help needed

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I am very new to this group and also to RA. I found out I had it in November

of 2004.

Well, as you may know, I have decided to switch rheumy as the one I had just

put me on Prednisone, plaquenil and voltaren. he told me nothing of the side

effects of the prednisone and even though I told him I did not want to stay on

it, he refused to put me on any other meds due to the fact that " they need to

check my liver every month " Well, none of the meds worked for me and I went

off the prednisone. Armed with my research from this group I went back to see

him. he was not happy at all but did send me for x-rays of my hands and feet to

see what damage has been done. on my way out he also told me that I should

" try to do some tai chi " when I laughed in his face and explained that I have

three kids 2 of them under 3 and a hubby who works long hours he then

said " stress makes it worse " well DUH.

anyway, I went to see my primary doc to get a new referral and he actually

LISTENED to me. I explained my terrible pain how I have totally changed my

eating habits 6 months ago and also have been doing walking exercise tapes (they

are harder than you think) for 3-4 days a week a mile and a half each time and

haven lost any weight. also that I just want to be able to play with my kids

and not be in pain.

he prescribed lortab for the pain and methotrexate for the RA. I am scared to

take the methotrexate. I know it should help but the side effects scare the

heck out of me. I am sure many of you are on the drug. Can you tell me what to

expect? it is just sitting on my counter staring me in the face and I cannot

bring myself to take them. Part of me wants to totally ignore that I have RA

and pretend that I am fine. I wish that were true.

Oh my x-rays show that I have a bone spur in my Good foot and that my bones

are deteriorating in my other foot-lovely don't you think?

Any and all comments are welcome, I am sorry this is so long.

I should have my appointment with my new rheumy soon.

Thanks for listening.

sandie