I was diagnosed with RA 3 weeks ago, by blood and x-rays. It seems to be running rampant. I'm very blessed with a wonderful husband who, from the beginning, brings coffee and breakfast to bed. Now, I'm not in much pain during the day, due to a diet of Morphine. I love it, because I'm able to keep a clear head and if I forget to bring it and need it, zero withdrawls. My point though, every morning I wake up feeling like I've been run over by a bus. It's greatly progressed for the last few months and the Methotrexate doesn't seem to be helping yet.
Q: This is Lorrie Bensky Smith again. How soon till I'm crippled?
Answers (7)
3/ 2/09 12:57pm
Feels Like TinMan is right - the prognosis for RA has changed dramatically since the Biologics hit the scene and it means that rheumatologist have changed the treatment of RA, as well. These days, the goal is to keep you as "normal" as possible and that means early and aggressive treatment. Methotrexate usually takes 6-8 weeks to kick in and if you've been on it longer than that and things are still bad, you should make an appointment with your rheumatologist as soon as possible. You may need to increase the dose, add another medication - some people are on a combination of meth and prednisone and/or a number of other drugs - or you may need to consider alternate medications, such as Biologics.
2/27/09 4:47pm
Sounds like you are talking about me Lorrie, I am anxious to here the comments to your question as well, but mine would include how long without RA meds til crippled?
2/27/09 5:25pm
I'd like to know that answer too. I was diagnosed 7 months ago and nothing has really helped so far drug wise. I feel like every week...there is a new and different crisis!
2/27/09 5:52pm
as an RA newby too (since Aug), I've done alot of reading about RA and from what I was told by one of my acquaintances, who does have disfigured hands (but has had RA for 20 yrs), she said that the 'crippling effects' are mostly a thing of the past because of the advancement of RA meds. my rheumatologist says the same thing. The sooner it's treated and CONTROLLED, the less probability of being cripped/disfigured. I have to say, after only a month on prednisone and plaquenil, mine became controlled. So there is hope for early relief. I have no trouble doing what I used to before RA, and i very seldom have pain anymore. the pain i do get isn't excruciating like it was, but it's still annoying at best. I, too, was scared in the beginning and thought i was doomed to being 'crippled' and disabled. But with good care, and diligence in taking your meds, and eating healthy and exercising, you can still live a full life, but the key is finding the right balance. not everyone is as lucky as i am, but be your own advocate. keep fighting to find what works best for you. arm yourself with as much info about RA as you can. don't think you can fight it alone with just advil. Nip it in the bud before it does any further damage. good luck!
3/ 5/09 12:23am
I've had Ra for many years yes I have disablilties. But crippled no never. I'm hard headed and refuse to be crippled. I've had many surgeries and am getting ready to have two more. I have had a elbow replaced and getting ready to have shoulder replacement and the other elbow done. I've spent 13 weeks in a wheelchair after foot and ankle surgery. It convinced me that I will do whatever it takes to stay out of the wheelchair. There are somuch more meds now than when I first got sick. So my advie is to get a good doctor and work together to find out what works for you and never give up.
Nan
3/13/09 12:06pm
Hi Lorrie,
I just had a thought, after re-reading your post above. The few times when I have taken Percoset [Tylenol with codeine] (unless it was right after surgery), I feel SO good that I overdo what I am normally able to do, resulting in MORE pain/disability when it wears off. The painkillers do NOT do anything to help the cause (i.e., inflammation), they just cover up the pain - so it's easy to cruise along thinking you're doing fine, and then feel like you got hit by a truck when it wears off - even if it's not a DRUG/chemical withdrawal, it's removing the benefit of the painkiller. It's great while it lasts - but when you get some meds that actually deal with the cause of your particular variety of disease - you will know the difference. (P.S. When the inflammation is lowered, there is less damage, but you will still know when the anti-inflamm. drug benefit wears off and you need your next dose).
4/28/09 4:05pm
This is Nancy....Crippled is a state of mind, not an outcome!
I was diagnosed with severe RA almost three years and it was explained to me by my first RA doctor that.....THIS IS NOT A RACE, IT IS A MARATHON. And that's how we have approached it since then. I am lucky to have a family doctor that takes care of all the day to day things and have had three RA doctors since I was diagnosed. The first was was awesome but after two and a half years left to do research. The next one I didn't like at all and the third one is highly respected and has been a rhumetologist for quite some time. I don't dislike him but the repore is not where I would like it. But I just had a thorough check-up with him and I show no signs of degeneration ANYWHERE!
I take methotrexate, 8 pills a week . I also take Embril, one injection a week. I am on pain pills, but very small dose vicodin. Fatigue is my biggest opponent. I am 50 with a very active 10 year old to keep up with. We just adjust our daily activities so they don't over extend my energy level.
I am very active with my treatment, I read and research ALOT, as should everyone. What works for one person may not help the next as much. Get tested for Celiacs, it is gluten intolarance...and go off wheat. I tested negative for the disease, but since going off gluten of any kind, I am feeling better and better! And check your vitamin D levels. Low D will increase pain levels and lower energy.
Go to the health food store and ask for help. Herbs like tumeric are anti inflamatorys and work wonders. Also krill oil, tart cherries,(in pill form or fresh) , bosewella, calcium at night..it is a natural pain reliever. There is a mutitude of naturals remedies...find what works for you. Stay away from nightshade plants. Restrict potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Yams and sweet potatoes are great.
Gentle exercise like simple yoga and ti chi, slow soft movements. And stay away from SRESS!!! It's a killer.
Talk to your family and friends, the people around you that care. Don't be ashamed because you can't do certain things...a positive outlook is the best thing you can do for yourself. Take care.
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By Lorrie B. Smith— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 02/27/09
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