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Just Kim
Posted Saturday, November 14, 2009 1:52 PM


 

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Thursday, March 04, 2010 1:08 PM
Posts: 207, Visits: 350
Hi All!

Been busy the last 3 weeks with nurses, PT's, Drs. and recovery. Thought I'd check in and let you know how it's going. The first couple of weeks were the toughest and my Mom came to help out during that time. I was using a walker and only putting 50% weight bearing on the bad hip. It sure was nice to have her and she made sure I ate really well with lots of good things from her gardens. Made my hubby feel better too, knowing she was here when he was teaching.

Last week brought a BIG change and pain went away quickly. Was able to wean off the heavy duty drug the Dr. prescribed over the weekend. Went to the Ortho Doc. on Monday and he released me from the 26 staples, taking Coumidin, the special extra tight TED socks, and I graduated to out patient therapy. I am using a cane less and less since the therapy started as we are working on strength and balance. My new PT actually worked at the school I taught at for a couple of years. So am enjoying the PT too as we talk about old times and this and that. I forget how hard I am working sometimes. But the proof is in the sweat when I leave!

My RA Doc started me on Arava this week. One I have never tried. Am at 10 mg. and have noticed no side effects so far. I do take it before I go to bed. Anyone ever been on this drug and thoughts?

I am looking forward to the holidays and hope to be dancing around the Christmas tree.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families! Life is truly a blessing and enjoy every minute of it.
Post #4262995
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teacherrobin
Posted Saturday, November 14, 2009 2:02 PM


 

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Hi Just Kim,

It's great to read how well you are doing. My prayers will be that your recovery continues along this positive path.

I was on Arava for a short while. One of the rare side effects is peripheral neuropathy, which I managed to get, so I had to go off of it. If you start having any numbness, burning or tingling in your feet or hands, be sure to let the doctor know. Once I took the medicine to clear the Arava out of my system, the PN lessened quite a bit. On the positive side, the Arava was helping my RA to some degree, so don't let my little warning worry you to death. Arava's a good drug.

God bless,

Robin
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Grandpavan
Posted Saturday, November 14, 2009 2:21 PM


 

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Thanks for a very upper of a post, and prayers of thanksgiving are on the way. God bless.

Age 82, diagnosed RA 12/2001, married since 1952, 4 sons no daughters, 4 grandsons 1 granddaughter.  Doing well on Methotrexate and Remicade.
Post #4263012
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Liz M
Posted Saturday, November 14, 2009 3:36 PM


 

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That's awesome Kim! Glad to know you are doing so well in recovery!

Liz
Post #4263028
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Captex
Posted Saturday, November 14, 2009 3:48 PM


 

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Last Login: Today @ 12:44 AM
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Hi Kim,

I started Arava a few weeks ago and so far so good. It usually comes with loose stool or diarrhea for most folks and I got the loose stool along with a bit of a tummy ache. Both issues were manageable. Some doctors give a loading dose of 100mg, others slowly ramp it up. I started at 10mg, just like you. My Rheumy told me that next month I'll be at 20mg for a while.

My Rheumy also gave me a shot of Depo-Medrol to bridge off of Prednisone. According to all that I have read here and that my doctor has said, it takes a few months before Arava really kicks in.

I'm really hoping that Arava will be the magic pill that does the trick. I hope that it does the same for you. Keep everyone posted about your progress!

Good Luck!

God Bless,


captex

Supposed to start Remicade, For RA taking Arava, Prednisone and Bactrim, currently taking Atenenol, Albuterol, Aspirin, Glipizide, Lozol, Xanax, and trying to lose the 35+lbs that I gained recently from Prednisone. Diagnosed with RA in 1982. Fighting ILD. I'm dealing with my Diabetes and I've only begun to truely understand RA. Will be starting Cytoxan soon.
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Just Kim
Posted Monday, November 16, 2009 10:13 AM


 

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Last Login: Thursday, March 04, 2010 1:08 PM
Posts: 207, Visits: 350
Thanks for the information and encouragement!

Robin I had the tingling and numbness (and more) on some of the biologics...so I will definitely contact the RA Dr. if that happens. I am hopeful, but realistic and guarded. Don't want to go back to that again. I am being monitored very closely and blood tests every 4 weeks. My Dr. is aware of all of the problems I have had and is very cautious. He is also quite knowledgeable and I trust him. I only wish they could find a cure for all of us. Sometimes I feel like a freak of nature, having tried so many and failed so many times...but I will never give up and someday I will smile without pain.

Captex, how is it going with Arava for you? I too have been dealing with RA since the late 80's. It has been a rough go since January 07 and I have had lots to deal with. I am hoping now I can get it back under control safely and sooner than later. My Dr. said to be patient too and so I am willing to wait and hope it works. If I could have some sunny weather for a couple of months, it would be easier...lol.

Grandpa Van I am upbeat now, but you should have seen me a couple of weeks ago when even sitting was very hard to do! I have to laugh now though, it is good medicine! I am amazed at how quick recovery is and how wonderful I feel now compared to then. Life is good once again and I can move forward...literally!

Thanks Liz and I hope your dinner goes well for all you Southern Californian...this time of year I wish I was there.
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Pam3
Posted Monday, November 16, 2009 11:27 AM


 

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I'm glad you're recovering well. Thanks for sharing the good news. Happy Thanksgiving!

Take Care,
Pam





______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." From the Disney Film Mulan
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Captex
Posted Monday, November 16, 2009 7:55 PM


 

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Last Login: Today @ 12:44 AM
Posts: 315, Visits: 795
Just Kim (11/16/2009)
Thanks for the information and encouragement!

Robin I had the tingling and numbness (and more) on some of the biologics...so I will definitely contact the RA Dr. if that happens.

Captex, how is it going with Arava for you? I too have been dealing with RA since the late 80's. It has been a rough go since January 07 and I have had lots to deal with. I am hoping now I can get it back under control safely and sooner than later. My Dr. said to be patient too and so I am willing to wait and hope it works. If I could have some sunny weather for a couple of months, it would be easier...lol.


Just Kim,

Today, I was reading what Robin wrote to you and let me say that last night I experienced the tingling and numbness that she mentioned, Although I'm not sure that it was caused by the Arava, but I'm going to bring it up to my Rheumy anyway when I see her next week. I'm hoping that it was just a coincidence and nothing more.

Have you noticed anything different now that your taking Arava?


captex

Supposed to start Remicade, For RA taking Arava, Prednisone and Bactrim, currently taking Atenenol, Albuterol, Aspirin, Glipizide, Lozol, Xanax, and trying to lose the 35+lbs that I gained recently from Prednisone. Diagnosed with RA in 1982. Fighting ILD. I'm dealing with my Diabetes and I've only begun to truely understand RA. Will be starting Cytoxan soon.
Post #4264213
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Tommy4
Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:43 AM


 

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Last Login: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 1:46 PM
Posts: 1,537, Visits: 1,297
JustKim,

When you are over this you will feel like a new person when I had my right hip done 13 yrs ago I was wondering if I would ever walk without pain it is the best thing I ever did.

Tommy
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