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Posted 5/7/2006 5:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone, My name is stephen and I hope that I have found the right place. I have read several of the posts and my hart goes out to each and every one of you. I too suffer from several dibilitating problems, the most prevelant at this time is gout in my right knee. Excrcuciating is a mild adjective. I also suffer from chronic back pain due to spondylolisthesis. I don't know why we suffer so much but at least I have maybe found a place to vent my frustration with chronic pain. Anyway, just wanted to say hello and I hope to stick around for a while if you'll have me. 
Posted 5/7/2006 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stephen!
I am also new to this forum. I had been surfing around trying to get info on Humira when I came across this
site. I had been reading the posts and found it to be informative.
I suffer from RA and have been having a pretty tough time of it lately. Sounds like everyone is in the same boat
here.
Here's hoping for better days ahead!
Posted 5/7/2006 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Caprie, yes it does sound like we all have alot in common...pain...! Arthritis is a wicked critter to deal with. I don't know anyting about Humira. I know of a couple of folks that suffer with RA and I hear it is aweful. I am down for a few days right now from this gout in my knee...it just drives me crazy to be shut in on such a nice day. My dogs keep me company. It's funny how they know something is very wrong with me...they look at me differently. Caprie, thanks for the reply...and I pray you feel better today ....chin up!!!
Posted 5/8/2006 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hey alleycat and caprie! Welcome to both of you! Sorry I am late with the welcome, I didn't even get on the computer yesterday...

Alleycat - are you on any meds to help with the pain?

caprie - have you started on humira or is your rheumy thinking of putting you on it? There are a lot of people here that are on it...

I hope you two continue to post often... Best of luck to you and let us know how you are doing..

Duck
Posted 5/9/2006 5:17 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome you two!

I'm sorry we have to meet on such 'painful' circumstances. I hope you can find some solace here with the people on HW. They are a great bunch!

**

Posted 5/9/2006 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all, Thanks for the welcome. I am sad to say that I am one of the unfortunate persons in this great country who can't afford medication nor insurance. The only medication I can afford is a few over the counter meds which do nothing to curb the discomfort. I can go to the VA but only for my service connected disability, which has to do with an ankle injury only. This last attack of gout really done some damage to my knee. An old friend had some 5 year old cholchicine that I was glad to get, which as you might know makes you disgustingly ill. I would do anything to alleviate gout pain. I take nothing for the trigeminal neuralgia which is devastating pain. I use OTC ranitidine for gerd, and that is about all I take. I have got pain and nausea relief from marijuana, but alas it is illegal, and I can't afford to move to district 9.  Needless to say I have learned to deal with alot of pain but it sure takes a toll on my mind. Any suggestions anyone might have would be appreciated. Your friend, alleycat

Posted 5/9/2006 6:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Caprie,

I am also new here...just joined yesterday.  I have  been searching the net for information on methotrexate, which is what my doctor wants me to take for RA.  I'm wondering if you...or anyone here has taken that medication.  I have recently been diagnosed with RA, though I've been dealing with chronic pain for years.  Nobody knew what it was...until now.  I honestly have to say, it's the one diagnosis I never wanted to hear.  Anyway, I now have a place to come to where there are others to talk to, and I'm sure that's a very good thing.

Hoping to hear from somebody...Michelle

Posted 5/10/2006 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Everyone,
Thanks so much for the welcome!
To Ducky- I should be starting the Humira as soon as approved by my insurance. Possibly by end of this week. I have to admit that I am not happy about going on it. I have reservations because it seems to me if you have to be that careful about getting an infection while on it, then it must be pretty harsh on your system as far as affecting your immunity which has already turned against you. I just worry that the meds can make you worse down the road even though they temporarily help. Doctor asked which one i wanted to take- Remicade, Enbrel, Humira. How do you choose? Didn't like the infusion choice so I asked why someone would pick the Enbrel (once a wk shot) over the Humira (every other week). He didn't really have an answer. I chose Humira. He said their all about the same, but I really believe everyone will react differently and it's pot luck as to what will help. So, I am nervous about it but am hoping it will help and praying I don't eventually end up worse.

To Michelle- I have been off and on Methotrexate for years. I did very well on it for years but its not working well for me now. No side effects from it other than a little queasiness day after taking it but nothing to keep me from going on with my day. I hope you do well on it. It really had made a difference for me.

Alley cat- I am sorry you are still in such pain. I hope someone has some good advice for you as I am not familiar with your diagnosis. Hang in there!

Again, thanks everyone for your welcome!
Caprie
Posted 5/10/2006 4:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone-

I'm another newcomer, but an oldtime RA sufferer, for over 18 years.  Even with meds I have the occasional flare up, so I truly can sympathize with anyone out there who suffers from PAIN.  I had tried most meds without much success (though methotrexate seemed to help for a while and I know others who do well with it) until Enbrel came along.  I even tried bee sting therapy for over a year-yep-bee stings, over 1,500. I'm on Enbrel, two x a week (though I only do one shot a week if I can get by with it), and Arava.  I don't like to think about side effects, but dwell on quality of life at present.  The hardest thing is to keep moving, but it makes a difference. 

I check out a great book on arthritis-Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis.  I have found that exercise and strength training have done me a world of good the past 8 years.   

I just got a new puppy who makes me smile, but whew, it's hard to get the joints moving fast enough to get him out the door when he needs to go!

A lousy way to make connections, but great to be able to talk about it....I'll be back!

From Moderator:  Your post was edited due to Forum Rule #4 listed below:

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Post Edited By Moderator (Ducky) : 5/10/2006 10:54:51 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/10/2006 6:49 PM (GMT 0)

Caprie...Thanks so much for the reply.  I'm glad to hear that methotrexate worked for you, even though it was in the past.  And good to hear that you didn't suffer side effects from it, other than a little queasiness the following day.  I hope I can do as well on it. 

Eliznel...I just read your post, and understand methotrexate also worked for you for awhile.  I know you've had RA for a long time, and I'm very sorry to hear that.  You sound like a fighter, and that's what all of us here have to be.  I'm beginning methotrexate in a couple of days, and would be interested in hearing how you tolerated it.  I think my main fear is infection.  I already have diabetes, and have struggled with infection because of my compromised immune system.  Any info you could give me on how well you tolerated it would be helpful.

To everyone here...it's great being able to come here, read the posts, and know that others are here for support...people that know, and understand, and are fighting for better lives...or better quality of life.  Good luck to all of you...Michelle

Posted 5/12/2006 1:20 PM (GMT 0)

Michelle-I was able to tolerate Methotrexate fairly well, with no side effects, much like Caprie.  It was several years ago-If I recall correctly-I did have to go in to the lab quite often for blood work.  I really hope you find some relief.  Chronic pain is no fun, and the depression that comes with it.  I had no problems with infection.  Let us know how it goes.

-Eliznel    

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