depression/pain/meds/ and life at the end of the tunnel

[Guest guest]

Hi and Squeek.

I'm Elaine, we haven't talked before but I was diagnosed with chronic RP in May of 2000 after six years of pain and trouble that was originally diagnosed as fibromyalgia. They say I have both fibro as well as RP.

It has been a tough battle and I spent alot of time on my couch, too sick and too tired to do anything. But I found a good Rhuemy who got a good combination of meds for me. This was very important as the first Rhuemy only got me up to a maintenance dose of meds. Now I'm back on my feet again and working full time again at a less stressful job, for more money too.

It was very difficult with the pain and being sick from the meds. Folic acid really helps if you take metho. I also got depressed but mostly frustrated with the roller coaster days. Then to top that off I gained 35 pounds on the meds!! It's taken some time and alot of stress reduction from my life, but the roller coaster seems easier now. Maybe I'm used to it but I like to think I'm getting better. I still have lots of pain between the two diseases but I just take it a little easier these days. Also since the prednisone has been reduced I've lost 25 of the 35 pounds which I thought were mine for life.

So there is hope even for us. Life is different but if the house work doesn't get done there's always tomorrow or even next week. (I'm starting to prefer next week.) If you have a family, they won't starve, they'll just learn to cook, they'll also learn to do laundry and take care of themselves and sometimes they learn how to take care of you. But first of all you need to take care of yourself.

I'm very thankful for this group and the website for all the info on RP and the help it has given me. It's been a great place to rant, rave and learn. Just keep going guys. One day at a time, you'll make it. I hope and pray that good things come your way, just don't give up!

Hope you are feeling better today and if not tomorrow.

Take care and be well,

See ya in Oregon,

Elaine M