Hi Brenda, I started a low dose of Celexa last month. I was having trouble sleeping and was anxious a lot. This definitely had been picking up intensity since the RAish thing set in last summer. I've...
Hi Zeek, I think the Rhuemies all have different philosophies and you have to find the one that lines up with your own, you know? I've had doctors and patients tell me you have to hit it really hard...
Wow elcamino! That's huge news. I hope the treatment helps. And I hope going off your Enbel doesn't cause too much harm. Your ID doc sounds amazing. So glad you have her. Keep us posted on your...
Hey Mom, I take Plaquenil, and don't suffer any side effects yet. But my Rheumy quickly dropped me down to 300mg because of my weight (120lb). Any chance you need a smaller dose?...
Hi Elcamino, I'm glad the ID visit went well. I've been lurking and reading what you've been going through with your primary and I'm so glad you're ditching her/them. The office is probably so money...
Hey Kjb, I also was diagnosed with Fibro first, like 10 years ago, and 6 months ago got the RA diagnosis. I never did prednisone (just Relafen) and instead went on the Plaquenil right away. It took 4...
Hi Babz, I hear ya. I actually have the positive ANA, but the doc is leaning toward RA at the moment. He admits that it could be either, but doesn't think we need to dive into labeling it because...
Hey Brenda, Great post. Way to go! You are really to be admired. I'm impressed and think you're smart. I'd like to think I could do it, but I know caffeine aggravates things for me and can I give...
Hi Elcamino, I'm on month 5 of Plaquenil and really started to notice it working last month. It's super subtle, but since it's all I'm on (aside from Relafen), I can tell that each gradual...
Hey Mom, Your story sounds familiar. 10 years back, I had pain and swelling in my sternum and collar bones (weird, eh), was in so much pain, but I always tested negative for everything. I struggled...
Hi All, I've been reading more and more lately about the benefits Statins (Cholesterol lowering drugs like Lipitor) give to RA patients. There are no finished trials on Statin use for RA, but I'm...
The Cradle of Love, Erin? Sounds like a fabulous way to burn calories!! :yeah: I usually am too sleepy and whiney for that kind of exercise. :tongue: LeeLoo, you're running with a swollen knee?...
Thanks for that great advice! I'm sorry you had to give up running. I used to run too. Hardly training for a marathon though, that's impressive! I did not get to the gym last week. Surprise,...
I bet you do Yalinda!! Wow, I heard that was some storm. Glad you got your power back. Thanks for the swimming advice all. And I think I'll try the weight lifting too and see how it goes. Now I just...
Hi Everyone, What do you all do for exercise? Do you think lifting weights will aggravate things? I have RA and suffer mostly in the knees and ankles right now. I've been on Plaquenil and I think...
Sorry about all this elcamino. Maybe, in a way, it's good they don't quite know what it is because I bet they can spot a lot of really terrible stuff pretty quick. Hopefully that antibiotic or...
I am so sorry too elcamino. Why does life have to be so hard sometimes? Damn. I hope it's a temporary thing that just clears up so you can continue to feel good. Hey Yalinda, Elephant ears are like...
Hey All! I just wanted to jump in and say Hi. Thanks to all for the mouth ulcer topic and advice. I run into the more minor of the two types without even being on serious meds yet. Why do they last...
Wow RJ, I'm sorry you have been through so much. Don't ignore the pain! I think sometimes when you have chronic pain, you learn to ignore so much, but that isn't really always a good thing. I was so...
Thanks Yalinda. I bet I'll be in a similar boat. I too have never smoked and have no symptoms. It seems like "wait, watch and see" is so often the protocol for all this long term condition stuff. I...
So my doctor, not his office, HIM . . . calls my house and starts the call by saying, "I don't want you to freak out but . . ." I laugh telling it because how could I NOT freak out when my doc starts...
When I got my script for Relafen last week. I was under the impression it was essentially Advil, but with the handy-ness of two large pills instead of 9-12 little ones. Well, I was wrong, and Relafen...
I just wanted to say Hi! I am new here too and so cannot really answer any of your questions based on my experiences. But I am kind of surprised they didn't want to see you back until Sept....
What about coffee?...
Thanks again everyone! You're all really helpful and are keeping me optimistic. I will hold out hope for running cbrossman. What not? I'll sit in my backyard with my Smirnoff cocktail and Plaquenil...
Thanks for the great responses you guys. I can tell already what a nice board this is. I posted almost a year ago when this started and I saw an orthopedic guy that wanted to drain my knee. I thought...
Hi All! Well, it's official. I have RA. I have such mixed feelings about the appointment and diagnosis. I have been in pain for 10 years (told me I was anxious and stressed at 22) and now I am...
You guys are all so nice. Thank you so much! A sailor indeed! I had considered a little drink before the procedure, but then I thought, "What if my appointment is at 9am?" I also have some leftover...
Thanks for all your input so far. The mor the merrier for sure!! You got it right Erin! I am looking to quell anxiety! :sad:...
Hi Everyone, Hope you all don't mind me being new and jumping in with a question . . . I have to decide if I want to have an aspiration done on my knee. I am still hoping the fluid will reabsorb...