Update on medical condition

[Guest guest]

On Feb 16th I had a total right hip replacement because of arterial

lateral sclerosis from prolonged use of steroids. I came through the

surgery fine - however I had to be taken off my indictable drugs for 3

weeks because of possible infection from the injections. Because I was

off the methotrexate and Enbrel - I had a major relapse. I have had to

take the prednisone up to 60 mgs 3 times and am working my way down

again. In the meantime my blood pressure has gotten very high and had

to add blood pressure meds too.

I have also developed cataracts on both eyes. I am scheduled for

removal on the right eye in July. This also happened very quickly and

my eye doc said that this is not uncommon for someone on steroids.

My left hip is also giving me lots of pain and I will have a total left

hip replacement in the fall. My doc wants to make sure that the right

hip is well healed before doing the other hip. My right one feels so

good. It is pain free and I can get into the car without it hurting.

I continue to work 4 morning a week at my job as an appointment

coordinator. I take Mondays off because of the meth. I take my

injections on Sunday evenings and have a terrible headache on Mondays.

I am on partial disability from my work and that pays 60% of my wages

for hours that I do not work. I am able to continue my health insurance

at work - which is a God send as I can get my RX for $20 each and the

Enbrel is $1600 - so I am glad for the RX card. The insurance paid

very well on my hip surgery too.

My rheumy told me that I can get arterial lateral sclerosis in my knees

and shoulders - so just more information for those with this disease. I

am convinced that if the disease doesn't get us first - that all the

complications from the medicines will!!!!

Take care of yourselves the best you can - and hope you are pain

free!!!!

Barbara from South Dakota

[Guest guest]

Barbara,

You certainly have been through a lot. Are you back on the Metho and Enbrel

now?

How long have you been on Pred.

I did not realize damage could occur so quickly.

Please take good care of yourself.

Hugs,

Sandy

> On Feb 16th I had a total right hip replacement because of arterial

> lateral sclerosis from prolonged use of steroids. I came through the

> surgery fine - however I had to be taken off my indictable drugs for 3

> weeks because of possible infection from the injections. Because I was

> off the methotrexate and Enbrel - I had a major relapse. I have had to

> take the prednisone up to 60 mgs 3 times and am working my way down

> again. In the meantime my blood pressure has gotten very high and had

> to add blood pressure meds too.

>

> I have also developed cataracts on both eyes. I am scheduled for

> removal on the right eye in July. This also happened very quickly and

> my eye doc said that this is not uncommon for someone on steroids.

>

> My left hip is also giving me lots of pain and I will have a total left

> hip replacement in the fall. My doc wants to make sure that the right

> hip is well healed before doing the other hip. My right one feels so

> good. It is pain free and I can get into the car without it hurting.

>

> I continue to work 4 morning a week at my job as an appointment

> coordinator. I take Mondays off because of the meth. I take my

> injections on Sunday evenings and have a terrible headache on Mondays.

> I am on partial disability from my work and that pays 60% of my wages

> for hours that I do not work. I am able to continue my health insurance

> at work - which is a God send as I can get my RX for $20 each and the

> Enbrel is $1600 - so I am glad for the RX card. The insurance paid

> very well on my hip surgery too.

>

> My rheumy told me that I can get arterial lateral sclerosis in my knees

> and shoulders - so just more information for those with this disease. I

> am convinced that if the disease doesn't get us first - that all the

> complications from the medicines will!!!!

>

> Take care of yourselves the best you can - and hope you are pain

> free!!!!

>

> Barbara from South Dakota

>

> DISCLAIMER!!

> WE ARE NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, THEREFORE ANY INFORMATION THAT IS

RECEIVED HERE IS FROM EXPERIENCE ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR

BEFORE TRYING ANYTHING THAT IS SUGGESTED. WE ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR

PHYSICIAN AND ARE NOT TRYING TO BE. REMEMBER EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND

TREATMENT MAYBE DIFFERENT FOR MANY OF US. THANK YOU

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/21/2001 11:23:42 AM Central Daylight Time,

angerhob@... writes:

> I

> am convinced that if the disease doesn't get us first - that all the

> complications from the medicines will!!!!

>

> Take care of yourselves the best you can - and hope you are pain

> free!!!!

>

> Barbara from South Dakota

>

>

Hi Barbara, a belated welcome mat. You said a mouth full there. Hope things

get better w/u with the side effects.

love rene

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara, you said it so well...I hate the meds. almost as much as the rp.

Take care,

Love

Lu

In a message dated 05/22/2001 12:53:47 AM Central Daylight Time,

RTI2264@... writes:

> > I

> > am convinced that if the disease doesn't get us first - that all the

> > complications from the medicines will!!!!

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 05/21/2001 11:23:46 AM Central Daylight Time,

angerhob@... writes:

<< I

am convinced that if the disease doesn't get us first - that all the

complications from the medicines will!!!! >>

Barbara, I think you're right. Sometimes I feel like those inflatable

punching bags the kids play with, everytime I get knocked down, I bounce back

up. Seems like the hits just keep coming and coming and coming (Like the

Energizer Bunny) Glad one hip is great, I'm sure the other one will be

great too once it is done. Take care of yourself! Love, Judy