Reality sets in for me... | Arthritis Information

 

As most of you know, I have been on a mega dose of steroids since August.  In that time, I've had many issues with other illnesses.  Shingles and cellulitis but mostly sinus infections.  I made it to 45mg daily and plan on trying to taper by 5mg a week, or every two weeks.  It seems as if every time I get rid of a sinus infection and try to restart my MTX and Enbrel it's about two weeks until I get another one.

Bob, vent away. +that's what this place is for. I hope things turn around for the better this year. You sound like you deserve a big break. This disease is so sucky! Bob- have you discussed this with your doctor? What do they have to say about the frequent infections? Is it the prednisone or the MTX and Enbrel aggravating it? Can't ever get in touch with one.  Will ask the replacement this week when I see him but I suspect that the answer will be the same thing I can come up with.  I wish I had never agreed to taking that huge dose.  It was against my better judgement but she said it wouldn't be for long.Good luck with tapering down!  Stay strong and do your best, we are all cheering for you.

bob, I feel you will get the attention you need at your doctors appointment this week. Hope it all goes your way.

I hope so too.  I'm supposed to get a call from my doc in town tomorrow.  Well see what happens.  If I don't get anything from either, then I'm calling the Cleveland Clinic and taking the first appointment they have.  I can always ask to be transfered to another physician there.  I should have just gone there to begin with to be honest.  Maybe I'd be at work now instead of sitting on my bedroom floor google searching RA meds.

Bob, I'm glad you have your apt coming up so soon.  Try not to be down about the time it will take.  I'm sure the taper will have to be very slow to avoid problems.  Just know that with each day that passes you are getting there.

Post your way through this, we are here for you:)

i really do understand.  take one minute at a time.  best wishes with your appointment.  please keep us updated.  i come here too so i do not feel so alone with this disease and many times when i am feeling my worst.   keep posting......   wonderwomanSorry you're having a tough time Bob.  RA sucks, the meds suck and we all have our time pissing and moaning about it.  It's good to release the frustration.  Just find time to enjoy what is good....like......you can get on your bedroom floor!  If I got down there, I couldn't get up, lol.

Really?  See this is why I feel so bad about complaining.  Because I truly am not that terrible.  Hell, my ESR was 4 last time it was checked.  Now, this is most likely from the fact that I am on the big dose of pred., in fact I'd bet my ridiculously low monthly income on it.  In the beginning of this flare things were really terrible.  I couldn't even stand up from the chair, I had to get a stool to sit on in the shower.  It was bad and as I cut the pred, I look for things to get that way again.  But as my body recovers while going down on the pred maybe things will get better as far as sinus problems go.