I am interested in a particular non ablative laser called the lux 1540 for my face. It is supposed to help smooth the skin. But I am concerned about the meds I'm on (plaquenil, MXT, and I'm about to start Enbrel) and how that affects wound healing. Has anyone had any luck w/ lasers and RA?
What about surgery in general? In a few years I might want breast implants or something. Would having RA mess up those plans?
You know, I really don't think these topics have been addressed here yet. But they are great topics!!!!
I know that before something like a knee surgery, most people's doctors have them go off of things like MTX, Enbrel, Humira, etc etc. I'm not sure about plaquenil. So for a surgery like breast implants, I would assume the same?
As far as the laser thing, you know, I have NO idea....I'd for sure be calling your doctor about that one. And of course, about the breast implants as well.
Since you most likely (dont quote me, call your doc!) wouldn't be on anything like MTX or Enbrel for the breast implants, your healing should be pretty normal. If the doctor lets you stay on MTX and Enbrel when you get the laser done, my guess is that you might see slower healing times. But again, I would really ask your doctor.
There is a plastic surgeon I saw once in Boston for a consultation and I received a newsletter from him today talking about the laser he had recommended to me before I was diagnosed. I was unable to get the laser at that time, but now I'm all those yucky meds. Anyway, I e-mailed him today and got the response that he wouldn't recommend it while I'm on those meds, but to ask my rheumatologist's opinion.
I believe the answer would be the same, b/c the laser is supposed to work by creating tiny wounds underneath the skin, which boosts collegen production, which then helps plump up the skin. If your ability to heal from wounds is compromised, it wouldn't work. Anyway, what upsets me is the "while you're on the medication". I was told I would be on these meds for life!!!!
I was surprised that he said no to the injectibles as well. I thought that was pretty benign. I would love to hear if anyone has had any experience with this.
It is tricky once you're on these meds. But think of it this way, without them, you'd be a lot more worried about how you were going to walk today, than if you were able to get laser done! Right??? )I don't have a good relationship w/ my rheumatologist, so I won't be asking her. She is very cold and unhelpful. And I am part of a clinic where I have to see her, so I can't try another doctor. I'm hopeful, people on this forum will have experience.
I'm confused, arriscolwell, about the remission statement. My understanding is it doesn't matter if you are in 'remission' or not w/ RA, b/c you always have to take the meds. I would love to find out otherwise, b/c I hate being on medication.
And regarding being thankful to the meds for being able to walk, I'm not there yet. While I've had some improvement, my knuckles are huge and I can't bend my fingers. My left foot is constantly inflamed, my wrist constantly feels fractured, I could go on. My life is still awful even with these meds. And I am self conscious of the way I look. Hearing I can't have laser surgery b/c of RA is very upsetting. Frankly, right now I'm having a hard time figuring out why I should stay on this planet. I hate my life so much. If I can get up the courage, I'll probably post about my suicidal tendancies b/c I'm curious as to how many other RA sufferers experience that too.
Nori
Is it an insurance thing that is holding you to this rheumy/clinic? I really hope you're able to find an RD who shows compassion.
From what I've gathered, I'm going to be on meds indefinitely to control my RA. I've heard the term "medicated remission" so I'm guessing that is the route I will be taking. Everyone is different though.
I'm so sorry to hear you are in so much pain! Give the Enbrel some time to kick in once you start taking it. Has your doc ever tried a Medrol pack for you? I hope you get some much needed relief soon! Please continue posting here with whatever questions you have or even just to vent. We all know what you're going through and we're here to help. I hope you have a wonderful evening and know there are people thinking of ya. *gentle hugs*
I have often thought of having lipsuction. But, i watched a program that said i can't since the meds i am on stop me from healing right.
Due to lack of movement, dairy allergy swelling and the RA, I am unfortunately overweight. I have lost about 30lbs with the drugs and stopping dairy, but that didn't do much for how i look.
I know if i could loose a lot of this, that my body will do better without having to push teh weight.
It's sad, i don't eat bad and am still overweight.
I eat dairy and gluten free cereal with rice milk for breakfast, fruit and vegies for lunch (if i eat lunch), dinner is fish or something like that without butter etc. olive oil instead. I don't eat desert, I did have candy the other day that made me sick (early valentines gift that i gave to my kid cuz i couldn't eat it).
So, that surgery would be a god sent help. I watch extreme makeover and wish that was me.
Nori King, I have had a few different surgeries done , 3 foot , 2 hand , 1 kidney , 1 elective,
and had no problems with the healing process . The only one I had to stop Enbrel ( when I was on it ) was for the kidney surgery. But of course they had me on some heavy pain killers so I did not even care.
When my hands hurt so bad and were so swollen when I first got RA I used stress balls to squeeze and stretch my wrist . To this day I still use them as part of my work out . At first it is hard to do but the movement helps to loosen the fingers and wrist up. Give it a try.
Keep a positive attitude it will get better . And you should find a new DR that will work with you . Lots of hugs to you !!!
Nori..I'm not saying this to be rude but plastic surgery and breast implants won't fix your problems. No good and qualified plastic surgeon should touch you until you straighten out your depression.
Are you getting help for that
Nori-
How long have you been in this pain with meds not working?
It upset me to read this because I had a cold uncaring female doctor who refused to give me adequate pain meds and who's RA drug combo's I did not respond too and I suffered for 2 month's unnecessarily I think. It was my first episode- not sure when you were diagnosed.
Please- GET AWAY FROM THIS DOCTOR- GO SOMEWHERE NEW!
I got on another doctor's waiting list and when he called- he spent 2 1/2 hrs. with me , changed my meds a little, split up the prednisone to two times a day instead of the morning and the very next day I woke up a new woman!
I am now back to work.
Hang in there- keep your faith. Our time is not always God's time keep praying for healing- it will happen.
Nori, I agree that you need to do whatever it takes to get another doctor. She's not helping you. I also agree that you shouldn't even consider anything major as far as cosmetic procedures go while you're in a depressed state. A little tweaking can go a long way toward making you feel better about yourself, but a major step like implants is not going to be the answer to all of your problems and it's not going to fix your depression. Please try to find someone who can help you through this difficult time. And in the meantime, post here and tell us how you're feeling. Let us do what we can to help you. We understand better than most what you're feeling and you don't have to go through it alone. Nori, you need to seek professional help. Depression like this is too serious and shouldn't be waited on. Tell your doctor or family doctor about it and they can refer you to someone they believe in.
Many of us have been as bad as being bed ridden for a period of time where we couldn't roll over, sit up, walk, or even dress and eat without help. We know how hard it is and know what it is like to be that far into depression. I thought it would never get better and it took almost 3 years to start being somewhat better.
There are tons of meds that have to be tried, it takes a long while, some up to 6months or more to start working in the system. If one doesn't work by 6months, then you need to try others. If you doc won't help, find another.
I know how bad and scarry it is to be sick, professional help is what you need for your depression. YOu are too far into it and only professional help will help dig you out. This sickness is horrible and you need someone to help you deal with it and someone to let you know, life is worth living.
I wish you well and pray everything works out for you.
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