Please answer this woman

January 27, 2000

This is on the Bulletin Board. I think we get people here who just cant

handle all the email list at the time so they post here for help. Please

would some of you answer her. She obviously needs advice and support.

Thanks

__________________

______________________________

Posted by Raven on January 27, 2000 at 11:00:58:

Dear Support Group,

My name is Raven and I was diagnosed with RA in February '99. I also

discovered that I have fibromyalga and possible carpal tunnel syndrome.

I've read a few of the posts about antibiotics but

the only antibiotics I've received was when I was treated then

hospitalized for Lyme's Disease in August '99. My doctor has treated me

with Celebrex, Vioxx, prescription strength Motrin,

Prednisone, and Plaquenil. I'm on Percocet 2-3 times a day but that

hasn't done anything for my pain. I can't sleep at night because my

hands, feet, and legs feel as if they're trying to curl up. I

eat one meal a day because the sight of food makes me sick. I do walk

every day despite the agony in my knees and feet. Usually I walk 2-3

miles or for an hour and a half. I'm taking a women's

vitamin along with MSM, glucosimine sulfate, glucosimine chondrotin,

gingerroot, vitamin C, and Pain Free. I've been on these supplements for

two and a half months and I haven't noticed any

change in how my joints feel. I can't drive, can't work, can't prepare

my own meals, and I can write for only five to seven minutes a day. If I

use my left hand (I'm ambidextrous), I can double my

time. Since I'm a sero-negative RA, I feel as if my condition isn't

" real " or as one doctor put it " It's all in your head " . My family tries

to be supportive, but they keep asking me when I'm going to

start driving again and returning to university. I can't get it through

their heads that my joints give me excruciating pain (hands, elbows,

knees, ankles, and feet). I've tried explaining my pain like

that of someone who has been outside in freezing weather and how stiff,

cramped, and are so cold their hands feel bitingly hot.

I'm sorry I just vented on everyone but I really would like some advice.

I'd appreciate anyone's advice or suggestions. Thank you all for your

time.

Sincerely,

Raven

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