To: Sandie

[Guest guest]

Dear Sandie,

Thank you for your prayers. Much needed and much appreciated.

I hope you find the right combination of medications soon. I don't

believe in suffering if there is something out there that will help.

I think Plaquenil is one of the first medicine's that you get when

you are suspected of having RA. That is how I started out but then

I hit a full blown flare and had to start Humira and Methotrexate. I

truly wish I could have stayed on that but I am one of the rare ones

that developed a respiratory problem and had to switch. My joints felt

" normal " and I could get on the floor and play with my grandson and

anything that I could do before RA. I am now on Remicade along with

the Methotrexate. Remicade helps with the pain but I never have a

full pain free day. So far the pain is manageable but I do long for one

pain free day. Vioxx was wonderful but every time I took it I had chest

pains and finally a heart attack. I don't think the Vioxx was the direct

cause of my heart attack and I wish they would put it back on the market.

Celebrex just doesn't seem to work very well. Aleve seems to work as

well as the Celebrex for me.

Let me know what medications you wind up with. I am not medically

savvy but I hope your Dr. puts you on an anti-inflammatory drug soon

and then maybe you won't have to rely on the pain killers at all. Please

don't quit asking for strength. Miracles happen every day and I think

if you find a good doctor you have found an angel on earth.

Prayers for you too.

Hugs,

Pat