I am 33 and new to all this, been on meds for a few months now, but still don't know enough. I have some questions that i hope the vets know here. I have full blown from sinuses to toes with RA, so meds are high doses for me.
I was wondering, i know that remissions are next to none for me, but I wanted to know if there should be a point where certain meds will work and help me with almost no pain or if at my stage, i have to have pain all the time but just less of it.
The problems with Celebrex and the heart, is this just people with bad hearts, I always wondered what it does to your heart so i can watch for it.
When i don't take meds I get full flairs, will there be a time that it won't be full flair? Or does everyone go back to full flair with no meds? It's odd that they say tragic things to our bodies or emotions bring it on, yet they don't know how to turn it off.
Any other long term info you know would be great to hear.
Thanks & god bless.
Dear Shanbr,
I'm certainly no vet. I was diagnosed with RA about 1 1/2 years ago after having arthritis like complaints for many years. I have serious Ra which includes fibromyalgia, OA, and Sjogren's. I have nose and throat trouble. I have been on heavy duty meds since my diagnosis including prednisone, plaquanil, metetrexate, folic acid, and enbrel. In general, they keep adding meds until the inflamation is under control. I had a very rough adjustment to the medications because I have serious allergies, including to medications. I can say now that though I am not in remission, I'm feeling better. There is less pain in the muscles and joints and I have more energy. There are good and bad days still. I have had a few infections from the enbrel but they are worth it because the enbrel has made a big diference in my ability to function day to day. I still am working full time. I think you come to terms with this disease. It is my understanding that a small amount of people will go into full remission, but most will continue to deal with it throughout their lives. I know people who have had it for years that are finally stable and more comfortable and active than when they were younger. It is a very variable disease. My best wishes to you. Find a good rheumatologist and thrust in him.
I had JRA when I was younger went into remission until about a year ago. 15 yrs without any problems and I'm 23. I now have RA, lupus, diabetes, and ostepenia. I'm feeling worse than ever. When I was little I remeber pain but not being able to walk now because myfeet are swollen and hurt. I have a great rheumatologist do you live in Arizona? I don't know anything about remission in RA other than what I went through. About getting this under control that would be nice I'm on MTX and voltaren as well as other stuff but it not doing anything yet.
Shan-I agree with Linda that RA is a pretty variable ds. but that most people dont go into a permanent remission. There are some people who only have symptoms during cold weather or very stressful times and are not on any preventative or daily medication. There are others who are meds for the rest of their lives and still deal with some degree of pain, stiffness or fatigue forever. I really do believe that lifestyle makes a difference. The care has to be holistic. But I am sure that for some, even that doesnt make a difference. There maybe statistics out there, and I havent found them if they are, but even if there are that doesnt really give a difinitive answer for each individuals prognosis.
They will x-ray, ct and mri and drain your blood. They will do more tests than are needed and set more fear into you that you should have to face. But remember that goal here is to put you into remission and it does happen for some people. I've beem diagnosed for over 4 years now and the medicines have improved even in that short of time. Still it is scary. It robs you of moments, important moments. So, gather each one you can and plan for happy events. Slow down your life and give others their responsibilities. Celebrex is no longer considered good for your heart. If you are having concerns, consulting with a good cardiologist is a good idea. I love mine. Most of the tests have really not been needed. But RA can affect both your heart and your lungs. So, if you're having symptoms, get it checked. I have developed side effects like high blood pressure and thickening in my heart muscles. I also have sleep apnea. Treating that helps overall with the pain. The best pain relief is a good night's sleep. That means good REM sleep. Some people like me also have restless leg syndrome. This easy to treat and really helps me sleep sounder. Stress is a killer. Examine your life carefully. Can you get rid of any? I found that I had to get toxic people out of my life and simplify life as much as possible. I enjoy it more now. Sometimes, it is good to slow down some. But the pain is always there, some place. It's definitely worse when the weather changes. I was thinking of taking on a part time job as weather vane. My friends say I am much more accurate than the weather man as my joints always swell when the barometeric pressure changes. I love the rain though. There is this sudden release of pain and its marvelous. Mostly, it is getting up every morning regardless. It's being aggressive with the doctors and making them pay attention to what you are telling them. My RA, Cardiologist and Pulmonolgist are wonderful and they work together. I also love my opthamologist. Together, they have steered me through some pretty scary times. I don't think most people have the degree of problems that I do. But that might not be true. It might be there is not enough of us speaking up. Good luck. Some people find the right combination and start doing very well. Eat simply natural foods, start to avoid deep fried and "bad" foods. Next try to find appropriate herbal solution to your RA so that you do not have to depend on drugs as you have allergies. I can do it so can you. Belief in natural foods to replenish your body system and think positive. If you are determined to learn, explore into correct natural foods you will benefit from what you have gained.
I know I am new here, but let me tell you my story. My mom had very serious RA and died from an infection she got (by-product of RA drugs) when she was 68! For 15 years nothing she took EVER helped her and she was in a wheelchair in no time. So, when I came down with it 4 years ago I thought "I'm a goner". I even told my husband he would be spending my 401k money with his second wife! In addition to the RA history, I am medication sensitive, have a bad tummie and terrible allergies. So I'm put on Planquneil and Bextra (now salsalate) and thought this will be a joke! In 3 months I was back to my old self. For 4 years I never even had morning stiffness. Trust me if it can happen for me, it can happen for others. Poof First i want to say thanks everyone for your imput. Poof, i will talk with my dr. about these meds today. I heard planquneil and salsalate are better on the stomach. I have been having trouble lately with my stomach and heart burn etc. Maybe these will help. I would hate to start back to what i was before methotrexate, since i heard planq takes up to 4 months to work, but would be worth it if it is better for me. Thanks again everyone.
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