I was diagnosed with RA in April 2008. I have been on methtrexate, prednisone, voltarn, plaquil, and Humeria for the past two months. The pain and stiffiness just isn't getting any better. My doctor keeps telling me it takes time, but I am taking all of this and not feeling any better. I have been reading the information on this site and thought maybe I would feel better just talking with someone. I am getting so depressed.
Hello:
Rheumatoid Arthritis can be a most depressing disease. When I was first diagnosed I fell into a deep depression which lasted for several months until my drugs kicked in. It takes at least three months for a lot of the RA drugs to take effect so try to keep your spirits up as you wait. It will be worth it in the end. Have you heard of the pain cycle? It can start with pain and being in constant pain causes depression and fatigue. The cycle needs to be broken somewhere. Try watching funny movies or anything that will help to lift your mood. Try to put your joints through full range of motion at least once a day. The saying goes, "Once a day, all the way." That will help from deformities from becoming a problem on top of everything else we have to deal with with this disease. If you find that these drugs do not give you relief, be sure to talk to your doctor about other drugs. There are a lot of them and some work better than others. Everyone is different. I wish you the best of luck in handling your arthritis. I know it can be a challenge at times, and I hope you can get help with your depression. Are you taking an antidepressant? Ihave been on one for years and it has really helped. Try to smile as much as possible even if you do not feel like it as the very act of putting your mouth into a smile helps release the endorphins in your brain which will help you feel better. wish you a happy holiday and hope your pain will be put at bay soon.
Galen
Read about cherries. They work. 3-5 Handfuls of dried cherries every 3 hours neutralizes the uric acid in your blood. Also watch your diet very carefully. Cherries have been medically proven to be effective. Run arthritis and cherries on google. Its not a old wive's tale. Get real cherry juice too (not the flavored but 100% cherry juice). Good luck.
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I am so sorry to hear that you are having so much pain and not experiencing relief with your medications. Unfortunately it does usually take about 4 months before you start feeling relief with these medications. That being said, has your doctor given you anything to manage the pain? It's an awful cycle really because pain causes depression and depression causes pain. Keep your head up! I know it is so hard to do, especially when it is easier to just ly in bed and avoid life all together. And I do know that from experience. In the meantime though, please know that you are not alone! We are all here for support. Feel free to post your concerns,fears, cry out on paper, or just vent. Believe me, we have all done it. And if you are interested in ways that have worked for managing pain, just let me know where it hurts and I would be happy to give you some ideas and let you know what has helped for me. It is depressing, so don't ever torture yourself for feeling that way, we have all been there and are still there on many days. Good luck and best wishes! Please keep us updated on how you are feeling!
Holly
Thank you. I have been on all my meds except Humaria since April 2008 and started the hUmaria in October. I have another appt with my Rheumatologist next week so I'll just wait and see how that goes. It really is depressing and it is so nice to talk with people who understand.