I feel like I am going to lose it soon. My legs are so swollen up and the feel like they are going to burst it's horrible. I have taken all the anti-inflamatory/prednisone, (yes I am back on that for a while) I was supposed to but they aren't working. My life feels like it is going to heck in a hand basket. I didn't go to work yesterday because my legs were so swollen and I haven't been feeling well all day. I know that enbrel will take some time but I am seriously lossing it here. On top of all that I know my superviser will probably make a comment on Mon about all the time lost from work since the beggining of the school year. I haven't lost that much but according to her I have. She wants a dr.s note everytime I'm out even though I've explained to her about the nature of my disease and that many time there is no need to trek to dr. you just have to ride it out. First of the week I am calling the RD to see if she will right another letter explaing what my health situation is so I won't written up or scolded for being out so often. She already gave me one for no hevy lifting of any sort. Mom2three, Good idea about the letter from your doctor. The legs swelling sounds serious, let the doctor know.. I know they admit me most times for that. it is usually accompanied with shortness of breath and I will sometimes have pleural effusion also with it. Co-workers can be so cruel. I finally had to stop working this past year, I was just in the hospital more than at work, hopefully I can return with the right therapy. but I had one lady tell me in the beginning when I was diagnosed, "we all got to get old sometime." I was 31. and the co-workers I had recently would make little sneaky comments. No one really gets the seriousness of RA unless they have had a family member have it or they know someone they love with it. They can really be heartless otherwise because arthritis sounds like just a few aches and pains once in a blue moon to them. I don't know whose bright idea it was to name it arthritis even if it does attack joints it is so much more than just arthritis. It is systemic with its fevers, chills, sore throat, knock-out fatigue and weakness, muscle and joint pain, nauseous stomach, attacking heart and lungs, now the eyes and kidneys, not to mention the permanent damage to the body. It isn't like you can just grow another limb after piranha RA attacks it. hey mom2three...... Sorry you're having a rough time... something many of us know too well.. I'm here also w/ virtual hugs and shoulders to lean on.. take good care
And another thing I am tired too of all those people who think that because you don't look sick that you aren't sick or the little comments that it's only arthritis.
I know I shouldn't think like this but heck this is no kind of a life. no way. I want out. This is definately not what signed up for.
So sorry for the long post but I have had it.
It's okay. Slow down. Deep breaths.
Unfortunately this is one of many hurdles you will face on the road to stabilizing your RA.
It takes time. That's hard to get our heads around at first but it does.
I remember, four years ago virtually screaming at my RD to solve the problem "now" but he couldn't because it takes time to try each medication and go through the process of what might work and what doesn't. This isn't what we want to hear but it is the reality unfortunately.
I am still not stabilized and waiting. But I've learned to live a happy life within my journey of RA.
Deep breath again and prioritize. Firstly, you are not in a good place physically. You need to rest and take care of yourself. The swelling won't go down while you are so stressed. You need to take care of you, right now. Do what you need to. Sleep, watch tv, read - whatever works for you, do it.
Secondly, as far as work is concerned I would go to your gp and explain the problem. Ask her for a letter/certificate that will cover any time you need off. I am sure she will be able to do that for you and then that takes one stress away from your situation.
I know nobody gets it because they can't 'see' what you've going through and it sucks but you have limited energy right now and I think what you have you need to put into looking after yourself. Do whatever you have to do to make that happen? Can Granny take the kids? Can hubby take them out for the day? Whatever works for you, you need to do it.
Keep posting anytime you need to vent. That's what we are here for and we do understand when no one else does.
You will get through this but it takes time unfortunately and accepting that can be half the journey with this disease.
Unfortunately this is one of many hurdles you will face on the road to stabilizing your RA.
It takes time. That's hard to get our heads around at first but it does.
I remember, four years ago virtually screaming at my RD to solve the problem "now" but he couldn't because it takes time to try each medication and go through the process of what might work and what doesn't. This isn't what we want to hear but it is the reality unfortunately.
I am still not stabilized and waiting. But I've learned to live a happy life within my journey of RA.
Deep breath again and prioritize. Firstly, you are not in a good place physically. You need to rest and take care of yourself. The swelling won't go down while you are so stressed. You need to take care of you, right now. Do what you need to. Sleep, watch tv, read - whatever works for you, do it.
Secondly, as far as work is concerned I would go to your gp and explain the problem. Ask her for a letter/certificate that will cover any time you need off. I am sure she will be able to do that for you and then that takes one stress away from your situation.
I know nobody gets it because they can't 'see' what you've going through and it sucks but you have limited energy right now and I think what you have you need to put into looking after yourself. Do whatever you have to do to make that happen? Can Granny take the kids? Can hubby take them out for the day? Whatever works for you, you need to do it.
Keep posting anytime you need to vent. That's what we are here for and we do understand when no one else does.
You will get through this but it takes time unfortunately and accepting that can be half the journey with this disease.
[/QUOTE]
Unfortunately this is one of many hurdles you will face on the road to stabilizing your RA.
It takes time. That's hard to get our heads around at first but it does.
I remember, four years ago virtually screaming at my RD to solve the problem "now" but he couldn't because it takes time to try each medication and go through the process of what might work and what doesn't. This isn't what we want to hear but it is the reality unfortunately.
I am still not stabilized and waiting. But I've learned to live a happy life within my journey of RA.
Deep breath again and prioritize. Firstly, you are not in a good place physically. You need to rest and take care of yourself. The swelling won't go down while you are so stressed. You need to take care of you, right now. Do what you need to. Sleep, watch tv, read - whatever works for you, do it.
Secondly, as far as work is concerned I would go to your gp and explain the problem. Ask her for a letter/certificate that will cover any time you need off. I am sure she will be able to do that for you and then that takes one stress away from your situation.
I know nobody gets it because they can't 'see' what you've going through and it sucks but you have limited energy right now and I think what you have you need to put into looking after yourself. Do whatever you have to do to make that happen? Can Granny take the kids? Can hubby take them out for the day? Whatever works for you, you need to do it.
Keep posting anytime you need to vent. That's what we are here for and we do understand when no one else does.
You will get through this but it takes time unfortunately and accepting that can be half the journey with this disease.
[/QUOTE]
I am so sorry, a meltdown is the right word for what you are going through.
Thanks to everyone for your kind words, advice and just for being here. After about 3-4 hours of somewhat restful sleep I am thinking a little better now. My legs are still swelling up so I will probably call RD as to what to do about that because I am still scared and don't know what the heck is going on as this has never happened to me before. The plearsy thing someone mentioned is scarry. I am now wondering if this could be happening because of the enbrel. I can't remember if swelling of the legs was a side effect. Heck I guess I cn't think straight now anyways.
Also to clarify I work in the administrative end of school dist. in the records keeping part of things. I have been working towards teaching certificate but the in past few years health and family issues have caused me to put that on hold. I am definately going to look into intermittent FMLA thing because I can see I will need it.
Thanks again everyone for listening and for offering your support.
Sorry, I can't add anything to the wisdom already written here. I just wanted you to know I am sorry and to offer you a virtual hug
Glad some rest helped, it is amazing how resting is the #1 thing we can do to feel better. I still wouldn't rule out the Disability Act - its across the board. Keep resting and waddie's suggestion of getting your legs higher than your heart is a good one. ((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))apply for intertmitten leave under the family and medical leave act..it will help protect you when you have these unexpected absences
Best of luck- let us know how you make out.
Well, I am super glad that the girls in your country knew exactly what red tape stuff you need in helping you with work. It just seemed to me with a chronic illness expecting a medical certificate for every day you have to take off is ludicrous.
And I am glad the you contacted your doctor.
This always should be top priority if things go haywire. Doctor first. Don't try and work it out by yourself you can't.
I probably talk to my doctor 2 or 3 times a week on the phone. This is very normal for someone with a chronic disease.
I live in the country too and half an hour from town so my doctor makes sure I have stuff at home to make it easier. And example, I always have some made up antibiotics in case I get a sinus infection. She trusts me to work out if and when I need them and if I start them I then call her and tell her I have. My docs also let me decided to go on up to 5mg of Pred for 5-7days, if I need it. Again I will then talk to her as soon as I can.
You need to be in touch with your doctor a lot. Don't try and struggle through all this without their help. You need to establish a 'working' relationship with them so you can both manage your illness as a team.
I am so glad that he sent you to the ER.
You hang in there. And get on here to vent whenever you need to, that's what we are here for.
You have done the right thing and now you are that bit more experienced with RA, trust me we have all been there, I don't know how you keep working either, I tried that too, but I was a wreck and so unreliable, RA doesn't let you have a routine, no I should say sometimes it tricks you into thinking it is gone, then POW, comes back to slaughter you once again, best of luck, apply for disability as it takes time to get the ball rolling, get all the support you can. Hugs Janie.
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