I just realized -- I'm feeling a bit better!

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone!

First, I want to comment on how wonderful this community is! So

supportive and friendly! I look forward to coming here to read the

messages and to meet new people. Y'all are a blessing!

I've been on my medications now for more than three weeks and it

dawned on me last night that my major problem with fatigue is

lessening a lot! I put in a full day at work yesterday, went for

medical appointments afterwards and then to graduation ceremonies at

night and felt OK fatigue-wise. That's a MAJOR change and I've been

thanking God.

My knees, ankles and hands are still swollen, achy and painful but I

can deal with these things. Fatigue was interfering with absolutely

everything in my life.

I'm also thankful that, so far, I've avoided Prednisone. I'm taking

Methotrexate injections, Plaquenil, Celebrex, Foltx, and Ultram

(Tramadol) for pain. This combination is apparently working.

Prednisone scares me and since I'll be dealing with these diseases

for the rest of my life (and I'm only 39), I don't want to take Pred.

until it's absolutely necessary.

Is anyone else on Methotrexate and Plaquenil here? Does it keep

working or does it lose its efficacy after a while? I've heard some

RA folks say that whatever drugs they're on stop working after a

while. Is that the norm?

-Anne

[Guest guest]

-Anne, I hear you on the prednisone. I was just reading Barb's message and was thinking how fortunate I am not to have had to stay on it for more than a couple weeks . My sister has taken it for four years and has gained over 100 pounds. As for your other meds, there are several people that I have heard mention it so I am sure that they can help you. Also, I too can't wait each day until I can get all but one or two babies down so I can see how everyone in our group is doing.

a C