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I'm a Newbie - RA + Psoriatic Arthritis...looking for answers

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 5/25/2012 6:40 AM (GMT 0)
Happy to have found this site! Newly diagnosed, on week 3 of Humira. Lots of tendinitis, foot and hand numbness. Panic attacks are also a problem. Pleurisy, and now these really ugly skin lesions that don't seem to heal. I'm usually the strong silent type (ex-army, mom of 3 little ones and sole provider of the family) but this stuff is kicking my butt. Supposed to be a sales executive but find my mind just doesn't work the same anymore. Any advice or insight is greatly appreciated!
Posted 5/26/2012 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, Autoimmune,

Are you also taking Methotrexate? If you are taking MTX, you need to use a strong sun screen when you are outdoors. MTX will make you break out in a rash if you don't use sunscreen or stay out of the sun altogether. Humira takes a while to work. I have been injecting Humira for 9 months, and I honestly think it has just now reached its maximum benefit. Some people do respond quickly to biologics though. I have a lot of tendonitis and bursitis, too. What a pain...literally!!! My RD says it is all RA related.

At this point, I have only a few suggestions. First of all, get as much rest as you can. If I don't get enough rest, I end up in a flare and those are awful! Eat as healthy a diet as possible. Try to exercise if you can...any kind of exercise that does not hurt your joints. I just bought an above ground pool because I cannot walk anymore ( RA ankles and knees )...well, I can walk, just not far!

Keep your RD appointments, and make sure you get your blood work done regularly to monitor your live function. Peronslaly, I do not drink any alcohol. MTX has a warning on the bottle, and I take it seriously.

Hugs,
V
Posted 5/27/2012 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Start making sure to write things down as you will forget
things easier now...so keeping a notebook handy, aybe make
journel on how themedicines are helpingso you can take
it with you to your doctors appointment also, write down
any reactions your having...make a file on meicines you taking.
Nd look into gtting a medic alert bracelet...manywell wishes.
Posted 5/28/2012 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the advice and well wishes. Not taking MTX and not convinced I have
The right diagnosis but will keep on trying to see what works.
Posted 6/16/2012 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Autoimmune,

I'm so sorry you are going through this! :(

Have they started giving you any medications? I had many of the issues you had, but I cannot tell you what helped what (it was forever ago and I was so messed up from pain and illness, I cannot remember much). Remicade did help stop the skin issues, but I couldn't take it for too long. I take Plaquenil for psoriatic arthritis now.

What about vitamins? Never was brought up as a supplement promoter, but I now take a Super B-Complex vitamin daily and vitamin D as well. Depending on the med, folic acid as well. The doctor who put me on the B said it was essential for people taking meds and suffering with these issues (it helps with fatigue as well). I started the D b/c I was sick all the time and a blood test showed my levels down at 13. When I can keep the D level above 30, my health definitely improves.

As for the panic attacks - this will sound odd, and part of my problem was kick-started by a reaction to Arava, but, when my GERD acts up (all the meds have contributed to reflux and I take Nexium regularly), my BP goes up and I have panic attacks. It's an awful feeling, but I take a Zantac (not a Xanex), and withiin 20 minutes I literally can feel my body coming down from the attack.

Not sure if any of this is helpful. Let us know how you are doing!
Posted 10/21/2012 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Have you asked your doctor if your RA is due to a bacterial infection? I was also diagnosed with one of these autoimmune diseases and one of my doctors started treating me with antibiotic. This is my first week, and I am starting to feel well. Please check that. Wish you all the best.
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