Have you done any reading about spondyloarthritis also referred to as spondylitis? Your symptoms make me think of that. best wishes...
I have done a lot of research over the past year to find lower costs on medications. I am going to list some of the best sources. I typed your prescription name in and found costs lower than $200....
Hi there- just wanted to share that many years ago, I had what is called "Chronic Daily Headache" - I believe that is an actual medical diagnosis (you can google it to read more). Anyway, not sure if...
^^^ thanks so much Karen- I will send you one shortly- so you can remove it now!...
Seashell - can I contact you regarding the hypocortisol? I've had some tests done recently but am not able to see a doctor at the moment due to my insurance causing me all sorts of problems with...
Cntrymom- you asked how to find a good one- you might want to take a look at the list on this page (scroll down to where it says "click here to download in pdf format") - these are rheumatologists...
My rheumatologist also teaches at a medical school and he has told me over the years that rheumatology diagnoses and treatment are not to be based solely on lab values alone. He says the subjective...
Have you been for a full work-up with a good rheumatologist yet? There are other diseases besides RA that can cause the type of symptoms you have. There is a whole set of conditions called...
I am relieved but angry. What if I did not have this particular doctor? One who is not only extremely knowledgeable about pain management, but also with whom I also have a long-term, trusting...
It was my doctor who sent me the letter after he got the lab report back from the lab. I have wonderful news to report though...... My doctor's office called and said that they would just like me to...
I don't know, pitmom. I sent my response in today, they should get it Wednesday. I'm going to have to hope that 15+ years of a perfect record, plus my argument as to how this is possible (as per...
Thank you Straydog.... I am praying that my perfect history will be what saves me in this situation. I don't think I am going to be able to relax until I find out that he is not kicking me out. I...
I am a long-term chronic pain patient who has been using extended release morphine for 12 years. Five or six years ago, my doctor began requiring a urine test at each visit, 4 times per year. I also...
I used the analogy of the US govt restricting everyone's use of alcohol to X number of ounces per month due to the abuse of alcohol by SOME, because that is essentially what is happening to chronic...
There was a recent article on this site (http://www.painnewsnetwork.org/) that used the phrase "passive genocide" in reference to what is happening to chronic pain patients who need opioid...
Hi there- I will just share that I cannot tolerate any form of morphine except the true extended-release capsules. Other forms, including MS Contin, cause me extreme nausea and itchiness. I can take...
I found a very interesting article about the ways that chronic pain can affect hormone levels a while back- you might find it is something you could discuss with your doctor: here is a link:...
Hi Fkd- I really feel for you. I know what appointments like that feel like! They are like a punch in the gut. We go to these doctors and share our deepest pains with them, our vulnerability, and...
Don- I got your email and responded- I'll keep the convo there, so as not to derail this thread any longer!...
Hi Don, well, like I said, every word you write about your experience with work all those years, I could say myself. My symptoms began when I was in my mid-20's, and now I am in my mid-40's. I...
Here is one more resource I will share- I had a wonderful consultant who helped me with many of my questions as I was dealing with the long-term disability company. Sadly, he passed away earlier this...
Hi Don, What you wrote in your post to me, I could have written myself- nearly to the word, about how you are struggling to maintain your productivity level, and how it is getting harder and harder...
Glad you enjoyed my little biography there! I just know how hard it is to keep pushing through a job/ trying to have a career, when dealing with serious health problems. So I admire your efforts.......
I feel for you Thoreau, and can completely relate to the career aspirations thing. I was about half-way through my master's degree when I started getting really sick - I was 29 when I graduated. I...
Hi there Defeated- I'm sorry to hear what you are going through. I do want to say that you really might want to consider talking to your doctor about "DMARD" medications for your PSA. Any...
Intellectually, most of the time, I know I am not a failure. But emotionally, sometimes the thoughts creep in. Tends to happen when I am feeling down or depressed. One thing that can help at those...
Hi there Defeated - just want to say I really feel for you in terms of not being believed by a doctor. I know what that feels like and it is extremely painful. The only thing keeping me going is a...
Hi there, if you are someone who likes to read, there is a book I think would be really helpful for you. It has some great chapters on how to cope with family/friends when dealing with chronic pain,...
Hi there - I have AS, and have been on Enbrel (similar to Humira) for over 14 years. Fortunately, no side effects. It kept me working until this year. I also need other medications, including pain...
There is a petition you can sign to support funding for chronic pain research, treatment, prevention. They are trying to get 100K signatures by the end of the month. Here is a link:...
Hi there - I just wanted to say I am surprised your insurance would only cover the brand name for extended-release morphine. I was on Avinza until it went generic. Have you looked at your insurance's...
Hi there, I have AS, and my doctor recommended me for a pain pump several years ago due to the fact I cannot tolerate high quantities of opioids. I did a trial, and we tried three meds in it, and I...
Hi Bummer - your thread caught my attention today. I realize you have a lot on your plate in this situation, so my intention is not to add more ... but if your girlfriend does truly have bipolar...