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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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tired of pain and loss of abilities

By angie Sunday, April 01, 2012

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I have been diagnosed with RA for a few months now, but been on methotrexate for awhile (20mg) for longer.....My RA factors still 77.3..... My stomach stays very upset and I am slowly losing weight, which isn't all bad since I'm a bit heavy.I am seein a new rheumatologist next month expecting to to be put on injections or infusions. I am 41 and been outta work since nov.'11. It seems that my RA is the aggressive type. My current doc says its involved my muscles too. My gut feels like I have something else with the RA ..... Does anyone out there have any thoughts to help me... I cant drive, my memory is mush and cant do anything much for more than 15 minutes at a time. HELP!!!! I am also losing my mind with huge anxiety and panic attacks.

Celebrating RA Poetry and Community Creativity

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V, Health Guide

4/ 1/12 12:52pm

Hi, Angie,

I am so sorry you have RA, but you have found good place to come to learn and vent and share. Do you feel you have had RA for a while...like months or years? I ask, because the current thought is to hit RA hard and fast once it is diagnosed. Most of us start out on MTX first becasue the insurane companies pretty much require MTX to be tried before approving biologics like Humira, Embrel, Somponi, etc. Unfortunately, all RA meds take a few months to "kick in" and give relief. Most doctors prescribe prednisone, a steriod, as a "bridge" drug until the DMARDs start to work. DMARDs are disease modifying anti-rheumetic drugs.

I want you to know that you are not alone. What you describe is pretty typical, except perhaps the muscle involvement. My RD calls these "extra-articular manifestations of RA", and I have them too. I have a lot of tendonitis and bursitis and a bit of vasculits. So...I pretty much "get" it, and so do the other people on this site.

As far as the stomach issues go......RA meds are tough on the tummy. I take 150 mg of Zantac every day. A lot of people take Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as Prevacid or OTC Priolosec. They give me hives, but they work very well for most people. Have you talked to your doctor about your stomach issues? I do have a tip that I learned on my own. I take prednsione and NSAIDs every morning, and I hate eating that early. ( I get up early to take me meds and then lay back down for a while so they have time to work before I have to get ready for work ) I keep a quart container of yogurt in the refrigerator, and I take all of my pills with the yogurt. I have a very dry mouth...RA related...and this also helps the pills go down. You might want to read

When Meds Make A Meal: RA & GERD

I want you to know that it will get better, but it does take time. RA teaches us patience and perserverance. Do you have any pain meds? If not, I would suggest calling your doctor.

Wishing you the best,

V

4/ 1/12 1:57pm

I am on voltaren,trammadol,folic acid,mtx,protonix,clonapin. I started out on prednisone(2 rounds) and no help, plus about lost my mind.It is very nice to have a place to vent to people that understand...... I wake up daily not knowing what my abilities will or will not be.....I have applied for ssdi. I work for the state of NC so I have a decent short/long term disability plan.The meds make me unable to drive or think clearly... I first noticed symptoms about 7 years ago. In hindsight, now I realize it was the RA starting. I have had labs drawn for everything possible every 3 months or so and it just showed RA last month. My thyroid was diagnosed as hypo about 2 years ago and was stable for awhile. 6 months ago it went very crazy.... My ribs hurt all over, back, hips, arms,hands,legs,everywhere hurts and my visions gotten worse even before the mtx was started. On a poaitive note, my children are grown and I have a wonderful husband that is the most awesome support! Anymore ideas? I am open to all. And thank you for commenting...When people hear RS,oops RA, they think of reg. arthritis and dont understand why I cant work. (my delete button isnt workin so excuse my misspellings).

V, Health Guide

4/ 1/12 2:06pm

I am fluent is reading mispellings, Angie, as my fingers also get ahead of my mind.

I am so, so happy you have a supportive husband. Some people with RA have no one close for support, or worse yet...they do have someone close who just drags them down. So, that is a BIG PLUS for you.

I can share that I was still aching all over, even with all my meds, and my doctor prescribed Neurontin. It has done wonders for my muscle pain. I have a friend who was having the same type of pain, and I told her about Neurontin. She, too, is getting alot of relief from that med. Some people can't take it, but it has been a good med for me. Just a thought. I wonder if you also have Fibromyalgia. Some RD's don't believe in Fibro as a Dx, but some do. It is a recognized illness now with research that shows changes in the brains of Fibro patients. I have been Dx with Fibro, also. I think the Neurontin is helping the Fibro more than anything. There are specific Fibro drugs, as you most likely know. I tried Savella, but it made my BP go too high. Darn it! Because it worked. I also take 10 mg of Lexapro...an antidepressant and it helps. Cymbalta is prescribed a lot of times because it seems to help stop pain, as well as being an antidepressant. I can't take that one, either, but I know many who do take it with great success. I think you need sit down with your doc and tell him/her everything that is going on, and come up with a plan. I can tell you that Humira has cut my fatigue in half. I'm am still not "normal", but at least I can get out of bed!

Hugs,

V

4/ 1/12 4:14pm

I haven't tried neurontin, but I also was diagnosed with essential tremors several years ago. The neuro doc put me on a anticonvulsant and it wasn't a match for me...I decided to just live with them.Fibromyalgia has been considered too.The main reason I am going to another RD is te current one thinks I don't need a CT scan to help with my diagnoses. I feel it would be very helpful as it seems to be all over my body. Your thoughts?? Also, is it abnormal to still have a rheumatoid factor of 77.3 after being on mtx,etc. for several months.. The RD said that means it has entered my muscles too. My therapist is going to start EMDR next visit to help with my anxiety etc. My GP is very aware and on board with my choices for treatment. Whats weird is I went to the ER thinking I had fractured my hip and was diagnosd with viral arthritis.After several weeks of no relief I was put on the first round of prednisone.Still no help.. And YES, it is a blessing to have support and to still have some good quality of life. I take it one day at a time and cherish the small things I never did before. I hope you continue to do well. Thank you for chatting with me..:.)

V, Health Guide

4/ 1/12 10:39pm

People don't realize how painful RA is or can be. I have no problem believing you thought you had fractured your hip. I broke my wrist once, and it wasn't any more painful than my RA. Everyone pretty much starts out on MTX. Do you take your MTX after a full meal? BTW, a lot of people do say the injectible is much easier on your stomach, but it can be hard to find these days. You might ask your new RD about it when you see him/her. I am not a doctor, but my honest opinion is that you need to be on a biologic. The sooner the better. RF is a quirkly blood test. I have never had a postitive RF, but I do have RA. Some people who do not have RA, have a postitive RA. I have read a few people post RF's as high as 300. What is your Sed rate and CRP? My CRP was quite high and the Humira has brought it down, which is a good thing. My RD says the inflammation in my body was so high that I was at a high risk of heart attack. Do you have any swollen joints? Are they ever warm to the touch? Not everyone starts out with RA in the small joints of the body like the hands and feet, althought it eventually gets there. For instance, my RA started in my elbows and hips; however, when it attacked my feet I was right off to the doctor because I couldn't walk. I have customer orthotics now and they help quite a bit. It is important to wear good, supportive shoes. SAS and New Balance come to mind, as well as ASICs. When my knees swell up, I ice them down. Same with my ankles, but my other joints prefer heat. Try one or the other. Your body will let you know which one is right. You are just at the start of a lifelong journey, Angie. You are so right to take one day at a time. We are here for you, sweetie.

V

V, Health Guide

4/ 1/12 10:42pm

Correction***my RA started in my elbows and knees, not my hips. It is there now, though. It doesn't discriminate. Darn it!

4/ 2/12 9:35am

I usually take the mtx before bed. My CRP and sed rate have been fine. My joints arent warm either but swollen, like fluid on them and extremely painful.My back burns alot down my spine too like now when leaning forward.... See why I thought I was crazy. All this wrong and me almost 42......I am for sure gonna talk bluntly with my new RD.

4/ 2/12 12:07pm

Hey Angie, When I was on MTX, it was very consistent for me when the fatigue would set in -- right around 7 hours after the dose (weird, I know) -- and this let me 'time' my dose to maximum effect. I'd take it about 6pm instead of right before bed, and then still get in an evening before getting zonked. The next morning I'd be pretty wiped out, and nauseous as heck, but I knew that was coming. My doc gave me anti-nausea meds to help.

All that said, with higher doses of MTX orally, the fatigue started lasting longer and longer (eventually 4 days), and so my rheumy switched me to the injectible which was much better.

4/10/12 7:52pm

I just started the injectable mtx and was very tired second day. Do you have any side effects?

4/10/12 7:52pm

I just started the injectable mtx and was very tired second day. Do you have any side effects?

4/18/12 11:32pm

Hey, I wanted to let you know that my RD told me to take my mtx @ bedtime as I've been doing. She also gave me folinic acid to take the night after and its only 1 time a week too, but to continue the regular folic acid as well and this will offset the side effects of the mtx. I will let you know in a few weeks how its going. Take care.

4/19/12 9:59am

I have had JRA for 37 yrs now. I am almost 40. Make sure you have a great medical manangment team. Do not go off any medicines cold turkey w/o consulting your dr. My personal experience is much different from others as I have had this illness through my growth years which put another fly in the ointment. Be grateful (i know its hard) that you have not had it forever. Because of all this, I am on many many meds. In addition, I have had 21 surgeries, 16 orthopedic all since 1998 because even w/the best bone bullder on the market, Forteo, my bones are not good. They are better than they were but are not good. So, I have had many initial replacements and then revisions and stress fractures. If my right hip/femur breaks one more time, there is a good chance it will not heal and may have to be amputated. The bones can only be operated on so many times. Make sure you trust your MD. Do what they say. Go to the best medical center you can find. Take your meds regularly. Invest in literature like Arthritis Today and Arthritis Self managemnet. But keep in mind there are 100 forms of arthritis. And yours is not just pain, there is a disease with it. I never had the Rheumatoid Factor. Many people do not; however i have had Sedrates as high as 140;off the charts. Do not be discouraged by these people on magazines who say even with their arthritis they are skiing and walking on the beach barefoot. I can not even walk w/o my sneakers because I need my orthotics all the time. I only work at the local library 3 (three hours) weekly. Do what You can. I rely on my husband as the primary wage earner. Try to get the best health insurance you can. I recommned always a PPO or something like it. There are also many private foundations that will pay your copay for you if you qualify. Apply to all. I have help w/my several of my meds through Chronic Disease Fund and Patient Advocate Foundation. The Enbrel company pays for my enbrel. Take one day at a time. Do what makes you happy. Appreciate what you do have and use anything that gives you encouragement or inspiration. I love the "philosophy" of Joel Osteen. I read much and keep busy. I have to use a wheelchair to sit in and a walker to walk. I love my life and would love to get rid of my disease but know even if my arthritis was to go into remission I would still have to deal w/all my skeletal issues. I make sure every year that I get all the financial assistance I can. I hope this helps.

4/19/12 10:18am

OMG, I love Joel Osteen too... I am doing like you as far as life and trying to "enjoy" it. Just not there yet. I am so sorry for your bone issues, that it definitely tough to deal with. And to be so young as well. I am finding so much strength from y"all. Do you have more tips for help getting modified equipment at home like a more user friendly tub? I love my jet tub but cant climb out and I need a button to adjust the pressure of the jets cause some days its too hard. God Bless

4/19/12 10:41am

I love the tub as well but had to give it up. I love my shower and have a shower chair and take one every day. For many years I took 2 showers daily for pain mangement but as my family helps me w/my ADL's (activities of daily living). Go through your dr and find out if your health insurance will cover any medical equipment. Be patient. You will need an Rx order then its a process. I would love to get one however I don't know if our bathroom would support it.Try whatever works. Keep notes also.

4/19/12 4:38pm

FYI, I tried to give you a heart and for some reason it wouldn't work ,so here it is anyways.....<3

4/ 1/12 4:03pm

Hey Angie,

As much as this will sound completely off, the best advice I can give you right now is to consciously focus on relaxing and letting go. RA seems to latch onto stress, anxiety, and any negative emotions really, and then feed off those emotions. It's a nice little circle of yuckiness.

I definitely know how you feel, and can imagine you are thinking 'yeah, but how do I relax with all those going on?' I can definitely sympathesize, and it is something you have to work at. I have to stop myself from thinking about certain subjects, or I am almost guareenteed to flare. I sing a song in my head, turn on the radio, tv, whatever, if I can't stop the ole brain.

I also found it helpful to cut myself some slack. I have a monstrous complusion to 'get things done' and it generates a lot of stress if I think about what I'm not doing.

I'm out on disability, and as much as getting paid not to work sounds wonderful to people, it isn't. IMO, this only execerbates the viscious cycle of pain and negative emotions. If you can find a way to keep your mind active, it will help. I read, serially watch tv shows that I like (on tivo), etc. Whatever works for you.

Now, in terms of the stress about the diagnosis, my best advice there is ignore your gut. Almost all of the auto-immune disease are treated with the same drugs (as my rheumatologist is found of pointing out when I say 'Oh, what about disease X'). Also, going to see a new rheumatologist (be it as a consult or for a new doc) will help.

In terms of the MTX, I had very bad nausea and fatigue as well. Going on the injectible cured those symptoms for me. Be sure to tell your MD about the side effects, and be sure to tell him how bad they are. Then if he doesn't mention changing to the injectible, ask him to do so point blank.

Hope things get better soon!

4/ 1/12 4:30pm

You are so totally right! I take frequent sight seein rides of course with hubby driving.I also have a daughter with aspergers a form of autism, and we have fun together helpin each other out of our "funks"....And lots of mini vacations.And my work is definitely a stressor and I have to completely cut off contact from them to keep myself sane. I have a very good friend that takes me out about once a month for lunch and some shopping.It's kinda weird but the saying "it's all about me" is my moto now, lol! Thank you for commenting and its nice to have the understanding and extra support...... I look forward in continuing to chat with you. Take care

4/ 5/12 10:50am

Dealing with RA is very difficult. My Rheumatoid factor is 240 and my rheumatologist has explained the inflammation rates go down with medication but the factor will not necessarily change. The fatigue with RA can be as dibilitating as the pain and inflammation. I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago at the age of 26. I asked my rheumy what the difference is with the level of the rheumatoid factor. He explained that generally the higher it is, it usually signifies a more severe and agressive form of the disease but that is not guaranteed. Well, mine sure did! Within 6 months of the pain starting and early diagnosis, I went from being on naproxen and plaquenil to needing biologic injections. The anti-inflammatories also caused issues with my stomach so even though I'm not on them anymore, I have prescription medication that I take twice a day for ehartburn. I failed the first biologic (Humira) after a 6 month trial and then I was on the second one (Enbrel) for 1.5 years before my bloodwork showed that I was failing that one too (I knew it was but my rheumy believed me once it showed in my bloodwork). In February I started chemotherapy (Rituxan) infusions. I do not seem to be responding well to them yet and hopefully my bloodwork that I had yesterday will show that to my rheumatologist. Three days ago, at 29 years old, I purchased my first cane. Yesterday I had a little breakdown because I've just had enough of the pain and fatigue. I feel like something is very wrong with how my disease is progressing right now (something has changed and not for the better) which I can't explain and I simply began to cry. Then I picked myself up, hobbled out the door to the Arthritis Society and sat through a meeting about the upcoming Walk to Fight Arthritis (I am on the committee in our city). Hearing about the progress on it and knowing that it is helping people like me, it helped to put my mind in a better place. I have a terrible memory, muscle and tendon pain but I never know if that's meds, RA or my hypothyroidism. I still struggle every day, but allowing myself that time to cry and mourn my losses can help to pick myself up again for another day. I may have another cry tonight or the next night or every day for a week, but I continue to get up in the morning exhausted but glad that I still work full-time thanks to the help of my family, my friends, my rheumy and communities like this. I'm hoping to expand my family (we have a 5 year old daughter) but first, I have to take care of my disease in order to care for a baby.

4/ 5/12 9:23pm

I am so sorry for you. But I am encouraged by your stength too! I too have been dwelling on the idea of getting a walker so

i can still go to the malls,etc. Having such a small child as well is another battle. And to still be working full time. WOW!! I thik some days I could go back and work but then reality hits me.... Not now. I will be thinking about you and know you have given me strength... Thank you.

4/ 8/12 8:18pm

I am trying to figure out this heart thing...lol, when I do I will b sendin you one!

4/18/12 11:36pm

Hey, your story really stuck in my heart. I wanted to check in and see how you are doing..

4/19/12 8:41am

Things are rough right now but I take it day by day. I'm learning to swallow my pride and use my cane. My hands are bad right now but I keep holding out hope that the new medication will eventually work. No luck yet but that doesn't mean it won't. Tonight my sister (who also has RA) has organized a comedy night called Laughter Is The Best Medicine. It is to raise funds for the Walk for Arthritis and last night she asked me to write a short speech...my "story". I'm hoping to get through it tonight without crying! LOL Thanks for checking in on me. It's support from others who understand that really pull me through my roughest days. I hope things are going well for you. Take care. Sending pain-free internet hugs your way!

4/19/12 9:02am

Remember tears are real. Good luck on your speech, youll do great. I.'m glad you have family support and umderstanding. I hate it that you both have it though... My family has serious disattachment issues, meaning my mother,father and sister. My home family is supportive as they can be.... Please yes have have fun. I am planning a dinner date out with my friends soon. Cant wait, I'm sending you pain free internet hugs too!!!!! good luck tonite.

5/ 7/12 11:11pm

I wanted to check in on you and see how youve been.... xoxo

5/ 8/12 1:51pm

Well, I'm fighting off another infection which is likely another ear infection. But I have today and tomorrow off of work to rest which is really good. My Rituxan isn't working yet so I checked in with my rheumy last week. Apparently it can take 4 months to work! I'm only at 2.5 months since the infusions so I've sucked it up and for two weeks I'm on prednisone to get some temporary relief. The prednisone is giving me some much needed rest. I bought a new cane which is bright aquar blue with sparkly silver and very trendy which makes me happy to use! I also found a store in my city last Monday that sells the arthritis compression gloves and I'm finding that they really do help. There were two nights I forgot to wear them and I dislocated my thumb again both nights! Bit by bit I'm taking care of little things and hopefully in a couple of months the Rituxan will be working and I can have my life back! On top of that I have an appointment with my family doc next week to get a referral to a weight managemnt clinic at the hospital. If I can get soctor supervised help losing the weight, that will also help me lose and ease some pressure off of my joints. :o) So, things are looking up I'd say! I hope things are going well with you...

5/ 8/12 1:59pm

Oh, I also want to let you know that my speech went really well at the comedy night. I happened to be using my cane that night which packed a bigger punch. There were a couple of young guys who came in off of the street and usually get the student rate (half price). They were early twenties and university students so they complained to my father at the door but he explained that it was a charity night and it was full-price. They fussed but paid it and came in anyway. The comedians were great! At the end of the evening my sister called me up to talk. At the end of my speech the guys went over to my father (after drinking all evening) and apologized! They said they didn't get it. They didn't understand how big of a deal it was, didn't understand, but they do now. They wished us the best of luck with the walk and fundraising and said that we opened their eyes. That to me is what it is all about. It's SO important to me to bring awareness to others, specially younger people and for the first time I really saw that I did. What an amazing feeling!

1/13/13 8:49am

awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I havent been on in awhile!!!!!!

1/14/13 11:27am

Good news is that I finally have a medication that works. The Rituxan took 4 months to kick in but it finally did. In June is started working and around the same time I was given the amazing opportunity to participate in our local Biggest Loser! Not only have I been able to stop walking with a cane, I can exercise, I am dancing again and I have lost 50lbs! An amazing anonymous donor paid for my first 3 months because I couldn't afford it and then my next 3 months were free because I got the one free spot by getting over 1800 votes. It's been an amazing ride. Please feel free to read my blog and see how it's been going. I haven't updated it in a bit but will be soon because I have just been given 1 year of training with the same training center to keep up my program! rawljourney.blogspot.ca

God bless and sending happy, healthy vibes to all!

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

4/ 5/12 8:50pm

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. I've lived with RA for over 40 years and can tell you that it ebbs and flows and sometimes, it kicks your butt.

If methotrexate would do the trick, you would start seeing effects after 6-8 weeks. If you've been on methotrexate for longer than that and are still having problems, it may not be enough. Seeing a new rheumatologist is probably not a bad idea and it's quite likely that they'll recommend one of the biologic drugs. Usually, they start people on Enbrel as it can sometimes work very fast. They may recommend that you stay on methotrexate, as well, as the combination of those two drugs seems to be more effective than each on its own, especially for aggressive cases of the disease.

Do you think your stomach upset is related to methotrexate? RA meds are notorious for being hard on your stomach, but in my experience, RA itself can give you an upset stomach, as well. Check out my post on managing side effects for tips on how to reduce stomach-relate side effects. You may also want to talk to your PCP about a prescription for stomach medication, such as the Proton Pump Inhibitors (Pantoloc, Nexium, Prilosec, etc). A lot of people with RA, take one of these drugs to help with side effects of the drugs that treat the RA.

Uncontrolled RA will do a number on you, both in terms of depression, anxiety and pain all over. RA doesn't affect muscles, although it can cause inflammation in tendons and ligaments, as well. However, the pain of RA inflammation causes you to tense up and use your body differently, which can give you muscle pain.

Many people who have RA also have fibromyalgia. This is a disorder of the central nervous system that among other things causes muscle pain. Other symptoms can include cognitive changes, such as memory issues and feeling as if your brain is not working right - it actually has a name: "fibro fog." Check out the fibromyalgia area on our Chronic Pain site. As well, the Community Leader for that site, and I interviewed each other about RA and fibro and these articles may be helpful for you, as well. You can read Karen's interview with me and my interview with Karen here (part two here). If this rings a bell with you, you may want to discuss fibromyalgia with your new rheumatologist, as well.

You may also want to read my post for people who are new to RA. It pulls together links to articles on our site on a variety of topics related to living with RA.

Hang in there. It gets easier.

4/ 9/12 10:45pm

Thanks, I saw my new rheumy today and I love her! I was blunt but she was very direct and knew exactly how I felt.... She is probably gonna start me on humira next visit in 2 weeks. She did more labs today and is gonna do xrays of my hands and feet then as well. Apparently I have it worse and in more places than even I realized. She did a thorough exam and I was educated during it. She mentioned the injectionable mtx too, but said its in short supply but is going to try to get me on it. This site is such an asset for me and I appreciate you all for reaching out to me.

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

4/12/12 8:23pm

I love blunt. I would much rather have a doctor who is blunt than anything else. Well, blunt and a sense of humor.

glad we've been able to help!

Brad, Health Guide

4/11/12 1:19am

Glad you saw your new Rheumy and you are discussing Bioligics! Hitting RA hard and fast is the way to go with the meds. I do hope you can get on the injectable MTX as well, it seems to have far less side effects than the the oral kind. I have heard of the shortage, but have had no issue getting it here at Costco. I am so sorry for your pain, all I can say is that it will get better. You will learn what you can and cannot do to control pain and fatigue, not that we always follow our own rules..... I am famous for pushing myself too far. But it will get better! We are always here when you need answers or just need to vent! Nice having you here!

Brad

4/11/12 7:21am

Brad, it is so nice to meet you. I keep hearing it will get better. I just realized that doesn't mean it will go away but, better managed....Yes, I am too excited to get the injectable mtx. It kills my stomach and makes me feel worse for a few days. Thanks to you all for the great support.

V, Health Guide

4/14/12 10:57pm

Hi, Angie,

Just checking back in to see how you are feeling. I am so happy you have an RD you like. My RD is a woman who is blunt also. I find that to be a good thing. Sometimes she is so blunt, she makes me laught outloud. I know that sounds strange, but I have a feeling you wil understand!

It takes time to find the right med combo for each of us, as we all respond differently to medications, but you hang in there. It will get better. Be totally open with your RD and remember that you are the most important part of your medical team.

Hugs,

V

4/15/12 9:45am

Thank you for checkin on me. My pains worse, cant wait to see RD. My meds aren't helpin much, if any. I see my RD on the 25th so I will be askin her.I was replyin and my pc did a trick on me so if it posts theyll be duplicates. Question, has anyone had nodules on your head?They are not bumps or infected hair follicles, no color just painful, and I am at higher risk for cancer, I lost both grandmas to it. Does it seem real that I need to be concerned about it more? And I just cant believe the meds will reverse my condition, my gut tells me to be ready for a long fight. I feel like crap for applyin for SSDI, but too much is unknown and it takes so long to get an answer, I figured to save time I'd just go ahead and do it.Also, any info on getting durable med. equipment or modifications like a new tub, I need a different jet tub....I'll chat more later, my hands and neck are telln me to qiut for now.

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

4/19/12 11:52am

to be honest, I don't know much about this, but we do have a post with more information about nodules. I've never heard of people having nodules on their head, but I guess it's possible? I suggest talking to your rheumatologist about it. If you have a family history of cancer, you may also want ask for a referral to a dermatologist or talk to your family doctor about the lumps.

Please remember that it is okay to call your rheumatologist and ask for help in between appointments. If you're in this much pain, the phone call might get you a prescription for a burst of prednisone to help you during a flare or painkillers I can help you get through the day.

RA is a lifelong fight, but it is possible to find a medication that works for you. These days, there are more options than ever before and there's a pretty good chance that you will either go into remission or be able to have decent control of your disease. Part of getting your quality of life back means treating your RA, but can also mean taking a closer look at your pain management. Make sure you talk to your rheumatologist about that topic, as well.

you may want to check out my post on SSD - it has links to a number of resources that can help you increase the chances of your application being accepted. As well, I would recommend that you ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist, who can help you with adaptive equipment.

4/19/12 4:45pm

Thank you, I have put in a call to her. I got results on my ANA and it is positive.... So another chapter in my book. I will be updating you as I learn.. thanks xoxox

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By angie— Last Modified: 01/14/13, First Published: 04/01/12

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