Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Hi Giannis, I started taking Enbrel about two months ago and am not in as much pain as I used to be. Of course if I overdo things I have to pay for it with aches and pains. Its a case of finding what works for you. My new normal is not what my old one was and I need more rest than I did. I find the fatigue and brain fog the worst symptoms. As for your English there does not appear to be any need to excuse it, it is perfectly understandable. Keep the light shining, Ian. > > PA questions > > Hello everybody. My name is Giannis and I am suffering from PA since 2002 > My country is Greece (Athens) so excuse me for my bad English! > I want to ask if does anybody who takes DMARD's lives a normal life > without pain. > I have experienced with Cyclosporine for one year, MTX only for two > months ( nausea, dizziness, feeling awful) > A have taken lot of NSAID's the last is movatec (meloxicam) and > cortisone (Prednizolone) 5 mg and 10 mg maximum dose. > I feel safer taking NSAID's and Cortizone than takings DMARD's I don't > know if that is true. > I am wondering if you take one of the new biological agents such as > Enbrel or Humira is it possible to live a normal life? > In the past my activities was Trekking and Mountain Bike. > Now the better thing that I can do is walking for a few minutes! > Does anybody who takes those meds really lives without any pain? > > Thanks a lot > Buy > > [Editor's Note: Welcome to our newest member from Greece. For some of us the disease has progressed to the point where the NSAIDS no longer help and we have no choice but to move onto the DMARDS and Biologics. Many people on this list are taking Enbrel and Humira. I have taken both and am currently on Enbrel and MTX. By the way, many people find tthat the injectible form of MTX does not cause the side effects that the oral form does so you might want to ask your doctor if you can switch to injectible MTX. You should also be taking folic acid daily to help combat some of the side effects of MTX. Some people do manage to return to their " old " lives but for most of us PA victims, we have to create a " new normal " . No, things will never be like they were, but that doesn't mean that we can't lead happy lives, particularly if we maintain a positive outlook. Many have said that PA isn't a death sentence, it's a life sentence and you live with its ever-changing consequences throughout your life. The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to stay as positive and upbeat as you possibly can. It's not always easy, but stay focused on what you can do rather than what you can't and find the beauty in the things around you. Kathy F. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Thanks Kathy for your support. Please tell me something else. Taking enbrel can you walk or move without pains. Morning stiffness stils exists ? I ask this from you because whne I am taking NSAID's I feel like Fine. No pains no morning stifness. Has the biological the same result as the NSAID's ? Have a nice day Giannis [Editor's Note: Giannis, I am probably much older than you are (I'm almost 57) and for many years I thought I was too good for medication so I have a lot of permanent damage. I go through periods of significantly LESS pain and LESS morning stiffness, however, I am never free of pain or stiffness entirely. Biologics help 10,000% more than NSAIDS ever did. Kathy F.] > > PA questions > > Hello everybody. My name is Giannis and I am suffering from PA since 2002 > My country is Greece (Athens) so excuse me for my bad English! > I want to ask if does anybody who takes DMARD's lives a normal life > without pain. > I have experienced with Cyclosporine for one year, MTX only for two > months ( nausea, dizziness, feeling awful) > A have taken lot of NSAID's the last is movatec (meloxicam) and > cortisone (Prednizolone) 5 mg and 10 mg maximum dose. > I feel safer taking NSAID's and Cortizone than takings DMARD's I don't > know if that is true. > I am wondering if you take one of the new biological agents such as > Enbrel or Humira is it possible to live a normal life? > In the past my activities was Trekking and Mountain Bike. > Now the better thing that I can do is walking for a few minutes! > Does anybody who takes those meds really lives without any pain? > > Thanks a lot > Buy > > [Editor's Note: Welcome to our newest member from Greece. For some of us the disease has progressed to the point where the NSAIDS no longer help and we have no choice but to move onto the DMARDS and Biologics. Many people on this list are taking Enbrel and Humira. I have taken both and am currently on Enbrel and MTX. By the way, many people find tthat the injectible form of MTX does not cause the side effects that the oral form does so you might want to ask your doctor if you can switch to injectible MTX. You should also be taking folic acid daily to help combat some of the side effects of MTX. Some people do manage to return to their " old " lives but for most of us PA victims, we have to create a " new normal " . No, things will never be like they were, but that doesn't mean that we can't lead happy lives, particularly if we maintain a positive outlook. Many have said that PA isn't a death sentence, it's a life sentence and you live with its ever-changing consequences throughout your life. The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to stay as positive and upbeat as you possibly can. It's not always easy, but stay focused on what you can do rather than what you can't and find the beauty in the things around you. Kathy F. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Welcome Giannis. Kathy is right...it's a new normal that we have to adjust to. We all work to find ways to manage our pain...both the physical pain and the emotional pain. I too try to focus on the beautiful things around me. There are things I never noticed before that I notice now. I enjoyed hiking and anything in nature. Now I notice what is in my backyard. One day I was trying to find something to be thankful for and I looked up at a tree and said " I'm thankful for that leaf " (in an angry way) " and that leaf and that one and that one " . Before long, I was seeing just how beautiful that tree was. I take Enbrel injections weekly now. I just took my third one Weds. I take Ultracet for pain. I also take Plaquinel. The Plaquinel worked for about 18 months. I am hoping that the Enbrel will help me. I am seeing gradual improvement this week. It is not the quick fix that I hoped for but this week I am able to stand longer and am not as exhausted despite the fact that I have had a child in the hospital. So that says something. Do not give up. You will learn much from this group and find it to be a warm and comforting place as well. -Betz Betsy Jack itsbetsy@... [ ] Life without pain? PA questions Hello everybody. My name is Giannis and I am suffering from PA since 2002 My country is Greece (Athens) so excuse me for my bad English! I want to ask if does anybody who takes DMARD's lives a normal life without pain. I have experienced with Cyclosporine for one year, MTX only for two months ( nausea, dizziness, feeling awful) A have taken lot of NSAID's the last is movatec (meloxicam) and cortisone (Prednizolone) 5 mg and 10 mg maximum dose. I feel safer taking NSAID's and Cortizone than takings DMARD's I don't know if that is true. I am wondering if you take one of the new biological agents such as Enbrel or Humira is it possible to live a normal life? In the past my activities was Trekking and Mountain Bike. Now the better thing that I can do is walking for a few minutes! Does anybody who takes those meds really lives without any pain? Thanks a lot Buy [Editor's Note: Welcome to our newest member from Greece. For some of us the disease has progressed to the point where the NSAIDS no longer help and we have no choice but to move onto the DMARDS and Biologics. Many people on this list are taking Enbrel and Humira. I have taken both and am currently on Enbrel and MTX. By the way, many people find tthat the injectible form of MTX does not cause the side effects that the oral form does so you might want to ask your doctor if you can switch to injectible MTX. You should also be taking folic acid daily to help combat some of the side effects of MTX. Some people do manage to return to their " old " lives but for most of us PA victims, we have to create a " new normal " . No, things will never be like they were, but that doesn't mean that we can't lead happy lives, particularly if we maintain a positive outlook. Many have said that PA isn't a death sentence, it's a life sentence and you live with its ever-changing consequences throughout your life. The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to stay as positive and upbeat as you possibly can. It's not always easy, but stay focused on what you can do rather than what you can't and find the beauty in the things around you. Kathy F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Hi Giannis, I wanted to say that I hit rock bottom with both physical and emotional pain. My advice to you is to first accept that you have this awful thing they call PA . get angry and sad and any other emotion you need to get out of you system. Then the next step is to find the right med. for you, and then thank God that this medicine exists and do your best to make the most of each and every day. I just turned 40 and have had PA for the past 7 years. I have had the most unbearable pain and almost died on two different occasions from complications with the PA and med's. I have good and bad days and I have learned to do what I want on good days, and what I have to on bad ones. I wish all the best, Michele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Hi and Welcome to the Group! The biologics do give you a lot of improvement in your pain and symptoms atleast it has mine. I have been on Enbrel January will be 3 years have been on the 25 mg twice weekly dose. I felt instant relief. I know not everyone gets instant relief. I was finally diagnosed with PA at the age of 21. Then by time I was put on the DMARD's I think it was too late, we tried them but like you I still had a lot of pain in my joints could not do too much of anything. I was used to being very active. I was on sulfasalazine for abut 3 years before going on enbrel. My labs were all abnormal so we my doc and I decided to try Enbrel and within 6 months of going on it my labs were normal, I had not heard that since before bieng dx'd with PA. I could not believe it. We all still have flares of course but it does help to deal with it atleast for me it does. That might be something to think about. Good luck in your PA journey! Keli > > PA questions > > Hello everybody. My name is Giannis and I am suffering from PA since 2002 > My country is Greece (Athens) so excuse me for my bad English! > I want to ask if does anybody who takes DMARD's lives a normal life > without pain. > I have experienced with Cyclosporine for one year, MTX only for two > months ( nausea, dizziness, feeling awful) > A have taken lot of NSAID's the last is movatec (meloxicam) and > cortisone (Prednizolone) 5 mg and 10 mg maximum dose. > I feel safer taking NSAID's and Cortizone than takings DMARD's I don't > know if that is true. > I am wondering if you take one of the new biological agents such as > Enbrel or Humira is it possible to live a normal life? > In the past my activities was Trekking and Mountain Bike. > Now the better thing that I can do is walking for a few minutes! > Does anybody who takes those meds really lives without any pain? > > Thanks a lot > Buy > > [Editor's Note: Welcome to our newest member from Greece. For some of us the disease has progressed to the point where the NSAIDS no longer help and we have no choice but to move onto the DMARDS and Biologics. Many people on this list are taking Enbrel and Humira. I have taken both and am currently on Enbrel and MTX. By the way, many people find tthat the injectible form of MTX does not cause the side effects that the oral form does so you might want to ask your doctor if you can switch to injectible MTX. You should also be taking folic acid daily to help combat some of the side effects of MTX. Some people do manage to return to their " old " lives but for most of us PA victims, we have to create a " new normal " . No, things will never be like they were, but that doesn't mean that we can't lead happy lives, particularly if we maintain a positive outlook. Many have said that PA isn't a death sentence, it's a life sentence and you live with its ever-changing consequences throughout your life. The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to stay as positive and upbeat as you possibly can. It's not always easy, but stay focused on what you can do rather than what you can't and find the beauty in the things around you. Kathy F. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Thanks a lot Keli Have a nice Day with no flares! > > Hi and Welcome to the Group! The biologics do give you a lot of > improvement in your pain and symptoms atleast it has mine. I have > been on Enbrel January will be 3 years have been on the 25 mg twice > weekly dose. I felt instant relief. I know not everyone gets instant > relief. I was finally diagnosed with PA at the age of 21. Then by > time I was put on the DMARD's I think it was too late, we tried them > but like you I still had a lot of pain in my joints could not do too > much of anything. I was used to being very active. I was on > sulfasalazine for abut 3 years before going on enbrel. My labs were > all abnormal so we my doc and I decided to try Enbrel and within 6 > months of going on it my labs were normal, I had not heard that > since before bieng dx'd with PA. I could not believe it. We all > still have flares of course but it does help to deal with it atleast > for me it does. That might be something to think about. Good luck in > your PA journey! > > Keli > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Michele thanks for your support. My PA started when I was 34 year old. It is difficult for me to accept this condition ( all that pain - every day taking taking drugs - every month blood tests - etc...) Anyway at this time the drugs that I am taking are Prednisone 5 mg every Day and in worst conditions I take Movatec ( Meloxicam - NSAID)and plus 5mg Prednisone. I am trying to avoid DMARD's because reading the sideffects off all these drugs feel insecure. May I ask you what serious complications did you have with your PA ? Have a nice Day Giannis > > Hi Giannis, > > I wanted to say that I hit rock bottom with both physical and emotional > pain. My advice to you is to first accept that you have this awful thing they > call PA . get angry and sad and any other emotion you need to get out of you > system. Then the next step is to find the right med. for you, and then thank > God that this medicine exists and do your best to make the most of each and > every day. I just turned 40 and have had PA for the past 7 years. I have had > the most unbearable pain and almost died on two different occasions from > complications with the PA and med's. I have good and bad days and I have learned > to do what I want on good days, and what I have to on bad ones. > > I wish all the best, > Michele > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Thanks Ian Have a nice Day > > Hi Giannis, > > I started taking Enbrel about two months ago and am not in as much > pain as I used to be. Of course if I overdo things I have to pay for > it with aches and pains. Its a case of finding what works for you. > My new normal is not what my old one was and I need more rest than I > did. I find the fatigue and brain fog the worst symptoms. As for > your English there does not appear to be any need to excuse it, it > is perfectly understandable. > > Keep the light shining, > Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2006 Report Share Posted June 17, 2006 Hi I have to say enbrel saved my life and gave me my life back I have been on it 5 years and cannot believe how much better I am I was in bed most of the time My doctor also said to me that he was really afraid for me for a while since I was not able to get in remission long enough to see any relief from swelling and pain ( he told me this after enbrel helped me into remission) The combo I am on and have been on for 5 years now is Arava and enbrel and I havent had any problems with either and have had no side effects thank god I now have issues with OA since Is topped Vioxx and I have to use wax baths,etc to get relief and Fibro which I am now working on finding relief Have a great weekend June ---> > > > > > > > > PA questions > > > > Hello everybody. My name is Giannis and I am suffering from PA > since 2002 > > My country is Greece (Athens) so excuse me for my bad English! > > I want to ask if does anybody who takes DMARD's lives a normal > life > > without pain. > > I have experienced with Cyclosporine for one year, MTX only for two > > months ( nausea, dizziness, feeling awful) > > A have taken lot of NSAID's the last is movatec (meloxicam) and > > cortisone (Prednizolone) 5 mg and 10 mg maximum dose. > > I feel safer taking NSAID's and Cortizone than takings DMARD's I > don't > > know if that is true. > > I am wondering if you take one of the new biological agents such as > > Enbrel or Humira is it possible to live a normal life? > > In the past my activities was Trekking and Mountain Bike. > > Now the better thing that I can do is walking for a few minutes! > > Does anybody who takes those meds really lives without any pain? > > > > Thanks a lot > > Buy > > > > [Editor's Note: Welcome to our newest member from Greece. For > some of us the disease has progressed to the point where the NSAIDS > no longer help and we have no choice but to move onto the DMARDS and > Biologics. Many people on this list are taking Enbrel and Humira. > I have taken both and am currently on Enbrel and MTX. By the way, > many people find tthat the injectible form of MTX does not cause the > side effects that the oral form does so you might want to ask your > doctor if you can switch to injectible MTX. You should also be > taking folic acid daily to help combat some of the side effects of > MTX. Some people do manage to return to their " old " lives but for > most of us PA victims, we have to create a " new normal " . No, things > will never be like they were, but that doesn't mean that we can't > lead happy lives, particularly if we maintain a positive outlook. > Many have said that PA isn't a death sentence, it's a life sentence > and you live with its ever-changing consequences throughout your > life. The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to > stay as positive and upbeat as you possibly can. It's not always > easy, but stay focused on what you can do rather than what you can't > and find the beauty in the things around you. Kathy F. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2006 Report Share Posted June 17, 2006 Hi Giannis, I've been on Enbrel for a little over a year now after a horrible flare. It literally has given me my life back. I take it with methotrexate (pill form as well), because my rheumy says it works better in combination with something else. I had been on methotrexate earlier in my treatment (pills and then injections) and I tend to agree with those who say the injections cause less nausea, etc. I didn't have any noticeable side-effects the first go around - but lately I make sure to take my pills at the end of the day after my final meal in case they make me " wonky " for lack of a better word...maybe it's being over 30 *lol*. Peace, Jenn in Arkansas > > PA questions > > Hello everybody. My name is Giannis and I am suffering from PA since 2002 > My country is Greece (Athens) so excuse me for my bad English! > I want to ask if does anybody who takes DMARD's lives a normal life > without pain. > I have experienced with Cyclosporine for one year, MTX only for two > months ( nausea, dizziness, feeling awful) > A have taken lot of NSAID's the last is movatec (meloxicam) and > cortisone (Prednizolone) 5 mg and 10 mg maximum dose. > I feel safer taking NSAID's and Cortizone than takings DMARD's I don't > know if that is true. > I am wondering if you take one of the new biological agents such as > Enbrel or Humira is it possible to live a normal life? > In the past my activities was Trekking and Mountain Bike. > Now the better thing that I can do is walking for a few minutes! > Does anybody who takes those meds really lives without any pain? > > Thanks a lot > Buy > > [Editor's Note: Welcome to our newest member from Greece. For some of us the disease has progressed to the point where the NSAIDS no longer help and we have no choice but to move onto the DMARDS and Biologics. Many people on this list are taking Enbrel and Humira. I have taken both and am currently on Enbrel and MTX. By the way, many people find tthat the injectible form of MTX does not cause the side effects that the oral form does so you might want to ask your doctor if you can switch to injectible MTX. You should also be taking folic acid daily to help combat some of the side effects of MTX. Some people do manage to return to their " old " lives but for most of us PA victims, we have to create a " new normal " . No, things will never be like they were, but that doesn't mean that we can't lead happy lives, particularly if we maintain a positive outlook. Many have said that PA isn't a death sentence, it's a life sentence and you live with its ever-changing consequences throughout your life. The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to stay as positive and upbeat as you possibly can. It's not always easy, but stay focused on what you can do rather than what you can't and find the beauty in the things around you. Kathy F. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2006 Report Share Posted July 19, 2006 In a message dated 16/06/2006 11:17:06 GMT Daylight Time, giannis_stavaris@... writes: PA questions Hello everybody. My name is Giannis and I am suffering from PA since 2002 My country is Greece (Athens) so excuse me for my bad English! I want to ask if does anybody who takes DMARD's lives a normal life without pain. Hi Giannis, A big but late welcome to the group. Great to hear from another person from Greece. joined just before you I think. Regarding the chances of things getting back to the way they were for us. We might not quite get as good as that but if you end up on a medication that works for you, there could be a good enough improvement to enable you to do some of the things you used to be able to do. Everyone is different though. I used to do a lot of competitive running. I am on Enbrel and MTX and although my feet are not as bad as they were, the Olympics is still a no no. Nothing to do with the fact that I am 49 years old now anyway. lol I hope you can find something that does make a big improvement to you. Take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2006 Report Share Posted July 19, 2006 Welcome to the Group... giannis_stavaris@...<mailto:giannis_stavaris@...> writes: PA questions Hello everybody. My name is Giannis and I am suffering from PA since 2002 My country is Greece (Athens) so excuse me for my bad English! I want to ask if does anybody who takes DMARD's lives a normal life without pain. Love and Peace Always Shaun and Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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