I have had R/A for two years. I am 43 year old female.Started Sulphasalazine treatment, now taking 2 grams per day. for the past two years. Blood test results were erratic after commencing the DMARD treatment. Developed anaemia (two months later) Folic acid, vitamin B12 and Ferrous sulphate were prescribed on daily basis. Then had low potassium. Pain worsening on a daily basis. Last hospital appointment August 2007, they have now started me taking Plaquenil 1 tab per day, along with all the other tabs. I take the steroid jabs when offered, intramuscularly, and also the jabs into my finger joints which are SO painful! Does anyone else out there feel like all the drugs are a waste of time? I am also hardly eating anything as the drugs are my daily diet! I am vegetarian, ex-anorexic, depressed and stressed with work, and my partner is avoiding me - whenever he can! He says Im nuts and need help. He doesn't see the constant pain and the effect it has on my ability to perform the simplest of tasks! Am I the only one who is going through all this physical and mental pain, or is there someone out there who is as "nuts" as me, trying to live with a debilitating illness, whilst trying to be "normal" ??
Debbie, your not alone. I am 33 years old I have had ra since nov. 2005. I started out thinking I nuts also. One day you wake up and you can't move your hand or a foot and then the days go by and the pain gets worse and worse. You can't think straight and the pain. The pain. The pain. I take perscriptions daily for my ra plus I am now on Orencia which is an infusion. Embrel did not work for me. I have to say the orencia is working I feel so much better. This disease seems to be hit or miss with the meds some work for some people some dont. My best advice to you is dont give up. You have to keep going and you will find the meds that work. This web site has been so helpful it shows me that I am not alone. About your partner maybe he can go to the dr with you and the dr can better explain what the disease is knowledge is key for the people who watch us suffer and it validates the pain and the disease. I always say if they could see the pain like a broken arm they would care more. You have to eat and drink pleanty of water with your meds, you will get an ulser. Plus water will prevent dehydration which can make you feel a little nuts. About the depression I take a antidepressant ask you dr if this is a good idea. It has saved my marriage. Maybe you can find a professional to talk to also. Someone who is not emotionally invested in you so you can vent. Good luck on your journey to feeling better, I will pray for you.
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your advice. I am so glad you're getting there. You seem to have been through all the emotions and the disappointment of the hit and miss medications already, and its an inspiration to know that you have eventually found relief. I do feel it is a very depressing illness to have and I think I would also benefit from anti-depressants, which I will be discussing with my Doc. To date I have been diagnosed for past two years with R/A but after all the drugs I've taken, with no relief whatsoever, I feel that my rheumatologist should review the obvious progression of the disease. I have told her on countless occasions I am having dreadful pain like today - I cannot move my feet, hip, my neck and also all of my finger joints. How can a person possibly cope with everyday living - not to mention my job when they feel this bad?
I pray so much for all of us, that we all will get some relief, someday. It helps me so much to know that with this site, we can all share our fears and inspirations together
May you continue to keep well and positive.
Debbie,
I found steroids helped me move I am still on them and am weaning off by my doctor. They were the only thing that helped while I searched for other options. Lots of people on this site take them or have taken them. There are side affects but I have 3 kids and one is only 3. My husband and I decided we will deal with the side affects later, I need to walk and take care of my family now. It is scarry to hear all of the side affects from these meds, but what choice do I have or any of us for that matter. I wish you well.
Lisa