i need some help!!

By libbey79 Friday, May 30, 2008

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Hi i am sara I am 28 years old i have had RA since i was 17 and epilepsy since i was 21. I have had my wrist fused, leg surgery and elbow scoped, i was told yesterday that they can't do anything else to help me with my elbow and shoulder my only option is elbow and shoulder replacements ,so it is very flustrating.I have to small boys and i love to work and be outside but so very hard when i can't move.I am on iv therapy orencia , methelpred ,loratab perc., methadone, lamictal,prozac and a multivitamin. I am open to suggestions so please if you have any ideas i would greatly appretiate them!!

Comments (3) | Add comment

Hollybgroovin, Health Guide

5/30/08 8:40pm

Wow Sara, it sure sounds like you have been through a lot on your journey with RA. I am 28 as well with 2 young boys and have had rheumatoid arthritis for 14 years. I myself am waiting on full total hip replacement and total shoulder replacement. I have been waiting for over 2 years for my insurance to approve it, but they say I am too young. Pesky insurance people apparently don't know that RA knows no age. I am telling you all this because I want you to know that you are not alone in this. It is scary and very frustrating. I find myself asking how could this be when I am so young. But it is happening and I guess I must deal. My rheumatologist assures me that we will eventually get it approved. He also tells me how much relief I will have once I get my replacements done. I have heard many, many great things about the success of these types of surgeries and of the relief many have had afterwards. I know it is frustrating, but hang in there we are all here for you. If you need anything we are all just a click away. Good luck and best wishes!

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

6/ 7/08 2:45pm

Hi Sara,

Being told that joint replacements are your only option is a hard thing to hear - it has such a sense of finality about it. However, joint replacements can also make an incredible difference in your life. 30 years ago, when I was 16, I had both hips replaced and it took me from being stuck in a hospital bed to going home and leading a fairly normal life (sure, in a wheelchair, but that was due to the problems in the other joints). My brother-in-law had a hip replacement a year ago, when he and my sister's twins were 1 1/5 years old and although it meant an increase in responsibility for caring for the kids and house for my sister for a month or so while he recuperated from the surgery, it wasn't long before he was back to better-than normal. He has no pain now, is very active and fond of saying how getting that joint replaced was the best thing he's done in years. If, what have you got to lose? It a big decision, but if your elbow and shoulder problems are seriously affecting your quality of life, well... sometimes big problems need big solutions.

Good luck!

Maggie

6/15/08 10:35am

OMG I am so sorry to hear this. I have had sever RA since I was 18 and now 35... I am on Humira and Methotrexate they did have me on methlyprednisone, plaquenil, etc I have tried it all... one thing,.. they have you on so many pain meds... that only made it worse for me. I don't know if you can but I have children to so I have found things that have helped and I am back to running every day and working on a half-marathon... I am on a vegetarian diet.. no animal products or dairy.. I drink soy and I also take natural supplements for anti inflammation and pain like,,, ginger, turmeric, omega 3 fatty acids with coconut oil and evening primrose oil, arnica and bromelain for pain.. all natural...also do not drink and sodas at all.. I only drink water and hot tea.. occasionally will make a smoothie or grapefruit juice... maybe try this I have informed others and it has helped but one thing is to try to be positive and push yourself... reduce stress in anyway ...

hope this helps good luck!!

i need some help!!

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