DECISIONS, DECISIONS!!!! | Arthritis Information

 

I've had RA for about a year and a half. I've been on plaquinil and mtx but the doc took me off the plaquinil 3 months ago. In the last year and a half,i've gone from being able to play 18 holes of golf to having to wait a week and a half for the swelling to go down. I can no longer do heavier work with my hands without alot of swelling and pain afterwards. My knees are weak and painfull as are my ankles and the pain in my hips wake me at night.

My  house is up for sale as i plan on moving to Arizona, but i'm having second thoughts on that as my condition seems to be getting worse. I suppose i can suffer with RA in Arizona as well as here in Illinois. I'm just wondering if it's worth the work and bother when i have no idea where the RA is going with me.

I see my rheumy in Oct. and i'll run this past him and see what pearls of wisdom he comes up with.

I'm just rambling now cuz i feel like crap,but if anyone has done what i'm planning,lets hear some feedback.

thanks don

Hi Don,

I have'nt done what you are planning, but we do I have something in common....I feel like crap too

I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms are getting worse.  I have read your previous posts and know you've done well and have enjoyed golfing so much. I think your right, see what the rheumy has to offer. Maybe a switch up in the meds will to the trick.

Just saw you logged in and wanted to say "hi" and wish you the best.

Pam

Hi Don,  I am sorry you are feeling poor.  I know the hip pain.  It is invisible because you can't see the inflammation but it is sure painful.  It seems like the warm weather might be better for your ra but the stress of the move might be a killer.  Depends on how much help you can get for the move.  Sometimes I think a change of scenery might help me but you never know what ra will bring you.  I hope your ra will let up and give you a break so you can make these tough decisions.  RA has no mercy but once in awhile you can win the battles.  Just curious, why did rd take you off plaquenil?  I have been on it for months.  Don't know if it is doing any good and I feel like I take way too many chemicals!!!!  Good luck Don. 

The plaquinil was always giving me migrain type headaches.

Considered Biologics?

Hi Donn!

I left Wisc 15 years ago for sunny AZ. I'm pretty sure it made a positive difference for me. At least I'm not falling on the ice and I'm not killing my hands chipping ice off my windsheild. You don't have to shovel the heat either!!!

The Monson  season - July through September - is our achy season - lots of barometric changes.

I still like it.

I would ask for a sooner appt. if you are that miserable.

Kieye

Donn, I haven't tried golfing with RA but I sure know I can't stand to bowl with it.  Can't hold the ball, even the light weights.  Hands and fingers hurt for days....  But like Lovie asked above, how about some biologics.  They seem to be the new wonder drug.  Tell your doc you want to stay active and see if he can't get you on another drug.

My rheumy is all for activity and will help me all the way.  Being active is supposed to be the best way for us to stay as healthy as can be - and "yes" I know it can feel like a no-win war so take each battle on one day at a time.  And Good Luck; you shouldn't have to give up what makes you happy. 

PS:  I really enjoy fitness walking but it can hurt pretty bad so I drug up to get me through it, over it and around it.   

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