hi everyone, its my first time on here although i have be reading all your coments for awile now, quite impress with some of the comments. I was diagnose in oct 2005 with a very high ra factor even ruemy in N.Z. was quite shocked, i am 46 years old. we move to Australia 18mths ago from new zealand. thinking the warmer might be better for me, I just seen my rheumy afew days a go and he seems to think the methx is not working well enough so has put me on arava 20mg a day so would be interested to here from anyone on the same drug combination that on, i have to cut back on the methx until the arava starts to kick in then stop the methx altogether so thats one pill less to buy, i still keep going though lots of bouts of depression, is this normal, i feeling really down at home at the moment as my partner all he seems to do when hes home is sleep so feeling really loney, i need a friend ,would be nice to talk to someone that nos how i feel and what its like to have this most horrible disease
Hi, Chelle
It's very difficult for our friends and families to really understand what it's like to have RA, and the depression that seems to tag along is very real for many of us. Make sure your doctor knows that this is an issue for you because it can be and needs to be treated as much as the many RA issues.
I was born and raised in NZ but have lived all my adult life (now 57) in the U.S. My first RA symptoms showed up while I was in NZ in 2003 for a wedding but of course I had no idea what the heck was going on. I know getting proper treatment is a problem in NZ (Enbrel for example being very restricted for some reason)so I hope being in Australia gives you better care.
Hang in there and talk to us as much as you want.
Hi and Welcome.
Hang in there. Come here and ask away. I noticed that there are a lot of posters here who know a lot about the meds and treatments out there. I am sure you will get good advice.
I don't know a lot but I am always available for a shoulder if you should ever need one.
RA is a darned difficult disease to live with. IT hurts, it is unpredictable and it causes many other health problems as we all know all too well. Depression seems to be the norm, but can lift as well.
Having a supportive spouse is crucial but even for them it is difficult. We look normal, we have no physicla signs that we are anythingbut normal so we are expected of the same as everyone else, mainly those without RA and Fibro.
I am so sorry that you are having to go through this na dmany here including myself have been there. IT can be extremely lonely which can often lead to even more depressive episodes. I have no idea what to recommend, I have tried so many times to see what works for me and it is always trial and error. You hate being the "sick one" you hate not being able to do the things you once could. WE need understanding and love just like anyone else.
In the long run the RA and fibro can be controlled with medication. Relationships can heal and even at times those around you may become more understanding of what you are having to go through.
I hope you find relief...maybe tomorrow will be a better day and you can say to yourself...I made it through that one.
jode
Hello, Chelle, and welcome!!
It does get better,
Pip
Welcome!
I have RA, fibro, Sjogren's Syndrome and OA. The RA took 8 years to diagnose but it was almost a relief after years of normal bloodwork, pain, and doubt from doctors and friends that there was really anything wrong since I looked so normal. All I can say is it does get better. It takes time to figure out which combination of drugs will work and it takes time to adjust to the meds and the fact that you have something that's not going away. I was on methetrexate for 2 years and it was really rough since it made me dizzy and tired. It was hard to work while on it, but I did. It is normal for the doctor to start you out on the less agressive meds like MTX and then add to the mix until you reach or near remission. I haven't tried Arvara so I can't advise yo on it. I'm now on prednisone, plaquanil, and embrel. The new biologics can work wonders but are expensive so at least in the US they want to try you on the less expensive stuff first.
I have had RA for 4 years now and I'm doing much better. I still work half time and am 61 so many my age have already retired. It's important to have an exercise routine and stick to it. Warm water exercise is especially helpful. Rest and getting a good night's sleep is also important. Try a hot bath right before you go to bed.
You will get a lot of good advise here. Good luck Linda
Chelle,
Depression is a huge part of RA. It can be caused by just being sick and having to live with how much you cannot do each day, it can also cause anxiety or depression, not exactly sure how, but doctors said it can make your system go haywire.
Please know that it can take quite a while to find the right medication for your body. It's been around 3 years for me to find the right medication and diet combo.
Be strong and talk with your doctor if you have depression or anxiety, they have drugs to help you. I take 20mg paxil daily for me.
I wish you well.
Hi Chelle and Welcome. My oldest daughter is nicknamed Chelle! I've seldom seen it spelled that way by anyone else. Her real name is Michelle.
I'm glad you decided to sign on and join us. I think you will find some answers, hope and understanding by our group. So many of us have been through similar problems. I do agree completely with bubbagump. You absolutely need to talk to your rheumy about your depression. I would say that is one of the most common things most of us have. RA and associated diseases are depressing. It takes forever to get diagnosed, and longer to hit on a meds plan that works for you. It doesn't help that we can be in nearly constant pain.
But, on the bright side,
Please post often. It really does help to talk to people who know what you're going through. We are here for you!
Hope to hear from you soon. Take care, Sweetie
Gentle hugs, Nini
Hi Chell from another in Aus with this disease.
hi Chelle and welcome. Lots of people get depressed. Good thing you found us. There's lots of goofy people around to cheer you up. You can write about anything bothering you and someone around here is either going thru it too or went thru it in the past. So feel free to voice your anger, frustration, humor or whatever. IT helps to get it out.
take care
Welcome, Chelle! I can relate to how you feel. I have been really down lately too. When you hurt all the time it's really hard to find something to be happy about. Know that all of us know just how you feel and we're here to help each other. Hugs to you :) Wendygod i thank all you guys, it was so nice to read everything you wrote , and you are right it helps to no there people out there who are and have been through what we are going through, thanks heaps i feel better alreadyChelle,
I really can't add much more to the good advice everyone has given - just want to welcome you here. I'm in Brisbane - whereabouts have you settled? I worked for 3 years in N.Z., in "windy Wellington" - that's where all the good jobs were but it was so darned chilly for most of the year that eventually I headed back here for the warmth.
Lorraine
P.S. Bodak - I just luv your comments about the redbacks and the throne - as a kid on the farm we only had an outside loo so I know just what you mean Hi Chelle and welcome to the forum.
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