I need help... | Arthritis Information

Anaudlife has posted ideas to me that I'd like to ask you fine folks...

I would like to make a list of questions to ask my RD, and suggestions on any tests that need to be done... he does the routine blood work every 6-7 weeks to check for Mtx trouble but nothing else... he did mention when the RA test came back at 678.5 that this test would never be done again... I've asked him if I had Fibro and he said not to worry about it- that "RA is worse"... If you needed help with Diabetes I could help you, but I've been living in the dark for the past year with RA, well dang it, it's time to learn about this disease...

The things I know:

~Diabetics can't take steroids...

~He's trying to put me in remission with Mtx and

it ain't working after 10 months,

~I hurt- hands, knees, feet, hips...

~Mtx causes flu like body aches 4 days a week...

~Take Diflunisal 500mg 2x day, Folic Acid 1mg 1x day...

~I have to take Percocet more often now, but only when it's really bad-

scared it will become a problem, but don't like 24/7 pain...

~I have NLD from above the knees to toe tips- really rare disease... {http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/1978.htm}

~Understand NLD & RA are both autoimmune diseases...

~I have Essential Tremors, which means my thalamus isn't acting right and no one wants me to hand them a cup of hot coffee... {I shake, kind of the opposite of Parkinson's} {http://www.webmd.com/brain/essential-tremor-basics}

~I want my life back...

Thing I want to know:

~How to stop the pain...

~How to go into remission & if this is possible...

~Anything else worth knowing that I'm not smart enough to ask about...

Peace to you all...

Hi
There are many other RA drugs to try, but with the other things you have going on, I think asking the RD is the best idea. One thought though, instead of percocet, you might want to ask for straight oxycodone, which comes in 5mg capsules. Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and tylenol. Tylenol can damage the liver. Methotrexate also has liver concerns, so taking both could be a double whammy. Also, tylenol is NOT an anti-inflammatory, which is what you need. Non prescription anti-inflammatories include Aleve and Motrin. There are also prescription anti-inflammatories like Mobic and Celebrex. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.
Joe
Hi Critter, first thing I would ask you rd is to give you something else because it's been ten months and the mtx isn't working. Perhaps enbrel or humira. Also maybe you could try a different anti inflammatory.

I hope you get some answers soon.

Sorry, I missed the diflunisal. As CinDee said, maybe a different anti-inflammatory is needed. I posted but I lost it - duh!

Sweetie - stop it! You are smart and you are asking questions - soon you'll be back in school and becoming an MD who will help us!

My first guess is you need a new rheumy. Your labs should be rerun fairly often to see how you are doing.

Hugs,

Pip

I do not have any thing to add, just wanted to say hope your appt goes well. I never make the most out of my appts. I just sit there and listen and hardly ask questions. And when I do ask questions the answer is always something not good LOL!I don't have any answers either but best wishes and prayers that you find the right path to better health!Sorry, I can't be of much help either except to give you a "hug."Jesse, I can offer sympathy as I also have diabetes and am unable to take steroids. My RD wanted me to "try" them and "just use my insulin pump" to correct any problems with my sugars...I have great control of my diabetes and to risk having super highs and lows because of steroids is not an option I will take, no thanks!

Just ask your questions and see how you feel with the answers you get. Write everything down so you don't forget and if you don't feel right about the answers then you'll have to decide what to do. Easier said than done, I know! Best of luck!! :)

Sorry. I can't help much either but my prayers are with you.Critter,

I too have Type 1 diabetes and cannot take steroids. I also have very good control and I was willing to adjust my insulin but my RD doesn't want me to take that risk so I am effectively difficult to treat from an inflammation standpoint. To add problems with it, I have had 4 major stomach surgeries so most NSAIDS are out of the picture. I just tried another new one that had me in so much abdominal pain, it isn't worth it.

I guess I'm trying to say that I understand your pain and frustration, but with continued effort I'm sure the right treatment plan is out there. I'm still trying to get it better but was dx'd only 6 months ago so I'm on the experimental phase of treatrment, so to speak. Good luck and please kee posting, it helps. Hugs to you, Hiking_gal

Critter,

Sorry to hear you're in so much pain and yet have so many unanswered questions. Being limited on the meds you can take because of other medical conditions can be very frustrating and I'd like to think that with so many meds out there, your docs can find a way to treat you with success. I have become borderline diabetic due to long-term steroid use but it seems to be a must because I've been told time and time again that I'd always be on the steroids. I just have to watch my diet and not overdo the steroids which is easy to do when I am flaring badly.

Good Luck to you and keep us posted.