Arthritis Foundation Forum / Coping Skills / Health and Arthritis Research News

help is on the way

pat bernard — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:01:17 GMT

I found this pharmacy online best service and prices you should try them the lady was extremely helpful. http://www.247expressmeds.com/

ChiliPad - cooling mattress pad

Fannie Flock — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:55:05 GMT

Hi, I'm new here, recently diagnosed with RA. My sister-in-law bought me a ChiliPad because she said it helps her (also an RA sufferer), and so far it's been wonderful. It's a mattress pad that fits any size bed (they have ones in all sizes) and lets you set the temperature of the bed anywhere between 46 and 118 degrees. Helps a lot with my hot achy joints, and I've set my bed up like a little throne so I have a place to rest in style.

ATTN: Send positive stories

Pippa Smith — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:37:02 GMT

ATTENTION: People with impairments/disABILITIES, here is a chance to talk about your stories for a book. EX: ARTHRITIS, BIPOLAR, CP, DEPRESSION, DIABETES, HEART, MIGRAINE, OVERWEIGHT/OBESE…contact pippa@mchsi.com

Coping with knee & hand pain

InCogNeato — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:35:06 GMT

I have suffered from arthritis in an injured knee for many years. It prevents me for doing most activities. I had surgery when I was 21 and now almost 60, I deal with swelling and pain. I found an item that really works. It's not available in stores. I stumbled across it by chance. I've been using the "barefoot" bed sheet for about 3 months now and the swelling is COMPLETELY gone!

Here's the website: http://www.barefootconnections.com

I also have arthritis in my hands. For some reason, my right hand is the worst. My work is at the computer all day. My right hand gets really cold and numb. I found products that really work. I endorse them completely! I use a mouse hand warmer blanket, a heated warm mouse and a heated warm mouse pad. The three items together create an awesome warm house for my mouse hand. I blog about them, and endorse the products on my blog.

That's it. I wanted to share coping techniques and ways to relieve the stress, tension and pain. Hope this is useful for others. Thanks, BK

Depression

Solomon48 — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:52:29 GMT

Anybody know what to do about depression? Diagnosed in 1997, living with it fine but in pain, but recently suffering depression because of having to do stuff I can't do very comfortably (and getting older.)

Suggestions for New Products?

DesignerSara — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:10:58 GMT

Hello All!

I'm looking for input on how household items could be better designed for those with arthritis.

I'm a senior studying product design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. I have chosen to focus my final project on designing a product to help people with lowered mobility and joint pain. Any suggestions would be great- from redesigning existing products that are difficult to use to developing a brand new product to updating something to a more elegant and beautiful form.

I've been attempting to fully understand the implications of arthritis, and find a hole in the market, but I realize that the best feedback comes from those of you who live with this everyday.

Any input is appreciated. Thank you!

San Diego Support Group for Fibromyalgia

Sharon Female — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:35:33 GMT

San Diego, CA (Mission Hills)
New Support Group in San Diego for Fibromyalgia:
www.meetup.com/San-Diego-Fibromyalgia-Support

Watsu/Aquatic Bodywork Sessions,
Water Therapy Classes for Pain Relief and Gentle Exercise/Movement.
www.AqOasis.com
www.WaterChiTherapy.com
www.SharonPlache.com

Private Warm Salt Water Pool.

Come join us.
Blessings,
Sharon

My joints don't hurt my muscles ache

prettyred79 — Thu, 09 Jun 2005 11:20:13 GMT

I was diagnosed with RA last year. Being treated with Enbrel 50mgs weekly and Methotrexate. My frustration is muscle fatigue.. especially around my joints.. why does this happen? Sometimes my legs just ache/throb. Anyone? Please?

Moral Problem

madcowdiseasedennycrane — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:03:05 GMT

Hello everone. I have a problem that I am hoping that someone can give me guidance. I have been diagnosed with arthritis since 1980. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis, OA, RA, spinal stenosis at C3-C4 and C7-C8 (non-operable at this time). On March 5 2005 I hade to stop working as a maintenance electrician in factories and go on disability. I started on Enbrel and it helped a lot then was put on Humira once a week to stop the psoriatic arthritis from getting out of hand. It has taken care of that and has made me feel a whole lot better. I know have an oportunity to become a Maintenance Supervisor at a small plant in the town I live in. It is a 7 minute drive with one stop light, everyone seems easy to get along with, and the Plant Manager is a very nice person. My problem is that I can't do the job without wearing my knee braces and I have not told them about the arthritis. No one has asked, so I didn't bring it up. It would not hinder my doing my job not cause a safety problem. No one has asked why I have not been working since March "05 so I didn't offer. Should I bring this up before it is found out or just let it go and see what happens. I will be working salary and don't want to have the Plant Manager believe he can't trust me when he finds out about the braces. What should I do. I feel fairly certain that if I bring it up I won't get the job. That is just good business sense, even to me.

Working out with RA?

Beelz13 — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:01:40 GMT

Can anyone give me advice on working out with RA? I wanna lose weight and I do yoga already. I also have been doing some weight lifting. Will I be able to continue this?

Fun Things

Bekah M — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:19:07 GMT

Coping can sometimes, for me personally, become a matter of keeping my mind truly occupied. I am an avid reader so that helps some, but I love quilting and crafts and cannot do them anymore. Nor can I play my guitar or bass. So, I hopped along the net looking for a brain companion to take my mind off of my troubles .........I found a quilting game I guess you can call it, that is tons of fun, and hours of pleasure, as well as a unique jigsaw puzzle link.

[url]http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/7C055D5333A3[/url]

Maybe these will be fun for some of you and help to relieve a worried mind.

[url]http://www.shockwave.com/gamelanding/patchworkz.jsp[/url]

Patchworks requires a full view screen usually, but is addictive! ENJOY! :)

How long do your flares last?

Barbara4 — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:06:39 GMT

My most recent started May 15 and is still going on. Today I am not as bad as yesterday, which makes sense because I am seeing my doctor tomorrow! Murphy's Law!

I am just curious how long they last for everyone else.

Happy New Year

Mark0 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:29:29 GMT

It's also been a while since I've posted. Hope everyone is off to a good start to the new year. There is a new on-line Arthritis store some of you may be interested in - especially since all profits after expenses will go to the Arthritis Foundation. They also have a skin care store where the profits go to the Melanoma Research Foundation. Go to www.giobellaandcompany.com. Shipping is only a $1 so that's another bonus. Enjoy..

Hi there

Robin B — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:35:39 GMT

Hi All

So it has been quite sometime since I have come to these boards. The last few times the board was moving so slow that I just got too frustrated and left. I have been doing really well with my RA. I am just on Enbrel and can't be happier. I recently moved and was able to lift boxes, tape them, label them, pack them and load them on a truck!

I still get sore and tired but nothing like I did a couple of years ago. :cool:

How are you doing these days?

Take care
Robin

Please help me...all alone!

laney — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:34:28 GMT

My name is Laura and I need support!!!! My Dr. tells me he thinks I have RA. 5 years ago it was Lupus and then Fibro!! I am confused!! I know it isn't easy to diagnose, but I don't know what else to do. My blood test and all over the place. I almost always have pos ANA. My ESR is usually normal but recently was 32. And my WBC was 14. I always thought it was low for Lupus, what about RA? I never had a pos RF factor. I had a MRI on my hands and there was no damage, but it showed inflammation. My fingers, wrist and toes are the worse. My hands are so swollen that I can't make a fist. My middle to toes feel like they are burning. My muscles feel weak. I was walking down a stairway and I felt like my quads couldn't support my weight. My legs wanted to give out. They didn't hurt, just weak. I already had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. And.... I get horrible headaches!! I told my DR that the top of my neck (base of my skull) felt full. Like my neck was swollen and stiff. I feel like it really needs popped, although none of my joints ever pop.

I feel like I have no one in my corner. I don't have insurance and have to use a clinic. I have left 4 messages with Rheumy in 2 weeks and don't get a call back. I can't find a new one, cause I don't have insurance!!!!! My family and friends don't understand. They can't understand why out of 8 kids, I am the only one with a problem.

I take 12 pills a day. I have been on Plaquenil for 4 months and it hasn't worked. I took 2 steriod packs. I tried sulfasalizine, but had horrible stomach problems and severe migraine type headache. My liver gets extremely irritated from drugs, so I can only take ibprophen for awhile and then I am banned. My DR. wants me to consider Humira or Enbrel. Why should I take something that strong if he doesn't even know for sure if it is RA. Not to mention, my BF and I are thinking about getting married and he has good insurance. I know that sounds like a good thing, but everything is pre-existing and wouldn't be covered for a year. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!! :crying:

Oh, I work as a dental assistant....and I can't even tell you how hard that is getting. Somedays my gloves are sooooo tight.

I have been fighting depression for 13 years. I often get the feeling that none of this is worth the fight. Around every corner is another brick wall!!!! I take anti-depressants and have a therapist, but I feel like that isn't enough. There is no medication to make all of this go away. I just don't know how to cope.

rheumy problems?

hellooutthere — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:28:22 GMT

I have been having problems at the rheumy's office for the past couple of months. They seem to be having comunication problems. It began with a nurse getting mad at me regarding whether I was supposed to have a TB test or not before beginning orencia. She got mad - wanted me to come back another day to do this test and monthly blood draw. I said I would come back for the Tb Test, but asked to do the blood draw then (since I was already there). She did it, but with vengeance (left a big bruise). I told the MD. I began new meds - orencia - was told I would see MD 2 times, but didn't because of scheduling mishaps (not mine - thiers). I went in yesterday. First they got mad I wasn't there earlier -despite showing up at the time on my appointment card. And since I had kids with me they did not want to do my infusion. (I told them they would be with me before and thay said fine, they would accomodate - Kids are older and are able to behave for the half hour it should take.) One of the MDs told me I would have to come back. I said that they had told me this was okay and that I wanted to get my meds as I drove 30 minutes to get there and I don't feel well(like everyone else who goes there!!!) He got mad and walked away - left me standing there in hallway, unsure of what to do. Eventually with my prompting they got me a room - saw my Rheumy. She wanted names of those who I had dealt with. I was not sure, nor did I feel comfortable doing that - as earlier vengeful nurse now won't help me. They set up the IV - which generally takes only 30 minutes, but didn't work - so took over 2 hours (and several attempts to adjust it - the IV nurse was very nice, just having an off day). Anyways, I have been going to this Rheumy for several years. I like her, but the support staff (not all, but many) have been getting sloppier and less professional over the last couple of months - the first MD tried to make it as if it was my fault, I know that it wasn't. I am not sure whether or not I should find a new MD - as I really deal with the nurses and other people more than the DR. They are abviously having problems, but I am also afraid that I am going to be seen as the problem patient, and thus won't get good care. Any thoughts or advice out there.... I'm not quite sure what to do... I left the MD yesterday not only dealing with RA, but also feeling bad about self....

Undiagnosed symptoms

Tracy96 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:31:49 GMT

Hi,
In 2006, I was diagnosed with arthritis in both of my knees caps. I had to leave my job because of this ( I worked in a child care center).
Since then I been having more medical problems. I also have plantar fasciitis, migraines & dizzy spells, high blood pressure, and Barrett's esophagus. I also have an enlarged cyst in my brain. They say I have had it since birth. Over ten years ago, I have had problems with IBS, depression, and panic attacks. My real problem is that in the past year, I have had more symptoms that have been driving me crazy. I have had muscle aches, spams, and twitches all over my body. I have had burning and tingling all over too. I am very tired and fatigue. I am starting to drop things and my hands and feet are starting to hurt. I am waking up during the night. My migraines are more severe ( I am on prevented medicine). I have double vision sometimes and many more symptoms. My problem is that no doctors believe me. They think I am having a anxiety attack or a depression episode. I know the difference and I keep telling them I am not. I finally decided to get a knew PCP. She is even worse. She took x-rays of my knees and said they found no arthritis. I thought arthritis does not go away. I have been wearing braces on my leg and the new PCP said braces make arthritis worse. Not wearing my braces makes my knees worse. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist in October. The doctors gave me oxycodone and darvocet for pain. They do not work. My muscle twitches are worse when I am sitting or laying down and they are getting worse everyday. I just want a diagnosis. I filed for SSI and they, of course, denied my claim. I have retained a lawyer and am appealing. Really, I just want to get better so I can find a job I can do without hurting all the time. Does this ring a bell with anyone else? Anyone know what this could be?:unsure:

FATIGUE

Ladybugz — Thu, 03 May 2007 14:30:34 GMT

Hi ya'll. I was diagosed last December with RA. I have done so much research, as i'm sure everyone here has, about this disease. Trying so hard to find something that will help. I am currently on Prednisone, but weaning off of that. I found some supplements, that SEEM to be helping, so my ra doc wants me to go off the pred to see if those are in fact helping. She has been wiling to let me try these before I commit to something like Methotrexate, because I am so fearful of those side effects i've read so much about. I am not completely pain free, but do have very little if any inflammation right now. However, my biggest issue is fatigue. I have absolutely NO energy, and I know that's all part of the RA. I work full time, but have missed so much time from work, i'm fearful that they will let me go. Some days I just cannot do anything , this tiredness is impossible to beat. How do you cope with this, and work too? I work for a temp agency, under contracts that could end at anytime, so that's scary anyhow, but i'm also wondering if anyone here knows anything about the family leave medical thing and how that works with temp agencys? I've been told by the agency, that my absences being for medical reasons kinda make those absences "ok" but things are really up to the people who we are contracting with. My job requires that I sit for 8 hours a day, with hardly any time away from my desk except for lunch and one break. I'm miserable doing that, and have tried to find another job, but so far nothing. Part time is not an option with this job either, so i'm just at a loss as to what to do.

LOOKING FOR HELP FR DAUGHT-IN-LAW W/ RA

tina386 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:10:53 GMT

My daughter-in-law is 29 and has had RA for some time now. She has had to pins put in her feet alreay. Now her hands and shoulders are giving her alot of pain. She and my son both work and have two small children. She really needs to have the shots. The meds are not really working aymore and sometimes they can't even afford them. It really hurts me to see her in pain and there is nothing I can do to help her. Her insurance will not pay for exsisting condition and my son's is to high to use. PLEASE I would welcome any info. You acan email me with any info at: tinavin05@yahoo.com

Thank you and God Bless

Does the Pain, mental and physical ever go away

Annabear — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:06:29 GMT

I have been diagnosed with ra for two years now. I thought when I was diagnosed with it that maybe my pain might get better, that maybe now the doctor can help me. Yet I still hurt everyday. I take Humira and it helps I can walk at least now instead of feeling like screaming every step I take, yet I still hurt and it hasn't gone away. Ive tried meditation, prayer, medication, natural treatments, and I am so frustrated. I sometimes feel did I do something wrong and God is punishing me for it. Or maybe my faith is not strong enough and maybe that's why I am still in pain, if I prayed right it would work. Because you feel where medicine has failed you in some respects God can't fail you. I get angry I feel this way. My kids are helpful but I know they get tired of mommy being in pain and needing help to put on a shirt or open a door, and I feel defenseless, I am suppose to protect my family and my kids and I have problems doing everyday stuff. Sometimes I pray and ask God why did he make me this way? What is my purpose in this situation. I am 31 years old and I have two kids to take care of, and I want to do so much more with my life. And somewhere I hope in that little space of mine reservered for those moments when you think life still can be happy, that everything that has been ra to me will in some respects go away and take up residence somewhere else.

Orencia anyone?

Barbara4 — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:07:29 GMT

I am putting things in place to begin receiving this by IV. Anyone been taking it and have anything to share? TIA

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

jake dela cruz — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:26:22 GMT

Forgiveness. It's such a hard thing to do, but it can be so liberating to the soul. What makes it difficult for most of us to do is the way we define it. We think of forgiveness as meaning that we should say all is forgotten and things will go back to what they were. This Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow. How can you forget the unforgettable? How can you forgive the unforgivable? To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness, however, we needn't go that far. All that's really required is that we make the decision to move forward, to let go of the old hurts. We don't have to condone what's been done. What's wrong is still wrong. We don't have to invite the person back into our lives or even be friendly with them. What we do have to do is allow ourselves to release all the negative emotions associated with that person. As long as we hold onto the pain, we are choosing to allow that person's past actions to continue to hurt us. We can also choose to stop letting them hurt us. That's a definition of forgiveness that's more doable for those of us who are less than saintly...o ')

My Q is? Does Sleeping in the night bring on more pain making it harder for you to get up, because y

Jacqueline85 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:31:58 GMT

I am starting with a little info about myself & rhumie history:............................
............................................
I have had this Demon of a disease for about four years. I was 26 Now 29. Originally @ 26 I was in a drunken driver hit & run accident leaving me now currently with a broken fractured hip, (I am bone on bone) I need a hip replacement now but still to young the, so the Drs say? But How the painful Rhuem all begain for me was, sudden beginning in the month of july. I thought I had healed from the accident which happened a whole year before, So I had begin to resume my normal life activities playing tennis 3x's a week at the olmpic center, getting back to a busy lifestyle of school and fulltime work teaching children art & working my engineering animation job, when a Painful onclave of swelling in the knees & hands,ie specifically not being able to unlock my fingers to use or pick them up. (My hands & arms are really my lively hood, thus they are my tools for art). Weirdly one limb would go, then get better, then the next week it would be the opposite limb...But Then the world of hurt, all exploded drastically all over my body in october leaving me bedridden for months, unfortunately I practicly lost everything I worked for, jobs, cars, savings, cause I could not get up and do for my self.... But however I have not been able to get control of my situation like others due to financial, not having the proper medicine, wrong mean DRs, who donot believe a young person is in pain even with medical evidence!!.
................................................. But however;I am trying to get back in control of my life now before I really get to far behind in succombing to this painful existence...... So I have been trying to make changes in my lifestyle to except the rhuem & it's never going away factor. So I am not hiding anymore from the truth of it and actually trying solve my issues so I can one day be productive again............!! .
............................................
............................................
Ok getting to my question enough of my background:
...........................................
I realized or noticed I live my life upside down like a 'vampire' I am up or forcefully making my self stay up at night, to not deal with the horrible pain in the morning. what's unfortunate for me even if I do sleep in the night my hip pain manages to keep me up anyway, (sometimes I have to sleep sitting up in bed or I have sit with my legs in sitting position off the side of the bed to make the pain go away while I sleep. My boyfriend says it looks spokey and crazy cause I am asleep sitting up.) I mean for me it is really awful getting a goodnights sleep, I mean I haven't had one in years and If I do I will be in so much pain I wake up wishing to die.. I mean my arms are so painfully stiff and unmovable, my hands are locked & in pain, My legs and hip are so so stiffend with pain I can't move them...I mean it's so drasticly bad I keep myself from ever falling into deep sleep by keeping the tv on. I am also noticing It happens to me in the daytime if I get to the 3rd stage of sleep to... And when this happens I might as well forget the day/night: Because if I had anything planned I cannot get out of bed..!!. I am wondering does a good nights sleep bring on 10+++++ debiltating, stiffining, pain for others leaving you bedridden unable to walk or do anything for yourself for hours or even a whole days & into the next night or Am I just a nut case???????

Feeling Overwhelmed

immuno — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:51:04 GMT

I am 36 years old, mother of a 2.5 year old son, and have been sick ever since I was pregnant with him. It seemed to be one thing after another with no definitive diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's this fall and now have been diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. I feel rather overwhelmed - arthritis, generalized aching, neuropathy, extremely dry eyes, reflux, raynaud's so that I always have to wear gloves and insulated shoes, secondary infections from immune suppressants. I need to carry a written list of my drugs (which seem to change weekly) just to keep track of what I need to take when. I feel very fortunate for many things in life - a wonderful husband, great kid, good friends. But I hate feeling like a 90 year old lady. I don't expect any great words of wisdom, but just wonder if anyone else feels the same way. Thanks.

knee pain

Jill2 — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:10:43 GMT

I am so relived to have discovered this site. Thanks to anyone who reads & responds to this. I have reactive/psoriatic arthritis and am receiving Remicade treatments. I have chronic knee pain which I can normally tolerate with pain killers, but recently, I have been waking up with excruciating pain in my knees. Normally when I wake up with pain or stiffness, I carefully change positions and it helps. But with this pain, I literally cannot move without screaming. Last night it took me 2 hours to straighten my legs millimeter by millimeter. I can't fully describe the pain except it is the intense "knife in the knee cap" kind. When I discussed it with my doc, he said "baby your knees" which shows me he has no clue what I mean... I baby my knees all the time!!! Has anyone had a similar experience and knows what is going on? I just think there's something realy wrong to have this kind of pain. Thank you so much!!!

playdough

jms59 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:51:51 GMT

I'm just so exticetd that I had to share this with everyone who has RA or any joint pain in their hands. Playdough is amazing! I love to draw, and I haven't been able to because of the pain. I can't hold the pencil. I got a 10 pack of playdough in different colors the other day and I made a little lion. It was the most amazing feeling to create something again. The playdough is soft and it's cold and it feels really good to mush it in your hands when they're hurting. Just thought I'd share that bit of interesting knowledge. :)

Support Groups and Resources

Beelz13 — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:07:50 GMT

Hi There! I'm new here and I was wondering if there was anyone else here in the Southern California area who could tell me where I might find a support group or resources for help with Meds, dealing with the emotional issues that come with having RA, and or financial assistance. I was just diagnosed and I don't have medical ins. and I am no longer able to do the job I have been doing. I am going to need help until I figure this all out. Any suggestions?

I'm 18 with RA

C0 — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:32:20 GMT

I was diagnosed with this in March. I just finished my first semester of college, but only barely. I don't know if I should go back next semester. I'm on steroids, chemo, painkillers, and due to start Humira. The pain and fatigue are debilitating. I hate it. I get so frustrated when I need to study, I want to study, but all I can do is lay in bed. I want to be a normal college kid. All I do is think negatively about the whole ordeal. I know I'm depressed because of it. Any suggestions on thinking positively or to combat symptoms?

travel to work pain probs

9999 — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 08:08:46 GMT

Problem in my life arose recently after 20 plus years with RA.

I have the job of my dreams, have a great education, but driving 140 miles a day for work is about killing me.

Family life is such that I don't see that i can move anytime within the next year (2 family members attending local college, both also working full time) . Finances are such that can't afford apartment near my work (family income is very good, but is difficult with the 2 family members in college -cost of tuition, paying off vehicles, mortgage, etc) .

RA pain is under control with strong medications but other moderate chronic pain developing in back and neck and thighs now from driving.

I work for the government and do not wish to give up benefits and all. Ridesharing has worked for some time, but not right now-the other ride sharer is unreliable. I am feeling pretty stuck and pain is getting to be an everyday problem. Worries me that I may be causing permanent damage.

2 days a week I work in town and don't have to travel, am working on increasing that to 3 days a week, but running into difficulty making it happen 3 days a week. It took me one year to make an arrangment to work from town 2 days a week. It will probably take me another year to make it 3 days a week, and I am a little afraid that I cant' make it happen.

Have a Dr's appointment in February to get things looked at by physician-seems like a long time away-but I am definatley grown to be a patiant person living with Ra for so long.

IF worse came to worse, I could retire on disability with the government, but I have fought RA symptoms and pain and depression, and so much for so long, trying to normalize myself, that don't want to retire on disability. Any ideas? should I insist on moving although 2 other family members have local jobs and college? Should I pull the 'I need accomodations card" with my employer? Should I cut back to part time so I don't risk developing long term back problems? I am feeling really stuck financially, like i can't give up my job, but the travel is killing me. Any ideas would be welcome.

coping/depression

ginnste53 — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:14:14 GMT

My husband just came home before going to his second job. He told me his boss told him to take his stuff home> my husband said when he does this it usually means he will try to get him to quit. SO I called his boss and asked him if he was firing my husband he said no. My husband has worked for this man for almost 13 yrs. now. My husband is mad at me because he said his boss will be on his case more now then ever just because I called and asked. I am so scared because its our main income. My husband took the second job because of my arthritis. I use to work asa housekeeper in a nursing home. It became too demanding on me physically. I gave my 2 weeks and told them the reason why. I thought perhaps I can get a sit down job less taxing on the body.I did get one and I kept getting called into the office. I was told I had 30 days to learn I lasted 3 weeks and 2 days. They said they thought it would take at least 6wks to train me. So I left. Now here I am I filled out application ontop of application I even went to another nursing home to try and get a housekeeping job. i got as far as interview. I kept calling to see where I was at and told they are waiting for references. Then nothing. So here I am no job no income and scared to death if My husband losses this job. I was told I couldnot get unemployment because I had no doctors note. My intentions were good ones to work and be productive. All of that is gone. I even tried to see if we could get a home as My hubby is a vet-can't even do that. I just need someone to talk to. I am having a hard time coping with I try to do work around home and I have to sit down after a while because my feet swell or my hands hurt. I tire easily. I had an mri done on my right shoulder and thjey said they didn't find anything and I knew I hurt.It would wake me up at night if I rolled over on it. They said it was an inpingment.It started to feel better after two shots of cortizone. It took weeks. Now it hurts around the rotator cuff. I know I am not alone with this disease. It has taken its toll on me emotionally. I feel totally helpless and very scared right now.I have good intentions and they always back fire on me. Is there any help out there??????

Are you a perfectionist?

PCWriter — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:10:45 GMT

Are you a perfectionist?
Posted : 9/27/2007 2:05 PM
Hi, I'm writing an article for Arthritis Today about perfectionism and whether perfectionistic traits help or hinder your life with arthritis. If you identify yourself as a perfectionist -- or a recovering perfectionist and are willing to share your experience for a magazine article, I'd love to talk to you. Drop me a note here and I'll follow up.

Take our survey

AFChick — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:11:31 GMT

Please take this survey so we can know how you feel about this site and we can make improvements to better help you.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=47E8ol_2fgwCPT_2bYREtEh_2b3g_3d_3d

Thanks.
Sara

hi

Arthritis7 — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:04:03 GMT

Wife has RA

Richard4 — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 22:35:31 GMT

I am trying to find some relief for my wife who was diagnosed with RA several months ago. She was trying to use natural ways of relief through diet and natural suppliments. she just started the treatment since the other methods provided no relief. she if in constant pain especially at night. It breaks my heart to see her in so much paine. She can't get a good nights sleep because of the pain. I guess the medicine she is now taking takes six to eight weeks to be effictive. I would like to find her some immediate relief even so she can get a good nights sleep. Thanks You.

Questions - lots of questions!

Pertalote — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:11:43 GMT

My husband was diagnosed with RA about 2 years ago although I think he has been symptomatic for over 10 years. This disease is brutal! He has a very strong work ethic, but is comting to a time when he has to make a decision about continuing to work. If he takes his pain medications as prescribed he would not be able to function at work at all. So he takes just enough to get him through the day and then he collapses when he gets home. He used to have good days and bad days; now it is good times during the day and bad times during the day. He is in constant pain, fatigued all the time, and is depressed despite all of his medications. We have talked seriously about checking into SSDI since he is over 50 and a long time from drawing social security. I guess the first question is how long he has to be off work in order to even apply for SSDI. He has quite a bit of "sick time" but will that affect his application since he won't actually be working? He does see a great rheumatologist that has been very aggressive with his therapy, but I think we waited too long to find out the cause of his symptoms and the disease progressed rapidly. His anti-CCP was markedly elevated at 181 with little improvement after a year of Enbrel. He is now on daily Kineret with Imuran and Plaquenil and initially we thought he was doing better, but the dragon is back with a vengeance.

I know there are lots of you you have had similar situations - just need some sound advice that I can offer him. My heart goes out to all of you that try to cope with this horrible disease, and to your loved ones for standing by your side and doing what needs to be done.

Lupus...

Rachel15 — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:23:27 GMT

Alright... I'm young, only 18 and already I am having all of these arthritis problems. Rhumetoid arthritis runs in my family as does lupus, but I didn't know any of this until about a week ago. About two months ago my left knee swelled up pretty bad. I went and saw an orthopedist who did an x-ray, an mri, blood work, and then more blood work. I also don't have any insurance through all of this. He said everything came back fine and changed medications and dosages about 4 times. Finally he called me back and said one of the tests came back positive and was an ANA test. Now, I had really never heard of any of this until that point in time. He told me that with all of the other symptoms I have (a discoid rash on my hands, photosensitivity since I was 12, sudden hair loss in the last year, and having Raynaud's phenomenon) that he thought I have Lupus. He's referred me to a rheumatologist and I have an appointment for July 6th, but I really don't want to wait that long. He has me on prednisone right now, which is actually helping with the swelling a bit, but I met a woman today at my work who actually had Lupus and has had it for years and it freaked me out a bit. She is really sensitive to the light and can't really go out at all and has to wear special clothes and takes a lot of medications. This is actually pretty scary to me since it seems like my whole world has suddenly turned upside down. I am aware that I may not have Lupus, but I am kinda terrified at the prospect of potentially having it. My doctor has been wonderful to me and has charged me very little, if anything for all of these visits, but if I do have Lupus then this is going to get really expensive really quickly and I'm not really sure what to do...

My Father Wants To Die

Lala14 — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 14:33:38 GMT

My Dad is only 53 and has so much to live for, but with lifes everyday pressures added to his painful RA he has made comments that suggest he is severely depressed. I really think if he feels the benefit of a better diet and regular supplements he'll decide its worth a try. I don't know how to help him, its heart breaking.

Methotrexate

goodman97 — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 16:05:50 GMT

I just started methotrexate yesterday. I lost a clump of hair today. Is that normal?

Depression

katesmom89 — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:12:39 GMT

I'd like some feedback and help about depression and chronic pain. I've lived with chronic pain for more than 20 years. I've been on Effexor 300mg./day for about 5 years. I'm trying to find a new shrink who knows chronic pain/oa/ptsd to prescribe. I have to go about 2 hours to a psychiatrist, and i can't drive that far, so my husband will take another day to do this. The depression is bad; I'm in my home and alone most of the time. I don't schedule things because I never know if I'll get there. I'm isolated, lonely,too depressed to step outside the back door. Any ideas?

Has anyone with OA tried?

Michael2 — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 08:33:04 GMT

My father has OA and couldnt use his hands with out wearing his copper braclet, but he started taking Gelceuticals and he doesnt have anymore problems until he forgets to take it. Has anyone else tried them? If so, How are they helping you?