Rheumatoid Arthritis

I hate ibuprofen...
I told you guys I haven't been taking Aleve since the warning,
but the motrin does NOT work for me.
I've been dealing with some crazy pain and stiffness in my
shoulders, back and sternum...
I can deal with the problems in my lower limbs better but it
hurts to breathe.
I know breathing shallow is dangerous as well, so I finally broke
down and took the 800s but they JUST DON'T WORK.
I'm dying of frustration because I am looking for work again
and I can't sit up at all when it's like this.
love and peace to you all in the new year (yaay)
yellow

Hi everyone,
I'm Susan and I'm a new member. I was diagnosed with RA about 4 years
ago. (I also have a heart condition - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -
also diagnosed 4 years ago.) I'm glad I found this group because I
have been feeling isolated. It will be nice to make friends here
online - I need a sense of community.
My RA symptoms vary in kind and degree. Unfortunately I do not have a
very "enlightened" boss so on top of my physical pain and discomfort I
have to deal with his skepticism and insensitivity, to say the least.
He's a professor at a university - you'd think he'd be educated!
I'm also having trouble with daily chores - I live alone, and
sometimes the basic maintenance of life is daunting.
I'd like to hear from other people how they cope with work - and
housework. And I'd also like to extend my support to those of you in
this group.
Thanks,
Susan

Painkillers Damage Intestine, U.S. Expert Says

By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than 70 percent of patients who took painkillers such as ibuprofen for more than three months suffered damage to their small intestines, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.

The study is yet another blow to patients trying to find ways to treat arthritis pain, after reports that the most advanced drugs, called COX-2 inhibitors, can raise the risk of heart death.

Dr. David Y. Graham of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and colleagues studied 21 patients taking a range of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. They compared them to 20 patients taking either acetaminophen, an unrelated painkiller, or nothing.

"Small-bowel injury was seen in 71 percent of NSAID users compared with 10 percent of controls," they wrote in Monday's issue of the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

"We have always known that NSAIDs can cause potentially deadly stomach complications, but the extent of the impact on the small intestine was largely unknown until now," Graham added.

Arthritis pain is incurable but can be treated with a range of drugs, including NSAIDS such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen; acetaminophen; or the newer drugs called COX-2 inhibitors.

NSAIDS work very well but damage the stomach and intestine. They are blamed for 16,500 deaths a year in the United States alone, Graham said.

BENEFIT VS. RISK

"Anybody who takes aspirin or (other) NSAIDS for a year has a 1 to 4 percent risk of serious gastrointestinal complications," Graham said in a telephone interview.

"If the drugs didn't have such benefits, we'd have taken them off the market some time ago."

Acetaminophen, sold generically and also under the brand name Tylenol, does not work for many patients, Graham said.

The COX-2s were designed specifically to overcome the deadly side-effects of NSAIDS. But a series of studies has linked them to heart disease and one, Merck and Co. Inc.'s Vioxx, was pulled from the market in September.

In December the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) issued an advisory telling doctors to limit their prescribing of other COX-2s, including Pfizer's Celebrex and Bextra.

And a study published in December indicated that an over-the-counter NSAID called naproxen might also raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Graham's team used an endoscope in the form of a swallowed camera in a capsule to examine the intestines of their volunteers. Although people taking NSAIDs frequently suffer stomach pain or anemia, none of the volunteers in this study had any symptoms.

"We saw some ulcers and we saw lots of erosions," Graham said.

Some experts have recommended using antacid drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI (news - web sites)) to reduce the damaging effects of stomach acid in NSAID patients. But PPIs do not affect the small intestine, Graham said.

Instead, he said, an older drug called misoprostol can help protect the stomach lining.

"It is the only drug approved to reduce the rate of bleeding," Graham said.

A U.S. government study published last month found that acupuncture can help to further relieve arthritis pain in the knee in patients getting more standard treatment.

The American Gastroenterological Association estimates that more than 30 million Americans take over-the-counter or prescription drugs for headaches and arthritis.

Chamomile tea: New evidence supports health benefits

For centuries, people whove felt sick or stressed have tried drinking chamomile tea as a medicinal cure-all. Now, researchers in England have found new evidence that the popular herbal tea may actually help relieve a wide range of health ailments, including colds and menstrual cramps.

Their study is scheduled to appear in the Jan. 26 issue of the American Chemical Societys Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, one of the Societys peer-reviewed journals. ACS is the worlds largest scientific society.

This is one of a growing number of studies that provide evidence that commonly used natural products really do contain chemicals that may be of medicinal value, says study leader Elaine Holmes, Ph.D., a chemist with Imperial College London. The healthcare industry is placing increasing emphasis on functional foods including natural remedies, yet little work has been conducted on the long term effects of such products on human biology.

The herbal plant used in this study was German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), also known as manzanilla, whose flowers and leaves are brewed as a fragrant, flavorful tea. The study involved fourteen volunteers (seven women and seven men) who each drank five cups of the herbal tea daily for two consecutive weeks. Daily urine samples were taken and tested throughout the study, both before and after drinking chamomile tea.

The researchers found that drinking the tea was associated with a significant increase in urinary levels of hippurate, a breakdown product of certain plant-based compounds known as phenolics, some of which have been associated with increased antibacterial activity. This could help explain why the tea appears to boost the immune system and fight infections associated with colds, according to the researchers.

Drinking the tea also was associated with an increase in urinary levels of glycine, an amino acid that has been shown to relieve muscle spasms. This may explain why the tea appears to be helpful in relieving menstrual cramps in women, probably by relaxing the uterus, say the researchers. Glycine also is known to act as a nerve relaxant, which may also explain why the tea seems to act as a mild sedative, the scientists note. Glycine supplements are sold in stores for that purpose, they add.

Levels of both hippurate and glycine remained elevated for up to two weeks after the study participants stopped drinking the tea, indicating that the compounds may remain active for quite some time, according to the researchers. Additional studies are needed before a more definitive link between the tea and its alleged health benefits can be established, they emphasize. Funding for this study was provided by Oxford Natural Products, a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and technology company located in Oxford, England.

The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization, chartered by the U.S. Congress, with a multidisciplinary membership of more than 159,000 chemists and chemical engineers. It publishes numerous scientific journals and databases, convenes major research conferences and provides educational, science policy and career programs in chemistry. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-01/acs-tn010405.php

Hugs, Jacy ~Be the change that you want to see in the world. - Gandhi

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hi everyone,
My name is Brandi. I'm 25 on Wednesday. I would like to share my
story, but it might be a bit long..bare with me:) Maybe you all can
see yourself in my story somewhere? I have Rheumatoid Arthritis as
well as maybe Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue (which is think is more of
a problem with being in pain and not being able to sleep, then a
syndrome) and other problems such as Acid Reflux disease and a hiatus
hernia. I was surprised when I found out that RA is typically found in
20 and 30 yr olds.
Anyway, I think I've had symptoms of RA since I was about 14, but
since I was so young they were ignored for quite a few years...and I
also don't have the RA factor, so Dr's assumed I didn't have it. When
I was in high school I would have such pain and weakness in my legs
that I had to crawl up stairs and could hardly stand at times. the
symptoms lessoned during college. I wasn't in stressful activities
anymore like marching band and my pain would only be once or twice a
month. Then about two years ago I really started to feel the pain
everywhere, not just in my legs and feet. I had occasionally had
"tennis elbow" as its called, but until then never permanent stiffness
of the elbows, shoulders, hands, fingers, jaw and the list goes on. It
also became so hard for me to sleep. The pain my upper arm muscles was
unbearable and I didn't know where to place my swollen knees so I
could be comfortable. I also started to develop lumps on my hands and
trigger fingers as well. I finally went to see a surgeon about the
lumps on my hands and he suggested surgery to remove the really big
lump. I assumed it was a Ganglion cyst, but he said he couldn't be
sure until he got in there. So I had the surgery and he found it to be
severe inflammation. Now I realize that some medication could have
helped more then surgery.
I'll try to rap it up now...I'm seeing a Rheumatologist now who has me
on some pretty common drugs..not sure if I'm allowed to mention them
because of the notice on the home page. They seem to be working well,
but I'll find out more this week on how they are affecting my immune
system etc. I look forward to hearing from all of you and if you have
any questions for me I will gladly try to answer them. Thanks for
listening!
Brandi

hi! i've probably asked this before, but i have an appt with my
perinatologist on monday and i'm hoping to talk seriously about my
meds. i have adult juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and i'm 7 1/2 mos
pregnant.
have any of you with RA and/or FMS been pregnant? what meds did you
take? what was the outcome?
thanks for any input you can give. i'm in pain and the tylenol 3
they allow me per day isn't getting it. also on prednisone - which
i hate but safe during pregnancy. i'm just soooo tired of
hurting...i know y'all know how i feel!
also frustrated b/c they allow me 2-3 of the tyl3 per day, then if i
take the 3rd one, i run out "early" according to them. then i have
to go a day or two with NO meds. i know most of you have fought
this at one time or another.
anyway, thanks for letting me vent too!
love,
kelley s.

Hi, I joined this group to find out more about this disease from
people that have it. I have been to all the info-sites. I believe I
have RA based on several factors and I will list them for you. Thank
you in advance for your time if you read this and respond.
The factors include:
* My great grandmother had it, my grand mother did, her sister did
and my mother has it (as well as Lupus)...and the latter has lived
with RA for as long as she remembers but was no diagnosed until she
was in her 40s. She is now 65 and on Remicaid.
*In 1982 I seemingly had an acute occurance of 'bursitis'? My knee
and my wrist were inflamed and very painful but it went away.
* Since the late 80s I have had bouts of TMJ (jaw joint popping)...
and my jaw is misaligned. I haven't had the TMJ 'lock ups' for
several years.
*I have stiffness in the morning and at other times, after riding in
a car for a long time. My feet hurt regularly and I have bunions. I
am 48 years old.
* I am about 40 pounns overweight and I take synthroid for low
active thryoid.
* I've had signifigant upper back/neck pain for about 5 years. My
upper back is crooked.
* I am wondering if the last 2 days of illness was a 'flare'. I felt
like I was coming down with something...fatique, funny throat...that
got sore and dry but not like strep, Stiffness allll over and a
itchy pink spot near my elbow that came on yesterday. I believe this
is the second time this kind of ill feeling has happened, the last
was also accompanied by a cold though...and the elbow spot also
occurred.
I have thus far hesitated talking to my Mom about it because I feel
it will be a horrible thing to hear for her. She will feel like
she's cursed me if that is what this is. RA has stolen so much of
her life but you cannot believe how much she has fought it and lived
well in spite of this awful disease. She believes it began with Rhm
Fever when she was 5 -- and as a result she had a 'near death
experiance' - she did in fact die althpugh the doctor brought her
back. She remembers feeling stiff in the morning as a kid in
elementary school...didn't think a thing about it and her parents
thought it was just growing pains. I wrote off much of my own aches
over the past few years as just run of the mill aches & pains of
middleage but I wonder if I should be thinking a little more
seriously about what I might have and how to contend with it. I am
otherwise healthy and active. We ranch in Wyoming - beef cattle and
we also raise a few horses. I am active and not a complainer.
Thank you.
Shery Jespersen

Hi All :-)
I'm hoping someone might have some information that could help me,
or at least help ease my worries. I admittedly can be a little bit
hypocondriac-ish and am worried about a swollen lymph node I keep
getting. I'm wondering if this could just be related to my RA??? I
was diagnosed with RA last spring. I have been on Plaquenil since
September. I am also supposed to take Mobic but I rarely do because
it bothers me. My plaquenil has worked wonders, but I am nausious
(sp) daily......but so far it's a better trade off.
Anyways about a month or more ago I noticed that I had a swollen
lymph node in the groin. I just went to my regular doctor and he
told me to take my Mobic and it should clear it up. I followed his
orders and sure enough it went away. I go back off the mobic, and it
came back. I'm now worried that there's an underlying problem? I
can't seem to find any information that this could be related to RA
except that inflammatory conditions can cause that; but nothing
specific. I of coarse hope it's just a side effect that can happen
but of coarse am convincing myself there's somethingelse wrong. I am
thankfully scheduled to see my R. Dr. on Wed. but am just hoping
someone might know about this.
Thanks in advance :)
Tracy

Ever since I had my Colonscopy on Thursday, I have not felt the same. I had
a lot of anesthesia and was really tired afterwards and have not been able to
get my normal energy level back, which is pretty low to begin with! Usually if
I get tired I can rest for a couple of hours or less and then be able to do more
but I never got to that point yesterday, I was totally spent.
Has anyone experienced this after a procedure? I know there was a lot of
stress on my body but this is really frustrating for me because I can't even do
the bare minimum around here and I go back to work tomorrow!
Elizabeth

[INLINE] Shelly

I am on a drug called chomazepam ro help me sleep...it works beautifully!
But I am gaining so much weight on it
Anyone know why?
Pris
Watch for Nellie's 3 new separate TV appearances in the UK, France, and Canada.
www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

I just got word from a friend in another group. She was diagnosised with lymphoma and will udergo surgery to remove the lymph nodes, breast and any other tissue in her chest to neck area that is involved. She is very upset because she had been on Methotrexate for a long time and then on Remicaide. I guess she is one of those that define those lymphoma statistics.

Please pray for her. She is a young women in her 30s

This just further drives home the fact that at this point in time none of these meds are safe enough for me to even think about taking ever again!!!

Toni

Viewer Question:

I have UCTD and I would like to know if UCTD could turn into Lupus or another connective tissue disease.

Doctor's Response:

Yes. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is a condition which melts together features of various classical diseases. The classical connective tissue diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

UCTD is referred to as "undifferentiated" because the features that it displays are not adequate as criteria for any one of the classical connective tissue diseases. These features include signs and symptoms as well as immune and blood tests of these diseases.

The fact is that UCTD can evolve slowly, even over years, to become one of the classical connective tissue diseases or it may never evolve at all. Also, the very features which suggest UCTD can resolve and the disease go away entirely.

It is anticipated that as medical science evolves, so too will the ability to better categorize and pigeon-hole various forms of UCTD into unique disease entities.

Thank you for your question.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8254

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Patients who suffer severe chronic pain and are no longer helped by morphine will soon have a new option.

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved the first in a new class of drugs that blocks the nerve channels responsible for transmitting pain signals. It will be marketed as Prialt and should be available by the end of January.

"When you've taken all the kinds of pain medication that there is and you still have pain, that is a very frightening situation," said Dr. Lars Ekman, president of research and development for the drug's Ireland-based manufacturer, Elan. "When you have that kind of pain, there is nowhere to go."

The drug is part of a new class known as N-type calcium channel blockers. It is known chemically as ziconotide.

Morphine is standard treatment for severe pain from cancer, AIDS, amputations and other significant illnesses, but its effects eventually wear off and the dosage must be increased. At some point, many patients switch from taking medication by mouth or by injection to a microinfusion pump implanted under the skin that delivers drugs directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.

Ekman said 35,000 to 50,000 Americans have these pumps now. The FDA approved Prialt for patients who are already using these pumps but not getting effective relief from them or who cannot tolerate the available treatments.

This is the first new drug in 20 years to treat pain using such a pump.

Prialt has been studied in patients with cancer, AIDS and other chronic pain, such as back pain. More than 1,200 patients took part in three clinical trials.

There are side effects, and the FDA was including a "black box" warning -- the government's strongest warning short of a ban. Side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness and altered mental status, with patients confused at times.

Despite the side effects, the drug was approved because there are no other options for these patients and the benefits outweighed the risks, said Dr. Robert Meyer, director of the FDA's Office of Drug Evaluation II.

"Because this is such an important patient population where they have such pain and they have so few options, we felt this drug does offer some real gains," he said.

Patients with a history of psychoses should not receive it, and all others should be monitored for signs of cognitive impairment, he said.

The idea for the drug came from a snail called the Conus magus that lives in the South Pacific, which paralyzes its victims with venom after capturing them, the company said. Researchers set out to learn how to develop a drug based on this venom and eventually copied the amino acid sequence.

Elan would not say how much it plans to charge for the drug.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/12/29/pain.medicine.ap/index.html

Hugs, Jacy ~Be the change that you want to see in the world. - Gandhi

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Coping With Chronic Rheumatic DiseasesThe 4 Fs

Medical Author: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Having a temporary condition that is destined to resolve is one thing. A chronic illness, however, has a completely different impact on the lives of patients and their family members. "Chronic" means that the patient's health is affected by the illness, either intermittently or daily, over an extended and often indefinite period of time. (A chronic illness by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics is one that lasts 3 months or more.)

Although I write as an expert in rheumatic diseases (I am a rheumatologist), the topic of coping with chronic illness is applicable to persons and family members who must regularly confront the impact of health problems from any illness.

Many rheumatic diseases, which are illnesses that involve the muscles and joints, are chronic in nature. For example, rheumatoid arthritis typically presents a daily challenge to those afflicted. Some days are better than others, but the morning activities are frequently affected by stiffness and pain in the joints. Breakfast often includes a sprinkling of medications. Simple preparations for the day, such as dressing, can sometimes require the assistance of a spouse. Even efforts to get places, which for most people are straightforward, can present a logistical nightmare.

So, what tips can doctors give for coping with conditions that are so potentially oppressive?

First, the patient needs to be educated regarding the unique features of his or her particular illness, including instructions for how best to take medications and engage in day to day activities, with the possible help of disabled-parking passes, braces, aides for daily living, etc. Additionally, there are some basic coping tips that I review with my patients.

In reviewing the following coping measures, keep in mind that each patient is different and these methods need to be adapted to fit each patient's needs, depending on his or her own particular background and health status.
The 4 "F"s (Family, Friends, Faith, Forgetting)

Family
Acknowledge your feelings, not only to yourself, but to others. Recognize that being upset about having a chronic illness is normal. Take time to ventilate these feelings and help those around you who care to understand what your feelings are and how they fluctuate. Start with your family members early on. Maintain intimacy with your spouse. Remember, family members are also affected by a chronic illness within the family unit. They can help if they are aware of the impact the illness is having on you.

Family members are often called upon to assist in the patient's daily living activities, such as administering medications, applying support devices, assisting in transportation, etc. They can best help if they understand how you are affected by the condition. Additionally, you will need to understand how your family members feel about your condition and how it is affecting them.

Friends
Enjoy your friends! That's what they're for. They also can come in very handy as a source of moral support during difficult periods. Sometimes, it can be very refreshing to review your home situation with an outsider in whom you can confide. Support comes in all kinds of packages and you never know who's going to appreciate your condition.

Friends can occasionally be called upon to be caregivers and help in many other ways. Make new friends and consider interactive support groups. These might be found online or in your community. Access to further information and tips can come from national organizations, such as the Arthritis Foundation. These groups have as their primary goal helping people like you. They sometimes can even provide political support nationally!

Faith
This tip means different things for different people. Search your own faith for inspiration and direction. Reflect on who you are. Look to the leaders of your faith community for guidance and support. They have experience in relating to many people with chronic diseases and in offering helpful consolation.

Also, consider looking into what opportunities might exist within your local faith community for group support. Sometimes, these activities can open the doors to completely new ways to look at yourself and your situation.

Forgetting (not denying)
Learn all you feel you need to know about your condition. Hear what your healthcare professionals are saying. Become familiar with your medication requirements, the monitoring needs of your illness and medications, and warning signs of problems. Then, take regular time away from your illness and emphasize the capabilities that you do have.

Eating a balanced diet and taking time to relax can rejuvenate you. Do something special (or a number of somethings) regularly for yourself. This might be exercising, yoga, reading, helping at a community group, or even watching leaves fall from a tree. Reserve time for yourself and use it. You will be in optimal condition to face the challenges of your illness if you've refreshed yourself.

Developing a positive attitude does help. Again, a positive attitude does not mean denying that you have a chronic illness. It means not focusing on the negative aspects of your illness all of the time and learning to minimize emphasizing the bothersome features of your disease.

If coping remains too difficult, let your doctor know your feelings. There may be many options that are available to you that you can access through the assistance of your doctor.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14267

Hugs, Jacy ~Be the change that you want to see in the world. - Gandhi

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I've been on COX-2 meds for over a year. Last night I decided to try
ibuprofin again, so I took one instead of my Celebrex. I waited a
little while, and my finger joints started to get red and painful. So
I took a second tablet. It wasn't long before I realized I needed a
third tablet. I had always wondered how the dosages compared--how
many ibuprofins it would take to equal the effect of my 200 mg. of
Celebrex. I guess the answer (for me) is 600 mg. of ibuprofin. Today
I went back to my Celebrex.
Sierra

Good Evening all

Had my first Remicade IV yesterday... Was hoping to see some results already, my doctor had said some patients feel better while they are getting the IV. Today I woke up to tired to go to work .. Dr put me off work until Friday.

Anyone else on Remicade? how is it working for you? how long did it take to see improvement?

Best to all... and wishing everyone a healthy and pain free New YEar

Chrisina DenBaugh, CEO
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I try to send this out every day that I can to a few of my health lists. If y'all are interested I can include this list also. List owners/moderators: Would you like this every day (or every day I can)?

I sent the list a Christmas card. It was never delivered. Sorry, I tried.
So I will say this now:

May 2005 be the best year ever for you. May you receive whatever you want and want whatever you receive. May the worst of 2005 be better than the best of previous years. May you have health, happiness and friendship enough.

Hugs, Jacy ~Be the change that you want to see in the world. - Gandhi

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I had my ankle fused about 2 1/2 years ago and my ankle is hurting
again one dr. thinks it is arthritirs annd the other dr.thinks it is
the ankle neither one wants to do anything what am i souspost to do
it hurts I have been in a boot all weekend Sherrie

Becauxe of weather storms and the X-Mas rush, my 25 mg replacements
of Enbrel did not arrive on time and I had to take another 50 mg
injection. So, on the 24th, I drove over to my school nurse's house
and she gave me my shot in my arm (the only place where the
injections are tolerated). Well, we numbed my arm with ice and left
the Enbrel out for 3 hours. She injected it very slowly and it still
stung. It was so painful that I started crying (and I NEVER do that
with the 25 mg one). The needle itself didn't hurt but the
medication burned so badly that I couldn't take it.
So, I truly wish those of you who are taking the 50 mg Enbrel, well.
My shipment of the 25 mg should arrive tomorrow and I will donate
the 50 mg ones in my refrigerator to my doctor who can give them
out. I hope Enbrel figures something out and can still have the
convenience of the 1 shot without the pain.
-Diana

Hi Jenni,
This is Stephanie in VA. I understand how you feel. I was 22 when I was diagnosed with arthritis. I was in my last semester of college. I graduated and moved back in with my parents while I was still under my dad's insurance. Six months later, I started Remicade and started to improve. I got a job in DC (I'm from NYC) and moved to VA. That was November 1999 (when I was diagnosed). I'm now 27, still living, in VA, still on Remicade and recently had my 5 year anniversary of being diagnosed. My life has completely changed. Feel free to email me privately if you want to talk more.

Take care,

Steph in VA

Here's wishing everyone a wonderful, energy-filled, pain-free Christmas! God
Bless you all and God Bless our Troops!
Love,
Elizabeth

hi
i would like to start out saying i think these sites are a
blessing - i have been ablke to recieve much support just reading
posts. i am also prety blessed in my life in spite of any hardships
we are goingthrough. the main thing id like may sound like an odd
requwest but i am asking for your prayers . my oldest son is a
marine and will be heading out to iraq for his third tour there at
the begin of jan. i will get to see him a few hours at best when he
brings his stuff home to store then he is off again as they dont get
as much leave as they would have due to early deployment ( they were
not to be going until march sometime ) please keep him and all our
troops in your prayers. thanks. tracie

does any one have any ideas on how to help with the cold weather i
went to the doctors today he gave me a shot for my arthirits said it
would help with some of the pain i am haveing i just hope it works
as the temp is going to get own to 8 tonigth and stay there for a
few says anything can help sherrie

My cold is pretty much gone except for a nagging cough. I have very little
chest congestion, but one of those "back of the throat tickle" coughs. I know
mtx can cause lung problems. What do I need to watch for with this cough so I
know if it is developing into something I need to see the Dr. about?
Sharon

Jolly Holidays to all in the group! For those of
you with children and grandchildren: you can
watch Santa go around the world by logging on to:
noradsanta.org gentle hugs, Marcia

Mary Rue has sent you a Care2 e-card!
To view your card, simply click on this address:
http://www.care2.com/ecards/p/6355-4160-13459-6794
Sending Care2 e-cards helps the planet!
Care2 is the #1 Environmental Network for healthy living and a
healthy planet.

Marcia Stoyle thought that this would interest you.
* * *
~ PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM Marcia Stoyle ~
when one door closes, another opens.....
* * *
~ FROM WEBMD HEALTH ~
Christmas Tree Bark May Fight Arthritis
The bark of a popular type of Christmas tree, the Scotch pine, may fight
inflammation, which could ease arthritis pain.
Click here for more:
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/98/104782.htm
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Dearest friends of mine with RA,
I just wanted to take a minute to let you know just how much you all mean to me. Having this disease isn't easy, as you all know, and I wanted to thank you all for being my extended family, and as a family, sometimes we don't always agree and sometimes even argue, but when the chips are down, your family is there for you and I just wanted to let you know how much happiness you all have brought me. May God bless us all and give us the courage to face another year, and be happy in it. You are all loved so much!!
Love, Shelly

Scientists 'switch off' arthritis.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4111185.stm

Hopefully in our lifetime.

Hugs, Jacy ~May the worst of the new year be better than the best of previous years.

jacymail@...
IM: jacygal - ICQ: 96949087
www.geocities.com/mtn_rose

Want a signature like this?

I take Aleve in huge amounts to deal with my pain, but
my heart rate shot up to 160 over 118 or so, so I cut
back drastically (i'm not working so i can take the hit)
but now i'm concerned because the news tonight reported
that the fda issued a warning about Aleve causing
heart attacks and strokes... that's what the doc
(who gave me a once over, probono) warned me about
and prescribed metoprolol...
when i go off aleve my blood pressure comes normal
again. I can't stay off forever, though, especially
when i flare. I've been doing great lately.
anybody have any ideas?
I have heard some not too encouraging things about tylenol.
and have some tylenol800, but it doesn't work for me well
--takes too long to absorb, then doesn't do the trick or last
or am i just being bated by the newsmedia?
love nad peace to you all
and good holidays
yellow

I have never used this stuff before, but it seems to have really helped my
cold. I got sick Thursday night and started using the nasal spray right away.
It is a zinc spray, I think. Anyway, it is Monday night and I am feeling pretty
much normal. I never did get to feeling really bad. Worse was the sore throat
the first night. For any of you taking the immunosuppressants, you might try
the Zircam cold remedy. I think I would get the swabs instead of the spray,
though, because more than one person can use them. I would hesitate to let
anyone else use the nasal sprayer for fear of spreading my virus to someone
else. It is kind of expensive...about ten dollars, but it is better than being
sick for ten days.
Sharon.

Enbrel has agreed to replace my 50 mg injections (the ouch ones!)
with the 25 mg injections. I really hated that 50 mg one and Enbrel
is willing to replace all those new injections in my refrigerator
with the equivalent of the 25 mg. Thank God! I'd rather have 2
virtually painless injections a week and than one major
painful/burning/stinging one!
-Diana

It is a real pet peeve of mine that the general population does not
distinguish between RA and regular arthritis. My extended family
and some friends just don't understand. I hate when my aunt
will say, "Oh yeah, my arthritis bothers me too". It is nowhere
near the same thing! I told my family that I am not coming for
Christmas, and I can tell they just don't understand, but the trip is
just too much for me. I cried about it because this is my father's
side of the family and he passed away last year. My family thinks
that just because I have rosy cheeks and that I am young that I
am not sick!
Elizabeth

I've been having great success, since being diagnosed with RA a
couple of months ago, on 7.5mg prednisone and methotraxate. However,
yesterday, above my right knee started hurting really bad. It is the
same this morning. I don't have another appointment with my
Rheumatologist until the beginning of January. I'm not sure if I
should call him or what. I was hoping to go off the pred soon.
thanks,
Laura

I appreciate the information, Beth--you're awesome!
Sierra

I take 4x800 mg a day of Ibuprofen. It works for me and I am
tolerating it well. The Enbrel is controlling my RA so I do not need
another DMARD. Prednisone also helps me.
I am keeping you in my prayers and hope you can find out what is
causing you your pain so your doctors can help you put a stop to it
with the right medication and treatments.
Hugs,
Diana

I went out to work on a friend's computer on Thursday, and she didn't tell be
her husband had a cold. Now I have it. I "knew" that the MTX would make me
more susceptable to illness, but I didn't really realize just HOW susceptable.
I have always been very resistant to the common cold. I haven't had a cold in
thirty years! Now it has nailed me in three days. I have been taking Zicam.
Hope it helps.
Sharon

After looking at both benefits plans, I'm thinking that having double
coverage doesn't matter so much as being able to switch to my
husband's plan if I need to. Would there be fewer problems in making
that switch if I got on as he begins his job, versus asking to be
added later (in terms of covreage for a pre-existing condition)?
Sierra

Hello!
It looks like my husband, who has been in business for himself for 10
years, will be getting a job with a company. Up to now, I have been
providing the health insurance for our family through my job. (Since
my RA diagnosis, I've been a bit uncomfortable about bearing that
responsibility.) I've heard about double coverage, but I don't know
what that means, really. It seems like a good idea for me to switch
to single coverage at my job and my husband to take out family
coverage at his new job. Does that sound like a good plan?
Sierra

Hello, all,
I was very tired after the babysitting project I took on, but it was
manageable and I'm glad I did it. The 4 hours I had agreed to turned
into 5 and a half, and I wouldn't want to go any longer than that.
The child was very good-natured, and brought a wonderful feeling to
the house.
Sierra

I am happy to report that I am scheduled for a flu shot Monday night! There is
more supply now so I would recommend anyone who wants it should call
there doctor again.
Elizabeth

Hi All,
I wondered if others here have other diseases and conditions as
well? I also have Ulcerative Colitis, which I have had since I was
about 16 and Costochondritis, which I have had since I was
about 22. I have RA for 2 years and am 35. My UC has been
quiet for many years but about 7 years ago I did have
precancerous cells in my colon. Right now, my RA is doing
pretty well through Humira but I have a bad flare-up of Costo.
Elizabeth

Hi All,
Yes, I posted on Tuesday, but I think because I'm new, my posts have to go
through a moderator.
Since Tuesday, I had a few knocks of reality and I'm not real happy about
it. As I mentioned earlier,
I have put my head in the sand for the last 2 years. I'm not stupid, or
naive, I have even worked in
Biochemistry for the last 25 years...but...as all of you can relate...THIS
IS MY LIFE. I'm scared.
Thank you Harold, and others, for the prayers. I know first hand they
work. I am not real happy that
God thought this auto-immune disease, whatever it ends up being, was a good
idea. But I am
thankful there are medications and while it is really hard to admit I need
a drug to survive, I will do what
I need to do.
Shelly, I'm sorry you have to be on this list, but I'm glad we're the same
age! I don't have a "firm" diagnosis,
but I am in between Lupus and RA. Thanks for the warning on the
Bextra! Oddly enough, two friends of mine,
Dave Dewitt and Bill Smith (professors at Michigan State University)
discovered the Cox2 enzyme!! Dave said
Vioxx really isn't bad either...you have to realize aspirin comes from the
willow tree (salix...) and they removed
a lot of the stomach upset from aspirin and left the anti-inflammatory
action. Well, many people (me included)
are overweight and use these medications for pain - but may have a
predisposition to heart disease (I don't).
If there are any questions you think I can answer - or direct to the
"right" people, I would be happy to. We
need to support each other...this is scary, and it hurts!
Diana, Ibuprofen? Wow, the way the post came across I couldn't tell if it
was 4x800mg/daily or 4800 mg daily...
sorry. Please let me know, I'll try anything. Also, one of the reasons my
rheumy got me to take Plaquenil was
that it has been around for 50 years...??? Hmmm...
On another note, please add prayers again...yesterday when I went to give
my rheumy a copy of my
insurance card, I asked for a copy of my blood test results. I was so sure
all of this is a big mistake, that
I almost broke out in tears (well, I welled up in tears), when my ANA
titer, which has been 1:40 for 2.5 years jumped to
1:160 in one month. Does this mean "hello, lupus?" I am scared,
sorry. Or is it both?? This sucks, it really does.
Please allow me to gripe for a minute - I have done a lot to keep myself
healthy, I do a lot for others, I know
about nutrition and my work and personal life has been hell, and felt I
deserved a break. What do I get? A life
changing disease that I can't talk to my engineer husband about 'cause he
is so neurotic and would probably think
I am dying and DISCONNECT from me, so I just tell him I have arthritis. Is
anyone else in this situation? He's a
great guy, but knows nothing about medical issues and always assumes the
worst..."Oh, Lupus/RA, when will you
be dead?" I tried to tell him something about it last week and got, "Oh,
you mean you need a wheelchair?" I felt like
saying, "Yes, to cart your dead body around." I am sorry if this sounds
offensive and these aren't things I verbalize
to my husband, it's just sick mental humor that helps me get by.
Thank you for allowing me the long post, and take care everyone!
Hugs,
Joyce in MI

Hi All,
I wish you all a better today than yesterday. I am new here so please
forgive me
if it's not correct for me to say I will keep you all in my prayers.
This was a rougher than normal weekend for me also. I finally broke down after
2 years of seeing my doctor and a gastro for my anemia that I went to a rheumy
on Thursday. He prescribed Plaquenil and Bextra (in place of Celebrex) and
offered
the prednisone until Plaquenil kicked in. With visions of my face so puffy
that
I would float away, I said no thanks to the prednisone - only to call
yesterday and
say yes...I am so exhausted and achy. So I will pick up my prescription
this morning.
Does anyone have any recommendations? So far I'm on Bextra, Lexapro, Protonix,
I will start Prednisone and Plaquenil today. I have to tell you, I am
scared to death.
My symptoms of achy painful hands (no swelling) and anemia and general
malaise have
been occuring for over 2 years while I kept my head in the sand. Right now
it's just
"diffuse connective tissue disease" but they're treating it like RA/Lupus.
I'm only 45 and otherwise feel healthy. I'm praying for others on this
list and I hope
you get some relief.
Joyce in MI

I had a coloscopy Dec 10th and am still bleeding a bit.
One small polyp was removed and cauterized...
The doctor thinks the bleeding may because I have been taking aspirin every day.
a bunch of clots came out last night...he doesn't seem too concerned.
Anyone ever have bleeding after this procedore?
Thanks,
Pris

Hello All,
My mother has had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis since the age of 26.
If there is anyone who has a parent who suffers from this illness
(or something similar), I would like to have a buddy who I could
talk to. It just seems like people my age (I'm 22) with "healthy"
parents can't empathasize...It's frustrating at times.
Take care everyone.

Elizabeth and All,
This is a final listing on top docs in the NY (NJ, Conn.) Metro area.
Good luck,
Jane
http://www.newyorkmetro.com/bestdoctors/

I had a call yesterday from my step-sister's husband, asking (for the
first time) if we could babysit his two-year-old for about 4 hours on
Saturday. I told him I'd check with my husband and teenage daughter
to see what the family plans were and that I'd get back to him.
I had very mixed feelings, especially when my husband said he had
hoped to do something that would take him away on Sat. a.m. I knew my
teenager would want to sleep late. Could I handle a busy 2-year-old
by myself, especially close to my MTX day? My husband said he could
stay for half of the time, so I went ahead and said yes to the
request. I did explain some of my reservations to my (step) brother-
in-law, including telling him about the MTX. I found that part hard
to do, but it's my reality... I hope I made the right decision. Four
hours with a toddler can seem like a long time because of the
constant watching required, especially in a home that's no longer
child-proofed or equipped with playthings! I want to help him out,
and I think the little girl is a sweetheart; hopefully all will go
well. (If it doesn't go well, I'll say no next time!)
Life is change...
Sierra

Elizabeth,
This is a second profile on rheumatologists which does include NJ.
Best wishes,
Jane
http://www.physicianreports.com/index.cfm?tv_kw=17&tv_eng=GoogleAdWords

[LINK]
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1) Music for Meditation and Relaxation
Give the gift of relaxation. An array of relaxing music, from the sounds of the ocean to Mozart. Wide variety of soothing selections.

2) One-Touch Desk and Table Lamps
With a simple touch of any part of the metal arm or base of the lamp, you can turn on and off the power. Some adjust the brightness with just a touch to low, medium, or high. No more cranking the hard-to-reach switch. A truly arthritis-friendly gift.

3) Sock Assist
Arthritis-friendly gift for people who have trouble putting on their socks. This adaptive aid eliminates reaching down to your feet to put on socks.

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Elizabeth,
This will provide some names as talking points. Perhaps others know
these docs.
Jane
http://www.remicade-ra.com/b_living_with_ra/b7.jsp

Hi All,
I have a great doctor but his is very ill himself and I have not been able to
see
him for over 2 months. Does anyone know a good Rheumatologist that they
can refer me to? I live in New Jersey and would be willing to travel to
NewYork City or Philly for an excellent one.
Please email me personally.
Thanks,
Elizabeth

I got myself in a spot yesterday. I had a big truck full of horse bedding being
delivered this morning, and the hay delivery came early. They dropped the hay
in the driveway because the pasture was muddy. I came out and discovered the
hay was blocking the driveway where the shavings truck was going to be Wed.
morning. So I moved and restacked 18 90-lb bales of hay by myself. Talk about
feeling like I'd been rode hard and put up wet!!
I was really surprised this morning to discover that other than sore muscles, my
joints were in amazingly good shape. Two months ago I couldn't have MOVED one
bale of hay. MTX has been like a miracle for me.
Sharon

Did anyone get a flu shot? I feel that since I am on Humira and
have chronic conditions I should have gotten one but I guess I
am not sick enough. My Rheumatologist said, "Get it if you can
but don't panic if you don't."

thanks for all the ideas on my blood pressure i got in to see the
doctor and they did a bunch of test and gave me some blood pressure
meds that makes 24 differnt pills iaam on sherrie

Girl....you definately ain't paddlin alone ;) It's hit TN too...lol....I went
to the Rheumy on Thurs.....pain and swelling and and.....they upped my MTX
dosage....and man that stuff makes me sooo sick......(@@)...but it sure helps
the RA.....Catch 22 life ;) I slept alllllllllll day today.....I take mine on
Sunday nights.....I'm up for a bit now....we'll see how tommorrow goes....and
it's COLD in TN tonight....I think we're finally getting some winter
weather.....we're holding at 28....and my joints can tell it too ;)
Carla :)
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 2004 17:23:42 -0800 (PST)
From: shelly smiegal <shelsmieg2000@...
Subject: thank you
Dear Friends,
Thanks for getting back to me about what is going on with me. I am sorry
to hear that some of you are in the same boat as me right now, but at least I
don't have to paddle alone! I will continue to rest and pray that tomorrow we
all feel so much better! ~Shelly

Dear Friends,

Thanks for getting back to me about what is going on with me. I am sorry to hear that some of you are in the same boat as me right now, but at least I don't have to paddle alone! I will continue to rest and pray that tomorrow we all feel so much better! ~Shelly

Some of you may remember an earlier post of mine about an offer from
my insurance company to participate in a special program for people
with chronic conditions. I did not have a good feeling about it,
beginning with the brochure, which listed the conditions this program
is designed for. ALS was on the list, and as you probably know, most
people with ALS die in 5 years of diagnosis. It frightened me to be
included in such a list, when I'm doing quite well!
Then, I received several calls from the program's representatives.
They called when I wasn't home, and I chose not to return the
messages. I could tell from the accents that the people who wanted to
manage my care were located in a distant part of the country.
Today I received a letter in the mail, and I responded to it with a
brief note--"Not interested in participating." Hopefully, that will
be the end of it.
As far as I can tell, the only benefit I would receive would be phone
access to a nurse, 24/7--not much to get excited about there.
I feel that hope is such an important aspect of health and well-
being. This program offer, with its distant helpers and scary
brochure, made me feel less hope for my future. (The first letter I
got from them implied that I will definitely be getting worse and
that my care will become more complex.) I suppose this reaction would
be better directed toward the insurance co. as feedback for their
communications dept., but I guess I just wanted to vent it here.
Thanks.
Sierra

Hey Friends,

I don't know what's up with me, whether I am having an extremely bad flare or what, but I am so sick, have been since Friday afternoon. Fever up and down, body absolutely killing me, joints anyways,very weak and find myself sleeping a lot. I feel like I am walking around in a daze. Any suggestions or opinions? ~Shelly

I have found that a simple nutcracker like this one
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4cc30b3127cce9dcacf9da82500000016108AZuWLh\
o2ZtG
will open any bottlecap from about two inches in diameter down to tiny extract
bottles.
Sharon

Great story--thanks for sharing it. I liked hearing that, when forced
to walk indoors, your mom walks a figure 8 in the basement--she
didn't need to buy an expensive piece of machinery to get her
exercise. I think the key is to GET STARTED in the right direction,
and the momentum toward better health builds. Good for your mom!
Sierra

This was in today's Fox News
There are several reasons for not taking these results too seriously.
First, the data were not collected for the purpose of determining the causes of
the diagnosed arthritis among study subjects. The data is from a cancer study
involving 25,630 people so these results very likely could be a statistical
artifact or oddity that the researchers published just to get some attention.
From a statistical perspective, the reported results are weak correlations that
conflict with other results (unpublicized!) from the same study for example,
arthritis patients were not more likely than controls to have eaten red meat. If
the researchers' claims were true, then why would total meat intake, but not red
meat intake alone, be associated with increased risk of arthritis?
This brings us to the last point that the researchers really have no idea of
how meat intake could increase the risk of arthritis, acknowledging, "There is
no evidence as to what [about meat] might be important in relation to
arthritis."
Sharon

Friends, Thought you might be interested in the reading. ~Shelly
Note: forwarded message attached.

[INLINE] Shelly

My best friend at work is named Lynn! :) I am just now finding out
about different meds for RA. Some of them scare the jeepers out of
me! When I first started having back pain, my GP put me on Vioxx. I
was immune to it very quickly and stopped taking it. Then he put me
on Celebrex and all it did was put me to sleep! I am beginning to
wonder if these meds are all they are cracked up to be! I will just
have to write all the names down that I find on this site and ask my
doctor about them. I have an appt. to see an orthopedic specialist in
February about my knee...which is shot. Major pain going up stairs,
kneeling, etc. If i bump it the wrong way, I bruise so easily and the
pain takes days to go away, sometimes a week or more before I can
move it the right way! Again,thank you so much for responding and I
will keep everyone posted! :)

Thank You for responding to my post. I know what you mean by the
house looking like a cyclone hit it! Some days it is all I can do
after work to just get up the energy to do household chores.I am so
glad my kids are handy with the housework. They are my biggest
supporters and my biggest fans in life. I love my boys like there is
no tomorrow and they appreciate the condition I am in. They did not
forget how "Mom" used to come home so tired and sore from working in
factories and warehouses, that some days I could not even hold a cup
of tea! Inow work in a nice office wiht a cushy chair! Yay! I got
some news today.I go to see an orthopedic specialist in February to
get my knee looked at.I have so much trouble with it. I am going to
talk to him about my RA tests and see what he has to say. I cannot
make it up the 4 flights of stairs at the end of the day without
stopping frequently becuase my knee just gives out. I cannot kneel
even on a soft cushion because the pain is so intense! The x-rays
they took 2 monthes ago show an "abnormal" bone growth on the top of
the shin. Comforting. My GP says the cartilage seems to be shot also.
This is why I have to see the specialist. Now I have a lump on the
joint in my left middle finger that is sore as heck. I will keep
reviewing the post on this site for more useful information. Thanks
to all fellow sufferers of this affliction for being here and being
such a tremendous support! May you be blessed for always! :)

hi. i am new to this group. i am a 40 year old single mom. i have
just learned form my bloodwork, as my doctor so nicely out it, that
i have the onset of rheumatiod arthritis. i have worked like a dog
all my life to raise my two kids, including some jobs that were so
physically demanding they near made me cry. i have no idea what i am
facing and i'm scared half to death. i am supposed to go see a
specialist to have surgery on my knee. my doctor said the cartilage
is most likely shot and there is, from the x-ray results, a "growth"
on the top of my shin. my hip bones swell out to the point it hurts
to wear clothing. has anybody out there had knee trouble bad enough
to warrant surgery and if so, what can a person expect from it? any
success stories? does anybody have the same trouble hip-wise and if
so, what can a person do to get some relief apart from taking tons of
drugs which seem more controversial by the day? if anyone can give me
some insight i would greatly appreciate it :) thank you for taking
the time to read this.

Has anyone tried or gotten info on the Hamptons Diet? From the
little I read, it talks about the Omega 6 ratio to Omega 3 in the
diet, if they are 1:1, it is claimed to reduce inflammation. I was
thinking about trying it and was wondering if anyone had any success.
thanks,
Laura

Hello all,
I am so glad I found this group, Sometimes I feel really alone.
I was diagnosed with RA about a year or so ago. My rheumatologist
has me on Plaquinil (I may have missed spelled this sorry) twice a
day and Mobic but I don't seem to be getting any relief. I hurt all
the time and I feel like my muscles are starting to tighten up and
it is hard for me to get around. I am only 38 and I feel like I am
98. I know their are lots of people with RA and they are working and
doing all the things in life that they want to. I don't feel like my
doctor is listening to me. He is a wonderful doctor and I wouldn't
want to change. Maybe I am not getting it across to him. I just
always feel bad anymore. For a while I had good and bad days now it
seems like I just hurt no matter what I am doing.
Sorry this is so long, I guess maybe I just needed someone to vent
to.
Thanks

Hello-
I am a new member of this group. I was "diagnosed" with RA about 1
year ago. I am RF negative but sed. rate and other inflammatory
tests are very elevated. I have been on Bextra since Oct. 2004 and
Methotrexate since December 2003. My trouble is that I cannot take
steroids (e.g. prednisone) because I also have Type I diabetes (IDDM)
and throw in hypothyroidism as well. I am an autoimmune disease
landmine.
Anyway, my doctor is wanting to start me on Humira next week if tests
come back okay. I was just curious about side effects and if it
seemed to help syptoms. The Bextra has seemed to work best. I have
not noticed ANY change since being on the methotrexate. Last week my
symptoms got so bad that I actually had to call my rheumy and he
called in Skelaxin. Also, last week I visited my eye doctor because
of redness in both eyes that has persisted for about a month. He
diagnosed episcleritis and said it was secondary to my RA. ARGHHHH!
When is it going to end?
I was just wanting to get some feedback/advice, etc. Thanks!
Rachel

I don't know if this will help or not but I had diverticulosis before I went onto any RA meds as well as a stomach and duodenium that begins to bleed and all sorts. You have to be careful of eatting spicy or hot (not temp wise) foods. Bland is the order of the day. I find red meats harder on my system than chicken and lots of pastas, rice, oatmeal, vegetables but not lettuce and salads as lettuce is very hard on you system as are salad dressings. If I do have red meat I have a stew where the meat is very soft and well cooked but that is about it. I also found that eatting small amount every 2 - 4 hours is better than eatting large meals 3 times a day. But emphasis on the small amounts. As for dairy - I went to skim milk and not very much of it and a bit of cheese. Also - I try to keep away from preservatives and additives. Coffee is a no-no (but I am bad on that count) green or weak black tea is much better. This is a very boring diet and you sometimes have to be carful of
getting "becked-up". This is only what has worked for me - everybody is different but hopefully this will give you an idea. I am 5' 8" and struggle to keep my weight between 118 - 121 lbs.

I also found nexium to be unhelpful - losec is all that works for me but it is $500.00 for a 3 month supply and again we are all different in what works for us.

Angela

Good evening

What are we to do? We take chances.. Don't know about you BUT....
I can't go on with this constant pain and total exhaustion and I am sure there are many on this group that will agree with me...

There are days I can't even get out of bed for anything except to go to the bathroom. I am so exhausted all the time I cry and you can't explain this to anyone they can't understand what we go though.

Everyone is different and I think we must try everything ... meds.. Diet whatever ... what works for you may not work for me. I have a friend on Humira and it was the cure for her. she has no symptoms ......................but, Humira didn't work for me on any level. I expected a miracle with Humira... I had heard wonderful things about it and each shot I gave myself I thought would be the one and it was not.

Now I start Remicade and ... excuse me but I am scared poopless. I don't know what will happen to me if this doesn't work this is what my RD held out as the last resort. On a good day I use a cane ... on a not so bad day I use a walker ... on a bad day a wheelchair and a really bad day I don't get out of bed.

I might be able to deal with the pain there are after all good pain pills but the total fatigue and exhaustion on top of pain does me in completely. I am so scared if Remicade doesn't work I am going to be like this the rest of my life or on high doses of steroids which we all know can cause other problems and are not pleasant to take.

Since what works for one doesn't work for someone else ... I think we should not give up hope but try everything............ I also believe the cure is not going to be the same for everyone with RA.

I would also love to hear with anyone that is or was on Remicade.

Best to all

Chrisina

I agree Harold! I am sorry if it seemed I was saying not to take meds because of some possible side effects. I didn't mean that at all and I am glad that you pointed that out! Thank you.

Hugs, Jacy ~Season's Greetings

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