New to your group

February 20, 2006

Like so many others, I too have RA (diagnosed 2 years ago). I'm a 53

year old female living in NW Florida and am diabetic with the

neurophy that goes along with it, have CHF (congestive heart failure

and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I have taken the

MTX which started an allergic reaction to all steroids (have ulcers

in throat and mouth when taking these meds, making it difficult to

eat/drink), plaquenil caused problems with my eyesight, and so the

only medication I'm on is Arava and Remicade on a 6 week basis. The

RA said Enbrel and Humira would not help me as much as the Remicade

does and I do tend to believe him as he is a very caring specialist

in this field. Unfortunately there isn't a lot that can be done for

me except to learn to live with the pain. The Remicade helps but

begins to wear off in 5-6 weeks. Hands, wrists, and knees are the

worst. I have Lortab to take for pain but truthfully it doesn't

help. I also smoke and don't want to stop as it's my " crutch " from

the pain. I was disabled by social security - after a 6 year

battle - last October, so I don't feel guilty about no longer having

an income (if you want to call it that). Thank goodness for a super

husband who does provide but doesn't understand all I'm going

through. I want to break down and cry but what good will that do?

Any suggestions you may have would be very welcome. Thanks for

listening to me! Sharon

February 20, 2006

I have two words to say about this: Jennings.

Okay, I'll say a few more. As an ex-chain smoker, I can tell you that

it is indeed possible to stop this habit. I didn't think it was

possible for me to stop, but the first time I tried I succeeded. You

can be stronger than those coffin nails. I will send encouraging

thoughts your way.

Sue

On Monday, February 20, 2006, at 06:18 PM, buckswheat1 wrote:

> I also smoke and don't want to stop as it's my " crutch " from

> the pain.

>

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