Hi all. I am new here from NC. I am hoping that I can find some support here as well as maybe lend a hand every once in a while. After many months of pain, I have been diagnosed with hashimoto's thyroiditis and RA. At first, we tried to solve all my problems with synthroid. I got much of my strength back after getting my thyroid levels balanced but I was still having trouble with my neck and wrists. So, they did an mri and saw bone erosions. So, even though my RA factor is negative I started treatment with Methotrexate. My wrists and neck are doing much better, but I still get very tired. I don't know if it is the thyroid, the RA or the methotrexate. Is there anyone else out there with hashimotos/RA/methotrexate that found a way to beat the exhaustion?
Hi JP!!
Well, many of us have moved over to our new board. RA Friends.
We have moved for many reasons, but still some still come over here and post too. One of the main reasons is there is no one in charge over here, something happened to our one and ONLY forum admin; we have not heard from him since July 20th. We have PMed and emailed and no answer to anyones PM's or emails.
So if you would like to also join our new board please visit www.rafriends.com
Thanks,
June
Oh Yeah!! Welcome to the board!!!
Glad you joined! HOpe to get to know ya better and makes friends with ya!!
Hi jp, I am a member of both boards. This board has sentimental value to me because it got me through some of the most difficut times in my life. I have what is considered aggressive ra and bursitis. I have bone erosions in my pelvis and feet and likely hands. I have tried methatrexate (mtx) three times because it is such an effective drug for most people. I would get seriously ill for two days and weak for three. I know it is common for people on this board who take mtx to feel its effects for 24 - 48 hours, extreme fatigue. Fatigue is also a symptom of ra. I think your body being in constant immune response is exhausting. Make sense? I have recently gotten on Enbrel and I think it is saving my life. I finally am having pain free days and able to do some of the things I did before I got ill one year ago.
There are many wonderful people on this board. I do not know your other diagnosis but I would not be surprised if you find someone that has your exact same issues. If you look on the other board, you will see pretty much the same members. This board is down a lot and we have all grown so close, we chose to start the other board so we never lose touch with each other.
I now post on both boards. You can use the copy and paste option in your edit menu. That is the most effective as some people prefer the other board, some this board, and some like me go to both.
I hope you come back to share, for support and learn. We are a very tight group of friends. We welcome people with our same concerns with open hearts. Trust me, we would chase away any advertisers. No matter what you decide to do, please come back and get the support you need. Life is not easy for "normies". We need each other and to be validated by others who can relate to our issues.
I hope you get a little more energy today and less pain.
Thanks for the reply. I just got off of anti-biotics for a uti. Maybe that is why I am so tired this weekend. Maybe my body is just tired after a long week of fighting off that uti. If that is all it is, I should feel better soon.
Hi jp01 I too am from NC and I hope we can get to know and comfprt eachother. I post on both boards also. I am curios to know do you have any swelling or just the bone erosions conclusive with RA? I have fibro and RA. I have the bone erosins also. I have fatigue and i know it makes you just wanna give up but, I read these post and chat a little and it helps to know people who know what your going through. Hang in there and let us help. Take care
Thanks for the note. There is swelling too and joint pain and stiffness. Thanks for the support. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.
hi jp,
welcome to the board. since i'd never heard of hashimota's before, looked it up and apparently fatigue is as strong a symptom as it is for ra. how long have you been on the mtx? does it give you anyother side effects? I was put on it in july and my fatigue then was as bad or worse than the pain and then after 12 weeks i just woke up without it. the other symtoms were better too. it's done me so much good i have to suggest you give it at least 3 or 4 months unless it really makes you sick. my rheumy recently upped my dose from 10mgs to 20 and i still don't seem to have any side effects.
everyone here and at rafriends will be here for you. they are a very caring bunch.