Re: Cindy newbie

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome. My experience has been similar to Jody's. One year ago was

when I started seeing some symptoms of PA (mainly scalp psoriasis.)

Then in Feburary 2007, of my knees became inflamed and within about six

weeks the inflammation spread to every joint in my body from my neck

down to every joint in my toes. I was in excruciating pain 24/7, could

barely sit up and walk, was on a cane for 3 months and thought I was

goig to be in that state for the rest of my life. I'm typically an

optimistic person, but at that point, I would say that I was spirally

downward emotionally pretty fast, not knowing what exactly what was

happening and what to expect (I also didn't know about this online

support group at that time, which would have helped, but is still a

great resource now.)

Like Jody, after my first shot of Enbrel, I went from being bedridden

one week, to three days later waking up with virtually no pain and able

to sit up in bed and walk across my bedroom without a cane for the

first time in three months. It took me a few days to realize that my

condition was really improving (I thought I had gone from a nightmare

to a dream), and just two weeks later participated in the local

Arthritis Walk, raising more than $5,000 and walking one mile (instead

of 5k, as I knew I had to take things slowly). Doing the Walk, having

my friends, family and co-workers see me go from the painful,

immobilized state I was in to walking that one mile within a matter of

weeks was really amazing. I have a few flare-ups now and then, but for

the most part have the condition managed and under control. My scalp

psoriasis is coming back around my ears, but I'll take that over being

in pain and immobilized any day.

I know that everyone's story is different and that I was extremely

lucky to see such quick results with my treatment plan, but the point

is that for most folks, it will take time, the right treatment plan, a

good support network and one's own determination to get to a place

of " wellness " once again. I will admit I cannot do some things that I

used to do, but certainly I have found more reason to acknowledge daily

that things I am grateful for.

We all are here to help each other , so please don't hesitate to

ask questions. Everyone here on this online community helps uplift my

spirits daily and I learn something new every day. So welcome, and

we're here for you!

--Vera

--- In , Jody son

Have hope. I am 37, was diagnosed with PA at 32, though my symptoms started at

16. On 6/6/06 I had my first shot of Enbrel and my life changed over night.

[Guest guest]

Thanks to everyone that has offered words of wisdom and encouragement.

I have been so frustrated trying to figure everything out. My husband,

bless his heart, has no idea what I am going through. He does not

understand my concerns, he thinks well it is arthritis everyone gets it

sooner or later. He does not understand this is different. He does not

understand what it is like to have your own immune system be your worst

enemy. He tries to be suportive and I have no doubt he will always be

there by my side. I just worry that he will one day have to do more for

me than I can do for myself. It helps to know that it does not have to

be that way. Since I last posted I have been to my GP, he is a great

doctor and is trying to help but he does not know enough to be alot of

help. I apreciate that he is willing to admit that and not hold me back

from getting the care I need. He has refered me to a rhumatologist but

they are a little rare around here so I am waiting to see when that

will be. He has done alot of the ground work and got me started on MTX

and something for pain and Prednisone for emergencies. Thanks to

everyone who has shared their story with me it keeps me from feeling so

alone. Maybe one day I will be able to return the favor.

[Guest guest]

I will. I have a good friend with Lupus and I know some of what it can

do. prednisone actually causes me to loose weight at first because it

decreases the swelling around my joints and before I gain weight the

mood swings get so bad I have to stop taking it. __________walking the

tight rope__________ lol

<<Be careful with the prednisone. It will pile on the pounds. I gained

thirty pounds in 60 days from it. And I dropped the weight when I went

off it. >>