Re: wondering about meds

[Guest guest]

Teffy, you have my reassurance that others DO feel the same way! We've

all had the same struggles you're having. Hang in there! Tell the new

rheumy that the meds don't seem to be working so well anymore. There

are other drugs you can try, such as Humira or Remicade. Also be sure

to tell the rheumy directly and plainly that you are depressed! There

are good, mild meds to help this as well. Our minds and bodies are so

inter-related that treating the depression is as important as treating

the PA! Most people with PA become depressed at some point in the

journey - it's common and understandable. Treating your depression

will make a huge difference in how you feel, both emotionally and

physically.

regards,

sherry z

>

> am depressed. i want so badly to go back to myself. i am having a

very

> hard time dealing with this. i feel like i should just pick myself up

> and do better except i just don,t have the energy to pick up. do you

> feel the same way? i guess i want reassurance that other,s feel the

> same way .

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry you're feeling so terrible. I really can feel for you. I am newly

diagnosed, but have since realized that the PA actually started about 5+

years ago after my 6th child was born. (I have had psoriasis since my teens,

I am 37). I was just so tired, couldn't do anything like before. The doctors

blew it off (of course, they said, you have 6 children, what do you expect?)

It was frustrating, and my 18yo sister-in-law had to move in with us to help

me manage the household. With her there, I was able to rest up more and we

began going to the gym together, and I lost weight and the PA went nto

remission, because I got in great shape and felt great most of the time.

Then I got pregnant with #7 and it was the worst pregnancy I'd ever had,

mostly I just hurt all over. Now I know it was the PA. I have never really

recovered, and the baby's nearly 3. It's hard because I'm a perfectionist

and I just can't do it all like I used to. It gets very discouraging. Like

you, sometimes I just think, " just get off your duff and get going! " But it

really is hard. I do have the ultram which has really helped me, with pain &

fatigue, but I hate taking it too much. The Dr. put me on Daypro, but it

didn't seem to do anything. I now just use motrin to manage the swelling

somewhat, icepacks on my feet & hands in the morning. I can feel the motrin

kick in and the swelling goes down enough to get going anyway. Then

thoughout the day I used the ultram if needed. I consider it a good day if I

don't need any prescription meds. I hate this! I just wish it would go into

remission again so I can get my life back. I've gained 15+ lbs. since last

summer, which only contributes to the fatigue & pain.

I don't know if my post is any help specifically with the meds, because mine

is not as progressed as yours so I haven't used any of those other meds, but

I hope it helps you feel like you're not alone. Those on this list really

understand, and it is so hard when other people don't. Just the mention of

" chronic disease " and you can almost see their eyes roll back in their

heads. So I try to not mention it, and just do the best I can and find

people who can understand.

I'm so glad I found this group, sorry about so many posts tonight everyone,

I just needed to read & get some support, and there were 98 messages, so I

had a lot of catching up to do!

[Guest guest]

>

> what have you guys tried for ps and fibro? thanks for listening,

>

I was just dx'd with fibro last month by the rheumy, in addition to

the PsA (which is under control w/ MTX). She gave me a 'script for

10 mg Flexaril (cyclobenzaprine). It's a muscle relaxant and is

working well, once I found the right dosing schedule. I take it

about one hour before bed and then when I wake up. I typically don't

need it during the day, but the Rx is written for 3/day in case I

need to.

The Flexaril seems to help me get to a deep sleep. I *thought* I was

sleeping just fine, but I guess I wasn't. I used to get up once or

twice to use the bathroom, but with the Flexaril I don't get up at

all. When I have to, like the other night when my daughter was

crying, I feel like a totally relaxed zombie! I wake up feeling

refreshed and not completely fatigued. I still have to take at least

one nap a day. It's my body's way of dealing with all of it.

Since it has a generic, it's pretty cheap. My one month refill

(3/day) only cost $3.09 with insurance.