Re: (JRA) Rhuemy Appointment and Anxiety issues

December 3, 2010

Shea,

Are you on prednisone? That really can affect your mood. One day, a little boy

where my daughter was taking swim lessons, kept bugging her even though she

asked him to stop. She hit him, which was really out of character for her. She

asked me why she was acting like that. I know prednisone can cause anxiety and

sometimes aggression. I don't know much about the other meds you're on.

Jo

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> As you all know I have just started Enbrel with pretty good results. I

have

> been having some joint pain lately so we were depending on this appointment. I

> have been having a lot of anxiety. For example yesterday I heard some noises

in

> my house and was so scared I ran out of the house and called my grandma and

> wouldn't go back in the house until my grandma walked through it completely as

I

> hid inside the car crying. I pretty much had a panic attack. Sometimes I feel

> like crying and I have no clue why. I won't be sad but I will want to cry.

> I also have been having lots of stomach issues that come on randomly. As we

> discussed this with the rhuemy she asked me about if I was doing things with

> friends, if I was stressed, etc. Then she told me that I wasn't getting

> socialized enough and that I should go back to school. I don't know if you all

> remember, but the school told ME to leave. I didn't start online school for my

> medical status, I started it because our only other choice is public

school.The

> schools were I live? Not so great.

> Then she kept saying that I needed to try to back in January. WHAT?! This

> definitely didn't help my anxiety. I began to cry in the office. I can't go

back

> to my old school that would put me through hell. (sorry) I don't know what to

> do. I am so stressed and upset and I can't even think straight. I also had to

> establish that I am not depressed and that I don't want to hurt myself. We

left

> the office with a lot more questions. Also, she tested for some auto immune

> stomach issues.

> Does anyone know anything about any of this? Personally, I think it's because

of

> me being sick and all of the meds.

> Could any of my medication be doing this?

> Please help

> Shea Reasoner

>

December 3, 2010

shea,

I am sorry that you are having such a rough time. I do understand the

frustration at the thought of trying to get back in to your old school. I do not

think they treated you well and it would probably be very difficult and

emotional for you. I pray that you will soon feel better.

Veri & Jaye 16 poly

(JRA) Rhuemy Appointment and Anxiety issues

Hello Everyone,

As you all know I have just started Enbrel with pretty good results. I have

been having some joint pain lately so we were depending on this appointment. I

have been having a lot of anxiety. For example yesterday I heard some noises in

my house and was so scared I ran out of the house and called my grandma and

wouldn't go back in the house until my grandma walked through it completely as I

hid inside the car crying. I pretty much had a panic attack. Sometimes I feel

like crying and I have no clue why. I won't be sad but I will want to cry.

I also have been having lots of stomach issues that come on randomly. As we

discussed this with the rhuemy she asked me about if I was doing things with

friends, if I was stressed, etc. Then she told me that I wasn't getting

socialized enough and that I should go back to school. I don't know if you all

remember, but the school told ME to leave. I didn't start online school for my

medical status, I started it because our only other choice is public school.The

schools were I live? Not so great.

Then she kept saying that I needed to try to back in January. WHAT?! This

definitely didn't help my anxiety. I began to cry in the office. I can't go back

to my old school that would put me through hell. (sorry) I don't know what to

do. I am so stressed and upset and I can't even think straight. I also had to

establish that I am not depressed and that I don't want to hurt myself. We left

the office with a lot more questions. Also, she tested for some auto immune

stomach issues.

Does anyone know anything about any of this? Personally, I think it's because of

me being sick and all of the meds.

Could any of my medication be doing this?

Please help

Shea Reasoner

December 3, 2010

Hi Shea,

Just as there is no one answer to JRA it is the same with Anxiety issues. I have

problems with anxiety and I have to be careful about what I put " on my plate " .

Sometimes anxiety is like filling a glass of water but with anxious feelings and

sometimes it spills out. That is basically what a panic attack is. Stress over

your school, home schooling, dealing with a disease and all of the uncertainly

of new medications could have " filled your glass " . It is ok to have a " melt

down " . It could have been a one time thing or it may be something you will have

to address. I think when the doctors want you kids back at school it is so you

don't want you too isolated and focusing so much on the disease. Since Amber is

not in school she has had to make some new friends but it is not easy when they

don't understand her disease and there are not many places to meet new people.

She is now involved with a church group now but not through the Catholic church

(after they basically kicked her out because of her problems!). She is finally

starting to make a couple of real friends that don't mind that she has JRA and

she is doing things other teenagers are doing. I think if you are being

home-schooled the doctors won't have a problem as long as you are socializing

with others and having some fun!! Is there are any YMCA's, youth groups,

home-schooling groups, fun classes that you are interested in? Something that

can take your mind off of the bad stuff and have some fun??

Keep us updated! Talk to your parents and you doctors. I'm sure this can all be

worked out without having to go to a public school.

, Amber (16) Psoriatic

December 3, 2010

Thank you for your beautiful reply

Sent from my iPad

On Dec 3, 2010, at 8:14 PM, <URnotIM@...> wrote:

anxiety is like filling a glass of water but with anxious feelings and sometimes

it spills out. That is basically what a panic attack is. Stress over your

school, home schooling, dealing with a disease and all of the uncertainly of new

medications could have " filled your glass " . It is ok to have a " melt down " . It

could have been a one time thing or it may be something you will have to

address. I think when the doctors want you kids back at school it is so you

don't want you too isolated and focusing so much on the disease. Since Amber is

not in school she has had to make some new friends but it is not easy when they

don't understand her disease and there are not many places to meet new people.

She is now involved with a church group now but not through the Catholic church

(after they basically kicked her out because of her problems!). She is finally

starting to make a couple of real friends that don't mind that she has JRA and

she is doing things other

teenagers are doing. I think if you are being home-schooled the doctors won't

have a problem as long as you are socializing with others and having some fun!!

Is there are any YMCA's, youth groups, home-schooling groups, fun classes that

you are interested in? Something that can take your mind off of the bad stuff

and have some fun?? Keep us updated! Talk to your parents and you doctors. I'm

sure this can all be worked out without having to go to a public school. ,

Amber (16) Psoriatic

December 5, 2010

Shea,

You could be one of my kids you know! We had a 12 yo girl meltdown yesterday

because of hair not curling correctly before a concert. My 14 yo son will have

them, if I ask him to do too many things in a row?, or if he gets into trouble!

First of all, yes your meds can cause irritability. Plaquenil, and even

melatonin. (We looked those up!) I know steroids can make you feel crazy, cause

I have taken them. I'm not sure about Enbrel, but it is possible.

Secondly, you are a preteen/teen girl. Lots of things are a changing! You have

hormones, like to a zillion. Grown up ladies should remember, PMS around the

clock, is probably how you feel.

Your body is growing, your mind is changing. That is a lot to deal with in

itself.

Thirdly, arthritis. Nothing fun here! Just more issues.

Treatment. (Mom- not doctor!) 1) You got to have some fun. Sorry, but it is

mandatory. I order you to do something very silly. Find a friend, chocolate,

Christmas movies and a spend the night.

2) You need a relaxation zone. Like in your room, the right music, the right

book, fluffy pillows. A place to crash and " get away from it all. " 3)Keep a

journal. There are just some things you can't talk about, or you may even

forget. Write it away. You are a talented writer, so fill up some books!

3) My daughter really, really had a great deal of stress reduction when her

counselor suggested we get her a kitten. She wanted one, parents not so much!

But we did it and I saw a big difference. So if you can swing it, a pet,

preferably furry! Can't hug a fish, or you really shouldn't.

4) Counseling. We took my daughter, who was 11 at the time. We took her for

pain management. Worked great. Counselor was a great lady who gave her candy

or lipgloss every week. She still won't tell me what they talked about, but

daughter is MUCH better.

5) Socializaton. You are all about helping others, right? Time to help Shea.

There are a gazillion homeschool groups in the world. I am sure that Atlanta

has them. We homeschool. My kids are extremely involved in our group. Alabama

has different laws, but our group is actually a Church School. Just like a

private school, but most academic work is done at home. We have parties, 4H,

cheerleading, co-op classes, field trips, student council, prom, art, drama...

The list goes on. Your job is to google and find one that sounds most

appropriate for your family. Christmas is great time to meet new people, and

second semester starts in Jan.

This way you aren't isolated. Other groups you should consider: church youth

groups, choir or other music groups, 4H, girl scouts.

May I ask what your stomach issus are? My son also has gluten intolerance and

is being tested for Celiac. I was wondering what your symptoms are.

Okay, this is take care of Shea time. Shea needs some fun!

Love,

Audra

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> As you all know I have just started Enbrel with pretty good results. I

have

> been having some joint pain lately so we were depending on this appointment. I

>

December 5, 2010

Hi Shea,

I agree with Audra 100%!! Please take her advice, it's exactly what you need.

What you are going through is completely normal and understandable. You're

going through so much and your body and mind need that time to

decompress...everybody does.

Audra is absolutely right about homeschooling groups too, they can be a great

support system and offer tons of ways to socialize. We also homeschool and have

amazing homeschooling groups here in Michigan. Check out the in

your area. There's lots of support out there for homeschoolers and you

shouldn't be forced to go back to school if it will cause you more anxiety.

I also think that Audra is right on the money about having a pet to help you

de-stress. I did the same thing for last winter when he was having a

terrible time. I got him a " Teddy Bear " dog (they're a mixed breed that doesn't

shed). She's so cuddly and sweet. When he's stressed or anxious he

automatically snuggles her. He even does his schoolwork with her on his lap.

She's very comforting to him. Do you have a pet? They provide so much

unconditional love!

Hang in there sweetheart, it will get better. You're so mature and responsible

for your age...sometimes you just have to let all of that stuff go and just let

yourself be a kid!

Take care!

Big hugs,

Mom to , 12, poly

From: wynhama@...

Date: Sun, 5 Dec 2010 15:14:18 +0000

Subject: Re: (JRA) Rhuemy Appointment and Anxiety issues