I'm ready to chuck it all. I started enbrel self-inject on 11-2-10, had to take a two week break in December because of a bad cough, but went back on. My next rheum appt is March 1. I feel horrible. Just as bad as before he put me on the Enbrel. I'm ready to give up and try something else. How long do they usually want you to be on something before you see results? I feel like I'm just wasting time. The only other drug I'm on is methotrexate, I'm allergic to steroids so they're out. All I take for the pain is generic tylenol. I've also been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea which doesn't help with the fatigue, but the cpap I recently received (last Friday) only gives me a sinus headache while wearing it so far. I last a few hours on that and then give up.
I'm getting really depressed about the whole situation, and feeling guilty that I can't do what I should be doing at home. Thankfully my daughter is a huge help. It really hit hard yesterday when I was denied a promotion because I wasn't professional enough (I wear tennis shoes because of my toe, and am "too casual" in my attire). It's really hard to cry with a cpap mask on...
you really are going through a hard time, aren't you? Try to breathe and relax and remember that what's important is the love you and your family share, the dust can wait. I sometimes find it helpful to remind myself that guilt is a sign that you're doing something wrong and that tends to readjust my point of view. You're not doing anything wrong, you have a chronic illness that's messing with your life. When you and your doctor find a medication that will work better for you, you'll be able to get back to the chores. In the meantime, try not to be so hard on yourself.
Most of the Biologics, including Enbrel, usually take about two months to kick in. You've been taking this medication for four months, so I think it's a safe bet to say it may not work for you. We all react differently to medications and you never know what's going to do the trick - the trial and error process of finding the meds that will work for you can be very frustrating, but worth it when you do find it. Talk to your doctor about trying one of the other Biologics, e.g., Humira, Orencia or Simponi. You very clearly also need better pain control than regular Tylenol, so talk to your doctor about that, as well. If your rheumatologist is the type who only treats information and not the pain of RA, talk to your family doctor or ask for a referral to a pain specialist.
About the job... Does your employer know you have a chronic illness? If so, what you experienced may have been discrimination. You are legally entitled to accommodation in employment under the Americans with Disabilities Act and that includes the right to wear footwear that works for your aching joints. To be honest, it sounds like a crap reasons me - you can change your wardrobe, so if that's the only reason cited for denying you the promotion, you could consider complaining to the higher-ups. Check out my post on working and RA for links to more information about the ADA and accommodation.you may also want to check out my post on wardrobe and RA for links to various places that sell comfortable and stylish shoes.