Why these feelings? | Arthritis Information

HI guys, I am on a real downer today and I can only guess why.  I didn't take my MTX last week due to chest infection and I was on 20mg am and pm of Oxycontin which I switched today  back to Endone 4 x a day as the pain gets relieved quicker, I know its a catch 22 situation though, with nothing but panadol for breakthrough pain.  The last couple of days I have been noticing escalating pain and I have been absolutely ultra fatigued, I cannot believe the MTX makes such a great difference to the fatigue usually and just by missing one dose your body goes back to feeling so crap.  Anyway today was MTX day and the GP gave it to me, I told him my ribs feel so painful and they have been getting progressively worse, he is a locum for my usual Gp and just said, "oh, its probably your arthritis????  Duhhhhhh!!!!!    Also my osteoarthritis was really playing up and my neck, spine and sciatic pain were all screaming at me.

I came home and have slept all day and feel really low, I have been crying since I got up, missing my mum (who passed away last year) she was the only one who really listened and always made me feel better, when I was having a really bad day, she would always know and ring me from the UK.  Sorry to be going on so much.  Tomorrow I have to travel into Brisbane by train and at least my MIL is coming with me.  We are staying overnight as it is too much for me to travel there and back on the same day.

This time it is a private pain specialist and I am really hoping he will do something different to the last one who decided I should stop my pain meds and learn to meditate Janie, I don't think anything strange or abnormal is going on with you...you are still the same wonderful, strong woman fighting an awful chronic disease and doing so really well while parenting two young boys, also which you do really well.

Here's the thing that I think is happening for you today and that's all...when our symptoms increase especially our pain levels then naturally there is depression attached to that process. My GP has said to me she does not believe this depression is of a clinical kind but related to pain increase. Her and I have watched this process time and time again. My pain levels go up, I start to feel depressed...naturally. As human beings we simply can't not respond emotionally that way. Being in awful chronic pain makes one feel down.

You need to be very gentle on yourself today. Pain has gone up so you are feeling down. Do comforting things...watch a dvd with your boys or stay in bed if you need...whatever makes you feel better. Gently, gently here.

You will get through tomorrow, just one bit at a time. And it is good you will have the company of your MIL which will help you through.

Hugs and hugs for you... oh yeah Janie; you've had a big double-whammy with a chest infection sapping your strength & pain stealing your happy brain chemicals. The only thing that seems to work is rest, good food and love.

I'm a new member but have had RA for 13 years. I'm feeling a bit decrepit at the moment but keep visualizing my next partial remission. I see myself doing laps inthe pool, that's my bliss-fix. Think of the one thing you loved doing before this flare-up. You will be doing it again, and it will feel so good.  Janie,  I have watched you with great admiration since you came on board and know you have the inner resources to get through this, and you are allowed to look clearly at your symptoms and acknowledge the pain and the loss and the frustrations.  You are always in my thoughts and prayers ~~ CathyHI Cordelia, Janalex, Stephen and Cathy, you have lifted my spirits, thankyou and God Bless, love Janie.XXX Janie, not only is it natural to be depressed when we are in pain and dealing with so much, but also when we are on pain medicine, which often has a depressant effect, and especially when you have lost someone so important to you not that very long ago.  Even the perkiest of people would feel down.