Re: New to Group an PA Osteo

December 5, 2008

Hi ,

My name is Jo, I am 43 also, have five kids ages 21,20,14,12,7 and one with

special needs as well, so I know exactly what your feeling. When I was

first diagnosed although I also have another autoimmune I was so depressed,

thought I wouldn't be

Able to get through this the pain was so bad. I am on Cymbalta,

methotrexate, I also have complex regional pain syndrome and osteo in my

left knee. To make this story short I went from not being able to walk,

take a shower or anything, to a walker, a cane and now walking without any

aide. It is possible one thing that helped me is

To be around other encouraging people like this group, people who understand

what we are going through, and being able to vent that's real important. I

have had to change some things, the way I do things now. I rest when I have

to, I have to ask for help etc. Well I just wanted to let you know your not

alone if you need to talk I'm here.

Jolene

December 5, 2008

: Celebrex may help your osteo and Cymbalta and gabatentin are for

fibro; however you don't mention anything for PA. I know you're newly diagnosed

but until you begin treating your major problem you likely won't get that much

relief. I was diagnosed with PA and possibly fibro (I already had osteo in

several joints, my back and neck) about 18 months ago and went on Enbrel almost

immediately. Within six weeks I was much better and within a few months, I was

almost back to normal - and I've stayed that way since. Everyone reacts

differently to the variety of meds that are available for PA and I was lucky

that I was diagnosed very early. But I urge you to work with your doctor to

find either a DMARD or a biologic that helps you - and soon. The fatigue is a

very normal part of PA; in fact, before I began treatment I was almost afraid to

drive very far, at all, because I was so tired I felt as though I almost had

narcolepsy.

Depression is also a symptom of fibro and - of course - can occur with PA when

you are in such pain. It will leave as the pain goes or at least gets more

under control.

I also urge you to educate yourself on the disease. There is a wealth of

information on the web and take advantage of it so you become and informed

" consumer " .

Joanna Hoelscher

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