New here

[Guest guest]

Hi Leanne,

I have diabetes and RA, but no kidney damage. Welcome to the group;

you'll find that it's very supportive. , our moderator, keeps us

educated by posting lots of pertinent articles.

I'm glad that you're going to a rheumy; they are best equipped to deal

with these autoimmune diseases. The first part of the journey can be

rather brutal, while you're trying to get a firm diagnosis and then the

rheumy has to experiment to find the right combination of meds to deal

with your particular RA. It usually takes more than one med to control

the disease.

My RA at present is very well controlled with Enbrel, one of the

expensive new biologic drugs. Insurance usually requires that you fail

at a couple of other meds before they'll pay for a biologic.

Just keep squawking to the rheumy until you get relief. Hang in there,

and keep us posted.

Sue

On Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at 06:57 PM, Leanne wrote:

>

> I am a 44-year-old mom of 3 who has just been told I have RA. Last

> fall I finally got my GP to listen to me when I said I didn't feel

> well. He originally diagnosed polymyalgia, but I have undergone

> further testing with a renal specialist (also have kidney disease and

> diabetes). He says I've got RA, and is sending me to a rheumy.

> Leanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Leanne!

I'm a 45 year old mother of 5! I am sorry for your pain! But it is good you

have an official diagnosis now, you can start on the path of relief!

Finding the right mix of meds is a good place to start, sometimes it takes

awhile. I was on Hydroxychloriquin (Plaquenil) and Sulfasalizine, and Mtx.

injections for a year but it wasn't completely working. I've been taken off the

two pills, kept on the Mtx. shots, and had Enbrel added. It is a trial and error

thing, I would guess. It takes months sometimes to get the full effect of your

drugs, to see if they will work.

I have pain in my wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, heals, and feet. Some

things I have done to help the pain is, funny thing for my hands, running my

hands and wrists under very warm-- as warm as you can handle, like doing dishes

warm-hot-- for my hands. Warmth, like hot pads, hot water bottles, etc, helps to

reduce inflammation. I've tried Icy-hot and such but it doesn't work.

You say you are tired, take a break don't be afraid of a nap! You say you do,

that is good! The more I push myself the more achy and fatigued I get, the

greater my pain! So, I nap! I am making a great confession here On my painful

days it is more than once!!! Get rest!!! We moms have a hard time with this one

but go to bed early.. I've discovered the less sleep I get equals more pain.

So, more sleep, rest breaks during the day (well if you are working out of the

home that probably is hard to do!) those things help!

Are you on anything for pain? I was given something, can't remember what,

but it was for the pain and achyness, it didn't work. I have taken 800mg of

Ibuprofen and sometimes that helps.

Do your kids help you at all? If you work, will they give you a rest in the

evenings? I know our kids our busy and sometimes it is hard to ask for help but

maybe that can give you rest, too.

Nice to " meet " you on the board, I hope you get some relief soon for the

pain. I hope you can get some rest, too!

[ ] New here

Hi all:

I am a 44-year-old mom of 3 who has just been told I have RA. Last

fall I finally got my GP to listen to me when I said I didn't feel

well. He originally diagnosed polymyalgia, but I have undergone

further testing with a renal specialist (also have kidney disease and

diabetes). He says I've got RA, and is sending me to a rheumy.

I have pain in my jaw, neck, shoulders, upper arms, wrists, hands,

hips, ankles, thighs, knees, ankles and feet. I get so tired

sometimes that I just have to nap.

I have been taking Prednisone, but am decreasing and trying to rid of

it. The Plaquenil is being doubled to 400mg/day, and I take a host of

other meds for my other things.

This is pretty terrifying. It's impossible to make other people

understand how I feel. My hubby is trying, and he notices when I have

better days. I was doing well earlier this summer, but crashed again.

Does anyone have any hints for dealing with pain? Especially my hands

and hips, which cause agony and keep me from sleeping. It's the worst

in the morning, evening, and if it's damp. I also really notice

problems with changes in the weather. I live on the " wet " coast of BC.

Thanks for listening! Can't wait to learn all I can.

Leanne

[Guest guest]

Welcome! That's not a very nice Christmas present! What is your name?

Methotrexate, most commonly referred to here as MTX, is the most widely used

drug with the greatest success rate for RA. It usually is increased slowly

with

each visit. I am on 8 pills a week and also take 1 mg of folic acid a day

to offset any side effects. Many of us take it different ways, some by

injection, as pills are no longer effective. Time of day, spreading out the

pills,

or taking them all at once before bed, etc. it's all individual. I like to

take mine in 2 hour increments. My new rheumy just suggested using

robitussin 1 hour before taking mtx and it works! In any case, I'm glad you

have

found us, there is a wealth of knowledge on this list, good people, big hearts.

I hope this year for Christmas you find yourself in remission, with little

pain and a big smile on your face!

Heidi in Mass

In a message dated 8/29/2008 2:38:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

bsb4klb@... writes:

Hello. I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA. I

just happened to find this group today and I have been reading most of

the afternoon. My doctor started me on Methotrexate and prednisone. I

have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I go

back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry about

the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I keep

researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not work

better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with the pain

I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems so nice,

I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

**************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel

deal here.

(http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristy!

It is always good to know what we have, like a name with a face! Once I got

put on 8 a week, after a few months of that, I also started on Enbrel. I am

happy so far on this. I did have a little flare, but for the most part, I

can't complain. I have RA, and I know what it comes with , I have this

list, which is comforting. Are you on folic acid?

So glad to hear you guys are BoSox fans! weeee!!!! LOL.

Heidi in Mass.

In a message dated 8/29/2008 3:40:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

bsb4klb@... writes:

Hi Heidi. At the moment I take 6 pills at the same time at bed

time. I didn't know that taking them differently would make a

difference. It's something to look into. Thanks. It is

unfortuante that I was diagnosed at Christmas time but honestly I

was more relieved to find out that I wasn't crazy. It all came on so

sudden, I was in some much pain and the doctors were stumped because

I have no family history. It has to start somewhere right. I was

tired of tests and x-rays so at that point I was happy to be able to

get medication for relief. It wasn't until later that it sunk in

and I realized what it was that I now had to live with. So as you

understand, we go day by day.

Kristy in PA

By the way, my husband & I have been huge BoSox fans since we were

little. Coming from Pittsburgh, we don't have much of a baseball

team. (tongue in cheek)

>

> Welcome! That's not a very nice Christmas present! What is your

name?

> Methotrexate, most commonly referred to here as MTX, is the most

widely used

> drug with the greatest success rate for RA. It usually is

increased slowly with

> each visit. I am on 8 pills a week and also take 1 mg of folic

acid a day

> to offset any side effects. Many of us take it different ways,

some by

> injection, as pills are no longer effective. Time of day,

spreading out the pills,

> or taking them all at once before bed, etc. it's all

individual. I like to

> take mine in 2 hour increments. My new rheumy just suggested

using

> robitussin 1 hour before taking mtx and it works! In any case,

I'm glad you have

> found us, there is a wealth of knowledge on this list, good

people, big hearts.

> I hope this year for Christmas you find yourself in remission,

with little

> pain and a big smile on your face!

>

> Heidi in Mass

>

>

> In a message dated 8/29/2008 2:38:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

> bsb4klb@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> Hello. I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA.

I

> just happened to find this group today and I have been reading

most of

> the afternoon. My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

prednisone. I

> have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I

go

> back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry

about

> the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I keep

> researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not

work

> better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with the

pain

> I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems so

nice,

> I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ************ ************<WBR>**It's only a deal if it's where you

your travel

> deal here.

> (_http://information.http://infohttp://infhttp://informatihttp://in_

(http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) )

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

**************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel

deal here.

(http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

[Guest guest]

HI I'M NEW AS WELL AND I'M ALSO 29.WELL ANYWAYS I WAS ON MTX FOR MANY

YEAR'S AND I THINK YOU'LL BE FINE ON IT.IF IT DOES START TO BOTHER YOUR

STOMACH ASK FOR MTX INJECTIONS ITS ALMOST LIKE BEING A DIABETIC 1 SHOT

A WEEK IT DOES NOT BOTHER YOUR STOMACH!GOOD LUCK AND I THINK YOU'LL

ENJOY BEING A PART OF THIS GROUP.ERIN

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome! Sorry about your dx, especially around Christmas, bummer.

Sometimes, the doctor will put you on another med along with mtx. I

take only six mtx pills, that is about high as I can go. My liver

enzymes will start acting up on me. I am also on Humira and Naproxen,

and also on pain meds. You might talk to your doc at your next

visit. Good luck, and glad you joined, Tawny

>

> Hello. I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA.

I

> just happened to find this group today and I have been reading most

of

> the afternoon. My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

prednisone. I

> have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I go

> back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry about

> the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I keep

> researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not work

> better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with the

pain

> I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems so

nice,

> I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Dear, and welcome to this Group! I am sorry about your dx

though. No one wants to have this stuff. May I ask what dosage you are

on of the MTX. That was what I started on also with the prednisone.

Are you taking folic acid also?

I started with 10mg at first, then 12.5 then 15. My liver levels went

up, so I was backed down and it has not happened again. I tried Arava,

but had BP problems, so it was back to MTX until I can take Enbrel.

My insurance, most I think, requires that I try at least two low cost

drugs before they will agree to the very expensive ones. If this

doesn't work for you tell your rheummy so that he can move on to the

next one.

I know that it is scary. Anytime you have fears or questions don't

hesitate to post them. We have all been scared and will try to help.

This is an understanding group.

I hope you find a home here like many of us have.

Shirley

>

> Hello. I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA.

I

> just happened to find this group today and I have been reading most

of

> the afternoon. My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

prednisone. I

> have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I go

> back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry about

> the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I keep

> researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not work

> better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with the

pain

> I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems so

nice,

> I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks nana2livi. I started with the same dosage as you but I hate

the thoughts of going up anymore. Luckily I haven't had any liver

issues but I do worry. Oh and yes I do take 2mgs of folic acid

daily. I do think it helps combat some of the fatigue but lately I

have been overly tired and kind of sad so I will definatley be

asking about that as well. I go back in a week. So we'll see.

Thank you so much for yourkind words.

> >

> > Hello. I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with

RA.

> I

> > just happened to find this group today and I have been reading

most

> of

> > the afternoon. My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

> prednisone. I

> > have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I

go

> > back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry

about

> > the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I

keep

> > researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not

work

> > better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with

the

> pain

> > I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems

so

> nice,

> > I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

BSB4klb and Group;

WElcome to our group. You will love it here everyone is so nice. May

I ask what your name is? Or your nic name.

gentle hugs

Clora

> Hello. I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA.

I

> just happened to find this group today and I have been reading most

of

> the afternoon. My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

prednisone. I

> have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I go

> back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry about

> the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I keep

> researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not work

> better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with the

pain

> I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems so

nice,

> I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi. At the moment I take 6 pills at the same time at bed

time. I didn't know that taking them differently would make a

difference. It's something to look into. Thanks. It is

unfortuante that I was diagnosed at Christmas time but honestly I

was more relieved to find out that I wasn't crazy. It all came on so

sudden, I was in some much pain and the doctors were stumped because

I have no family history. It has to start somewhere right. I was

tired of tests and x-rays so at that point I was happy to be able to

get medication for relief. It wasn't until later that it sunk in

and I realized what it was that I now had to live with. So as you

understand, we go day by day.

Kristy in PA

By the way, my husband & I have been huge BoSox fans since we were

little. Coming from Pittsburgh, we don't have much of a baseball

team. (tongue in cheek)

>

> Welcome! That's not a very nice Christmas present! What is your

name?

> Methotrexate, most commonly referred to here as MTX, is the most

widely used

> drug with the greatest success rate for RA. It usually is

increased slowly with

> each visit. I am on 8 pills a week and also take 1 mg of folic

acid a day

> to offset any side effects. Many of us take it different ways,

some by

> injection, as pills are no longer effective. Time of day,

spreading out the pills,

> or taking them all at once before bed, etc. it's all

individual. I like to

> take mine in 2 hour increments. My new rheumy just suggested

using

> robitussin 1 hour before taking mtx and it works! In any case,

I'm glad you have

> found us, there is a wealth of knowledge on this list, good

people, big hearts.

> I hope this year for Christmas you find yourself in remission,

with little

> pain and a big smile on your face!

>

> Heidi in Mass

>

>

> In a message dated 8/29/2008 2:38:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

> bsb4klb@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> Hello. I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA.

I

> just happened to find this group today and I have been reading

most of

> the afternoon. My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

prednisone. I

> have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I

go

> back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry

about

> the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I keep

> researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not

work

> better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with the

pain

> I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems so

nice,

> I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find

your travel

> deal here.

> (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

welcome!!  I just turned 37 and was diagnosed 4 mths ago.  I just found this

group a couple of days ago and it's been fantastic. Your doc will do blood work

to check the " internal " side effects of course (like the liver).  I have been

lucky so far that I haven't had any stomache problems.  I take 15 mg of MTX,

predisone and plaquenil.  I also started taking Cymbalta for depression which

goes hand in hand w/ chronic pain.  My dr told me that pain killers (like

Darvocet or Tramadol..etc) will not work b/c what's causing the pain is the

swelling of the joints and only the anti inflam will work.  He told me that I

could double the pred when I have a bad day but I journal it so I can keep track

of it and I only do that if the ice packs dont help.  Bags of peas or corn on my

knees, hips and elbows are heaven for me.   Good Luck...Paris

[ ] New Here

Hello.  I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA.  I

just happened to find this group today and I have been reading most of

the afternoon.  My doctor started me on Methotrexate and prednisone.  I

have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I go

back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate.  I worry about

the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry.  I keep

researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not work

better.  I hate to try something new only to find myself with the pain

I was in before.  Anyone have any suggestions?  Everyone seems so nice,

I'm very excited to part of your group.  Thanks!

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

WELCOME, I KNOW TAKING MEDS IS SOO HARD ESPECIALLY WHEN U R NEW TO THIS DISEASE.

BUT SOMETIMES U HAVE TO WEIGH YOUR OPTIONS IN ORDER TO FIND THE RIGHT MEDS FOR

U. THERE WILL ALWAYS B SIDE EFFECTS, U COULD TAKE ONE MED & IT HELPS BUT THEN

HARMS U INANOTHER WAY.. BEEN THER DONE THAT!!! KEEP THE FAITH & GOD BLESS YOU(NO

NAME) ALWAYS,

MELYNDAGAMEZ 8/29/08 4:05P.M.CENTRAL

[ ] Re: New Here

BSB4klb and Group;

WElcome to our group. You will love it here everyone is so  nice. May

I ask what your name is?  Or your nic name.

gentle hugs

Clora

> Hello.  I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA. 

I

> just happened to find this group today and I have been reading most

of

> the afternoon.  My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

prednisone.  I

> have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I go

> back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate..  I worry about

> the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry.  I keep

> researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not work

> better.  I hate to try something new only to find myself with the

pain

> I was in before.  Anyone have any suggestions?  Everyone seems so

nice,

> I'm very excited to part of your group.  Thanks!

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Doreen,

I started seeing a new " temporary " rheumy, that's a whole 'nother story, and

I was explaining to him that I get the " fuzzies " when I take MTX, and he

seemed to understand just what I was talking about, the " fog " that some of us

can get....so he wanted me to try that, and make sure that " guaffinessin " was

the main ingredient, so you could use the store brand. It supposed to absorb

something, and my apology for going foggy right now on you all, but it

works, I get less drowsy and less foggy on the day that I take my MTX. I have

to

talk to him next week, I will ask him to explain it to me again.

Heidi in Mass.

In a message dated 8/29/2008 9:08:48 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

mimi212@... writes:

Hey Heidi - I'm confused - Robitussin 1 hour before the MTX? Robitussin

is a cough suppressant and/or an expectorant. I don't see the

connection to taking it with the MTX. Can you please tell us more?

Thanks......Thanks......<WB

>

> " My new rheumy just suggested using robitussin 1 hour before taking

> mtx and it works! "

**************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel

deal here.

(http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

[Guest guest]

Paris:

I can't believe your doctor would say such a thing. That's like saying pain

meds like Morphine won't help my burn pain because they won't regenerate skin...

See what I mean? I'd be seriously finding another doc, but that's just me.

--

Dodge

Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic

with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and wrong, because sometime

in your life you will have been all of these.

Read my blog at:

http://jumpthis.wordpress.com

---- Paris Schake <sdfprs@...> wrote:

=============

welcome!!  I just turned 37 and was diagnosed 4 mths ago.  I just found this

group a couple of days ago and it's been fantastic. Your doc will do blood work

to check the " internal " side effects of course (like the liver).  I have been

lucky so far that I haven't had any stomache problems.  I take 15 mg of MTX,

predisone and plaquenil.  I also started taking Cymbalta for depression which

goes hand in hand w/ chronic pain.  My dr told me that pain killers (like

Darvocet or Tramadol..etc) will not work b/c what's causing the pain is the

swelling of the joints and only the anti inflam will work.  He told me that I

could double the pred when I have a bad day but I journal it so I can keep track

of it and I only do that if the ice packs dont help.  Bags of peas or corn on

my knees, hips and elbows are heaven for me.   Good Luck...Paris

[Guest guest]

Kristy in PA

 

OT- I met my husband it Pittsburgh!!  He grew up in Oakdale near the airport

where I worked.  We now live in Arlington, TX.  Huge Steelers and Penguins

fan!!  Paris

Re: [ ] Re: New Here

Hi Kristy!

It is always good to know what we have, like a name with a  face!  Once I got

put on 8 a week, after a few months of that, I also  started on Enbrel.  I am

happy so far on this.  I did have a little  flare, but for the most part, I

can't complain.  I have RA, and I know what  it comes with   , I have this

list, which is comforting.  Are  you on folic acid? 

So glad to hear you guys are BoSox fans!  weeee!!!!  LOL. 

Heidi in Mass. 

In a message dated 8/29/2008 3:40:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 

bsb4klb@... writes:

Hi Heidi. At the moment I take 6 pills at the same time at bed

time. I  didn't know that taking them differently would make a

difference. It's  something to look into.. Thanks. It is

unfortuante that I was diagnosed at  Christmas time but honestly I

was more relieved to find out that I wasn't  crazy. It all came on so

sudden, I was in some much pain and the doctors  were stumped because

I have no family history. It has to start somewhere  right. I was

tired of tests and x-rays so at that point I was happy to be  able to

get medication for relief. It wasn't until later that it sunk in 

and I realized what it was that I now had to live with. So as you 

understand, we go day by day.

Kristy in PA

By the way, my  husband & I have been huge BoSox fans since we were

little. Coming  from Pittsburgh, we don't have much of a baseball

team. (tongue in  cheek)

>

> Welcome! That's not a very nice Christmas  present! What is your

name?

> Methotrexate, most commonly referred  to here as MTX, is the most

widely used

> drug with the greatest  success rate for RA. It usually is

increased slowly with

> each  visit. I am on 8 pills a week and also take 1 mg of folic

acid a day 

> to offset any side effects. Many of us take it different ways, 

some by

> injection, as pills are no longer effective. Time of day, 

spreading out the pills,

> or taking them all at once before bed,  etc. it's all

individual. I like to

> take mine in 2 hour  increments. My new rheumy just suggested

using

> robitussin 1 hour  before taking mtx and it works! In any case,

I'm glad you have

>  found us, there is a wealth of knowledge on this list, good

people, big  hearts.

> I hope this year for Christmas you find yourself in  remission,

with little

> pain and a big smile on your face! 

>

> Heidi in Mass

>

>

> In a message dated  8/29/2008 2:38:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

> bsb4klb@...  writes:

>

>

>

>

> Hello. I am 29 years old  and was diagnosed last Christmas with RA.

I

> just happened to find  this group today and I have been reading

most of

> the afternoon.  My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

prednisone. I

> have since  stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I

go

> back to  the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry

about

> the  side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I keep

>  researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not

work 

> better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with the 

pain

> I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems  so

nice,

> I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

> 

>

>

>

>

>

>

>  ************  ************<WBR>**It's only a deal if it's where you

your travel

> deal here.

> (_http://information.http://infohttp://infhttp://informatihttp://in_

(http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) )

> 

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been  removed]

>

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[Guest guest]

Dodge,

Thanks.  It made since to me b/c I was popping pain pills (that my PCP rx for me

) like candy and still in pain and when I asked the Rheumy for something

stronger, that's what he said.  I will keep an eye on it and my next apt mention

it again.  Thx.  Paris

Re: [ ] New Here

Paris:

I can't believe your doctor would say such a thing.  That's like saying pain

meds like Morphine won't help my burn pain because they won't regenerate

skin...  See what I mean?  I'd be seriously finding another doc, but that's just

me.

--

Dodge

Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic

with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and wrong, because sometime

in your life you will have been all of these.

Read my blog at:

http://jumpthis.wordpress.com

---- Paris Schake <sdfprs@...> wrote:

=============

welcome!!  I just turned 37 and was diagnosed 4 mths ago.  I just found this

group a couple of days ago and it's been fantastic. Your doc will do blood work

to check the " internal " side effects of course (like the liver).  I have been

lucky so far that I haven't had any stomache problems.  I take 15 mg of MTX,

predisone and plaquenil.  I also started taking Cymbalta for depression which

goes hand in hand w/ chronic pain.  My dr told me that pain killers (like

Darvocet or Tramadol..etc) will not work b/c what's causing the pain is the

swelling of the joints and only the anti inflam will work.  He told me that I

could double the pred when I have a bad day but I journal it so I can keep track

of it and I only do that if the ice packs dont help.  Bags of peas or corn on my

knees, hips and elbows are heaven for me.   Good Luck...Paris

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group " bsb4klb " The combination of RA meds are

about as different as each person that takes them. What works for one

person might not work for another. I take 1500mg of Sulfasalazine

twice a day, 15mg of Methotrexate once a week and 1mg of Folic Acid

on the 6 days before and after the MTX. Perhaps you could see if

there is something that could be added to the MTX you already take.

Be honest and upfront with your doctor. Ask about some kind of rescue

med when the pain feels like it is out of control. Maybe that would

help, too. Keep us posted..............Doreen

>

> Hello. I am 29 years old and was diagnosed last Christmas with

RA. I

> just happened to find this group today and I have been reading most

of

> the afternoon. My doctor started me on Methotrexate and

prednisone. I

> have since stopped taking the steroids but every 3 months when I go

> back to the doctors they have to up the Methotrexate. I worry

about

> the side effects but the pain seems to overcome the worry. I keep

> researching other meds but I have no idea what may or may not work

> better. I hate to try something new only to find myself with the

pain

> I was in before. Anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems so

nice,

> I'm very excited to part of your group. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Heidi - I'm confused - Robitussin 1 hour before the MTX? Robitussin

is a cough suppressant and/or an expectorant. I don't see the

connection to taking it with the MTX. Can you please tell us more?

Thanks............Doreen

>

> " My new rheumy just suggested using robitussin 1 hour before taking

> mtx and it works! "

[Guest guest]

HI HEIDI, I'M CONFUSED TOO. CURIOUS IN CORPUS. GOD BLESS,MELYNDAGAMEZ 8/29/08

8:12P.M.CT

[ ] Re: New Here

Hey Heidi - I'm confused - Robitussin 1 hour before the MTX? Robitussin

is a cough suppressant and/or an expectorant. I don't see the

connection to taking it with the MTX.  Can you please tell us more? 

Thanks............Doreen

>

> " My new rheumy just suggested using robitussin 1 hour before taking

> mtx and it works! "  

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I will be getting back on mtx w/ remicade (after my hernia sx

recovery)...I have never heard of robitussin w/ mtx. Why does he

suggest it? If it helps, I am willing to try just about anything.

Thanks.

> >

> > " My new rheumy just suggested using robitussin 1 hour before taking

> > mtx and it works! "

>

[Guest guest]

Hi :

I am glad you ar here, but sorry it is under these circumstances.

You say you have had good luck with diet and I think that's great. I, too,

tried the same kind of diet you wrote about, but I had no aleviation in my

symptoms. Well, whatever you're doing, you must be doing it right. Keep it up!

Again, welcome.

--

Dodge

Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic

with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and wrong, because sometime

in your life you will have been all of these.

Read my blog at:

http://jumpthis.wordpress.com

---- skaye81 <skaye81@...> wrote:

=============

Hello Everyone. I am new here. I was diagnosed about a year ago. I

was organizing a golf tournament in my father's memory and I think it

brought on a lot of stress left over from taking care of him before

his death. We were close and it was difficult, but very meaningful,

you know? But anyway, I started with painful swelling in both of my

hands and feet. I went to my doctor who did some blood work which

came back positive for rheumatoid factor and for c reactive protein

so she sent me to a rheumatologist. Also had very dry eyes so sent

me to my eye doctor. Before I went to the rheumatologist I read up

on healing with whole foods and went on a diet of no meat, no eggs,

no dairy, no sugar, no wheat, no peanuts, no oranges, no chocolate,

no coffee, no soy and no nightshade vegetables. The inflammation and

pain was gone in a week. I saw the rheumatologist who put me on

Plaquenil. Said I'm in the early stages and gave no credibility to

the dietary stuff. I saw a naturopath who agreed with the diet but

told me to eat soy and fish. Also gave me a rice protein liquid

supplement and did some other blood tests that show I'm growing

thyroid antibodies though my TSH is okay. So she gave me a thyroid

activating supplement. I about went broke doing this and found it

very difficult to stick to. I went to a different rheumatologist who

has written a book called Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and I

really liked her. She said the diet would probably make anyone feel

better but is very difficult to maintain. She suggested just giving

up wheat if I wanted to and kept me on Plaquentil which is what I am

taking today. I no longer have the swelling in hands very often,

just once in awhile. I do have pain in hips, knees and feet,

sometimes hands, but it's not debillitating or anythings, just

aches. I just had xrays and my hands and feet have not changed since

last year so I am very lucky.

Sorry I've gone on so long. Just wanted to introduce my story.

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Thank you for letting me know that the diet didn't work for you.  I feel guilty

when I am not eating " correctly " and am having pain as if I'm not doing all I

could for myself.  I would like to hear from others who have tried dietary

changes.

Re: [ ] New here

Hi :

I am glad you ar here, but sorry it is under these circumstances.

You say you have had good luck with diet and I think that's great. I, too, tried

the same kind of diet you wrote about, but I had no aleviation in my symptoms.

Well, whatever you're doing, you must be doing it right. Keep it up! Again,

welcome.

--

Dodge

Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic

with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and wrong, because sometime

in your life you will have been all of these.

Read my blog at:

http://jumpthis. wordpress. com

---- skaye81 <skaye81 (DOT) com> wrote:

============ =

Hello Everyone. I am new here. I was diagnosed about a year ago. I

was organizing a golf tournament in my father's memory and I think it

brought on a lot of stress left over from taking care of him before

his death. We were close and it was difficult, but very meaningful,

you know? But anyway, I started with painful swelling in both of my

hands and feet. I went to my doctor who did some blood work which

came back positive for rheumatoid factor and for c reactive protein

so she sent me to a rheumatologist. Also had very dry eyes so sent

me to my eye doctor. Before I went to the rheumatologist I read up

on healing with whole foods and went on a diet of no meat, no eggs,

no dairy, no sugar, no wheat, no peanuts, no oranges, no chocolate,

no coffee, no soy and no nightshade vegetables. The inflammation and

pain was gone in a week. I saw the rheumatologist who put me on

Plaquenil. Said I'm in the early stages and gave no credibility to

the dietary stuff. I saw a naturopath who agreed with the diet but

told me to eat soy and fish. Also gave me a rice protein liquid

supplement and did some other blood tests that show I'm growing

thyroid antibodies though my TSH is okay. So she gave me a thyroid

activating supplement. I about went broke doing this and found it

very difficult to stick to. I went to a different rheumatologist who

has written a book called Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and I

really liked her. She said the diet would probably make anyone feel

better but is very difficult to maintain. She suggested just giving

up wheat if I wanted to and kept me on Plaquentil which is what I am

taking today. I no longer have the swelling in hands very often,

just once in awhile. I do have pain in hips, knees and feet,

sometimes hands, but it's not debillitating or anythings, just

aches. I just had xrays and my hands and feet have not changed since

last year so I am very lucky.

Sorry I've gone on so long. Just wanted to introduce my story.

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

and group;

WELCOME SHELLEY!!! Glad to have ya. WE are a great group. If you

have any crying or complaints about fibro or RA you came to the

right plase. If things are good we love to hear that too.

Goodness I got hungry just reading what you cant eat haaaaaaaaa. I

would starve to death If I cut that out, thats pretty much my diet

except the sugar I am a diabetic.

I hope we are a help for you . EVeryone here has been so nice

and helpful with me. When I first came here I cried and cried about

the pain. I have learned to talk to my RA from these friendly

people. Hope you have pain free days.

Oh our moderator said long post are welcome. SHe asks for us to

please make paragraphs. It took me weeks to figure out what she was

taling about. WE had a celebration when we figured it out. She

wanted me to write OT when I talked about something else, I didnt

know where though. I sent it also at the top. I didnt know how to

send at REPLY haaaaaaaa.

gentle hugs everyone

Clora

> Hello Everyone. I am new here. I was diagnosed about a year

ago. I

> was organizing a golf tournament in my father's memory and I think

it

> brought on a lot of stress left over from taking care of him

before

> his death. We were close and it was difficult, but very

meaningful,

> you know? But anyway, I started with painful swelling in both of

my

> hands and feet. I went to my doctor who did some blood work which

> came back positive for rheumatoid factor and for c reactive

protein

> so she sent me to a rheumatologist. Also had very dry eyes so

sent

> me to my eye doctor. Before I went to the rheumatologist I read

up

> on healing with whole foods and went on a diet of no meat, no

eggs,

> no dairy, no sugar, no wheat, no peanuts, no oranges, no

chocolate,

> no coffee, no soy and no nightshade vegetables. The inflammation

and

> pain was gone in a week. I saw the rheumatologist who put me on

> Plaquenil. Said I'm in the early stages and gave no credibility

to

> the dietary stuff. I saw a naturopath who agreed with the diet

but

> told me to eat soy and fish. Also gave me a rice protein liquid

> supplement and did some other blood tests that show I'm growing

> thyroid antibodies though my TSH is okay. So she gave me a

thyroid

> activating supplement. I about went broke doing this and found it

> very difficult to stick to. I went to a different rheumatologist

who

> has written a book called Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and I

> really liked her. She said the diet would probably make anyone

feel

> better but is very difficult to maintain. She suggested just

giving

> up wheat if I wanted to and kept me on Plaquentil which is what I

am

> taking today. I no longer have the swelling in hands very often,

> just once in awhile. I do have pain in hips, knees and feet,

> sometimes hands, but it's not debillitating or anythings, just

> aches. I just had xrays and my hands and feet have not changed

since

> last year so I am very lucky.

>

> Sorry I've gone on so long. Just wanted to introduce my story.

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome ! Sorry about your diagnose, but glad your here.

This is a great place to be. Lots of info, and wonderful people.

Tawny

>

> Hello Everyone. I am new here. I was diagnosed about a year ago.

I

> was organizing a golf tournament in my father's memory and I think

it

> brought on a lot of stress left over from taking care of him before

> his death. We were close and it was difficult, but very

meaningful,

> you know? But anyway, I started with painful swelling in both of

my

> hands and feet. I went to my doctor who did some blood work which

> came back positive for rheumatoid factor and for c reactive protein

> so she sent me to a rheumatologist. Also had very dry eyes so sent

> me to my eye doctor. Before I went to the rheumatologist I read up

> on healing with whole foods and went on a diet of no meat, no eggs,

> no dairy, no sugar, no wheat, no peanuts, no oranges, no chocolate,

> no coffee, no soy and no nightshade vegetables. The inflammation

and

> pain was gone in a week. I saw the rheumatologist who put me on

> Plaquenil. Said I'm in the early stages and gave no credibility to

> the dietary stuff. I saw a naturopath who agreed with the diet but

> told me to eat soy and fish. Also gave me a rice protein liquid

> supplement and did some other blood tests that show I'm growing

> thyroid antibodies though my TSH is okay. So she gave me a thyroid

> activating supplement. I about went broke doing this and found it

> very difficult to stick to. I went to a different rheumatologist

who

> has written a book called Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and I

> really liked her. She said the diet would probably make anyone

feel

> better but is very difficult to maintain. She suggested just

giving

> up wheat if I wanted to and kept me on Plaquentil which is what I

am

> taking today. I no longer have the swelling in hands very often,

> just once in awhile. I do have pain in hips, knees and feet,

> sometimes hands, but it's not debillitating or anythings, just

> aches. I just had xrays and my hands and feet have not changed

since

> last year so I am very lucky.

>

> Sorry I've gone on so long. Just wanted to introduce my story.

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to the group. We love our members but would rather

they were healthy.

So sorry about your father. Honey, I was a BIG Daddy's girl, so I

know that pain. I was his baby and he was mine. Charish that

closeness, you will have it for life.

I hope you won't be a stranger, know that you will get understanding

and compassion here, even if you don't have much time to post.

I am glad to know that in the last year there has been no change.

That is wonderful.

Have a blessed evening,

Shirley

>

> Hello Everyone. I am new here. I was diagnosed about a year

ago. I

> was organizing a golf tournament in my father's memory and I think

it

> brought on a lot of stress left over from taking care of him

before

> his death. We were close and it was difficult, but very

meaningful,

> you know? But anyway, I started with painful swelling in both of

my

> hands and feet. I went to my doctor who did some blood work which

> came back positive for rheumatoid factor and for c reactive

protein

> so she sent me to a rheumatologist. Also had very dry eyes so

sent

> me to my eye doctor. Before I went to the rheumatologist I read

up

> on healing with whole foods and went on a diet of no meat, no

eggs,

> no dairy, no sugar, no wheat, no peanuts, no oranges, no

chocolate,

> no coffee, no soy and no nightshade vegetables. The inflammation

and

> pain was gone in a week. I saw the rheumatologist who put me on

> Plaquenil. Said I'm in the early stages and gave no credibility

to

> the dietary stuff. I saw a naturopath who agreed with the diet

but

> told me to eat soy and fish. Also gave me a rice protein liquid

> supplement and did some other blood tests that show I'm growing

> thyroid antibodies though my TSH is okay. So she gave me a

thyroid

> activating supplement. I about went broke doing this and found it

> very difficult to stick to. I went to a different rheumatologist

who

> has written a book called Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and I

> really liked her. She said the diet would probably make anyone

feel

> better but is very difficult to maintain. She suggested just

giving

> up wheat if I wanted to and kept me on Plaquentil which is what I

am

> taking today. I no longer have the swelling in hands very often,

> just once in awhile. I do have pain in hips, knees and feet,

> sometimes hands, but it's not debillitating or anythings, just

> aches. I just had xrays and my hands and feet have not changed

since

> last year so I am very lucky.

>

> Sorry I've gone on so long. Just wanted to introduce my story.

> Thanks!

>