Recent Posts
Brena : )~
Hi LadyBug!
Congrats on the weight loss. Regarding your RA journey. Did you get copies of your actual lab work?? Almost 6 years ago I was in tremendous joint pain but it was sporadic and it would affect me in really odd ways. The pain would show up in one knee and stop and 2 mins later it would move the other knee. I thought I was losing my mind as this seemed insane that the pain would jump from one joint to another (no pain left behind in the original joint).
Saw a RA doctor who ran the "usual" tests. I asked for a copy (everyone should get their labs and learn what is normal for themselves). The inital response from my doc was that I had just typical osteoarthritis. So I get my lab results and start researching each line item. One line item was not normal. I called and asked the nurse what this line item meant cos from my research it looked like a rare form of RA...she pulled my chart and said something was not right, she would get with the doc and call me back. Within 10 mins she called and set me up to see him. They had overlooked that one item. Doc apologized profusely and I absolutely adore him as he has taken good care of me for 6 years now. I have RA and another rare form or it called Palendromic RA.
Before my surgery in May I was taking methotrexate, plaquenil and Embrel.
I am not taking anything right now except the occasional vicodin for pain at night.
My immune system is non existent right now after the surgery and so my doc told me last week to hold off on any of them until I just can't take it anymore. So far so good.
My doc has told me that out of all 3 meds it would be good if I just used Enbrel. Methotrexate apparently has long term side effects but when you can't function then you have to choose which evil you can live with so you may have to take all three.
Get your labs and start researching all of it. Btw, as long as you are on Plaquenil the doc will request an eye test every 6 months. There is a rare outside chance of losing your eyesight due to Plaquenil. My eye doc said it's extremely rare but nonetheless they have to test you.
I also have a compromised immune system with pernicious anemia and no thyroid so I have a lot going on...PM me if you want sometime.
Best wishes that you can get control of the pain and get some relief.
Cheers, Tee
If something makes you laugh and giggle, buy it or marry it ! 
HI my OH family!
Just wanted to thank everyone for thier support and well wishes! My Dr. now has me on Plaquenil 2x dly. He also insisted on me having my eyes checked (within 3 weeks) and more blood tests. I don't know if the "cure" is worse than the side effects of the drug! I'm confused about the diagnosis. At one point, he's calling it RA and in the next breath, he says regular arthritis. He has talked to my immune Dr, RNY surgeon, and GP. At least I've got them all talking together. will post again when I know something further!
Amy
At Goal! 
Dance of happiness! 
5/08 280 lbs Size 26
9/08 199 lbs Onederland! 
7/09 135 lbs Size 9! GOAL!! Whoopie!
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal to throw at someone else,,you are the one who gets burned! Buddah
lose - (verb) to rid oneself of
I used to get Ketoprofen rub compounded for me years ago (my pharmacist was RUDE when he had to make this compound - he required a minimum TWO WEEK notice for refill!!!). I had been gobbling NASID's, but I have to go after surgery, and I do not want narcotics for the pain. I am open to hear what others have tried.
Ask your Docs about Voltaren!
Brenda : )~
I have so much pain with one leg, I did not realize ****il films of both) how bad they both are. I had been very active up until seven years ago, so with the added weight, the pain, I have actually cried a couple of times before heading out to exercise. I push myself to swim & walk, only to feel so debilitated after, I can barely take the pain just sitting.
Instinctively I know I have to keep moving, but I disagree it gives 100% results - just the opposite.
Brenda : )~
"...simply staying in shape and active are 100% effective means to treat joint pain created by this condition."
There is NO "100% effective" means to treat the joint pain caused by arthritis.
I have compassion for everyone that experiences RA or any form of arthritis. I also understand that my inflammation and pain may return over a period of time. I have opted to combat it proactively and join a gym with a heated pool and save up money to hire a personal trainer.
The journey I went on prior to me finding my perfect surgeon was a grueling experience and an emotional roller coaster. I was scheduled for my surgery last Sept and my doctor moved away two days prior to it taking place. The I got enough nerve up to go through everything again and a local surgeon told me it would be done in June. To my surprise they wanted me to wait until August 2010 for the surgery. I was blessed finding my doctor in Ocala, FL...Dr. Kevin Hoddinot. His staff is awesome and his sense of humor is greatly welcomed!
I hope we all gain support and strength from each other!!!
Take care,
Laura
Florida
I work for a marketing company that is working with the Arthritis Foundation and the Ad council to make people with Osteoarthritis more aware that staying active is the best way to prevent/treat OA associated joint pain. Moving is the best medicine!
There is a great site here with some very entertaining and informative PSAs: Fightarthritispain.org
