I don't know which way to turn

By Cindy Saturday, December 22, 2007

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I was diagnosed 7 years ago with RA and questioned Lupus. They have ruled out Lupus at this time and kept the RA diagnosis. I have been on predisone for the entire 7 years while the doctor tries to figure out a drug combination that works. I am currently on 9 tab per week of Methotrexate, folic acid,preidsone and recently was given oxaprozin 600 mg . I am in extreme pain daily. The doctor just says at the office visits that he doesn't feel that much inflammation. Then why do I hurt so bad? The crazy thing is that I live in Iowa and when I visit Texas I feel like a different person. The doctor doesn't think that the insurance company will pay for Humira, remicade etc due to my lack? of inflamation? So he keeps adding meds to the methotrexate and I never seem to get anywhere. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might approach the Dr. about ideas that will decrease the pain I am in. I am about ready to pack it up and move to Texas where I get some relief. Any comments and or suggestions are welcomed. Take care. you can contact me at cindy_taylor77@msn.com

My neighbor with RA told me she is in remission. How can this be?

Comments (3) | Add comment

ANNIE

12/23/07 6:31pm

Cindy, find another doctor.And there are programs out there that will help you with your medicine free or nearly free. they go by your income. heard of montel william(tv host) he works with ppap.call information for number. i know because he helped me. In the meantime, get another doctor.

Waiting to hear from you

Jazzy Annie

Shellbell

12/26/07 9:33am

Cindy,

You are not crazy when you say you feel different in a different state. I live in Florida, and for some reason when I go to the mountains in North Carolina my body hurts less. I can't explain it.....but it does. Also, I have never had my doctor says that they could or could not feel my inflammation. They have always taken my blood to determine that. They test the SED rate (inflamation rate) in your blood. Also, Methotrexate is a very powerful drug, however, it does not work on everyone. I was on 5 pills a week for a while and my body stopped responding to it. My Rhuemetologist did not want to prescribe any more so we have just changed to Enbril. Note: Don't wait for your doctor to tell you if/if not your insurance will cover a particular drug...call yourself and ask! Anyway, I have taken 1 shot so far and I can already feel a difference. For the first time in 2 years I can raise up on my tippytoes to look in a cubbard. Though the pain has been throughout my body, my left foot was the worst! Last note: If you feel that your doctor is not helping you, understanding, or listening enough....find a new doctor. :)

sandra kelly

2/17/08 7:25am

Cindy - try another Dr. being on Prednisone that long is not good for you, you might also want to ask about Methotrexate shots - no expert, was only diagnosed 8 months ago, but have done all kinds of research & I have a great Dr. My RA is not under control & will hopefully be starting Enbrel right away. I am on the Meth. shots, Plaquenil, Sulfaziline, Naproxen & supplements. Plus, I started to work out in a hot tub everyday & walk - keeping physically active is crucial & part of keeping the weight down- was 120 lbs. now 140 due to the drugs.

The reason you might feel better in Texas could be due to the air pressure and the wind - less air pressure change better & more heat, but you do have to watch sun exposure because of the Methotrexate as you will burn more quickly. Also, to access other drugs for RA you might want to see about getting involved in Trial Programs - a friend of mine is & is doing wonderful on the new stuff he is on. Lots of them in the States, not as many in Canada unfortunately, where I am from. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ or google it . good luck

I don't know which way to turn

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