Exhaustion | Arthritis Information

I know this has been discussed several times on this forum but I would like to hear about others that are frustrated. 95% of the time I am in so much pain that I cannot go to the bathroom. I pee my pants, I have to have a disgusting potty chair next to me or be halfway carried to the bathroom. My complaint is : the times when my pain is minimal, my energy level is nil. I want to take advantage of those times and sometimes I do and usually overdo it BUT most times, my energy level and lack of strength still keep me incapacitated. I have requested raising my Celebrex which is already at 90mg. a day, I would like to try Provigal - I think that is what it is called. I am desperate. I want to take advantage of any good days. My diagnoses are RA, fibro, ulcer (which has bled) and sjojerns. I keep wondering if I have some other systemic disease that has my body so weak when my pain fades. I need those days to realize that there is some days to live for. How is your energy level? Sorry for any misspelling of diagnosis or drugs.

Hey Lev, why don't you bash me on some other topic. I would just like to hear from those that may have helpful advice and can relate. roxy2008-07-17 20:20:37So sorry you feel so bad, Roxie.

Have you tried enbrel? It is working great for me (*knocks on wood*). The first thing I noticed was my energy level went up and morning stiffness is almost gone. I do things around the house and take breaks constantly. I don't want to over do it cuz' by night, I really start hurting. I also have weather flares. Don't like humidity or any type of precipation makes me swell and hurt. Talk to your dr about provigal, if it helps, go for it! I hope you find peace from your pain.

take care

sorry, feel better soon Roxy I hope you can feel better soon. mom2threeinaz2008-07-17 23:42:39I can't even imagine feeling as you do on a daily basis-sorry you are in this situation. So sorry roxy..

I have to just reiterate what CinDee wrote.. that's how I am doing on enbrel too except I still have some morning stiffness that lasts about 30 minutes.

I am noticing w/ my inflammation reducing I am feeling some more pain.. but it seems to be temporary as it is fading quickly..

I wish the best for you!!

Have you spoken with your physician about moving up the ladder to a new medication since it appears the Humira is not working?

You also should have your RA check the dosages of some of the other medications you are taking, as those can cause extreme fatigue and drowsiness. The cumulative effect may be what is causing you to be so exhausted.

It may be that you can end up taking fewer meds by changing your RA treatment, and feel much better.

I am applying for the free Enbrel program. I was on Enbrel for a year and I thought it quit working but I had dramatic results. Not even close to dramatic with Humira. So I am praying that Enbrel will again save me and give me some time. I cannot get the transfusions without insurance. I get Medicare in Oct. I live only hoping my house will someday acquire some equity so my daughter and stepson have trust funds set up. Brett and I are split up for good but his son and I are very close. He is like my own kid. I want for him all that I wanted for Kelsey before she became ill. If it were not for my interest in politics - only from reputable sources and love of my children and dogs - I really have nothing else to live for. Sometimes when the extreme pain goes on and on and on I start having broken record thoughts of suicide. I know when I get Medicaid and can get back on oxycontin - at least I cope better. Now the only drugs I take are free samples of Lyrica, Cymbalta, prednisone and percocet. The percocet sometimes takes the edge off but others it barely impacts it. I guess I should not write this as it is so depressing but who else can I tell how the quality of my life - well there just is not much of it. Thank you for your concern and support. I think I just write this to say it out loud as I would never tell my family.Roxy... maybe it is the fibro causing you more problems than RA? What all are you on for the fibro? Lyrica?

How much prednisone you on?

You know on the cymbalta commercials it says it can increase the thoughts of suicide... or something like that. Maybe you should talk to your doctor and see if you can get on something else?

Hope get some help soon.