Thought I'd Intro Myself....

RA+CDhouse

Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2007

Posts : 99

Posted 11/27/2013 7:21 AM (GMT 0)

Well since I made a few posts in this forum now, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am not a stranger to Healing Well, as I joined a while back when my husband was diagnosed with Crohns. I joined here so that I could learn about the disease from the trenches so to speak. I learned much!

about 8 months after his diagnosis, I was diagnosed with RA. I was treated for RA for several years, but really wasn't getting the kind of relief my docs expected I would. I quit all meds about a year ago, and for many months felt NO change: didn't feel better, didn't feel worse.

Then I went to the doc (rheumy) and she then diagnosed me Fibromyalgia as my primary problem and she put me on a low dose antidepressant and gave me some Tramadol. I've recently switched docs (same practice) because my doc was wanting to start focusing more on her Lupus patients. New doc has now upped the antidepressants twice (now on 40 mgs noretriptyline) and is allowing for some more tramadol.

At today's appointment, she told me she thinks I have some osteoarthritis in my knees! Blah! She stands by previous diagnoses of RA and Fibro though.

So now I will come here to this area to gain info and support. I am frustrated with yet another dx, but well, it could be worse! I've enjoyed reading for a few hours tonight, so I thought I'd tell you a bit about myself and my situation!

getting by

Forum Moderator

Joined : Sep 2007

Posts : 45296

Posted 11/27/2013 1:06 PM (GMT 0)

Hi there and welcome to the forum.

You are definitely not alone with this. We are all here to support you. I am sorry you got the dx though.

I hope you learn a lot here. Do check out the first thread on the forum titled "fibro 101". There is a lot of fantastic information there.

One day at a time is my motto. It really helps me handle life. Take things as they come.

Keep posting and know you aren't alone in this.

Hugs, Karen...

Luvzminis

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2008

Posts : 2998

Posted 11/27/2013 1:21 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome to the forum! Sorry you have fibro, but happy to meet you.

diznyfrk

Regular Member

Joined : Aug 2013

Posts : 298

Posted 11/27/2013 4:13 PM (GMT 0)

Hi and welcome. I also have RA and Fibro. One thing I would caution you about would be taking an anti-depressant with Tramadol. They both raise your serotonin levels and can cause serotonin syndrome. It did with me. You may be okay but just be careful.

RA+CDhouse

Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2007

Posts : 99

Posted 11/27/2013 7:07 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for kind welcome! I have read many of the links/articles in Fibro 101 thread -- awesomely helpful information there!

My doc did say something about the serotonin issue. She said I can still give it a shot, but wanted to mention the issue. I read up on it from the Fibro 101 section. Most days I don't take more than 1 tramadol, and that's during the daytime. I just want to be able to take more on my very very bad days.

Looking forward to getting know you all!

theresa

Acheybody

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2008

Posts : 6036

Posted 11/27/2013 11:50 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, Theresa.

Another welcome here....it sounds like you do know your way around HW. I'm sorry you need to be here, but it sure is helpful to talk to people who understand, isn't it? This site has helped me so much.

Does your hubby also join in?

I've been taking Nortriptyline for about 20 years. Used to be 20mg at night, but my doc upped it to 30 when I ruptured a disc last year. Lately I haven't been sleeping too well again, so not sure where we'll go from here.

I also used to take Tramadol (and liked it - it seemed to give me energy) but after the disc incident, it wasn't cutting it anymore. I had to switch to Hydrocodone, which I'm still trying to wean myself off of :( I've cut down a lot since the beginning, but now seem to have hit a plateau.

Hope to see you around more!

Debbie

Achey all over

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2013

Posts : 187

Posted 11/28/2013 1:52 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome Theresa!

So glad you introduced yourself! This is a wonderful supportive group. Sorry to hear of your dx.

I find it really does help knowing others can really understand exactly what you are going through.

Hope to get to know you better.

couchtater

Elite Member

Joined : Jul 2009

Posts : 14475

Posted 11/28/2013 2:04 AM (GMT 0)

I have lupus, fibro, and OA of the knees. Tramadol is a good pain reliever.

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