Finally Saw A Rheumy

[Guest guest]

I finally saw a rheumatologist Thursday. He gave me the " official "

diagnosis of PA. He gave me relafen (sp?) for now. He ordered a ton

of bloodwork and xrays of 2 particularly tender spots on my back. I

go back in 2 weeks and he intends to prescribe methotrexate and put

me on the waiting list for Enbrel. Yipee! Maybe I will finally see

some relief!

I thought the relefen was a miracle drug. I took it Thursday night

for the first time and woke up feeling better than I have in a long

time on Friday! But now it is Saturday morning and I am

Really,Really sore today. So much for the miracle! Must have just

been a coincidence that I had a good day.

The rheumy seems optimistic that he can get this under control. From

the xrays of my feet and hand that I took with me, he does not see

any joint damage. Hopefully I am on the road to better days. I am

trying not to get my hopes up too high. I have read a lot of your

stories and see that drugs may not always work, may only work for a

year or two, or may cause awful side effects.

I am doing my best not to let this get me down. I want so badly to

enjoy the summer with my 1 1/2 year old daughter. Today we are going

to my mom's pool. It is soooo hot out there! A refreshing dip will do

some good. I think I let those pool jets beat on my back for a

while.

By the way...Does anyone have a hot tub? I am wondering if they help

any with the PA. Too hot for one of those today, though!

Have a great (and hopefully pain free) day!

Meredith

[Guest guest]

Meredith,I have a spa,I have had one for 4 tears now.I

do not know about anyone else but mine has helped me

quite a bit.I do not just sit in it thoe,I take my

different parts of my joints and do exercises while I

am in it.Then when I get out I do the same also.It

seems to help me.The jets on the spa at times have

been a life saver for me.But that also depends on my

day because sometimes the jets make it hurt to

touch.But for the most part of it all it has been

great.During the real bad hot weather I still use

it.There is a summer setting on it that we turn it

down to its lowest setting.Just like soaking in a

regular tub when we do that.Hope that has answered

your question on that.Have a great day.Good luck

Darlene