Rheumatoid Arthritis

Okay, I'm fine now (for the moment anyway) and able to think clearly enough
about the
events of the last two-and-a-half days to be very angry! I'm just wondering if
anyone has
any feedback about my doc's office because I'm VERY angry now that I'm putting
the whole
thing together in my head. Keep in mind that I like my doc very much, but she
is very
hard to get an appt with. I called a week or two ago wanting to get in because
of a flare
and they said my appt on Jan. 12th was the best they could do. I called several
days after
that with pain and they called-in some Darvocet. This past Thursday afternoon,
my knee
began to hurt and got to the point on Friday that I couldn't walk without
assistance and I
was in excruciating pain. I called the doc office and they were closed until
Tuesday. The
answering service gave me a very pat, matter-of-fact "we're closed until
Tuesday". When I
pressed on, I got "the doctor on call doesn't call-in pain medications". I
didn't even ASK
for pain medications! When I told the answering service that I was pregnant, it
was like
she was terrified to page the doctor. I wouldn't let up, saying that I wanted
to speak with a
doctor and she finally said she would have the on-call physician call me, but
that she
wasn't going to tell him that I was pregnant (presumably because he would be
angry with
her for bothering him with someone he can't prescribe drugs to, even though,
according
to her, he won't prescribe anything over the phone anyway). So, this doc
obviously sees
his role as to use a prescription pad and THAT'S ALL - that he has NO other
service,
wisdom, comfort, expertise to offer???!!! Anyway, he called and I explained my
situation.
He said I could probably take the Darvocet if I really needed it, but he asked
me NO
questions, gave me NO advice on whether or not to move my knee or use hot/cold
therapy
or increase prednisone or knee brace or ANYTHING. He said if I had to be seen,
go the ER.
He didn't mention that pregnant women can't get cortizone injections. I had no
idea about
this until my husband found this out from Walgreen's. Good thing I didn't spend
a painful
day at the ER only to be informed of that and CHARGED for it! I guess you have
to let them hear you in your full dramatic, screeching
agony before they "get it". that's sad. i plan to
tell my regular rheumy all about it, along with my
frustration about not being able to get appts with her
when I really need them. i like her so much, but i
cannot con't to use a doc that i can't see when i'm
most in need. i'm also going to talk to her about how
i tend to be doing really well when i see her in the
office and that i'm so conscious of drug-seeking (I
work in psychiatry) that i'm downplaying my own pain,
at times when i really should make quite a fuss,
because i'm so worried they'll think i'm just
drug-seeking. anyway, what do any of you think about my on-call experience????

Your husband sounds just like mine, and probably like a lot of family members of
others
on this list. Maybe it's just a natural inclination for them to try to figure
out what we did
or didn't do, that factors into a flare - since there is nothing they can do to
fix it. Luckily,
my husband does understand about the weather impacting me, but was encouraging
me
to move around the other day when I probably needed to just stay still. He just
wants me
to feel good and feels so helpless.

Angela-
Sounds like we have the same manifestations - like a ghost inside the body. And
yes, my
pain will eventually leave one area and move on to another. It's just SO
validating to hear
someone describe (and be able to read to my husband) almost exactly my
experience.
This joint pain starts to make you feel crazy in the head. It's the not knowing
when/where
it will hit next that gives me such a head trip. I think you're right about not
moving
around. That is what my gut was telling me yesterday when the pain was so
severe.
Today I have tried to move around quite a bit more since I CAN, but still taking
it easy.
Drinking Ginger Ale and listening to Pink Floyd. Funny combo, but it's nice on
this New
Year's Eve.
wendy

Sorry this note is so long...I hope you will read this and provide any
suggestions or help you can.
I have had RA for many years and have been in an all out flare since
June of this year. I have been on complete disability from work since
July 3rd and since my RA meds had completely lost their efficacy, I
have been participating in a drug study for Abatacept/Orencia since
Sep 05. After each infusion, I was seeing more progress from my flare.
I was having horrible back problems and the neurosurgeon said I needed
surgery. The Rheumy ok'd it and they even got approval from the
director of the abatacept studay also.
I had back surgery on Dec 13th. I had a herniated disk at L4-L5 and
the facette joints were very deteriorated and had split and were no
longer supporting the disks at all. These joints needed to be
stabilized with rods and screws. The name of the procedure was a
posterior laminectomy with interbody fusion using rods and screws.
The nuerosurgeon said the joints were so far deteriorated that they
were rotted.
Following the surgery, my RA started acting up. I was not allowed to
lay on my back and had to keep swtiching sides. My shoulders, hips,
elbows, knees, ankles and stuff were killing me and I couldn't sleep.
My pain level was at a 10, they were giving me high dose steroids plus
2 percocets and 1 roxycodone every 4 hours. These pain killers took
my pain level to a 7 or 8. This level was at least tolerable.
The OT and PT were aggravating my RA even more and I started missing
the afternoon sessions if I attended the morning session (while still
a resident at the hospital). I was talking with one of the nurses
about the pain level and how bad my RA was and she put in a call to
the doctor and said I needed to explain this to him. Bringing my pain
to a 7 or 8 was not bringing me out of pain and they needed to do
something more to actually take me out of pain. I shouldn't accept
living at this level of pain.
The Dr. came to see me and I explained everything. He ordered an
airbed be brougt in to help with the sleeping. He talked about long
term pain management with strong pain meds that are longer lasting.
He talked about good reasons and bad reasons for doing it but for
someone like me, it made sense to do this change. He asked me to call
my rheumy and talk to him and see if he would be willing to continue
this treatment method once I left the hospital and did he have a
preference between oxycontin or methadone. He ended up starting me on
oxycontin.
This drug is making me very nervous, just the idea of being on it. I
read up about it now that I am home from the hospital (after 10 days)
and I have several of the "milder" side affects that are listed. I
then read up about the methadone and its side affects are almost
identical and so are its warnings. Does anyone know about these 2
drugs and have a preference either way. Is anyone using either of
these for pain relief for their RA?
The relief that the Abatacept had been giving me from the infusions
seems to be gone at this point. My stiffness in the mornings is
severe and lasting much longer. I am not sure if my extreme fatigue
and need for sleep during the day is from the oxycontin or the RA. My
shoulders, hips, knees and all that are now hurting me in my own bed
when I am trying to sleep at night, this had gotten better. I am just
not sure what to do at this point.
Thanks for taking the time to read this long post,
Miriam

Don't tell me that you understand
Don't tell me that you know.
Don't tell me that I will survive,
How I will surely grow.
Don't tell me this is just a test,
That I am truly blessed,
That I am chosen for this task,
Apart from all the rest.
Don't come at me with answers
That can only come from me,
Don't tell me how my grief will pass
That I will soon be free.
Don't stand in pious judgment
Of the bounds I must untie,
Don't tell me how to suffer,
And don't tell me how to cry.
My life is filled with selfishness,
My pain is all I see,
But I need you, I need your love,
Unconditionally.
Accept me in my ups and downs,
I need someone to share,
Just hold my hand and let me cry,
And say, "My friend, I care."

I'm planning to see my rheumy on Thursday to discuss the erosion(s)
that my recent X-rays revealed and to discuss treatment options. My
husband offered to go along. I have mixed feelings about that. He's
come with me before and I've appreciated it, but this time it feels a
little different. I want to avoid a power struggle with my rheumy, and
coming in another person might make her uncomfortable. What are your
thoughts about taking a spouse to appointments? Mine is gentle and mild-
mannered but the rheumy seemed a bit unsettled the other time he went
with me to see her.
Sierra

Thanks John...glad to see that I'm not alone.... I don't have the nausea but do have the upset stomach.

I hope that you can get relief for your nausea.

Happy New Year..Paula

thanks to all of you who responded to my knee issues. i'm a little better this
morning. i
took extra prednisone last night and put a BenGay pain patch on that seemed to
help.
found out from the pharmacist that i'm not eligible for cortizone shots while
pregnant
(forgot to ask about prednisone shots). i'm hoping my body will calm down soon
and give
me some relief. i'm so glad to be able to communicate with others who truly
understand
what this crazy disease is like. happy new year!
wendy

Has anyone had lack of appetite with their arthritis meds or Sjogrens?? I am on 5 mg prednisone and Arava...also folic acid, evoxac. I don't seem to have an appetite.

Also, I am on evoxac and my mouth still feels dry. I take 3 per day. Has anyone been on both evoxac and salagen and are able to make a comparison?

Thanks...Paula

should I be forcing myself to move my knee around as much as possible or should
I be
trying to stay still?

How does the cortizone shot work? Does it just work in the area into which it's
shot or
does it affect the whole body? I think I really need one. This pain in my
right knee has
been the worst I've ever experienced with RA. I did wake in the middle of the
night in
sever, extreme, 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 pain. I couldn't even walk on it at
all. Now I can
stand on it with very little pressure, but any movement from side to side is
excruciating.
One of my fears about the shot is that I know it'll fade in the next day, but my
left knee is
next. That tends to be how mine works (first one side, then another a couple of
days
later). I just feel so helpless.

Hello, All ...

I guess some of you folks are really offended by my comments and suggestions - and you've help me decide to discontinue participating in this group. I might mention that I got a lot of private emails from folks who said that they agrred with me but hadn't said the same to the group.

I hope you all have success in managing your RA.

Jack

Okay, I can relate to this. I have the nastiest pain in just my right knee. My Rheumy says it's not the RA, could be the OA, but the x-rays only show the slightest OA in my knee. The only thing I know is that if I don't do something to stop the pain; ice, rest, pain meds, etc. I end up with intense pain in my hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and hand, but only on the right side of my body. Other side is fine, and once this starts it goes on for several days. Made Christmas weekend very uncomfortable, and I had a majorly stress free weekend. No family to fight with, dinner with friends, floored my BF with just the right present, met his mom and she likes me, even the cats behaved.

So anyone else get pain on one side, no swelling, joints still move, just a lot of pain?

Cynthia

I'm having the strangest knee pain. It doesn't seem like it's directly in the
joint. It's my
right knee and over towards the inside. It feels almost like it's bruised, but
it's not. It is a
swollen, but again, not in the traditional "my knee joint is swollen and
hurting" way. Very
strange. Any ideas anyone?
wendy

I agree with you Jack. It makes it a lot easier to read.

As an aside I also feel that if someone says something or posts something that you don't approve of or don't like it is not always necessary to react strongly. Let's just all try to be a little more laid back here. Having RA is stressful enough.

Annette

I highly recommend reading messages by going to the group's home
page, where they are all neatly organized and very easy to read or
skip. I've tried both e-mail and digest methods of group
participation, and will never go back to either.
Sierra

Hello, RA friends ...

Hope you all are enjoying the holidays!

My subject is about how tedious it has been over the past few days to try to search this site for pertinent information that may be helpful to me or watch for questions someone else has that I might answer.

I get this site in list form, as I'm sure most of you do - that means I receive a periodic update of all the emails either after a certain time lapse or some minimum number of messages. I value your help as a resource.

The last few days there has been so much non-relevant chatter that it's hard to pick out the things that are important to management of RA.

I've been on other lists including one that had over 1,000 mostly diagnosed with an illness more serious than RA - the list was literally life-and-death to many of those on it. I guess that made those people have a little less ego and a little more tolerance than most of us can muster.

I have several suggestions which should help us:

-- keep on-topic or consider whether your email should be cancelled

-- 2-party extended exchanges are better done directly privately except where the exchange is about RA and its management

-- When responding to someone else's post - either start a new email or trim the previous post before just hitting reply. This keeps us from have to page thru seemingly endless repeats of threads we've already read.

-- don't kid yourself that what your sending is not spam if it's pushing some other group or some religion or some political view or just your own importance - if your sellin', it's SPAM

Thanks to MTX and folic acid, I have a very busy life with many interests - I hope to stay on this list and learn and contribute for at least as long as I have RA and I hope it continues to be a lean, to-the-point, friendly, tolerant, and useful - to myself and all my new RA friends.

Best wishes for improving health in the coming year.

Jack McGuire, Carlsbad CA

PRINCETON, N.J., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/-- Bristol-Myers Squibb
Company (NYSE: BMY - News) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved ORENCIA® (abatacept), the first
selective modulator of a co-stimulatory signal required for full T-cell
activation, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
http://www.biospace.com/news_story.aspx?StoryID=5703
New drug...too bad its another IV drug...but at least its once a month
and given over 30 minutes.
Toni

Another option!
http://www.biospace.com/news_story.aspx?StoryID=5703
Elizabeth

Toni-
I was driving 3 hours one way for fills, but have a local guy now. I got a
complete unfill
last June because I was going to Jamaica to get married and wanted to be able to
enjoy
lots of pineapple and such. I got a filled again in Sept., then another unfill
when I found
out I was pregnant. I have since miscarried and am just going to stick with the
unfill and
try to work out more, drink more water and watch portions strictly. We shall
see. But on
to the topic at hand.......R.A. as it relates to the band. I had no idea the
gastric bypass
folks can't absorb meds! Wow! I guess that makes sense though. I was taking
Plaquanil
and prednisone and sulfasalazine, but now just the last two (can't take Plaq.
while trying to
get pregnant). I just got some Darvocet for pain, but it's not making a dent.
I THINK it's
safe to take Tylenol #2 or #2 while pregnant, but not sure. If so, I'm going to
try getting
my rheumatologist to prescribe that. Anyway, as for side effects with the band,
I don't
THINK I have any, but I'm constantly amazed at how out of tune I am with my own
body so
maybe I do have some SE and am just not connecting the dots. What meds have you
been
told to stay away from because of your band?
wendy

GREAT advice!!! Thanks,
wendy

I had lapband surgery too!!!! How funny. I had mine done back in 2003.
Unfortunately, I
have still yo-yo'd up and down the scale. Have you been able to isolate what it
was you
began to eat/drink/do differently at the end of that nine month remission
period? I guess
that's a stupid question or you'd have solved the riddle yourself. I'm just
wondering what
kind of dietary and/or exerices changes I could make to improve things. I have
heard that
giving up dairy helps, but then, that would be good for EVERYONE, not just R.A.
sufferers.
It's just hard to do if you like dairy. What meds do you not take due to your
surgery? I
never got much advice on that.

Thanks Annette. I'm a clinical social worker and VERY familiar (perhaps overly
familiar) with the Albert Ellis and cognitive behavioral theories. It's a good
thing to use to
deal with everyday stress, which does make R.A. worse, but when it comes to
straight-up
PAIN, it's hard to do much with other than search for a way out (via meds or
other types of
relief). But, again, thank you and the I HIGHLY recommend the strategies that
you cut and
pasted!!!
wendy

Hi,
I was surprised this Christmas morning by the gift of an airline ticket to fly to San Francisco to see
my two grandsons and my daughter. I am leaving Monday morning and will be back late Friday night.
I will be checking email on her computer when I can but I will be putting myself on No Email on my lists.

If you have anything you want me to receive asap, send it to me at mlathrop_99@... and I will see it when I check and reply if necessary.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I am sure hoping that we all have a better and brighter
New Year 2006!

Talk to you soon,

Linda Lathrop

Sorry, couldn't help myself.
IMHO wars should never be sentimentalized. Makes me flare up just
thinking about it (RA tie-in).
Peace to all, here and everywhere.
Sierra

A Different Christmas Poem

A Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanza to all
and a better and pain-free New Year!
Love,
Elizabeth

I know this is going to sound very kevin trudeau-ish, but does anyone have any
good R.A.
websites that aren't somehow connected with the drug companies and/or insurance
companies? I would like to get TRULY unbiased info about this disease and
possible
cures/management.
wendy from birmingham
age 38

I just wanted to wish everyone a pain free Merry Christmas and a
very Happy New Year Take care all
Sherrie

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I called my rheumy's office and scheduled an appt. for Jan. 11 to
discuss my thoughts about biological meds. I was amazed that I got an
appointment so soon. I feel a sense of relief. Can anyone provide a link
to a good article about use of biological meds in treatment of early RA?
I'd like to bring some info. with me when I meet with her.
Your support helped me take this step. Thank you.
Sierra

i've asked this before, but HOW are you guys getting insurance???? are you on
group
plans through your jobs or spouses jobs?

Well I went to the rheummy with my new insurance. He really didn't do much this visit except fill out the tons of paperwork required by my disability insurance. My toes, ankles and hips are a mess. He is not doing anything at all until the weather warms up. He claims it would be a waste with everyone getting sick with the cold and flu season in full force. I go back in two months and he plans to start Humira then. I am NOT looking forward to this. I do NOT want to take this drug. Not to mention I really can't afford it. So I am still on Plaquinil and Lodine.

This new insurance is a PPO and it sucks. I have to pay for my lab tests cause my doc does not do labs in his office. So I have to meet a deductible first before they will pay for anything...so the next few rounds of labs will be totally on me. If I went to a doc that does labs in office I would just have a co-pay. Well that would be great...but when I asked the insurance what docs have in office labs I was told I need to call around and ask the docs if they were approved as in house lab in there contract with CIGNA. This insurance really sucks. My co-pays are have doubled...and my coverage is half of what I had before the change to Cigna. The people at Cigna are less than helpful....plus the insurance started December 1st and I have yet to get any new benefits package or even ID cards. So I had to print out temporary cards...which are only good for one week.

So I get to suffer for another two months while I try to figure this all out. At first look it appears I will NOT get any labs and I can NOT afford to take Humira...which on the Humira issue is fine with me. Plus my insurance will not pay for Humira unless you have failed on MTX...which I didn't really fail...but it had far too many side effects and I refused to take it anymore.

Toni

does anyone else have a rheumy they LOVE, but can't get an appt with? i called
a few
weeks ago to get in wtih mine and her established patient waiting list was until
late
January!!! I really like her and think she is a great doc, but what should I do
about this?
wendy from birmingham, AL
age 38

I've posted about this before, but not sure I asked this particular question:
do any of you know how I can find a saltwater hot tub? the kind that uses NO
CHEMICALS?
I may be in the south, but when it does finally get cold down here each year,
it's a WET
cold which spells
P-A-I-N. I think a hot tub is what I need.
wendy from birmingham, AL

Hi, All ...

I have seen several mentions of hair loss concerns here and wanted to offer the following - you can usually prevent hair thinning and loss by taking a multi-vitamin that

include selenium and zinc - I've also heard one doctor whom I respect say that you can handle the problem by "eating a good steak" once a week.

Hope you all have a relatively painfree holiday season!

Jack McGuire - Carlsbad CA

Hello all,
I am thinking about asking my doc if I can try one of the biological
meds. You may recall that a radiologist detected erosions in my
recent X-rays, though the rheumy felt that only one was actual. I
thought I would only discuss the one she agreed was a real erosion.
Since that happened since being on MTX, it could be said that the MTX
failed, and that is what must happen before my insurance co. would
pay for a biological.
I am worried, however, about infections. MTX alone has agreed with
me; I don't want to start having all sorts of problems with an
Enbrel,
Remicade, or Humira. I am doing fairly well on the MTX, but am
concerned about erosions. The toe happened silently--no swelling,
pain, or redness. I don't want my hands to be next. (The radiologist
said he detected erosions throughout the hands, but the rheumy
disagreed.)
Thoughts?
Sierra

Well I had my liver CT done, and it came back abnormal as well. My Dr
is saying that it is showing Fatty Liver. Not exactly sure what all
this means yet. I have an appointment with him later today, so I will
learn more then. I know I have been kind of unique with the liver
things, but does anyone else have Fatty Liver? And if so, what is
being done about it?
Thanks Again,
Dawn

Hi all,
I havent written for a while but i have been flaring really badly for
a week now and i feel like talking to people who understand what i am
going through. everything hurts and my fatigue is through the roof.
i am having trouble getting around. talk about depressing. it is a
beautiful sunny day outside yet i cant see past this damn pain.
sw

I just wanted to wish every one a very Happy Holiday Season! May the New Year bring happiness and less pain!

Take care and God Bless,

[INLINE] Susie

I have been on Enbrel for 3 months. It worked the first 2 weeks, then the pain came back. So the insurance company has approved my Humira script. I get it delivered today. How long does it take to see any improvement with Humira? And does anyone know why Humira is once every other week and Enbrel is twice a week? Is Humira stronger?

Thanks,
Vicki

Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

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Hello-
I was unable to tolerate Methotrexate. And Sulfasalazine *sp gave me
fluid in my belly. I have been on no RA med since last spring and this
lovely New England weather is making me miserable. Due to my other
auto-immune issues i am unable to use the "biologicals" and my dr just
mentioned this med to me last week. Actually he called it Leflunomide
i think. He called it the rich mans Methotrexate. So if Methotrexate
landed me in the hospital, what will be different?
Any imput?
Thanks
Lisa

Hi everyone,
My name is Angela I am 34 years old and I live in Michigan. I was
diagnosed with RA when i was 24. Started out getting gold shots and
huge doses of Prednisone. In 2000 I have birth to a little girl and
my RA got worse then ever. Now I am still doing gold shots and have
added methotrexate (8 tablets a week) and Remicade (every 6 weeks) I
sitll take prednisone but only 1/2 mg every other day (when I
remember to take it). I still seam to have body aches as I call it
where I just dont want to move but really dont have a flare up. So
my doc. gave me darvocet and naproxen. Until recently with the
weather getting worse he added vicodin ES when needed.
This disease really sucks and its going to be nice to know that
I'm not alone out there. I heard about this group when I was
checking out a website recommend in a chronic pain group that I
joined a while back If you havent heard of it check it out its
pretty neat. I like the spoon theory of explaining how we all feel.
Its ButYouDontLookSick.com .
I look forward to chatting with everyone!
Your new friend,
Angela in Michigan

Well I went for my ultra sound on my liver yesterday. They already
got in touch with me, so I knew it wasn't good. The ultra sound
showed an abnormal liver, and the radiologist recommended a CT Scan.
So, I am scheduled for my CT on the 15th. I have one DR saying Fatty
Liver, and one saying Auto Immune Hepatitis. The only way to know for
sure is to do a biopsy, which is the next step. Again I am curious if
anyone else has run into this. Any insight would be greatly
appreciated.
Dawn

I was taking MTX tablets but my liver values got too high. My Dr. lowered the mg of the tablets but it still didn't work. So he switched me to injections once a week and that works better because the tablets affect the liver and the injections don't in the same way. I also take Folic Acid pills.

Linda Lathrop

I am in alot of pain today and was wondering if there is any thing you
can do to help it i do see my doctor in a few days but what can i do
in the mean time any help would appreciated THANKS Sherrie

I could use some reassurance. Last night I was at a Christmas party and
without thinking, I took a good-sized bite of a "rumball" cookie and
swallowed it. The taste of alcohol was strong. I freaked a little
because last night I also needed to take my MTX. Do you think there's
any chance of harm from the small amount of alcohol in that cookie bite?
(I've been meticulous about avoiding alcohol.)
Sierra

Today I started taking these. Its been a week since Ive taken my
prescribed drugs as I am in West Virginia instead of at home in
Colorado Springs(my rheumy is in Colorado Springs). I'll keep ya'll
updated.
Renita

Dear Elizabeth,
I sometimes get bad all over hand but, if I've been
typing all day, it seems to hit the base of every
finger, not just the thumb.
Everyone has the right idea when they say bracing your
hands helps. I find that, after a long soak in a very
hot tub, I use my carpal tunnel braces and splint my
hands up really tight for about ten minutes and then I
loosen the braces and leave them on through the night.
While the pain never really goes all the way away, it
is brought down to a level that I can stand instead of
the pain being so far off the chart you'd have to have
a telescope to find it.
I think that any kind of compress, whether it be warm,
moist, cold or dry (whichever works the best for you),
has also helped in the past. I can't count the times
that I've been on a road trip and wound up with hot
paper towels on my hands so I could avoid driving
under the influence.
I also use aromatherapy and biofeedback. Lavender,
rosemary and patchouli seem to relax me the most and
just listening to what my body's telling me helps too.
Hope this helps you some.
J=)
Cait

Hi dawn...

I had elevated liver enzymes in 2004 .. they were elevated 3 x normal.... one almost 4 x the norm. I was on MTV..darvocet for pain and other meds.

I had blood work done every week for about 2 months...the mtx was removed and also darvocet. It took a while for the blood work to go back to normal range...believe it was almost a year before it got returned completely back to normal. It would drop closer to the normal range with each test but really didn't get to normal until a year. Rheumy also ordered an ultrasound which was fine. I then had blood work taken every 3 weeks for awhile.

We believe it was the mtx that caused the elevation so I am off of that. I have tried other meds for my r/a but have had allergic reactions to them so now am on Arava....which has been so far, so good. I just went to have blood work done Monday and will be hearing soon whether the enzymes remain within normal range.

Hope this helps...also do not drink if you drink.

Hugs..Paula

When I have episodes of bad RA pain in my hands and arms, I get weird red
blotches right where the pain is.
Does anyone else experience this?
Thanks,
Elizabeth

I was wondering if this is a problem for any of you. In October my
liver enzymes became elevated. At that time my Rheumatologist reduced
my Methotrexate and continued to test me every week. With each
abnormal test my Metho was further reduced, until it was removed
totally. They have also removed all other medications except my
Humira. Still they are elevated. I am scheduled for an ultrasound on
Tuesday, but again just wondering if anyone else has had this
problem. If you have, What was done about it?, and Were you allowed
back on your other meds? and lastly What caused it?
Thank You,
Dawn

It's been a while since I've been on but for the most part I'm ok.

I do have a couple of questions. I'm on naproxin, plaquenil, methotrexate and folic acid for my RA and for a couple of weeks or so I've had a back ache. It's mostly in the upper back over by my left shoulder blade and I'm not real sure what to do about it. My mother's suggested I use some Bayer back and body but I think that contains some asprin and I think I remember hearing or reading that it's not a good idea to mix Methotrexate and asprin. Does anyone know if that's true? Can anyone make a suggestion? I don't want to take something that might interfere with my prescriptions, but I also don't want to just grin and bare this back ache.

I have another question. I don't remember who it was but someone mentioned some gloves that can be used with the computer. Does it act like a wrist brace for carpel tunnel or is it better? I also have carpel tunnel and need to get a new wrist brace, but sometimes they seem to be a bit cumbersome.

Any info I can get on both of those I sure would appreciate.

Thanks and Hugs,

Susie

Recently I have started getting pain in both thumbs, but not the thumb, the
hand part. My doctor says its the CMC joints. It seems like the littlest thing
I
do brings a feeling that I have sprained my hands and typing is no good either
of course!
Does anyone else have this joint flare-up and what do you do for it? I will try
paraffin later. I am trying not to take pain meds since Percocet suddenly
makes me vomit and Vicodin makes me pretty nauseous as well. I am only
taking pain meds if the pain is an 8 level or greater because I can't take the
sick to my stomach part!
Elizabeth

Hi All,

I require everybodys suggestions on which is better way to take MTX medications, is injections better than tablets.

I take MTX tablets every week end, I feel nausea and i cant eat anything atleast for 2 days i go weak cas of the same..

But on the other hand few people suggested if injection would work better than tablets, by which i can over come my week end troubles..

If any body had proplems similar to mine please suggets......

Thanks

Prathiba

Hi, this is the first time I have ever been a part of any group, on-
line or otherwise. I am 39 years old and was diagnosed with RA August
of 2002.(My dad was diagnosed around the time he hit 40 years old.) I
had health insurance so was able to go through the process of the
elimination of the "harmful" drugs with the end result of Humira
being the one that worked.(Although self injections were very hard to
emotionally learn to do as I hate needles.) The first time I tried to
refill my prescription, the co-pay went from $6o to $250. I stopped
taking anything until August of this year, when a company change in
our health insurance, provided me with NO COST home delivery of
Humira. Since I didn't take anything for 2 years, my Rheumatologists
(excellent doctor who deals with RA himself) also prescribed
methatrexate and folic acid as the Humira didn't seem to work as well
as it did the first time around. Guess what, the company I worked for
closed, filed bankruptcy, and now I am faced with no health insurance
and can't afford to pay for Cobra insurance out of my unemployment.
I'm not sure where to go from here. Any suggestions? Are there
any "alternative" medicines/suppliments that have actually worked for
anyone? Thanks for listening to my "story" and any suggestions would
be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Renita

how do I get around losing my health insurance coverage while
unemployment?

Thank you for all of your answers to my previous question. Have any
of you used arthritis gloves and if so what kind? Do they help? I
was thinking of getting a pair, especially for comfort while on the
computer. Thanks!
-Kathy

Hi,
Silly question: What is the difference between Reheumatoid Arthritis and
Psoriatic Arthritis?
Thanks,
Mike.

I have been having back pain that has been getting more and more
severe. I had an x-ray, therapy, an MRI and saw the neurosurgeon
today. He said the L4-L5 disc is herniated, but that isn't my
biggest problem. He said the joint that holds the disc has gone
bad. He said the joint is spread apart and it can no longer support
the disk. He said that to fix this, he has to operate through the
back, replace the disk and use rods and screws to stabalize the
spine. He said I would be hospitalized for 2-3 days and would start
therapy immediately after this.
I always think of my questions AFTER I leave a dr's office. I was
hoping some of you might be able to answer from your experience.
This dr did my cervical fusion about 5 years ago, and that was done
through the front of my neck. He said this would be done
abdominally if only the disc were bad, but needs to be done through
my back instead. I do trust him.
Have any of you ever had this surgery? Does it have a specific name
that I could look up on the internet? Is there a name for this
problem other than a herniated disc, when the joint is bad? Are
there other surgical options? I am currently scheduled for the
surgery on Dec 13th.
Thanks,
Miriam

Kathy,
I'm just getting to my email, so you may already have
your answers. Here's how MTX & folic acid worked for
ME:
1. If you get canker-sore-like things in your
mouth/on your tongue, check w/ your dr. Your folic
acid might need to be upped. It can be a side effect
of MTX & it hurts! Mine went away quickly with more
folic acid.
2. I took my 8 tablets of MTX 4 at a time (4 in
morning & 4 at night but not right before lying down),
on the same day.
3. I drank lots of water with MTX.
4. I always ate something before taking MTX.
5. I took folic acid every day.
Hmmm...I eventually started enbrel in addition to MTX
because MTX alone didn't do the trick for me.
Hope things are working well!
Rie
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 14:39:20 -0500
From: "Kathy Jeanson" <katshapug@...
Subject: New Prescriptions for Me
To the group who knows....:-)
This weekend, I'll be starting a couple of new meds,
methotrexate and folic acid.

Hi all,

It's been a few since I posted, but just wanted to let you all know that I had total left knee replacement last Thursday (the 17th) and was out of the hospital on the 20th!! I have been feeling fine, soreness around wound, but otherwise....I'm totally amazed how straighfoward and relatively simple this has been...I tried hopping aroundf with one crutch for a day....but found that I could put weight on it and get around okay without it for short periods of time...and have progressed to the point (it's Tuesday the 22nd) where I didn't even think about the crutch at all and have just been going about my day...(shower, laundry, light cleaning....etc.) I do use the "ICEMAN" circulating ice pack at night, and if it gets particularly sore...I get right off it and ice it....but, I totally reccomend anyone thinking of having it done to do it....rehab is not that difficult, and I know the end result will be mobility that I have missed for a few years....I am 43/f with RA-lupus...this
knee has always been one of my worst major joints....I also recommend New England Baptist Hospital for anyone in the area....they are tremendous, and even offered "room service menu" for NO additional cost at all!!!! Amazing!! (so much for my hospital food diet though!!!)

Best to you all!

Nicole
Jack McGuire <jackmcguire_2000@...

Harold, thanks for the aspirin info - it's always a relief to get the straight scoop from an authoritative source.

I must admit that I'm one of those described who took the warnings on Vioxx and Celebrex as reason to stay away from aspirin. Too bad the aspirin bottle didn't warn me about Vioxx!!

I am going to start taking daily aspirin with confidence that it's a good thing! Thanks for taking time to post...

Jack McGuire - Carlsbad CA
20 mg MTX weekly w/ daily folic acid - 2 yrs - doing well

I am a new member. Have undergone blood testing recently that showed
elevated SED rate and the anti nuclear antibody test was abnormal, plus
have a finger joint that is beginning to deform. Have had symptoms
that come and go for over 30 years (eg pain in the balls of the feet
for a period of 2 weeks when in my early 20's but never since then),
but in the past 1-2 years have been more constant and for the first
time the blood work shows abnormalities (was done several times over
previous years but was always normal).
In addition to the RA type symptoms that have shown up, over the past 6
months I have also developed some gastero symptoms (occult blood in
stools, bloat, stomach distension) that may or may not be related?
Am having gastero testing done over the next month but couldn't get an
appt with a Rheumatologist until February.
Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi All
My name is Lisa, I am 45 years old and new to these boards. While
scrolling around I noticed quite a bit of talk about the flu shot.
People with auto immune illness SHOULD NOT TAKE THE FLU SHOT! Do some
research. Especially if you have multiple auto immune issues.
I was given the flu vaccine in 2003. I had anti-phopholipid sydrome
and anti-lupus autobodie, was taking plaqueneil to stave off full
blown lupus for years. I had Fibromyalgia, Epstein Bar, Oesteo with
35% bone loss in early monopause on hormone replacement. I had a
spinal cord injury which left me with a metal implant from c2-c7
after 2 fusion and esophogeal damage asa well as cord damage.
The primary risk of the flu vaccine is a virus called Guillan
Barre. It can be fatal. Or you can survive. Or you can get a cronic
progresive form called CIDP. That's me! Cronic Immune Demylanating
Polyneuropathy. An easy way of understanding it is like MS of the
limbs up. The mylan leaves starting at the feet and works its way up.
So if you DO ge the vaccine and get sick from it.. the vaccine should
NOT MAKE YOU SICK! GO to the hospital! Anything more than a slight
fever needs to get attended to.
For me it was yet another attack on my already compromised immune
system. There is no cure; there is no telethon and the treatments ar
few and dreary and lifetime. But not for Guillan Barre. So take it
seriously. I receive IVIG every other week. Iv immunoglobulin the
treatment takes 6 1/2 hours and I have to take beyndryl and tylenol
for the headache and allergic to other peoples antibodies. It
flattens me out for a while, but without it I am in a wheelchair or
bedridden and the disease is progressing and will kill me. If this
fails to continue working the next step os plasmapheresis (blood
washing), similar to dialisis. But so far we are holding our own.
Then this past year we added Rhuematoid Arthritis to the mix. I
cannot take any of the new med with CIDP because they with give me
MS. I don't know why.. I got Methotrexate poisoning and wound up in
the hospital. Sulfasazaline as well gave me fluid in my stommach and
yet another hospital stay.
So status quo: RA, CIDP, Fibro,Lupus, Antiphoslipid (not that
important after childbearing years), Oesteoporosis, Spinal Cord
Implant with lesions, (due to auto accident). Now they are saying
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Basiclly every part of my body is attacking
itself.
I, however feel blessed to be alive remarkably. I have four
children. Four dogs and three cats and a wonder and thankfully patient
husband.
Every day is just another step on the ladder of life and there is
always somebody less fortunate than I.
God Bless!
Feel free to contact me
Lisa

My rheumy didn't want to send me my X-ray results because she said
the radiologist "overread" the films. In her opinion, the only
concern was an erosion in a toe. I was shocked to read the radiology
report, which described erosions "throughout the hands". I'm
wondering whom I should trust? This rheumy, while excellent (and a
professor at our state's university medical school), is always in a
hurry and has made several small mistakes. Observing the small
mistakes causes me to wonder if she could/will make big ones, too.
(I've seen three rheumys over the years, and she's the best of the
three.) If the radiologist is right, then I thnk I need to be on a
biologic med, because the erosions happened since I began treatment
with MTX. If the rheumy is right, the current treatment is o.k.
I've thought of getting the opinion of my PCP...
Your thoughts?
Sierra
P.S. I had to ask for the X-rays to be taken in the first place. I
wonder about that, too. Would a rheumy want to use that as a
monitoring tool? It had been 2 years since the last set was taken,
and that was prior to starting MTX.

[INLINE]

I would like to share some exciting news with the group. As some of you may know, I am the founder of this group, as well as, many other groups that make up the Global Health Network's International Support Community. I have spent many years working to develop a website (http://GlobalHealthNetwork.org) dedicated to providing information and support for people affected by various disabilities, diseases and disorders. Today, the Global Health Network offers over 700 support groups serving more than 35,000 members.

Recently, I have become involved with a company called GENDIA, located in Belgium. GENDIA (http://www.Gendia.net) is the worlds largest international network of genetic diagnostic labs whose goal is to help facilitate genetic testing. Together, Gendia and the Global Health Network are developing the GENDIA FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization, dedicated to assisting individuals in need of genetic testing and do not have the financial resources to afford such services. This is a global project and assistance will be provided to many individuals in undeveloped countries. To read more about the Gendia Foundation please visit our website at: http://Gendia-Foundation.org.

NOTE: We have recently added a Gendia Foundation bulletin board for Genetic abnormalities.
Please visit our board and leave a message: Click Here!

In order to help raise awareness and funds for the Gendia Foundation, as well as, promote the Global Health Network's support communities, we have developed a line of promotional products shown below.

PLEASE NOTE:

The deadline for ordering is November 30, 2005.

T-Shirts - Cost $13

[INLINE] [INLINE]

Back of T-Shirts

with listing of our Top 100 Support Groups

To see a listing of the Global Health Network's top 100 groups...click here

8oz Coffee Mugs - Cost $10

[INLINE]

Legal or Letter Size Clip Boards - $12

[INLINE]

8" Diameter Mouse Pads - $7

[INLINE]

To order your shirt(s), please print and mail the following order form by November 30th.
We will try to have your orders back to you by Christmas.

http://transglobalhealth.com/orderform.htm

David H. Hughes

hi, Groupies! I read the following and have to admit I do Not take a baby aspirin a day. I was wondering how many of you do so? gentle hugs! Marcia
Note: forwarded message attached.

Jack,

I am glad you explained sed rate the way you did. I don't think I could have even begun. The only things I know about sed rates is it has to do with white blood cells and that before taking prescriptions my sed rate level was sky high.

Thanks,

Susie [INLINE]

I saw the rhuemy today. He was very nice. He said it was probably the statins that caused all the pain. He did want me to get my thyroid checked. So they took blood.

Bonnie

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord" "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I am both nervous and anxious. I am glad the pain is just about gone in my arm, shoulders, and legs. I don't know it that is because I stopped taking statins or what. Can the rhuemy tell the difference between statin side effects and arthritus?

Bonnie

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord" "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

To the group who knows....:-)

This weekend, I'll be starting a couple of new meds, methotrexate and folic acid. Can anyone tell me what to expect. My doctor told me I shouldn't experience any ill effects. When she told me methotrexate was a chemo drug, it scared me to death. But I found out an aunt of mine used it and she said it worked wonderfully for her.

I'd love to hear what anyone has to say about this treatment.

Thanks alot!

Kathy

Hi, all ...

Some may not know what "sed rate" is; sedimentation rate as I understand it is a level of "dead" white blood cells which form a sediment in a vial (I guess) of test blood.

There will always be some sedimentation - I don't remember what a "good" rate is but if it is elevated, it indicates a higher level of inflammation in the body. It is used as an indicator of whether and how much your RA is symptomatic.

May you all have low "sed rates!"

Jack McGuire, Carlsbad CA

special message for John:kentuckycowboy: maybe the Medtronic drug pump would be something for you to look into.....gentle hugs! Marcia
Note: forwarded message attached.

Hey, Gang. . .
Just a quick note to let you know that I haven't
dropped off the face of the earth. . . yet. . .
Good News
I've dropped about 30 pounds in 3 months!!! Time to
get out the riveter and do some major adjustment to
all of my pants. ;)
Question:
Do any of you out there have suggestions for
non-traditional, non-medication pain relief?
I already do biofeedback, guided imagery, meditation,
etc, but the RA just flares and flares and, to put it
bluntly, I hurt too much. My meds options have just
about petered out, so I was hoping for some words of
wisdom in the next week or so.
My life is about to hit a major bump. The fact that
there seems to be absolutely nothing that I can do
about it is very draining. . . *SIGH* Thus the need
for better control rears its ugly head. I have really
only felt this helpless a few other times in my life,
folks.
Time for some Haagen-Daaz. . .
I love you guys. Thank you for all your support.

http://arthritis.about.com/b/a/218379.htm?nl=1
Anyone have any personal experience with this?lol
I would never try it with the way the laws are now but if it became legal for
medicinal purposes, I would certainly give it a whirl!
Elizabeth

Hi Jack...

Thank you so much. I could use a good prime rib this week. LOL

I do have centrum..maybe I will check and see if it has zinc and selenium. If not, I'll buy some.

Thanks again...

Paula

Hi, Paula and all ...

I know that some people who have had problems with brittle hair and hair loss from other types of medication (not RA related) have used selenium and zinc (available in a balanced multi-vitamin such as Centrum) with good results to minimize hair loss - It also has been suggested that a good steak once a week will help - good luck!

Jack McGuire, Carlsbad CA

Has anyone taken arava and experienced hair loss? I am on a 10 mg
dose. I have noticed ince taking arava that strands of my hair are
coming out...I have thin baby fine hair anyway so that's not good news
to me. My rheumy has put me on diff meds for r/a ..some have given me
an allergic reaction..humira and plaquinel...one gave me mouthsores
(Enbrel) so we are running out of options. I think he may put me back
on MTX or will try remicade if this doesn't work out well.
Also, has anyone used Mobic?
Thanks all,
Paula

Is anyone familiar with this brand of flaxseed supplement? If so, is
it a decent brand? I'd like something good, but of coarse as cheap as
possible. A bottle of 60 is 7.99, or 100 for $10.
Thoughts? Oh, and I think I've decided to use the flaxseed versus fish
oil supplements. I'd take any thoughts on that decision too :)
A Big thank you!

[INLINE]
I would like to share some exciting news with the group. As some of you may know, I am the founder of this group, as well as, many other groups that make up the Global Health Network's International Support Community. I have spent many years working to develop a website (http://GlobalHealthNetwork.org) dedicated to providing information and support for people affected by various disabilities, diseases and disorders. Today, the Global Health Network offers over 700 support groups and serves more than 35,000 members around the world.

Recently, I have become involved with a company called GENDIA, located in Belgium. GENDIA (http://www.Gendia.net) is an international network of genetic diagnostic labs whose goal is to help facilitate genetic testing. Together we are developing the GENDIA FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization, dedicated to assisting individuals in need of genetic testing and do not have the financial resources to afford such services. This is a global project and assistance will be provided to many individuals in undeveloped countries.

In order to help raise awareness and funds for the Gendia Foundation, we have developed a line of promotional products as shown below. Funds will be used to help those who can not afford genetic testing and to support our outreach mission. To read more about the Gendia Foundation and meet our Board of Directors click here....http://transglobalhealth.com/GENDIABD.mht

T-Shirts - Cost $13

[INLINE]

[INLINE]

Back of T-Shirts (Includes listing of our top 100 Support Groups)

To see a listing of our top 100 groups...click here

[INLINE]

8oz Coffee Mugs - Cost $10

[INLINE]

Legal or Letter Size Clip Boards - $12

[INLINE]

8" Diameter Mouse Pads - $7

To order your shirt(s), please print and mail the following order form by November 30th.
We will try to have your orders back to you by Christmas.

http://transglobalhealth.com/orderform.htm

David H. Hughes

Hi ...

Pretty new here myself but have been with RA for several years now.

I had similar pains long before RA diagnosis - but being a guitarist for 50+ years made me slow to realize the real problem.

One of the common signs of RA is that it is bi-lateral - both hands hurt or both shoulders hurt, etc. Not necessarily evenly our at the same time but both sides have symptoms. Unfortunately, by the time my RA became impossible to ignore (could hardly stand or move, which came rather suddenly after an apparent long build-up), I had already started to have some joint damage to several fingers.

Fortunately, once diagnosed, aggressive treatment from the beginning seems to have stopped damage completely or nearly so.

The point is: Don't wait! If you have not had blood test for rheumatoid factor, insist on it NOW! Treat it as an emergency. If in fact you do have RA (let's hope not!) aggressive treatment from the beginning may have the same good result that I have had.

My treatment started w/ NSAID (Vioxx til scare after 6-8 months), steroid (Prednisone 10 mg daily tapering off monthly to zero) and my "miracle drug" good old MTX (methotexate) which

I take weekly - 20 mg - along with the companion folic acid daily. This keeps me nearly symptom free and 100% functioning except for some pain which is mostly weather-related.

A drop in the barometer gives me pain - I take hydrocodone (5 mg w 500mg acetophetomine)

when the pain becomes bothersome.

Good luck! Hope its not RA....

Jack McGuire, Carlsbad CA

here is what the brochure says about flaxseed:

contains Omega-3, 6, &9 oils
Lignans
Fiber, both soluble and insoluble

The National Cancer Institute has identified flax as a food product with potential cancer fighting properties.

Flaxseed can have a positive impact on:
* Increases energy and vitality
* Increases sense of calmness under stress
* Reduces threat of blood clots
* Protects against cancers, particularly hormone sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate
* Lowers blood cholesterol levels
* Helps control blood sugar levels
* eases inflammatory tissue conditions, including arthritis
* alleviates dry skin, eczema and psoriasis
* enhances immune system
* helps kidneysexcrete water and sodium
* increases metabolic rate with a positive impact on weight management
* helps ADD
* natural laxative

You can get some recipes at www.dakotaflax.com

Hope this helps.
Vicki

Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

--- USFamily.Net - $8.25/mo! -- Highspeed - $19.99/mo! ---

Hi, I am a relatively new member (posted just once before) and have a
question. Do any of you get aches in your fingers that vary from
finger to finger throughout the day? I have not been formally
diagnosed yet with RA, but my dr. thinks it is pretty possible that I
have it. Sometimes I get pain in the top of my hands, then in my
wrist, then in various finger joints.
Also, is there a correlation between thyroid problems and RA? I had
Grave's Diseases, then it turned into being hypothyroid.
Thank you! I have been learning a lot by reading all of your posts.

I just learned that my x-rays revealed an erosion in my toe. Could
someone speak about the significance of erosions? I know they're bad,
and indicate significant joint damage, but can a person still function
well with erosions?
I'm a little down tonight because the rheumy I returned to after more
than a year (had to switch because of insurance)is not giving me the
kind of care she did before. I asked for a radiology report and she
balked, saying that the radiologist found "all sorts of things" in my
hands--he "over-read" the X-ray; she said that in her analysis, the toe
was the only problem of rheumatological concern. I told her that I
trusted her reading (and I truly do) but still wished to read the
report, simply because I'm curious and interested in such things. It
was difficult for her to agree, but of course she had to.
Sierra

I've had RA for 4 years. Just started Enbrel about 2 months ago. Flaxseed is also good for lowering your cholesterol, and helping your digestive system. I had a pamphlet but I can't find it right now.

Vicki

How do you live on your own on social security disability? I've
applied and been denied twice and had a hearing in August, but I don't
see how anyone can live on their own. I'm not putting it down, I know
that there are those that need it, that I'm one of those, but I have
to wonder. Right now I'm living with my parents and much as I love
them I do not want to. I'm 49 years old. Most of my stuff is in
storage and my cat is being taken care of by a friend of the family.
Unfortunately, the friend doesn't live where I can stop by and see my
cat, but that's besides the point. Seriously, how does anyone live on
their own on social security disablity? I know people on social
security disability that don't get much in the way of food stamps and
food stamps doesn't cover household cleaning goods, personal hygiene,
laundry detergent, etc. And how do you take care of household bills?
I almost hope I don't win my case, and can stay on long term
disability until I can go through voc. rehab or go to school.
I'm sorry for going on and on, but I'm worried and I would like to
move out on my own.
Susie

I was suppose to see the Rhuemy today but a nurse called and canceled my apt because the dr was sick and will be out another 10 days. I have to wait till then to see him. I have been waiting 2 weeks as it is to see him.

Bonnie

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord" "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Menopause and natural progesterone

What is menopause?

Menopause is the cessation (end) of menstrual bleeding signalling that estrogen production has fallen to a very low level, preventing the build up and shedding of uterine tissue every month (menstruation). It is the mark of the end of reproduction.

The drop in levels of estrogen is due to the inability of the ovaries to manufacture the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. A woman is never totally deficient of estrogen, although her estrogen levels drop below a point that creates monthly menstrual cycles.

In other words, menopause is a marker of ovarian failure, because the body can no longer ripen and mature the remaining follicles into eggs for fertilisation. This happens around about age 50-55, although women are entering menopause much earlier now.

It is the follicles within the ovaries that produce the vast majority of estrogen and progesterone which is produced after the ovary has popped (ovulation).

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopausal symptoms are triggered by the drop of estrogen, and varying in intensity.

These are the most common:
* absence of periods
* hot flushes / flashes
* aches and pains - joint, neck, backache
* dizziness
* headaches
* vaginal dryness or itching
* bladder problems - stress incontinence, other irritations, prone to infections
* dry and aging skin - loss of elasticity
* crawling or itching sensations under skin
* poor sleep patterns - commonly waking 12pm, 2am and 4am
* foggy thinking
* emotional changes - anxiety, irritability, depression, loss of self-esteem, lacking confidence, panic attacks, and many more
* physical exhaustion

Easing the Symptoms of Menopause

As we age and enter menopause, our hormone levels abruptly change, heralding a degree of discomfort (and risk) for some. But let's state for the record that not every women requires hormone replacement therapy.

A vast majority of menopausal problems can be avoided by good nutrition, avoidance of toxins, regular moderate exercise, some lifestyle changes and regular salivary hormone profiles to ensure our hormones continue to fall within an ideal reference range.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above (that are associated with estrogen dominance), then supplementing with natural progesterone cream will certainly help.

Progesterone therapy will not cause a woman to go back into monthly cycles if she has truly entered menopause because it is estrogen that creates the monthly cycles not progesterone. The build up of the endometrial tissue is under the influence of estrogen, not progesterone.

It is the drop of estrogen that signals menopause and stops your period. A woman can have stopped ovulating, and be infertile many years before her periods stop.
Catherine Rollins
Debbie Wells
Hormone Health Natures Way

I need help I nee to get off my methadone and I really don't want to
go back to my pain managment doctor I am going to make an appointment
will my RA doctor as soon as possiable to see if he can help me I sure
hope he can as I need help from anyone that can tell me any thing that
might help has any one been there I am on 3 every 6 hours now I was on
4 every 6 hours so I have cut down 4 pills a day all ready the pain is
coming back bad now any help would be nice
Sherriein OK

Marcia I thought you might be interested in this. I also have some more two send for the Ladies. I am 51 and suffer with pms, insomnia, heavy periods, cramps, moodiness, depression, anxiety, weight gain and the list goes on and on. I started taking Neway progesterone cream and I feel wonderful. I feel like I am thirty again. Here is one of the posts from the group I belong to for hormone problems.

Estrogen The Hidden Culprit To Premenopausal Symtpoms

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Many women who suffer from hormonally-instigated symptoms can be unsuspecting victims of an estrogen dominance. Because we hear so much about keeping our estrogen levels up as we approach menopause, we rarely consider the fact that we may be suffering from an estrogen overload during pre-menopausal years. It is important to keep in mind that when estrogen is not balanced out by adequate amount of progesterone, a whole array of symptoms may develop - many of which are easily misdiagnosed and subsequently, mistreated such as heavy periods, sore and tender breasts, water retention, bloating and bouts of depression.
Most physicians neglect to discuss the very serious health risks of an estrogen dominance, but I can assure you that it is all too real. In fact, most of us are unaware of the fact that a woman can have regular periods and not be ovulating. A continued lack of ovulation or impaired ovulation can also create a progesterone deficiency leading to an abnormal buildup of the uterine lining which is never sufficiently shed. The incomplete removal of the endometrium can lead to endometriosis, uterine fibroid cysts, fibrocystic breasts, bloating, depression, heavy or irregular periods and possible malignancies.
Take from article in, The Natural and Safe Way to Hormonal Balance, by Rita Elkins M.H.

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Chronic Pain Shrinks People's Brains
By Robert Roy Britt
LiveScience Senior Writer
posted: 22 November, 2004
5:00 p.m. ET
Pain causes an unexpected brain drain, according to a
new study in which the brains of people with chronic
backaches were up to 11 percent smaller than those of
non-sufferers.
People afflicted with other long-term pain and stress
might face similar brain shrinkage, said study leader
A. Vania Apkarian of Northwestern University.
The results suggest those with constant pain lose gray
matter equal to an oversized pea for each year of
pain. Gray matter is an outer layer of the brain rich
in nerve cells and crucial to information and memory
processing.
The results don't reveal why the brain shrinks, but it
might involve degradation of neurons, which are the
signal transmitters of the mind and body.
"It is possible it's just the stress of having to live
with the condition," Apkarian told LiveScience. "The
neurons become overactive or tired of the activity."
Another possibility is that people born with smaller
numbers of neurons are predisposed to suffering
chronic pain. But some of the differences measured
"must be directly related to the condition," Apkarian
said.
The research involved a one-time brain scan of 26
people who'd had unrelenting back pain for at least a
year (and in one case for up to 35 years), along with
a pain-free control group. Pain sufferers had lost 5
to 11 percent of gray matter over and above what
normal aging would take away.
"People who have had pain for longer times have had
more brain atrophy," Apkarian said.
No attempt was made to correlate brain size to brain
function. It is possible that some of the shrinkage
involves relatively noncrucial tissue -- other than
neurons -- and that some of the effects are reversible
if the pain is eliminated, Apkarian and colleagues
write in the Nov. 23 issue of the Journal of
Neuroscience.
Apkarian said other varieties of pain might cause a
similar atrophy of gray matter, and he plans to study
that possibility in future studies.
"Suffering of pain is fundamentally an emotional
condition," Apkarian said. "Different types of pain
will have different types of emotional parameters,
which will probably result in different types of
atrophy -- different amounts and in different brain regions."

Hi Shelly...

I applied for r/a back in 1997 and wasn't approved for 2 1/2 years. It was a pain. They denied me the first time by mail (and I had a lawyer), we reapplied and I was sent to Cleveland (60 mi away..1 way) to see the Judge. I went 2 times and he never even saw me. I had to be there and sat in the lobby for my atty to come out and said he doesn't need to see you..he didn't approve you this time..we will keep trying. I said, "Can't he look at me..my hands and feet and seem deformity?" He said..no now he has another client. We will submit it again. I had a medical evaluation by the state of Ohio. They gave me a script for blood work but didn't have rheumatoid factor checked for draw. So, I checked it myself and they ran it. Funny how you are applying for disability because of r/a and they don't even want to look at your rheum factor. I knew mine was high. Then, I saw a dr that Ohio has. He looked at me and said my r/a was bad. I shed a few tears..I think that
helped. (?) So, the bloodwork was sent to Cleveland...I called my congressman to see if he could help get this going. Judge Isbell got the results of my blood work and the drs visit when we went up the next and last time..(4th) and he still didn't see me. My atty went in and he approved me for medicaid disability. Do you know why I was approved?? Because I checked the r/f box .. the lawyer said "I wasn't going to approve her today until I saw her rheum factor." It is supposed to be below 15..mine was 492. Not even sure the drs visit helped but I read his report and he said I couldn't work.

I am on medicaid now. Ohio gives you a grand total of $579 a month to live on. Isn't that wonderful? But my meds and drs visits are covered and some dental..so that is worth it. I would be in trouble if I didn't have that benefit. Also,I can get food stamps but it's not much.

Maybe keep trying. It's a pain....but worth it considering the drs appts we have..and dental.

Hugs..hang in there...
Paula

get a copy of all your med records, get xrays, anything that has to do with your arthritis.

have any of you gotton off methadone as i am wanting off of it as soon
as possiable i went to my pain doctor the other day and had to soo his
PA and i left the office in tears and won't go back to see her again
and that in turns means i can not see m y pain doctor any more as she
is part of the dillso i want off my methdone as soon as possaible as
he hasn't called me back please help
Sherrie

Nearly every time I've seen the rheumy I'm seeing now, she mentions the
time that she took fluid from my knee. It's the main thing she
remembers about me. The odd thing is, it never happened! I made light
of that fact yesterday, and despite that, she made another reference to
the "inflammatory fluid in your knee" later on in the conversation!
(At an early visit she had considered removing fluid, but never did it.)
Disconcerting!
Sierra

Hello Friends,

Just wanted to drop all of you a note and let you know that I was declined for disability. I just received the news today. If any of you out there are trying for disability, keep on trying and I truly pray you get it. I guess I will be out tomorrow looking for work now. God bless!

Love, Shelly

If satan can keep our eyes solely on the object, he knows he already has us beaten!

Okay Tim Smith I will keep sending in the Bible verse :)

Bonnie

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord" "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Hello,
I just saw a new rheumy today. She was extremely rushed and didn't
listen well. I told her that the small amount of plaquenil I'm taking
seems to help my mild Raynaud's symptoms. She told me I should take a
blood pressure med called Norvasc instead. Though I filled the Rx, I'm
hesitant to change my med plan--it seems to be working fine.
Anyone have experience with Norvasc or anything similar?
Good news is she said I'm doing well.
Sierra

How much fatigue is "normal" for RA patients. I usually fall asleep every afternoon for an hour. I work nights so sometimes I have to fight to stay awake at the cash register and on the drive home(which takes 20-25 minutes). Ill take my 5 yo shopping for a couple of hours and come home and collapse on the couch for an hour. I always feel tired. I take Enbrel twice a week and 6 MTX tabs once a week. I am being treated for depression but changing those meds hasn't made a difference on the fatigue.

I am waiting for test results from my GP on diabetes( because of obesity) and on thyroid tests and she is also testing me for Hashimoto's thyroidism. But if that all comes back fine, any ideas on what else it could be.

I have sleep apnea so I sleep with a breathing machine so that really isn't a factor anymore.

Any ideas?

Vicki

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