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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 1/10/2011 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
I visit the Panic-Anixety forum for myself but id like to visit this one for my father. He has RA among with many other health concerns. Im 17 an hes 58 years old. Its very hard to see him in pain all of the time. When I was an infant he fell down a flight of stairs and nearly broke his back. Today he has a spur growing on his spine and his spine is kinda crooked. If they were to perform surgery he could be paralyzed so he just deals with the pain. He also insists on working every day in a factory where he lifts heavy objects and constantly uses his hands. He can no longer swing a sledge hammer because of RA in his shoulders. His hands lock up when hes driving or doing monotonous tasks. Hes taken Vicadin and other drugs to take an edge off the pain but they do very little. Now hes on muscle relaxers cuz he threw out his back. Can I do anything to help my poor sweet father? Hes done so much to provide for our family and has a heart of gold. Advice please....
Posted 1/10/2011 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
If RA is confirmed he needs a DMARD and/or biologic TNF-blocker - i.e. Methotrexate, Plaquenil, Remicade, Humira.

Also needs to take care with Vicodin and Muscle Relaxants (diazepam?) as they're extremely addictive.
Posted 1/11/2011 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Try getting him to see a good rheumatoid arthritis doctor, so if he has RA then maybe he can
be put on medicines that might help. Be careful with methotrexate and older people,
a friend of mine knew an older person who
was prescribed this medicine, this person didn't read the script correctly took it
everyday and died after being on this medicine for only a month...make sure to
watch over him and make sure he's taking his medicines correctly.
the elderly need to make sure their taking medicines correctly, other than
that maybe ask where he might need help, maybe visit with him more.
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, healing hugz
Posted 1/20/2011 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Wow you are 17 years old and you sound like you have a heart of gold just like your dad. I am so proud of you for seeking out help for your dad. That is a blessing right there for him to have such a wonderful son like you. You may want to find a good rheumatologist if he doesn't already have one. I am sure they can do something to minimize or at least control his pain. He needs to file for disability. I think working and lifting heavy objects and not being able to have time for his health makes matters worse. I strongly recommend that he seeks better medical attention and apply for Soc Sec Disability. It may not be much, but it will safe his life and give him the time he needs to get better and be in this Earth longer. Take care of yourself. Do not let the panic attacks/anxiety take over you either. You are 17 and you have a whole life ahead of you. God Bless you for being there for your family. God Bless and wish you luck. Keep up posted on both you and your dad.
Simplistic007
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