SICK OF MEDICATIONS! | Arthritis Information

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So i was diagnosed last year, it started out with small aches and pains and progressed to me not being able to walk. What i did was put up with it for way too long. Im 20 and im completely fed up with the medications i have to take.

I went through the salazapyrine and fenac (anti inflammatory) and then the next course and then the course after that, now i have Enbrel, the auto injector. It's great, it's been my miracle.
BUT
It doesnt last me the full week. I start to hurt again by the fourth day. The thing is apparently i have to keep taking my meds with the needle because they work in conjunction with the Enbrel.
Do taking meds make anyone else feel...i don't know the correct word. Im already dependent on my injections every week, i can't walk or do anything without it. I hate the feeling of not being in control, absolutely hate it. Taking meds morning and night just make me feel even more beaten by this stupid problem. Im 20 and want to be as healthy as possible.
anyway, what im sort of asking for is someone who is going through or has already gone through the same as me, just to give your opinion on how i can cope. to give me a reason why i should take my meds.
while im here DOES ANYONE KNOW IF RA CAN CLEAR UP!? AND GO AWAY? DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANY STORIES WHERE RA HAS JUST STOPPED?
Hi Stephanie, welcome.  I know how you feel about taking the meds day in and day out and it used to bother me.  If you aren't getting through the week with the Enbrel, you probably need an adjustment in meds; something added like MTX.  I went through that with Enbrel too.  Alone, it just is not enough for me.  Set an appt. with RD to discuss this with him/her. 

The goal of taking medications to control the RA is remission.  There are several here that are in remission, so I guess you could say RA does sort of clear up and go away.  There is no cure for RA, but always the hope of remission. 

I know how you feel, I used to feel that way too, sort of like the lodestone around my neck...  I look at it a bit differently now, seeing it as my way of controlling the disease rather than the disease controlling me.  Yeah, I have to take my meds daily and arrange for the shots (every two weeks) but its not like I have a big sign tacked to my back telling everyone I have to do this and the meds allow me to participate in life. 

I hope this helps! 

I agree with Waddie - it's all about feeling that YOU'RE in control, rather than the disease controlling you.
 
Yes, some go into remission forever, but most of us play tag with remission. That is, we're symptomatic, then the meds get it under control for a while, then the disease rears its head again, then we go to bat with the drugs. It may sound dastrously tiring and at times it is, but I think a lot has to do with your mindset. Think positive and be in control.
 
I think acceptance plays a big part here, too. Acceptance is NOT defeat. Acceptance is being knowledgeable about your disease and proactive in its treatment and control.
Hi Stephanie,

Im sorry you're feeling this way. Yes, I still do at times whine and get angry at all the meds I have to take daily.  Ive had RA for about 3 years, I'm 35... When I think back to the times I didnt have to worry about the pain or feeling like I'm a walking medicine cabinet ,well,  it just seems so unfair.  But like others have said, its important to just realize this is what we have to deal with the rest of our lives and to make the best of it. I've had to, and still have to, learn I cant do things i used to , doing chores around the house, running errands, etc  Try to keep your chin up,( I know , easier said than done) and this is a great place to get advice and support from others that truly understand what you are going through. Im sure your sick of trying medications, but maybe as others suggested, trying to see if your doctor can add Methotrexate or a different mix with your Enbrel would help? I guess another way to look at taking all these meds for your RA is that others with Diabetes, they have to take their medication , my son with ADHD complains every time he has to take his, I had an aunt with cancer that had handfuls of pills she had to take daily, so I guess everyone dealing with different health problems has to deal with taking prescriptions... I know its sucks, but things will get easier for ya. Keep smiling... Welcome Stephanie, I share your pain - literally and figuratively.

RA is different for everybody.  I felt much like you after my diagnosis, being frustrated and bombarded with all these meds that didn't seem to be working.  It took a long time for my RD to find the right "cocktail," then Enbrel came out and that helped me a lot.  I had to adjust my thinking toward the meds.  At first I was resentful but then I came to view them as lifesavers.  I want to make it through the day.  I want to be productive and as active as possible.  If I need to take the meds and get the blood tests then it is what it is.

Maybe something to think about is that only 20 years ago, there were hardly any meds for RA.  At least we have some options.  There are lots of potential side effects, but I can tell you that after 15 years of taking lots of meds (RA isn't my only disease) that I have no side effects other than Prednisone puffiness and mood swings.  I honestly believe that if you take a yin/yang approach to the meds, and counterbalance them with the healthiest diet you can eat (whole foods, fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fat, eliminating junk food and sweets) and drinking plenty of fresh, clean water (eliminating sodas, etc.), and get the exercise that you can do on days when you can do it, that you can enjoy a better quality of life on the meds yet flush the toxins out by healthier living.  That's just my opinion and it seems to be working for me.

I wish you all the best.

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