Hello! I am new to this site and let me tell you what a relief it is to talk with others feeling the same pains that I am. I was diagnosed about 7 years ago through knee surgery. I had major swelling in my left knee and horrible pain (I couldn't even get off of the floor without help); my doctors didn't know what was wrong, so the performed arthroscopic knee surgery to see what was going on in there. A large amount of dead tissue that was taken out of my knee was tested and it showed RA.
I took steroids and anti-inflammatories for about a year, then my Rheumatologist gave me the best drug ever, Enbrel. Within 8 weeks of this drug, I was feeling much better, walking better, and the fatigue dissipated greatly. I still had bad days and good days, but with this medication, 90% of my days were now good days! I took it for 1 year, and then was told to go off of it. I was scared that the RA would come back, but luckily, it didn't. I stayed in remission for almost 2 years.
About four months ago, I was involved in a bad car accident and the RA was back within days. I could tell as soon as I saw the lump on my knee, I was in for serious pain. Over the course of these four months, the RA has spread through my left knee, right knee, and right elbow. I have not been able to take any medications as my husband and I are trying to have children.
I keep hoping and praying that I will be pregnant soon as everyone tells me the RA will go away once pregnant, but so far, I am in a lot of pain and Tylenol is barely doing anything for me.
I am very sedentary at work. I try getting up once an hour to keep stretched, but I am stiff as a board after sitting for only 5 minutes. I told my co-workers about my disease, but I don't think they really understand how horrible this is. I want them all to read these bulletins or find an article about RA to educate them.
I feel like out in public - are people wondering what is wrong with me? Why can't that woman get up by herself? But then I realize that I don't care what they think. I've learned that you have to surround yourself with people who are supportive (family and close friends). They will help you deal with this.
My husband is incredibly supportive and knows that we will get through this hard time. He doesn't mind helping me up at a restaurant and he walks with me slowly through the mall or the grocery store.
Hi Traci,
I feel for you! Enbrel is very helpful for me too - but I take Celebrex as well, and could not go without it (believe me, I've tried). I've been on Enbrel for 4 years this month - was diagnosed 5 years ago while on Celebrex. Eight weeks is my absolute limit for being off Enbrel - I did that last year, 4 weeks before & after ankle surgery, even more than my rheumatologist said was absolutely necessary, and was going up the wall until I could get back on.
I didn't have RA when I was pregnant, so I can't speak to that (have heard that that's the case that it will often remit). It must be tough, I remember how much I wanted to have a child, and didn't until I was 32 (not sure how old you are) because my husband was not in a hurry to have a family. At least you have a diagnosis so that you can be ready to start up the Enbrel again! Hope things work out for you and your husband! And that you find someone in a similar situation to share with -
Ellen