having a bad time | Arthritis Information

Hi all, I hope everyone is well today. I have hit a bad flare but trying to work through it. I am currently on no meds other than tramadol as i had to come off the MTX due to stomach complications. Also no ritiximab until we get the stomach issues sorted and i also have to have surgery to remove a polyp. I am due to have a camera passed down my throat as the doctors tihnk i have an ulcer as I have had terrible stomach pains , sickness and a burning feeling in my gut. My RA is bad at the moment, my knees are in terrible pain as are my wrists. So all is not so good but at least the sun has been shining which makes life a bit brighterpin ~~ you have a brighter day too, take care ~~ Cathy PS No idea what is going on with the fingertips. I am wondering if its from keyboarding and perhaps an allergy to the plastics that are used ...Sorry that you're having to miss your meds while they sort out what's going on. I hope the sun keeps shining until you're feeling better.HI Lisa, sorry to hear you are not too well at present, have you tried antiinflammatory gels, such as Voltaren, my GP says even though I can't take antiinflammatory tabs, I can use the gel as it is only 1%. Maybe give it a try, and hope you can get back on your meds soon, hugs Janie. I am so sorry to hear you are having so many probs. If it helps, I went throught the exact thing. THe scope is not bad at all....they put you to sleep and you feel nothing of it when you awaken . Pictures are taken so you can see the ulcers.

Mine were helped with Prevacid 2 times a day and they just told me to eat what I felt comfortable with. Later I was able to take alieve, but it was prob a year or so till I felt comfotable with that. It takes time for the ulcers to fully heal and yet I have been told they never heal....so who knows.

I found that anything spicey and anything tomato sauce wise tore my stomach up...so I am on a bland diet with minimal breads, mostly vegetables and some meats. I drink a lot of milk, a lot of milk! I cannot tolerate yogurt anymore but can the shredded cheese. RIce krispies is about all I can eat cereal wise, sometimes the mini shredded wheat but it has a tendency to tear up my stomach as well.

Do not give up. Ulcers are extremely painful and yes they also limit what meds you can take. I was taken off of any and all pills except for my vicodin, xanax and celexa for a long time. I could only take about 1/3 of my vicodin with food every couple of hours for a few years to control the pain of the RA and not to make tummy trouble worse.

It seems impossible at the time but you manage through it and find ways to aleviate the pain. I could only be on Enbrel during that time ( injectable) and for the osteo was on the nose spray and should still be on it but was having nose probs and could not afford it. I take calcium tabs now and the chocolate calcium chews.

THe meds do tear up the lining of your stomach pretty good. I had 2 huge ulcers and learned of them by vomitting blood and passing blood in my stools. Make sure you take care of these and watch for all the signs and go in for your scope.....ulcers are so very dangerous.

I hope I helped. It was a long hard road for me at the time but I survived it.

Jode

P.S. prob one of the most difficult times for me was when everyone around me was sick of me being sick....including myself.....do try to keep a positive attitude through this. So sorry you're having a rough time, Lisa. Hope things get better for you soon. oh.. ouch!!

sorry you're having such a tough time. I hope healing happens quickly .

Lisa,
Can't offer much more than I hope that your dr gets your stomach problems figured out quickly and something can be done. Did you take the MTX in pill form or by shot?

My DD is suffering in the heat and humidity of southern England. I always imagined England to be quite dreary, thank you TV and movies. She hates how her arms and legs look, so she won't wear something comfortable, I told her those people will NEVER see you again. So I'm not wishing you sunnier days other than as a metaphor for your health. She did say the flowering trees on campus were beautiful when the breeze blew the petals off, we still have a little snow left in the shadows.Hugs Pinny!

When they do the scope, have them culture and see if you have h. pylori, please.

Here's to hoping you feel better soon.

Pip

Wow, you're being hit with a lot at once. Please keep us posted on how you're doing. We'll be thinking and worrying about you.

Hope you get the stomach issues resolved and feel better soon!

Sorry to hear you are feeling so crummy...here's hoping they get you squared away real soon! Love and hugs Much Hugs to you Pinnie! Hope you get to doing better real soon. Lisa, Sweetie, I'm sorry I didn't see this yesterday! I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time with your stomach and RA. I hope the scope shows exactly what your problem is and that they can take action to get you feeling good!

Try not to worry, honey! You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart is with you, through your tests. Feel better very soon!

Bless your heart, you always see the sunshine in the most difficult times! Be well, Sweetie!

Much love, Nini

Nini2008-05-17 15:11:05hi pincushion sorry to be reading you are having a bad time and meds
have to be stopped. there appearse a few on the forum now dealing
whith ra whith none or little meds for one reason or another.. It is best to get the stomache problems taken care of. Glad you are getting the polyp removed. I will pray for you to not have to much pain and swelling. Let us know what they find to be wrong with you. Get well soon.
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