Re: RA-Support: Newbie

[Guest guest]

Hello, My name is and I am new to this type of support group. I have

been 'lurking' for the past several weeks, and have gotten a great

deal from your group, especially the humor and support topics. I thank you

all for being there as this has been a very difficult time for me.

I was diagnosed with FM/MPS approximately 13 years ago when there wasn't

much info available. I was fortunate in that my flares were few and far

between and mild, until the last few years. In 1992 I was also diagnosed

with RA and recently with " a Lupus like syndrome " I have been on Elavil in

the past but it left me too sleepy during the day. For the RA I have been

the entire route from basic NSAIDSs, Motrin, then 3000mg of Trillisate for

the past eight years, Plaquenil, Ridaura, Gold Shots and then to

Methotrexate that caused chemical hepatitis bringing my liver function tests

up over 1000 (normal is in the 24range). The last two years have been a

major struggle with one giant

flare-up since the hepatitis. I have been using Enbrel, which is helping a

bit with the RA symptoms, but the FM/MPS has been out of control. I have

been taking Codeine from time to time but most recently Vicodin or Percocet

and Xanax. My rheumy just added Flexeril to help withthe sleep issue and

changed the Trillisate to Celebrex, I like many, either over react to meds

or their effectiveness wears off after several weeks. I haven't been able

to work since late April after having a lung infection and then experiencing

severe pain, incredible weakness in my legs and arms, migraines from neck

pain, and some increased Asthma problems. I worked for a national non

profit agency for 22 years and loved my job, but recently realized I was not

being fair to my job, my family, or myself by not heeding the advice of

either the PCP, a ARNP that has cared for me for the last 13 years, and my

rheumy who appeared to be getting frustrated with me driving myself so hard.

This flare has really scared me as I am walking with a cane, using a

wheelchair for any outings, and have had to be on home nebulizer treatments

for restrictive airway issues. I have recently filed for LTD through my

employer and also SSDI. The difficulty in making that decision was hard

enough, but the fear of the process is even more stressful. My time spent

reading through all your posts and words of encouragement to one another

have been my lifeline! Thank you all!

Dee from NH