HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Good Moanin' HealingWell V57

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic locked
1 2
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/15/2008 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry it has been a long day but was someone asking if the Enbrel causes headaches? either on here or a different thread? I haven't had any, and rarely get them, I used to get the auras before I started the Topamax (not the pain of the migraine) have not had any from the Enbrel, just wish it would like it is supposed to :-)
Posted 4/15/2008 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
there got the candles on your cupcake sorry bout that m23!

camama anytime you want to come over for a good prime rib dinner you are invited! i must say i make a great one! the trick is to cook it the first half hour real high at 425 and then turn it down to 350 til it reaches internal of 145 about yum yum let it sit and delics!!!! of course today is kraft mac and cheese with brats! hahah


lata hugs all

Post Edited (yalinda) : 4/16/2008 11:07:08 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/16/2008 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

I go tomorrow for a check up and I'm still having pain even on the Enbrel..I've been taking the Celebrex but it seems to make the heart do flip flops! Does anyone have suggestions for other pain medications? I think I have taken every NSAID known to man and I'm at my wits end, and tired of hurting..I can't ask for prednisone but not sure of what else to ask for?

Hopefully someone has advice?

Thanks in advance!

Posted 4/16/2008 12:26 PM (GMT 0)

Good morning all

three mornings in a row, up around 5am YUCK!!!  I am SO not a morning person! But having my friend waiting on me is a big motivator.  hubby feels a little jealous....havn't been able to get  up with him in the am for years heehee.(but then, his idea of morning is like 4am...ick).

Trying to pick a new paint color for our family...am driving myself..and everyone else around me crazy!!  I have about five stripes of colors on one wall..and can't make up my mind.  Maybe I should just continue the stripes, then I can have them all lol....I know why people hire decorators!!!  If only I could afford one.

Mom, wanted to get to early this am, hope you see this before your appt.  Gosh, sure don't know what to say about the meds...you've really been through the mill.  Celebrex has worked so well for me...but I was on quite a few others first...guess I need to stop it for a while to see if it really is helping after all this time...maybe it's the plaquenil and now the enbrel that is doing the job.  Anyway...if they don't have another NSAID for you to try, could you try a low-dose pain pill to get you through until the enbrel does it thing?  That seems to be the only thing you could do, really. My brother is on plaq, too, and works in an autobody shop.  He takes a low dose of something, or he just can't do his job.  The doc monitors it REAL carefully, but he really needs them.

Ok Yally...cooking class for the prime rib...that is my favorite!!  Hubby usually grills one outside on Mother's Day...but would love to try one roasted in the oven..sounds too good!

Oh...almost forgot!!  Got a quick note from Erin yesterday...she hasn't been doing too well..please keep her in your prayers, she really has had a tough time of it . if you read this, Erin...we love you...get better dear!!

Gotta go...kids are here...let the  chaos begin....

Hugs...Jody

Posted 4/16/2008 2:16 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Jody,

Thank you for posting early! That is what I am thinking too, although I have heard that regular pain meds don't help RA and mine has never offered to give me any...he is all about the NSAIDS! Yuck! Sometimes he grasps that I am hurting and sometimes he does not, he really isn't good for pain management like some describe on here, and it is just depressing after awhile.  That is how I ended up with the Enbrel, I told him I was getting depressed with the pain and that it is just never ending. At some point you hope to get where you are on some type of maintanence schedule with meds or maybe I'm being unrealistic? I get occular migraines (the aura without the pain) and as long as I take the Topamax, I don't get them, I would like to get some kind of meds for the RA, and take it and not get the pain! Maybe it isn't this simple.  I will let you know how it goes!

Posted 4/16/2008 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
mobic is good and is not expensive, how about elavil to sleep with (must use very rarely - it is a side effect) also not expensive. some of these docs do seem kind of dense and out of it. do you think they might be dipping into the cookie jar??????????
Posted 4/16/2008 8:00 PM (GMT 0)

Joan tongue

Funny about the docs! Maybe thats whats wrong with mine, he can be a bit dense..hopefully he will be on board today!  Actually Mobic is the third one I tried, along with the voltaren, Relafin, etc etc etc :-) I actually have half filled bottles of all of them..its nuts! If you look in my medicine cabinet, it seems like we take a lot of meds! but really they are just the leftover NSAIDS that I'm collecting.

I would ask for the Elavil but I'm awake every night! *yawn* I take the lunesta plus two of the tylenols and I am awake by 3am.

Posted 4/17/2008 4:17 AM (GMT 0)

I took Nsaids for years with NO relief! So, I hear your pain. It wasn't until Remicade that I felt better. Now I can't take that any more. I felt rotten on methotrexate and asulphidine. Now I'm on a plaquenil and Arava. I held off starting the Arava because it is in the same class as Methotrexate and I feared the same issues - which i don't seem to have so far (knock on wood). I can't take a full dose, so I took 1/2 dose for quite a while and now I toggle my doses (1/2 one day, full the next).  I know with Remicade they say it works best WITH methotrexate - could that be the same with Enbrel?

Be careful if you try elavil. I found it to make me quite loopy. It did help with sleep and pain management. Eventually I went on Paxil and after a rough 2 week start (I couldn't sleep for the first 2 weeks on it - but after 18 months of almost all sleeping, it was nice to feel mentally and physically awake for once), it ended up being a great medication for me at the time. Have you tried benedryl to help you sleep - that doesn't help with other issues, though.

My ankle and knee are still problematic. I can't lean on my knee at all and my ankle is really touchy to how I walk. I hope I didn't tear anything in there! But it's been almost 4 weeks now...very frustrating. Tomorrow I'll be walking and on it all day...<sigh> wish me luck.

**

Posted 4/17/2008 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Camama :-)

Did you go and have x-rays after your fall??? If not you should just to be on the safe side.  After my gracefull bump down the stairs, I couldn't even get up, I had to have help to make it to a chair, and still didn't go in and get checked out for several days until my entire foot swelled up turned strange colors of purle,blue etc, it was horrid!  I should have realized something was wrong when I couldn't wear my shoe eyes

I have to wonder about the whole Enbrel and MTX, I think the two together are just too toxic..because the Enbrel makes me feel okay until Sunday rolls around and after the 8 pills of MTX then I don't feel so good.  I  think our bodies have a difficult time with all of these meds!

I was supposed to go to the rheumy yesterday but I have a presentation due next Tuesday and ended up speniding so much time in the library that by the time I looked at the clock it was 15 mintues until my appointment and I had to call the office and tell them I would not make it in time sad I'm now rescheduled for next Weds.  What a day it was!

Will check in later

 

Posted 4/18/2008 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't posted but I have been reading and catching up.  It's been really crazy around here.  Son's hockey is winding down but the NHL playoffs are on!!!! Go Habs Go!!!! It's was going good but Boston is catching up.

Daughter has also finished basketball.  My two oldest just got over strep throat so I've been busy trying to keep the house germ free.  Hard to do with boys. 

For me, I just had my second injection is the lumbar spine, not helping much yet but I guess it is supposed to take a few weeks to work.  The injection is called depo-medrol.  Got to go.  Stay well everyone!

Special thanks to Jody, you really got me out of a funk this winter.  

Sending you a dozen roses :-)

By for now and stay well everyone,

Raven

 

Posted 4/18/2008 8:34 AM (GMT 0)
Dear momto3,

Sorry this is late. Yesterday was my daughter's 19th birthday.

I take tramadol (ultram) for pain and ambien for sleep, both as needed. They work well for me. Both were prescribed by my primary MD. Hope you appointment went well.

Mary
Posted 4/18/2008 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary,

I have heard about the Tramadol  (good things)and I'm thinking about asking for it..is it considered a narcotic? It seems doctors get so weird about pain medication..I tried the Ambien and my husband told me I said strange things the night before and the next day I couldn't remember any of it..weird!!  Happy  Birthday to your daughter by the way!

  Joan I know you suggested the Elavil (amitriptelyne) sp? but it is one of those that can get really addictive, and I'm not sure if its in the same class as the benzodiazopenes like klonopin (which I had bad luck with) but I had better stay away from those! I know my mom still takes the amitriptelyne (sp) to this day and she is in her 70's and with no harm.

I wish they could just come up with a simple cure for this pesty RA eyes

Posted 4/18/2008 7:54 PM (GMT 0)

Quotes from my rhuemy:

"Absolutely, Methotextrate does not casue headaches."

"The muscle spasms were definetly not attributable to methotextrate."

"It should have made you sleep.  Sleep disturbance? No not the methotextrate."

So, we agreed to two pills this week and lets see if I can tolerate that.  Sorry I didn't respond to all of your posts but I'm still not at my best I will let you know how tonights dose goes.

Sj

Posted 4/18/2008 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sj

Maybe your rheumy should try some MTX.

Momto3 tramadol is synthetic and not considered a narcotic. I actually prefer it.

Mary
Posted 4/18/2008 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Sj :-)

Well that may be...but I still say MTX makes ya feel crummy! and when I take it with the Enbrel it makes me feel flu like.  Were you feeling flu like? I disagree with your rheumy just a bit! Yes, in the beginning I couldn't stay awake on the stuff not so much now.  I started out at 4 pills or something like that, cannot remember it has been so long ago and all the pills seem to blur together anymore, how sad is that?

I hope you have a better time of it this weekend and remember the first month can be rough, after all like I have said before and not all with agree with me but it is low dose ( I know extremely low for us) but none the less, it is used for cancer treatment after all, and there is no way possible to not feel side effects at least initially.  Try drinking lots of water during the day and taking the pills just before bed.  Eventually it WILL get easier and I never thought I would say that about MTX.

Posted 4/18/2008 10:19 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, with methotrexate, LOTS of water and folic acid.

When I was on it I had terrible breathing and chest issues. My doc said the same thing, "nope, just coincidence you seem to have plurisy (sp?)... the methotrexate RARELY causes these types of issues in patients and you are certainly NOT showing signs of a recation to it."

So, the fact that I couldn't walk 10 feet away from a smoker w/o hacking, constant chest and breathing issues, issues that NEVER occured before taking the drug and haven't been around since stopping the drug.....yeah, it certainly was NOT the drug.  I'm not seeing that rhuemy any more - not that it matters, they ALL think it's never the drugs.

Good luck. Drink drink drink (water that is)....I need to do that too, it's so easy not to drink enough, it gets tiresome drinking so much water on a daily basis, and I pay the price when i don't. Doc say daily intake is more than your typical 64 oz recommended for 'normal' people. ****

Posted 4/19/2008 8:34 AM (GMT 0)
moanin everyone. a tad early but up and adam i guess. doing some research online and thought i would check the moanin thread out first. you all been busy as of late.....

raven glad your out of the funk has it been nice out your way.... like summer down here as of late. peps are wearing shorts and flip flops jody! almost took a photo of a stranger from my cell yesterday lol
not me but i did wear short sleves and capris yesterday! whoohoo.

duck how are you on the recovery this week still from last or just blasted into regular routines......

well gonna look up some new ideas ofr table scapes got a cocktail party to through on sunday ...... gotta get that martha look - you know me!
Posted 4/19/2008 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, everyone.
Just a quick hello I have been sleeping all day today-at two pills the Mtx is acting just like its supposed to so I am tired but feeling well. I actually like my rhuemy a lot she is awesome but you are right imarzz she should take a few doses and see what it does to her.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Sj
Posted 4/19/2008 11:29 PM (GMT 0)

Happy Saturday all,

Hope you are all having a pain-free, peaceful day!  I was up before the birds this morning...getting up at 5am all week must have done me in...didn't go to bed until after midnight last night, but the ole eyeballs popped open at 5:15am today and refused to close again ugh!   So, by 7am, made coffee, read the paper, and was on my way to Home Depot (for yet another quart of paint to try on these walls of mine), and a trip to Sam's.  This whole painting thing has been unbelievable...I can't make up my mind to save my soul...but hubby has refused to let me make one more paint run, and I am embarrassed to show my face one more time at the paint counter of the Depot....so right or wrong, we have our color. I am a real nutcase!!! But, then you all probably knew that, right?   Mary..Happy Birthday to your daughter! How are things going with work?  Hope your doing ok Mom...let us know how the doc appt goes..sorry you had to miss it.  Did you do your presentation?  Right there with you on the enbrel..think this was week 5 for me...better...but not doing cartwheels yet.  Raven,  SO glad to see you post..been worried about you!! Very happy to hear things have been looking brighter for you..but you are too sweet...the people here have been my lifeline...you have all seen me through some rough times.  I know without a doubt that is why were were all brought here, to give each other a shoulder and a "hug" whenever it's needed. Speaking of that...everyone please keep our dear Boo and her family in your prayers.  Her husband has been very ill, and they really need them!  Will let you know when I hear anymore from her.

Yally..(or should it be Martha heehee)..you should be in flip-flops..you're warmer than us!!! I'll bet you throw the best parties... SJ..so glad your week is better this time!!  Yeah!!  Here's hoping it just keeps getting easier and easier....It's great that you like yor doc so much, makes all the difference in the world, doesn't it?  See mine on Monday...wondering if she'll change anything. 

Well, pizza is here, time for dinner.  Hugs to anyone I missed..have a great night

Jody

Posted 4/20/2008 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hee hee...Jody, I spend 3 months and countless hours on the phone with my mother (who does not live near me) going over pain swatches from various paint stores. Either I'd get some and tell her what to get or vice versa. It was ridiculous! Same thing, finally had to make the decision and just get it done! Overall, it's a good color - I ended up going safe with one color that was on the neutral side, I was hoping to go a little more livelier and have some accent walls....but, it's all good. Now that I have the color, I see how popular it is (or very similar versions of it) every time I go in to a house around here.

We had some really hot days earlier this week and now it's rainy and over cast again.....weird wild stuff. tongue

***

Posted 4/20/2008 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
Jody :-)

A few months back I finally talked my husband into painting again (its been 4 years!!) and we had the same issue of trying to decide on a color and finally painted one wall and then I decided nope!! wrong color much to his dismay! So back we went, yes to Home Depot of course! and finally found the right color...now if I can get him to finish the color (ceiling!) since it is still the same color as before eyes He says this spring we will finish it and I also want to repaint the rest of the house and kitchen tongue It really is time!! It's hard to find the right color, they only have a gazillion shades of whatever it is you are looking for!!

I will let you know how my appointment goes, thanks! My group presentation will be on Tuesday and its been a bit stressful just trying to wrap up the end of a semester that my friend who is doing my presentation with me told me I am wearing my stress! I ended up with an awful cold sore, which I never get and as we know with these meds like Enbrel when you get something it takes it forever to go away? Well, I have had it for the past week and it still won't go away, what a pain! Feeling under the weather I decided to wait a day to do the Enbrel and by Saturday, I thought I'm not going to be able to move by Sunday if I don't take it, and I was right, I really think it does help since the joint pain that I had was gone this morning after taking the Enbrel.  Like you said, not cartwheels but I can get up and down the stairs...whoever thought that would be a good thing?

It's flip flop weather here for, so tomorrow it is time to get a pedicure so I can actually wear a pair.  I hope it gets warmer in Florida, it should be warm right?

Camama...I'm glad to hear you are having warm weather since it does help with the joints!

Boo, if you are able to read or check the board, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband and I just want you to know I'm thinking of you both.

I hope everyone else is doing well.

 

Posted 4/21/2008 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
momto3, good luck with your presentation and with your painting project. Half the time I can't remember what color my walls are so I can't quite relate but I hope you end up with exactly what you want.
Jody I'm glad the enbril seems to be helping.
We are turning into ducks here-three days in a row of rain and flash flood warnings.
A friend of mine has got me hooked on watching the Capitals so its hockey playoffs for me if I can stay awake. Even on two pills the mtx has me sleepy three days later.
I hope everyone has a wonderful evening.
Sj
Posted 4/21/2008 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
sj,

Thanks so much!

Wow  you are sleepy three days later? I wish the MTX worked that well for me! then maybe I wouldn't be on the Enbrel :-)   We aren't painting yet, still just trying to get to the end of a semester and the kiddos to the end of a school year first and then hopefully will have the energy to give the house a good scrubbing and a coat of paint!

My son was home today with a sore throat and has passed it on to me, and I'm afraid it is turning into strep..yuck! Of all times to get sick eyes That is the one thing about the Enbrel, we are a catch all for just about everything.  The last time I went to the urgent care for my sore throat, I told them I was on the Enbrel and they still wouldn't give me an antibiotic since my culture was negative even though my rheumy nurse told me to go there, since my sore throat had lasted for more than three days.  My primary care doc doesn't agree with that train of thought!  If it isn't strep forget it!

Does anybody get kidney/back pain with their Enbrel? I think I have asked this before? I seem to get this everytime, but I will ask when I go on weds.

I hope everyone has a great week and Happy Monday :-)

 

Posted 4/22/2008 6:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

Just dropping in to let you know I've been thinking of you. Not feeling very well, lots of pain. Will try to write again soon. Remicade on Thursday.

Hope you are all well.

Mary
Posted 4/22/2008 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
it's that time again folks.. look for V58..
✚ New Topic locked
12