How long do I wait?

Speak to your rheumatologist about trying a weekly injection on Enbrel (a TNF blocker) in conjunction with 1 daily capsule of Celebrex (anti-inflammatory that is easy on the stomach). I have RA for 2-1/2 years and I find that this works the best.

In addition to these meds, I take 2 Omega3 capsules 2x a day, and I am on a nightshade free regimen. Basically, no tomatoes, potatoes (sweet potatoes ok), eggplant, peppers (black pepper ok.) This includes paprika, cayenne... No products with these spices, like hot dogs, etc... Be careful with labels that list "spices". If they are not specifically listed, you can bet that they have nightshades in them.

Best of luck and be well.

Thanks for the information. I sympathize with feeling the storms two days in advance, as it hits me that way, too.

I think I will get in touch with my doctor and get more aggressive about my treatments, as I really want to be able to enjoy all the good things coming up in my life. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Hi, I am in a agreement with  everyone eles, I  also take Humra,Methotrexate, Lyric,

prednisone,and Lorcet /10/650  and the Folic Acid. I know this sounds like a lot of med,but I rather be on them than hurting. The prednisone is really for my Addison disease. I can also tell you when it is going to turn real cold,

                             Have a nice Thanksgiving & a merry Christmas

Hi Galen,

I'm also from VT and dealing with RA.  I live in Chittenden County, do you? 

I was diagnosed in May of 2007 and have been on several meds, but not the biologics.  Started out on Plaquenil and couldn't tolerate it, then took Sulfasalazine, but had to discontinue it because I wound up with Lichen Planus.  I started taking Methotrexate, 10mgs per week, last August.  I was doing okay up until last week and am now on a weeks worth of prednisone to help with the flare-up in my shoulder.  The first few days after starting the prednisone I felt better, but tonight my shoulder is starting to get sore again so I'm not sure if it's working or not. 

I'm getting really tired of this disease and I haven't had it as long as you!  How do you get through the days that are so painful?  It's bad enough that there is no cure for this, but I'd love to have something that helps with the chronic pain. 

Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated!

Kat

Hi Kat: It was good to hear that you are also from Vermont. I live down in Windham County in Westminster.

I was on Plaquenil and it worked fine, but then my doctor put me on Methotrexate which also worked well until I got the cough they talk about, but when you flare on Methotrexate it seems really bad. How much prednisone are you taking? That should help you through any flare. It has always helped me. I am now on Humaria and Imuran which is an older drug, but I am having a flare in my elbow. It is funny, you do not realize how much you need your elbows and shoulders and wrists until you go into a flare. The doctor injected my elbow the other day and it is beginning to feel better. Ask your doctor if he/she can inject your shoulder with cortisone. It really helps.

I am sorry to hear that you have this disease, but I have learned to try to remember my good days when I am not feeling well. It is a difficult disease to live with, unfortunately, as you  just never know what tomorrow is going to bring. Take care and keep in touch.  Galen

Hi Galen,

Thank you for responding!  I was put on four 5mg prednisone tablets for 2 days, then three 5mg tabs for 2 days, then 2 5mg tabs for 2 days, and finally one 5mg tab for each of the last 2 days.  I'm feeling better today (still on the 2 tabs per day), but I have to go back to work this weekend and am scared that I may have another flare (hope not).  It's just so hard to plan your life around this disease!  I'm always afraid that I will plan something and then have to cancel because I'm not feeling well.  Also afraid that if I have to cancel doing things with friends too many times that they'll stop asking (couldn't blame them though).  Oh well, I'll just have to keep plugging away and look forward to the good days!

Take care,

Kat