Arthritis Foundation Forum / RA Connect / Rheumatoid Arthritis - (RA Connect)

Planned Board Update

Grandpavan — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:37:14 GMT

[size=3]On another forum at this site I found the following posted by AF Dude:"Currently you can not add CSS code to your profile. This is only temporary until we role out the next sytem update in a few weeks." This is all I know about it but maybe our current problems will be changed and we can hope it will be for the better and nor for the worse. God bless.[/size]

new, ra and lung problems

Karen in CO — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:37:10 GMT

Hello to all. I have been reading many of the posts to gain some insight on this visitor in my life. I have been followed at National Jewish for a year now for lung problems. In the meantime they have diagnosed me with RA. I am limited to the meds they can give me because I am allergic to sulfa and because of the lung involvement.I have another appt with the pulmonary doc this week. From what I understand from the RA doc, they have to find out what is going on in my lungs. They know there is inflamation and scarring there. The ct scans shows 'ground glass' opacity in both lungs. I think the next step is to do a lung biopsy to find out what that is for sure.It seems like captex is the only one with lung issues.I am on what seems like tons of meds. Better living through chemistry.Any way, I thought I would stop in and say hello.Have a Grace Day!

How are you feeling? What are you doing?

Txnana — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:11:03 GMT

Both my hubby and I have a summer cold :sick: here in HOT Texas.....so I'm congested, coughing, not feeling too good! Just finished making homemade chicken noodle soup....comfort food for us.....should definitely help. Plus, my fingers and ankles are stiff :w00t:

How are you feeling? What are you doing?

Take care.

Txnana :cool:

Resilience Quote of the Day

Pam3 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:36:48 GMT

[center][size=3][font=Arial Black]“We can't wait until everything is OK--with us or with the rest of the world--to feel thankful, or we will never experience joy at all.” [/font][/size] [font=Arial Narrow]M.J. Ryan[/font][/center][center][img]http://bolstablog.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/silhouette-of-woman-dancing-in-the-rain.jpg [/img][/center]

The Voices of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nikki Lynn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:31:52 GMT

[color=blue][size=4]A wonderful article from the New York Times. People who have RA talking about what it is like for them.........A very diverse group, kind of like all of us :)[/size][/color][url]http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/the-voices-of-rheumatoid-arthritis/?apage=2#comments [/url]

Cardiovascular risks comparable with RA or diabetes

Nikki Lynn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:42:30 GMT

[size=3]NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Compared to the general population, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have about twice the risk of cardiovascular disease, Dutch researchers report in the November 15th issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.[b]"Patients with RA have an increased cardiovascular risk with a magnitude that is at least comparable to type II diabetes," senior investigator Dr. Michael T. Nurmohamed, of VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, told Reuters Health.[/b]Dr. Nurmohamed and colleagues compared two groups: 353 outpatients with RA, and 1,852 participants in a population-based cohort study, of whom 155 had diabetes mellitus.The 3-year incidence of cardiovascular disease was 9.0% in patients with RA and 4.3% in the general population, corresponding to incidence rates per 100 patient-years of 3.30 and 1.51, respectively. Exclusion of patients with prior cardiovascular disease and adjustment for risk factors did not significantly alter this finding.Compared with the non-diabetic general population, RA patients without diabetes had a hazard ratio for cardiovascular disease of 2.16, and patients with type II diabetes had a hazard ratio of 2.04.[b]Given these findings, continued Dr. Nurmohamed, "cardiovascular risk management is mandatory."[/b]"This should target traditional cardiovascular risk factors as well as disease activity" as defined in The European League Against Rheumatism guidelines, he concluded.Arthritis Rheum 2009;61:1571-1579.[/size]

Advancing Personalized Medicine In Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nikki Lynn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:33:54 GMT

[size=3]The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is spearheading an effort to create a national database and repository to enable researchers to identify predictors of effectiveness of various treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. Many effective medications exist, but they vary greatly in cost and side effects, and there is no way to predict which drug will work best on an individual. A two-year, $3.3 million Grand Opportunity (GO) grant from the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and funds from the national office and the Alabama chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will establish the Treatment Efficacy and Toxicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Database and Repository (TETRAD). Led by UAB with 10 participating sites, TETRAD will create a large, sustainable database of treatment-response data and a repository of accompanying samples of DNA and blood cells from RA patients starting treatment with different drugs. "TETRAD will address one of the major roadblocks to personalized medicine in RA, which is the lack of coordinated effort between academic researchers, federal funding agencies, voluntary health agencies, professional organizations, the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology companies," said S. Louis Bridges Jr., M.D., Ph.D., director of the UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology and principal investigator for TETRAD. "The ultimate goal is to better understand the molecular basis of treatment response and to rapidly accelerate research in RA to allow prediction of which drugs will work best in individual patients." [/size][url]http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168627.php[/url]

Osteopenia: To Treat or Not to Treat?

Nikki Lynn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:27:41 GMT

[size=3]Preosteoporosis, also known as osteopenia, refers to bones that are thinner than normal but aren't quite thin enough to be labeled osteoporosis. An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, but 34 million more -- 80% of them women -- may have osteopenia. The question for doctors: Should everyone with osteopenia be treated to ward off osteoporosis and fractures? If not, who really does need treatment and who can safely skip it? [b]How Real Is Your Risk of Osteoporosis?[/b] Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements are given as a T score. In general, a T score of -1 or higher is normal and a T score of -2.5 or less means that you have osteoporosis. A score between -1 and -2.5 suggests that you have osteopenia. A score in this range means that you may eventually develop osteoporosis or be at risk for a fracture. But because you have osteopenia doesn't mean that you will definitely develop osteoporosis and suffer a serious fracture. Thus, taking bisphosphonates or other bone-building medications for osteopenia means that some people will be treated for a condition they would never have developed. Consequently, many experts argue that most people with osteopenia don't need treatment. In fact, they say, such a strategy makes no sense when drug costs and potential side effects are taken into account. Instead, the general consensus is for selective, targeted treatment in people with osteopenia who have additional risk factors for fracture. [b]Predicting Your Fracture Risk.[/b] Until now, doctors relied primarily on the results of your latest BMD test in conjunction with your age, fracture history, and family history to determine whether you might be at high risk for a fracture. Now a new web-based computer program called FRAX takes much of the guesswork out of the process. FRAX, which stands for Fracture Risk Assessment tool, was developed by the World Health Organization to calculate the odds of a fracture in the hip, wrist, shoulder, or spine in the next 10 years for anyone age 40 or older based on certain personal characteristics. To use the tool, your doctor plugs in your hip (femoral neck) BMD and answers questions about other risk factors, including your age, gender, weight, and height; whether you've had a previous fracture or a parent who broke a hip; whether you're currently a smoker, are a long-term user of steroid-containing medicines, such as prednisone, or drink more than three alcoholic drinks a day; and whether you have rheumatoid arthritis or any other medical conditions, such as premature menopause or type 1 diabetes, that can lead to osteoporosis. FRAX then calculates your risk of developing a fracture in the next 10 years. [b]So what do you do with this information? [/b]Knowing your fracture risk will help you and your doctor more accurately determine whether you need to start taking an osteoporosis drug or whether you can safely wait. This is important because osteoporosis medications are not without risk. Two of the most commonly used drugs, alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel), have well established side effects, including abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms. Another popular osteoporosis drug, raloxifene (Evista), commonly causes hot flashes and leg cramps and may, in rare cases, cause clots in the veins or lungs.For some people the benefits of taking an osteoporosis drug appear to outweigh the risks. Currently, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends drug treatment for osteopenia in postmenopausal women and men age 50 and older who have at least a 20% risk of any major fracture (spine, forearm, hip, or shoulder) in the next decade or at least a 3% risk of a hip fracture. [b]The Bottom Line:[/b] Regardless of your future fracture risk, if you have osteopenia, it's important to incorporate nonpharmacological strategies for maintaining bone density into your routine. That means building bone strength by getting enough calcium and vitamin D and exercising. [b]Calcium and vitamin D. [/b]The NOF guidelines recommend that anyone over age 50 consume 1,200 mg a day of calcium and 800 to 1,000 IU a day of vitamin D. To get an adequate amount of calcium, choose plenty of dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Nondairy sources include calcium-fortified orange juice and canned salmon with the bones. Calcium supplements are another option. [b]Exercise. [/b]The NOF guidelines also recommend that you perform regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise. Any activity that works against gravity, including walking, jogging, or climbing stairs, stimulates the growth of new bone tissue. Or get into a regular tennis game, take a ballroom dancing class, or do heavy gardening; these, too, can help you build bone.[url]http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/back_pain_osteoporosis/3303-1.html?ET=johnshopkins:e32988:190937a:&st=email&st=email&s=W1R_091114_005[/url] [/size]

Thanksgiving . . . and Remembering Missing Friends

Pam3 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:41:19 GMT

[size=3][color=#996600]As Thanksgiving approaches, I thought this was a good time to remind you all of how much I appreciate this community. I discovered you when I was first diagnosed and searching for answers and support. Over the years, people here have come and gone, yet the community still remains a great resource and a true blessing.With that said, I'm sure that we can all think of friends who have been part of that process but no longer post for one reason or another. Some of them have left to spend time with ailing spouses or other relatives. A few have passed on. Others have stopped posting for reasons we may not realize: they may be thriving or just surviving. Whatever the reason, I know there are those who have come and gone, but are never forgotten. In this week of Thanksgiving, I hope you'll join me in reaching out in friendship and expressing our gratitude.Thank you all for being part of this amazing community.[/color][/size][center][img]http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o96/DHPromotions/Graphics/Thanksgiving03.jpg[/img][/center]

Costochondritis

Maire379 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:08:58 GMT

I just got back from the doctor. The stabing chest pains that I got form coughing was getting worse and more constant. The regular stuff that I do home was not helping. He told me that I have costochodiritis. He said normaly what he would give a person is high dose anti-inflammatories. He said that I was on better then that already being on Prednisone. So instead he gave me Tramacet. Last time I had this I was off of work for a month. I am hoping that this will not last that long and that the new medication will work. He touched a spot by my breast bone and I nearly went through the floor due to the pain. If this is still bad when I see my rheumy in two weeks I am going to talk to him about it. Hope everyone is having a good day.

Prayers needed please

Roger Mitchell — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:47:31 GMT

[size=3]Hello everyoneMy grandma who is 91 years old went into the hospital last night. She had a bad Ekg and has too much fluid around her heart. She could use the power of this forum.Thanks, Roger[/size]

Thanksgiving Prayers

Barbara Schwefel — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:33:02 GMT

[size=4]Thanksgiving time at our house always included going around the table and expressing what we were thankful for.Well,it got me thinking.I thought about the year in general and of all I'd been through and will go through with this RA stuff.Now, I'm the person who usually thinks of the glass half full.But,this time was different.I thought this "arthur" thing was as bad as it gets and I would never climb out of the darkness.Then one day,lo and behold I somehow found ALL of you and my feelings about this disease changed forever.I know it won't always be an easy road.I watched what my mom went through and how the treatment has changed in such a short time.It still amazes me today,that there is such a place where you can go to share your good times and bad and that all of you are there through the good and bad.That my friends are what true friendships are made of and it makes me proud to belong to such a community.So this Thanksgiving as we go around the table and say what we are thankful for it will be for All of you.My prayer for Thanksgivingis that you all have a pain free and wonderful time no matter where you're celebrating the day at!!!!:P[/size]

Switching to Orencia

MaryFran — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:59 GMT

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3] After my third Remicade and no improvement, my doc and I have decided to switch to Orencia. I'm scheduled for the first infusion on December 11. The scheduler said two and a half to three hours - I thought it was only 30 minutes??? She said they keep you there after to make sure you have no reaction. Guess I'll find out. Anyway, I've been trying to get some information on it here but all the posts seem to be back in 2007 or thereabouts. What's the current scoop? I'm really disappointed that the Remicade did not work but decided this morning that I've had it with the pain, which is only getting worse. Meanwhile, I'll increase my Medrol (again!) to 8 mg and see if that brings me some relief. I hate to take Vicodin every day. Any info will be greatly appreciated. [/size][/font]

Arthritis Meds

Trishglammy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:20:08 GMT

Hello, I am new to this and someone I connected with suggested that I use a forum. I have 3 forms of arthritis, and so far most meds have not worked, NSAIDS, DMARDS, TNF Inhibitors, none of them had even a little bit of success. I did start of Remicade in January of this year and it worked GREAT! But then out of no where, I had an allergic reaction after 10 months of using it. We tried adding more steriods and benedryl, but I still stopped breathing. So my doc said no more Remicade. But as you have read, nothing else was successful, Remicade was the end of the road so to speak. I have read that anti-rejection meds have been used in severe cases. So I was wondering if anyone out there has used them, or currently using them? What are the side effects? And above all, does it work?Thanks in advance!

OT: MAD AT THE DEVIL

Bekah M — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:11:47 GMT

[i][font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]I am so upset right now, so I am just venting to not get sick over things. I called my mom to see why I haven't heard anything about my brother's condition today, and she answered that question with they see he has no gallstones, no kidney stones and yet he's in horrid agony and they have decided to do colon prep and that is awful if you are in that kind of pain already, and will do a colonoscopy tomorrow. THEN she TELLS ME............I FELL and I AM HURT and Daddy's on his way to see if I need paramedics or not! I have been on the floor for two hours! :crazy: I said WHY DID YOU NOT CALL ME before Ken went to Texas just an hour ago for studio recordings? She didn't want me to get out because of my bronchitis and it's cold and wet outside. I am SO MAD! This is enough! I can't see my mom taking much more...I am truly worried about her and my brother. Roger has never had any medical things other than an occasional migraine because he plays music professionally and usually horn section...EeeeeeKI apologize but, you know sometimes just seems things like black clouds stay over my head no matter how positive I live...It's just a shame because it weakens my faith sometimes...I know I know, it's designed to do so, but I think I have learned that already! Love TO all[/size][/font][/i]

anyone get muscle pain w/flare

Donna16 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:44:20 GMT

I have been relatively well controlled for yrs-I generally have small flares in the spring and fall. For the lst few weeks this monster has really been kicking my butt! i have things swollen that have NEVER been swollen in the almost 30 yrs of dealing with this. One of my fingers keeps locking in the bent position and I have to use my other hand to unbend it. What is really scaring me is the severe muscle pain that I am having. My thighs and my upper arms feel like they have been thru a workout-very painful--I even have a strange swelling in my forearm above my wrist but below my elbow-and sore to the touch-not red or hot-never had any of this. very painful and very difficult to sleep--I had my Remicade yesterday so hopefully that will kick in--I also saw my rheummy yesterday and he was shocked at what I looked like-so swollen in my hands,fingers,etc---he incresed my mtx=put me on a short course of pred(after I finally had gotten myself off of it after 20 something yrs-been pred free over 6 months). He also ordered over a dozen blood tests-testing muscle enzymes and lupus markers-thinks maybe from the remicade(i dont-I dont have any of the rashes so I hope that is not it), and I dont know what else he is looking for. I am not sick in any way-no flu symptoms--just wondering if anyone gets the severe muscle pain=wow is it baddoes anyone know if Remicade can cause this? I have been on it for 6 yrs with no prob-thanks-Donna

RA & Autoimmunity

Sharon Hill — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:32:04 GMT

In addition to perhaps more PAIN, which I unable even antiquately express, coming from my back, then my Rheumy says isn't caused by my RA... I just gotta VENT some frustration.Even though I am a postmenopausal gal (2 years, doing okay there). Hubby loves me, say that I am thin and still cute as heck - even if I can be a pain. Hey buster, if you live with chronic pain, you're allowed. Seriously though... I am going through some really ROUGH food sensitivities, which are making me really more miserable. :unsure:1. Sugar: I cannot tolerate even the slightest bit of food with any sort of sucrose (table sugar) in it. The pain and inflammation it causes [at most] is completely intolerable; you might as well beat me with a bat, than offer a cookie. Is it the same for any one else here?2. Flour: I can barely tolerate white flour. Except, as long as the item is made with honey, and then mostly wheat flour added - if I am lucky, I can get by - but it is still a dicey proposition. Now I can't even trust ANY commercially made bread, I can't even eat a silly bagel, for heaven sakes, without increasing my pain. I do bake my own breads, which I love in a Bread Machine, but lately I am too laid up to do hardly any more than that. I wish I had a Dinner Machine, or House Cleaning Machine. We have our own business; hubby works long physical days, I normally sale, and always keep his books in order. In return, he helps me keep our home in order, even does his OWN laundry. Yes, this man's a keeper, but he likes eating out AND bringing home... to help me; Yet I can't eat most of it. He thinks I'm just becoming too picky.3. Nuts & Seeds: I love them, but suddenly they don't like me! Many hurt my mouth now, it will last for days; feels like when you burn your mouth and tongue on HOT soup.4. Salt: Oh my gosh, here's where I must be going NUTS! Suddenly this is why I can BARLEY eat out anymore. Most of my favorite restaurant dishes are suddenly WAY-OVER-THE-TOP salted. My hubby says, "tastes okay to me; gosh you're getting fussy"! I've even noticed my own previously prepared frozen dishes (from months back) are NOW also too salty. What the heck is going on? THIS IS JUST AWFUL! It's like the world is playing a rotten practical joke on me. Is anyone else going through such a symptom? ~~Now, I DON'T seem to have sensitivity to dairy, as I don't intake much anyway. ~~I've never drank any alcohol (although I may reconsider, under the circumstances, LOL!). ~~I don't eat much of red meat, in fact I am not a big meat eater either; I know I could increase healthy proteins. ~~I absolutely adore assorted fruits and veggies, which is what I mainly eat. ~~I normally only eat whole grain rice or cereals. ~~I've recently had about every blood test known to modern medicine, due to my back pain. ~~NO Celiac disease, thank goodness, so I can continue making bread. ~~I DO take Vitamins, Omega 3, Minerals and the rest every day. ~~I even faithfully brush and floss twice a day! I have RA, with Sjogrens, and Fibromyalgia to add to the mix. I have Googled the salt thing and it came up with Burning Mouth Syndrome, (aka: the patient is possible NUTS) because the diagnostician never experienced it for themselves! Okay... so Chronic Pain and Fatigue is bad enough to live with, but to take away my love for eating out - now that's NOT right!I am venting here, but would really like to know that I am not alone and going crazy! If I ate the garbage others eat - I would simply die in pain. DH constantly is asking me how come I be the healthiest-eating person he knows, and still remain such a sick chick? (Just asking!) Well mister, me too! ME TOO! :w00tSigned,Sharon Anne

Please keep those prayers going

teacherrobin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:46:51 GMT

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=4]Hi all,Thank you to those who responded to my previous prayer request. I am still fighting the shortness of breath and rapid heart rate. I've been graying-out or completely passing out multiple times each day. It's happened twice today, thus far: one in the shower and once when I took my students outside to line up for PE. I spent yesterday in the ER, but they have no idea what is going on. Alarms went off all day regarding my heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration as there were major fluctuations in each for no rhyme or reason. They told me that it doesn't appear to be anything emergent (i.e. will kill me in the next 24 - 48 hours), so they decided to discharge me. I passed out on the way to the discharge desk, so they put me back in a room for a few hours and then sent me home. I have an appointment this afternoon with my PCP; please pray that he can figure out what is going on sooner, rather than later. Thank you again, dear friends!God bless,Robin[/size][/font]

Nuvigil or Provigil

Cindy Smith — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:18:18 GMT

My rheumy gave me samples today of Nuvigil after I explained how sick and worn out I am by Thurs & Fri of the work week. I've been taking vacation days on Weds lately as that is the day I can feel myself going down hill thinking if I'm proactive it wouldn't get so bad. But that didn't work. She suggested I try taking this on Thurs & Friday so I don't feel so bad on those days.Anyway, I wanted to know if anyone is using either as I guess the Nuvigil is the newer version of Provigil? If so, what was your experience? Also, if you are paying out of pocket what the cost is as my rheumy said the insurance denies many of the requests?The samples of Nuvigil are 250mg. I took it this morning after my visit and went to work. I didn't feel so sick or tired, but am wondering if the 250mg does is too strong for me. I think I might have been too perky and a little bit unfocused. :DDo you know if the Nuvigil can be cut in half to make two does from one pill without creating problems?

OT: Happy Birthday, Allison2 (Friday, November 20)

Pam3 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:10:15 GMT

[center][size=5][color=#FF3399][font=Comic Sans MS]Have a happy birthday and a healthy year.[/font][/color][/size][/center][center][img]http://www.agoranova.com/allisonrecordjpeg.JPG[/img][/center]

OT: Happy Birthday, Myra (Friday, November 20)

Pam3 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:14:38 GMT

[center][size=5][color=#blue]I hope your birthday is fun and your year blessed.[/color][/size][/center][center][img]http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/happy_birthday_cake.jpg[/img][/center]

Remicade #3

MaryFran — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:48:15 GMT

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3] I had my third Remicade on Friday and, quite frankly, expected to feel much better by today. I just took a Vicodin. My knees, feet and hands are as sore as ever. I know others on the board are also on Remicade and wonder if you could tell me how soon I might feel some relief. I hate popping pain pills and it really is not very practical to do during the work week so I'm hoping things will improve quickly. Thanks for your help. [/size][/font]

Saturday Prayer Time

Great Granny — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:42:29 GMT

[size=3]For the newbies, every Saturday at noon our time, we pray for the members, family and friends of this site. Do you have any special prayer requests? We will include you generically, but if you want us to pray specifically, let us know.Hugs and prayers.[/size]

Military Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Liz M — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:41:38 GMT

Okay, we knew there was a chance we would get sent overseas, but that was before RA. They are trying to send us to Guam or Japan and neither naval hospital has a rheumatology department. My RA should qualify us for the EFMP and prevent us from getting sent, but we should have applied when I was first dx'd. Dave is currently penciled into a job in DC by some admiral there, but then these stupid overseas tours came up (and there were only 6 guys in Dave's community who hadn't been overseas and they have to go to us first - and until we can prove that we are not eligible b/c of my condition, we won't get orders to DC). Ugh! So, my question is, has anyone applied to this program and how difficult and long is the process? Any suggestions?Thanks!Liz

Margie Calder check your profile please!!!

Barbara Schwefel — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:33:56 GMT

[size=4]Hi Margie,Just want to welcome you to the group.Feel free to vent or just let us know a little about yourself.:P[/size]

Are flares different for everyone?

Anne Chester — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:06:56 GMT

Hi, everyone. I hope I've got this post procedure figured out. Sorry for this very long post but I want to ask you pros. I know you're not doctors but perhaps you could point me in the right direction for a future discussion with my rheumy.I was diagnosed in early 2009. I had the shingles and then the next thing you know I couldn't hold cartons, turn on lights, etc. because my fingers, thumbs, and wrists wouldn't work without some serious pain. Anyway, at the same time as all these finger-thumb-wrist difficulties, I was having a difficult time sleeping at night. I'd wake up around 2am or so in significant pain all over. I felt like I had random pain explosions going on. I could hardly move. I mean, it was bad. Additionally, during the day I was exhausted and very sore and achy all over. Tylenol, etc. didn't do a thing. My test results came back very positive for rheumatoid factor and anti-ccp, negative ANA, a mildly elevated CRP and normal sed rate. So, okay, I thought all that pain all over was what was known as a flare. I got started on prednisone which helped right away. I went through a trial of sulfasalazine which I had a reaction to. Eventually I started mtx @ 12.5 and tapered off the prednisone. After about 7 weeks or so of no prednisone, the all-over pain thing started again. Again, I think this is what a flare is! Mind you, my wrist-thumbs-fingers were actually the least of my worries, although they did bother me. So, back on the prednisone and bump the mtx to 17.5. Start another taper, finally off of the pred about 8 weeks or so and BAM! Here we go again. Once again, I was more concerned about the pain all over than I was my wrists, thumbs, and fingers.My question is...what is a flare? How are your flares? How do you know if you're in one? When you have RA flares, does the flare just affect your joints or does it do the all-over-the-body thing with some people? It happened again last week with me. Same scenario. Off the pred maybe 8-10 weeks this time and here we go again!Please tell me about your flare pattern. For all I know I'm not having an RA flare, I've got something else going on? Thanks much!

to reply or not to reply

coney island baby — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:37:42 GMT

I typically do not post but rather lurk and always, always pray for those on this site. But I noticed that the few times I have posted, I receive few if any replies. What's up? I guess I need to post more often in order to receive support.Have a nice and pain free Thanksgiving!

how to ask for reduced work hours

Jen Jen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:26:07 GMT

Hi Gang:I have recently asked for cut back hours at work which had been denied. Apparently it wasn't going to work with the schedule.....I have odd shifts which are 10 1/2 hour days Monday and Friday 8 1/2 hours Tuesday and Wedensday and Thursday 7 1/2 and 7 so sometimes I am up to 44 hours a week(or more) depending on if I can close on time. I asked to shorten the Monday and Friday and change my Tuesday as that is my late night , when I get my best work done during the day.I know it sounds like a complicated schedule and indeed it is. My office manager stated that the only way I would be able to reduce hours would be to go part time. After speaking with my husband we decided obviously that we can't afford that as well I would not like to lose my benefits that I am entitled to as a full time employee. So I decided to let it go and just wait and hope that the meds would kick in soon. My Rheumatologist started me on MTX and I have found the day I take them and the day after are really hard going for me. So my husband and I decided again to approach my Manager and ask to drop my Fridays at work and go down to a 32 hour week working 4 8's if possible. WELL......Hear's the KICKER I go in on Monday all set to have a meeting with her and she lets us all know she has given notice and her last day is December 11!! So I go to her office and I say I know you will not be working here but is there a way that you can record in my work file that I am looking for reduced hours as it was my intent to talk with you again about that today. She said that now it really has nothing to do with her and I will need to take it up with whoever takes over her position. She also said that it would be in my best interest to get a letter from my rheumatologist.Here is my question what exactly should I be asking for I called my Rheumatologist office and they said to send in a letter stating exactly what I need and the will write it up for me. What exactly do I need? Sorry for this ridiculously long post!!!!Jen in Ontario, Canada

HELP! I need a PCP in Omaha

Mimi68123 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:51:45 GMT

I need a good primary care physician. My current doctor is not very good. I think he's good at diagnosing colds and flues etc. My liver is in trouble, I have lots other symptoms friends tell me seem like Lupus but my regular doctor doesn't listen. He tells me just diet and exercise.

ALT elevated again. Hoping not to start another vicious cycle.

Stephanie Yeo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:55 GMT

Sorry i haven't been on this board. I've been so busy with my nursing clinical placements and am just back in school after 4 long months out of school.Just a quick update. After the last time i posted, i finally saw results with sulfasalazine after 6 long months, while still maintaining MTX 17.5mg and Plaquenil 300mg. I've been doing well since about August with minimal flares, but my ESR was still slightly elevated. Since last month, i've been having trouble with drug compliance- less pain makes me forget i still need my meds, and i was getting 'tired' of taking meds. I took my MTX weekly, but for SSZ's and HCQ's daily doses, i conveniently forgot about them on and off.So for the last 2 weeks, i took no SSZ and HCQ, but still took MTX. I saw my rheumy just yesterday, and my ALT levels shot up to 528. I had 2 episodes of ALT elevations at 299 due to Arava and 82 due to higher MTX doses, but this is the highest yet.Rheumy and i are puzzled because we've been at these doses for more than 6 months without changes, and the liver only showed signs of distress after so long. Moreover i haven't been taking SSZ. No drinking for 2 months already(prior to that, i drink only when socialising, but that's very occasional too).I'm upset because i've only gotten relief very recently, and was thinking that it could go on for a long time because my body was taking it well. Now i have to go off SSZ and MTX. This is happening at almost the same time as last year with the Arava. I'm so afraid of going back into the vicious cycle of trying to get back into a remissive state. I had an absolutely difficult time coping with the flares while in school before SSZ started working.I can only pray and hope that i won't get it so bad, and that my LFTs 3 weeks later will show normal levels so i can go back on MTX soon. :(I haven't been reading posts, but i hope everyone is doing ok. I wish nothing but the best for all of you out there, especially with the winter season. Thank you for taking the time to read thus far. God bless!

Drs. appointment today!!!!

Barbara Schwefel — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:51:05 GMT

[size=4]Hi All,Hope all of you are good as can be.I had an appt. today with my endocrinologist or my diabetes doctor who I think I'm in love with lol!He is the best doctor I've been to in a long time.He ran some lab work the last time to check my thyroid which all came back excellent I'm happy to say.I'm on a insulin pump since April and am doing great with it!!!In fact I wish I had gone on it 10 yrs ago.He said now if we can get everything else this goog we'd be in business.Also had my h1n1 vaccine done and so far so good.The further away that stuff stays the better.We've had one death here due to that flu.Well, just wanted to let everyone know what's happening,Lately I've just been lurking.Take care all and hope most of your days are pain free!!!!:P[/size]

I have the CRUD

Bekah M — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:30:34 GMT

[i][font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]Dunno if it was the mildewy moldy smelly building Ken was recording with other musicians and many places still have that smell from hurricane Rita..I started losing my voice and getting a sore throat....Could be because I have been so active lately and getting out so much too, but I have had bronchitis so bad. It's been about 20 years since I had constant "Thanksgiving CRUD" every year missing TG dinner. Strange that it comes back now at the same time of year. I used to stay sick with it for about two weeks. It's been about 5 days and I feel better so maybe this too shall pass..Since I take no biologics I had nothing to stop taking, so I am still struggling with it. The worst is the cough! It's so painful...Going to ER tonight to get something for the cough..The fever is all gone..I could actually have the flu i suppose but with my track record of bronchitis I recognize it for that. I hope you all excuse me if I don't post...Just know that I read and love you guys and always keep you all in my prayers...My eyes are so blurry and I have decided to also mention that I have that problem too to the ER doc...Take care..Bekah[/size][/font][/i]

OT: Happy Birthday, Jay in Sarasota (Thursday, November 19)

Pam3 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:20:45 GMT

[center][size=5][color=#0033FF][font=Comic Sans MS]May your day be filled with splashes of fun, and may your year be full of adventure.[/font][/color][/size][/center][center][img]http://media.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/53259/normal_1fish.JPG[/img][/center]

Changing Rheumys

coney island baby — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:39:32 GMT

I had surgery 3 wks ago and am off my Humira for awhile now. I had a pretty uncomfortable flair these last few days and called rheumy to see about taking some prensone and how much, I had some at home. The answer was to check w/the surgoen. So I did and he said sure. I called the rheumy back and was told that before they would tell me how much I needed to get evaluated by either my doc or her partner asap. Since she had no open slots, I saw her partner who basically asked some questions, looked at my fingers and said okay take prednisone for a few days.Am VERY upset that I was told check w/surgeon and then put off for another 12hrs, in severe pain, before they said yes. It is only 5 mgs for 2 days, then 2.5 for 2 days. And already I feel better.Am feeling as though I am not really being taking care of properly, I would think some protocol should be in place for these kind of events, ie: Okay start low dose prednisone and make an appt to come in over the next few days, so I can at least get out of pain? The rheumies go home and relax while I have to remain in pain unitl the next day.I am looking for another rheumy-anyone have similar experience?Thanks

switched to MTX injections

doxie lover — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:42:27 GMT

I had my Rheumy visit today. We talked about my meds and due to a couple of factors my Dr. switched me from 8 MTX tabs once a week to MTX injections once a week. My MTX day is Friday after work, I picked up the syringes today along with a new pain med, Darvecet and my pharmacist ordered the MTX. I have never given a shot before little lone to myself!! I am sure you get used to it but I would appreciate any advice you all might have. I know I will be nervous the first time and my husband and 19 year old son will be of no use as they both can not look when getting a needle! So I am willing to try it to eliminate some of the stomach issues. If anything wish me luck ;) LOL. Julie

update and vent

~ashiemae~15~ — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:59:07 GMT

[size=4][/size] my vent is about schoolUM okay about 2 mounths ago i went to iwoa's children hospilt because i was haveing lots pain and was ending up in hospilt because the reumtoles i had just wantd give me pain pills and they helpd some but when imflmation went in sturnma and rib cage i could not breath ya most u know sayn if u deult with thisso went to iwoa and she startd me on plaquen and felden but we are finding out that most drs did not pay attchen to most naisd thin my blood to much so few weeks of felden had stop and still taken plauqen and i go back to dr dec 2. and she order homebounding the schools haveing fun with that one at rate ther doing it i be better geting my ged they are onley giveing me one class a semster and onley going bring out teacher once week wen ther spouse to bring one out atleast 3 times week so that startd yesterday and i am going go with this for few weeks and see how gose but nexts iep meting i am going to damend more time and more subjects becuas how is one hour spouse to help by this rate will be 40 befor i gradwate um im not sure what going do but keep playing games i am probly going to go with ged because better then nothing and how schools doing it i am going get no were aspet in english lol and i am pretty good in english if i am not skaterbraind and i pay attench the spelling is the onley thing in english but if i pay atench i put all my puction and what ever lol because i tock english test other day and most 9th grade got 3 or 4 or this timed easa and i got a 5 and highest u could get was 6 so if pay atchen i do good At times i feel like the school dont give me enuf credit i can do something.And the teacher that cam out yesterday wasent her feult she teaches her own class 7th grade but she use to teach higher grades and she dose after school program so she dont have time to creat leson plain and the 9th grade english teacher did not have what she was spouse to have ready for the teacher to take me.So ya and like i would like my high school deplouma but at all collges here now even with high school doplum u got to take test see were u are so ged i could still find out were i was when got older and i may have to take anther collage class or 2 but better then sevral years more like schools doing thanks for lisenting to my vent love Ashley and GRR i cant wait to get old to not deal with schools

Resilience Quote of the Day

Pam3 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:48:08 GMT

[size=5][color=#cc0000][center][font=Comic Sans MS]“An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.” [/font][/center][/color][/size][font=Comic Sans MS][size=2][color=#cc6600][center]Irv Kupcinet[/center][/color][/size][/font][center][img]http://www.backontrackproductions.com/images/turkey_walking1.gif[/img][img]http://www.clker.com/cliparts/c/a/1/9/1195427229986809443johnny_automatic_vegetables.svg.thumb.png[/img][/center]

Calling out to Tammy

faith31 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:07:06 GMT

[font=Comic Sans MS][/font][size=3][i][/i][/size]Tammy, Wondering about you, please give us a update soon, hope all is well with CJ, your boys & especially you!!

OT: Where does everyone live????

DianeLouise — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:11:49 GMT

Just thought it would be fun!

Pittsburgh, Pa

Diane :)

enbrel shots

mammakc — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:39:57 GMT

[font=System][/font][size=4]I WAS JUST WONDERING ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE USING ENBREL, HOW THEY USE IT? DO YOU GIVE THE SHOT TO YOURSELF OR DOES SOMEONE ELSE GIVE IT TO YOU? MY HANDS ARE ONE OF MY WORST PARTS SO IT WASNT EVEN AN OPTION FOR ME TO DO IT MYSELF. BUT I AM REALLY BOTHERED BY DEPENDING ON SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT ALL THE TIME? CURIOUS WHAT OTHERS EXPERIENCES WITH IT ARE?[/size]