biologic Remicade in the winter/spring but it didn't seem to work for me, so now that I have been rejected for the Humira trial my Rheumy is applying for Embrel coverage for me (I am on disability). Pretty much this is the last drug until new ones come out to market that I can try and we are hoping that it works for me, but in the meantime I am back to a pretty neato drug regime. I am taking 1000mg/day Naprosyn E, 20mg/day Prednisone & .065ml/cc (equal to 16mg I think) Methotrexate injectable. I lose my hair with Methotrexate REALLY BADLY and I am scared to have it falling out again. I am just having it grow back from last time. It comes out in clumps and clumps... its gross. Oh, did I mention that the depression is back full force? yah, fun... more drugs (Welbutrin XR).

Thanks for letting me vent... I needed it.

Oh, one good thing today... I got a free facial that I won... whoo hoo. Oh and for all of you supporting me on my S.Beach Diet... I'VE LOST 8 POUNDS.

(PS: looking for Entertainment Books? Email me and I'll tell you how to get one (your local book) and support the only young adults support group in Vancouver, BC)Open your e-mail without having to worry about viruses with MSN Premium: Join now and get the first two months FREE*

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sorry to hear your drug-free holiday is over.

Yes, I understand some of the drugs the States uses that

Canada doesn't allow.

I am originally from Vancouver Island, Courtenay. But live

now in Manitoba. When I went back to B.C. a few years ago,

I stiffened up painfully like a rusted up robot. I wouldn't think of living

there again and I miss B.C.

I am so sorry to hear that your so young and suffering so much.

I put you on my list of prayer concerns.

Wally