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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/23/2006 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
I have been in severe pain since yesterday. It started last night when I was at work. I am a security Guard for a condo association so I walk alot. I thought it was just because I walk so much at my job but I went to my doctor today and he said he cant tell me if it's because my foot is just inflamed or if I have some kind of joint damage. He told me to come back as soon as I get my insurance on the 1st of August so he can order a bunch of tests. I have been diognosed with RA a little over a year now. I am seeing a doctor who treats RA but he is not a RA specialist. He's been doing what he can for me. I haven't had any type of medical insurance so I couldn't go and see a RA specialist yet. I am scared because I have only had Methotrexate for treatment. I have heard that damage to the joints can start after a year of diognoses. My foot feels like when you have sunburn and someone touches it. But the pain feels like someone is crushing the bones in my foot. Is this typical symptoms of inflamation? Or could this be symptoms of joint damage starting? Any type of advice or comments would be greatly appriciated.

                                                      Thank You

                                                      Andrea

Posted 7/23/2006 5:02 AM (GMT 0)

sad  awe, dear andrea:

yeah, that is symptoms of inflammation.  heat, redness, pain, throbbing, swelling.

like right now, both ankle & feet feel "baked" and have been having worsening issues with the RA progressing to the feet & ankles. feels like all the little bones are cracking & broken when 1st walking in the morning and throughout the day.  and i am NOT on my feet...so your pain i can imagine is tremendous.

good thing is that at least YOU ARE ON SOMETHING. mtx is good.  better than nothing ya know?

but an additive dmard or immunosuppressant or nsaid or all 3 can be added to help you.

so who do you see? a regular GP or a rheummy?

oral antirheumatics shouldn't be a problem when you get your insurance straightened out. Arava, Plaquenil, Cyclosporine, Imuran, Minocycline are all options you can talk about.  even Enbrel, Humira, Kineret, and the 2 new bio injections may be covered too (there's money assistant programs if a person cannot afford the injectables).

you're not alone hon. (((((( big hug )))))))))

write back when you feel alirght.

erin

Posted 7/24/2006 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Andrea, I am on methotrexate as well. It does not do alot for me but I had and still have the same symptoms you have. I could hardly walk. When I did get blood work It clearly stated I had R.A. The xrays showed bone loss and a year and a half later showed severe bone loss. I have 4 toes that have almost no bone and the others almost no cartlidge so the grind all the time. I feel for you. I learned that shoes are very important. I buy shoes once a year now and they are exspensive. I have no $$$$ TAX TIME IS MY TIME!!! Good Luck to you I also took alot of advil liquid gels they helped alot with pain. My doc said I could take 4 200 mg every 4-6 hours safely. I used to eat them like candy.
Hope you start feeling better soon. Hopefully your insurance gets you a good doc.
Posted 7/28/2006 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Andrea, if you can afford it or if your insurance will pay for it - go see a podietrist and find out about getting some orthodics for your feet as well. Mechanics will make these problems much worse. I was laid up for years because of my feet problems. I pretty much can only wear New Balance sneakers (one particular style) and my orthodics. If I go more than 1/2 day w/o them on, I'm miserable and I feel it not only in my feet, but my knees as well.

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