Another little just for fun thing.....
1. Married/single? Kids or no kids?
2. Occupation?
3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms?
4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now)
5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other?
6. Any other medical conditions?
7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders?
8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you.
9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How?
10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
1. Married with 2 kids ages 6 and 9
2. nurse
3. 32 now, 31 dx, 26 first signs of stiffness-30 first problems with fatigue-31 first episode of extreme pain. Progression was slow, slow, slow then WHAM!
4. Always took ibuprofen and avoided the doctor untill the big Whammy (which literally took my off my feet). Then went on prednisone, 2 weeks later added MTX. Weaned off of pred. after 2 months and had Plaquenil added. 2 weeks later doc decided to start Enbrel and stop plaquenil due to side effects and MTX not working. So now I am on MTX 12.5 mg weekly and Enbrel 50 mg per week.
5. I consider it to be moderate. I wouldnt say mild since it has been resistant to treatment and without treatment I have problems walking. Not severe because I can still do a lot of things. They may hurt like hell, but I am able to force myself to do things that others with RA may not be able to do at all ever.
6. Osteopenia, ADHD, RAD (reactive airway disease), chronic bronchitis, disk protrusion at C-5,C-6
7. Mom and aunt with RA, MS and Lupus in distant cousins also on my moms side of the family.
8. Just started using an ultra sound machine, not long enough to know if it works, but good so far. Have a tens unit for muscular pain that works great.
9. RA has made me hate money and realize that my life was revolved around money and spending money. I have a new appreciation for spending time with my kids rather than buying them things to keep them happy. I wish I had a simpler life and had not accumulated so much debt. Now the money, the bills control me and my life. I hate it. I want to get out of it fast and go back to a simpler way of living. I never thought that would be me but it just sort of snuck up on us....keeping up with the Jones' you know? I am ready to trade the big house and car for a cozy little house and a beat up pick up truck.
10. MMMMM....Rocky Road!
1. Single with grown kids 2. Writer/Desiginer 3. 48/ 43/ 40 4. Started at 60mg of Prednisone, then went to 40, added 25 mg MTX. Finally dropped to 20 mg of Prednisone, added eye drops for Glaucoma for side effect, added Remicade, added Plaquenil, changed from Remicade to Enbrel 50 mg weekly, down 14 mg Prednisone, 15 mg MTX. Take Nortipline and Klonapin for Restless Legs. Eye drops for Sjogrens. Have had coristone drops in eyes and ears and shots in knees and shoulders. 5. severe 6. Yeah baby! FM, RLS, Glaucoma, Mitral Prolasps Valve, Angina, Sleep apnea, Sjogrens, heart and lung problems 7. Daughter has FM, nothing else 8. Physical therapy, TENs, vitamins, massage have worked. Haven't tried other things. 9. Changed everything. It's made me a better person but has limited my view of opportunities. I've had to reformulate my dreams, but happier with the change of course. 10. chocolate and that would be chocolate and of course, chocolate. Artist/ Web Designer Age 33 - diagnosed at 33 - age first symptoms 10 Took Ibuprofen my whole life since misdiagnosed during childhood, it stopped working with big flairs this past year, this year started on prednisone, now on pred methotrexate and celebrex will be adding plaq this month after RA appt, trying to get off pred. I have extreme severe RA I have OA, Anemia Grandma has crohns, cousin has fibro Omega 3 pills Not really changed my outlook, but does concern me how disabled i will be when i hit retirment or if i will even read retirement age due to how severe my RA is. Can't eat ice cream but if i could, husband found this great new one friend ice cream like mexican restaurants "yum".
I'm a RN-work 1 day a week 37/37/30 Motrin for years, prednisone dose pack a couple of times,and now Arava So far, it's mild ITP (low platelet count due to crazy immune system) Dad has Ulcerative Colitis, sister has Hasimoto's hypothyroid (immune system attacking thyroid) Have not tried any other therapies Has not changed my life yet, but I often worry what the future holds. Phish Food! (Ben and Jerry's-I love those guys!)
Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? married, 3 grown sons, 2 little grand-daughters 2. Occupation? none now, was surgical scheduling coordinator 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 41 noe. 21 when dx, & 1st symptoms 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) wow, you name it,lots of the minor drugs in the beginning (can't remember all the names) liquid gold, mthrex.humaria,remicade, prendisone, now only on arava. 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other?moderate -severe 6. Any other medical conditions? nope 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders?no 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you.not tried any (maybe the bees someday
9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? makes me appreciate the things in life most people take for granted. Usually see my glass as 1/2 full now. 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?chocolate w/peanutbutter chunks Neat idea Crunchy, thanks, it's nice to get to know everybody a little better. 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? Married with one son (5) 2. Occupation? Stay-at-home-mom :) 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 35/34/34 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) Started on prednisone, prevacid, naproxen and plaquenil. Then methotrexate was added. Most recent addition has been Enbrel. 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? Moderate to severe? 6. Any other medical conditions? Asthma, GERD, History of malignant melanoma, and my rheumatologist is referring me to Hopkins for my RA because I have been fairly unresponsive to the meds. She wants to make sure something else is not going on. 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? Mom has hypothyroid and sister has MS 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. Haven't tried any yet...still trying to get control using traditional meds. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? It has changed my life..unfortunately I haven't been able to find the positives yet..I think it's still early and I'm still in the grieving process. It is teaching me to have patience though! 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Hmmm...I love this combo I get from ColdStone...vanilla ice cream with hot fudge, caramel and brownie pieces..mmmmmm. Married (better second time around) son - age 40 Retired from health/workers' comp. insurance co., surgical nurse for 16 years. 60/54/40 Mtz, Celebrex, Prednisone, Enbrel, now Remicade Mod-severe Psoratic arthritis, lung involvment, hypothyroid, hypertension, osteopenia, sarcoidosis Am adopted None, tried several but visualization helps with pain. Has changed my life completely. I no longer look the same, act the same, do the same things. I retired so that my husband and I could spend a few years traveling. Can't spend as much time as I would like at our home in Mexico. Not only has RA changed my lifestyle it's changed my spouse's. I look more forward to each and every day. I'm more patient and live my life in the present. My spouse is more patient, has slowed down, and is enjoying life when he's not worried about me. Double Rainbow pistachio 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids?Married with one son 24 and one daughter 22(23 in a couple of weeks) 2. Occupation?Used to work for the Red Cross as a home support worker. Not working now. 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms?44/30/30 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now)Started on prednisone and plaquenil. Now taking plaquenil, mtx, sulfasalazine, celebrex, flexeril 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other?moderate-severe 6. Any other medical conditions?no 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders?no 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you.I've tried massage, copper and magnetic bracelets. None have worked. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How?RA has changed my life, but mostly in a negative way. 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?Pistachio 1. Married. First baby due Oct. 4th. 2. Artist/professor 3. 33/22/22 4. Started on a burst of prednisone, plaquenil and naproxen. Switched to MTX, prednisone and naproxen, weaned off prednisone. MTX stopped working, tried sulfasalazine (had bad side effect reaction), went on Enbrel, weaned of MTX. Stopped taking Enbrel and naproxen for pregnancy. Now on 10 mg prednisone only. 5. Varies. 6. Yes, bipolar 7. Yes, mom has RA 8. Massage - works well when RA is mild, but agravates it if I am having a flair. 9. RA has made me look for more creative ways of acomplishing small tasks to larger goals. It has made set priorities and work harder to accomplish my goals. 10. Peanut butter cup Thanks Crunchy i could use one :) By the way, love the dog pic, I have two mini chahuahua black dogs and my mom-in-law's dog (father of one of my dogs) looks like the pic you show. Very cute! My dogs help soooo much. One only likes to cuddle and nothing else so she helps when feeling bad. Here's my answers: 1. Married with two grown daughters and three grandkids. 2. Sales clerk. 3. 45/45/43. 4. Started on Sulfasalazine. Now on MTX and Folic Acid. 5. Moderate. 6. Glaucoma. 7. My father has Rhematoid, Osteo and Psoriatic Arthritis. My grandfather (paternal) had Gout. 8. Haven't tried any. 9. RA has definately affected my life in a very negative way. I can no longer snowmobile, which I used to love doing. My husband and I moved to the Adirondacks so we could ride whenever we wanted and now I just watch everyone else having fun. I tried to just ride on the back one night rather than drive my own, but can't hang on either. I can't mountain bike anymore, but road biking is okay for short periods. I haven't tried canoeing yet, but am fairly sure that will be out as well. 10. Maple Walnut. Thanks Shan---thats my girl Dixie. She is 2 1/2 pounds and loves to cuddle up under the blankets every chance she gets. We also have a 5 pound boy. I am going to buy 2 females as soon as I can afford it and start breeding them. I love Chi's and want to raise quality babies to sell to happy homes. They are so easy to care for and bring so much happiness. They are just such a wonderful breed. Dixie is too little to have babies so she will just be the Queen Bee! Beadturtle-I also go to the Chiropractor sometimes. It does help my hips and back and neck, but I dont like the neck popping either. It doesnt hurt, but the sound....Oh! I cant stand it! My husband is addicted to it. He has 2 buddies that are the same way. They go every week.
I now chiropracters can do wonders for a lot of people. But you might want to run the neck adjustments by your RA. Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? Married 49 yrs. on Aug. 13th 06.....3 Kids. 44 yrs...43 yrs...34 yrs... 3 grand kids....22 yrs...19 yrs...17 yrs...baby boy due in Dec.( can't wait) 2. Occupation? Retired...Secretary & back office in OBGYN office -- Secretary & back office in Urology office 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 68 / 68 / 66 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now)Prednisone then prednisone & MTX. 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other?moderate 6. Any other medical conditions?Hypothyroid 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders?None 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. Haven't tried any. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? This disease has taken me for a jolt. I can't do many things that I did before. I get very depressed & thanks to the Prednisone my weight has increased and THAT depresses me.I think the limitations that I have with my hands are the worst for me. 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Black Cherry ( yummy) Gotta get to the fridge.....
2. Occupation? High School Math Teacher 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 40/40/28 or so 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) Ibuprofen and Vicoden as needed until after surgery 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? 6. Any other medical conditions? Menstrual problems, depression, Fibro, gall bladder?? 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? Uncle with MS 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. Haven't tried any yet 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? Most definitely! I used to be able to do anything, now I can only do things that my body allows, which isn't much most of the time!! I get scared about thinking about five years from now when I'm alone and the kids are gone, how the heck am I going to cope? Also wonder how in the world any man in thier right mind is going to want to be with someone like me with a life long disease?? I truly don't want to be alone the rest of my life. 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Pistachio or Pecans and Praline 2. Occupation? Court Reporter 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 33/33/not certain 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now)15mg
pred. and 15 mg MTX -- now down to 10mg pred. and up to 20mg
MTX. am weaning off of pred. in hopes of MTX working, if not, I
will be trying additional med with the MTX. 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? It
is hard to say. It depends on the day you asked me. I was
really severe until I saw a doctor and got on medication. I still
have symptoms, but nothing like a full flare feels -- practically
paralyzing. 6. Any other medical conditions? Not that I know of *knocks on wood* 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? My mother has RA and so did her cousin. 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. I take a lot of supplements, and I am not sure what works for me. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? Well,
it has made me appreciate life and what I have much more, and I also
have more negative thoughts about myself physically. 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Meh -- I would rather eat a burrito.
Oooh! Gross! No burrito flavored ice cream for me. Are you sick or something? Taking drugs? Oh yeah, that's right. We all are. Duh? Still burrito flavored. You are one strange cookie. Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? 2. Occupation? 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? 6. Any other medical conditions? 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? 2. Occupation? 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? 6. Any other medical conditions? 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Married for 4 years, no kids yet. I stay at home because of RA and eventually wanting to be a SAHM. I am 23, I was diagnosed 2 years ago. See my sig. I started with Pred. and Bextra, then switched to Relafin when Bextra was taken off the market, then added Methotrexate, then tried going off and on the pred for a while, then started enbrel, and went off the MTX, then had to go back on MTX while still on the enbrel. Then QUIT the pred, eventually quit everything else too...now I am JUST on the Enbrel. Whoo hoo! I think the Enbrel is finally doing it's job and my body is working well with it. I consider my RA to be somewhat severe. The Rheumy says it is as well. No other serious medical conditions that I know of. I had Juvenile Asthma. (Grew out of it.) I was generally a pretty sick kid up until the last years of high school. Always took antibiotics for tonsil, lung, ear type illnesses. I also have a problem with wheat. Not quite as bad as Celiac disease, but definitely some sort of a gluten/wheat intolerance. There is a little bit of history of other types of arthritis on both sides of my family, but not RA. I am thinking I had relatives that died with RA and didn't know it/have it diagnosed. I definitely have the genetic marker, so someone back there in that family tree gave it to me. No alternate therapies have worked for me other than hot hot water showers. Yes, I definitely think that this disease has changed my life anad my outlook on life in a profound way. Things are just different now. I appreciate good days a lot more. I am thankful for the good things in life. My favorite flavor of icecream is Mud Pie Mojo from Cold Stone Creameries. It is incredibly smooth and creamy coffee icecream with whipped cream, peanut butter, chocolate fudge and oreo cookies mixed in. (I skip the almonds.) For cheapo ice-cream, I like Tiger Tiger because of the memories it brings back of my childhood. (It is orange and black licorice striped.) Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? 2. Occupation? 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? 6. Any other medical conditions? 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? 2. Occupation? 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? 6. Any other medical conditions? 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Butterfly you give me hope. I have a very severe situation with RA and also grew up with so many infections that i had enough for a village. I got strep throat, kidney infections etc. every single year. Had asthma also but grew out of it. Am 33 now and trying to find working meds. I have been looking for someone else who had all the infections like I did, it's nice, but not nice, to see someone else like me. :) David, That is terrible that you were put in that awful positon of having to hide your disease for so long and not get it adequately treated. Sounds like you had your own personal warfare going on. I have heard such horror stories regarding military doctors, VA doctos seeming to be the worse. But I cannot having to try and hide it with no support for all the changes that were occurring. You are a brave man. 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids?Married 35 years. 2 kids, 30 and 26 2. Occupation?Teacher/author/illustrator 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms?59/57/30 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now)started on NSAIDS/gluchosamine condroitin now on prednisone, plaquanil, methetrexate, folic acid, enbrel 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other?Moderate to severe. 6. Any other medical conditions?OA, Sjogren's Syndrome, fibromyalgia,skin cancer, blepharitis, irritable bowel, severe allergies especially to medications. 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders?No 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you.Warm water exercise, PT have worked. Tried some crazy stuff including ozone therapy that definitely did not work. Tried the food allery route with an OD that also did not work. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How?Everything takes much more effort now and I have less energy. It makes you realize what's imprtant in life and what's not. 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?vanilla with hot fudge sauce or coffee. 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? Married - 3 kids, 10, 8 and 6
2. Occupation? Technology director at school - part-time 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 42 (43 tomorrow) / 42 / 42 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) Methotrexate and Remicade. Nervous about the strong meds - possible side effects. I don't want to leave my kids too soon!! 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? No Damage on x-rays yet, but had high RA Factor, and high anti-ccp. At time of starting medication, was practically bed ridden, couldn't get out of tub without help, now back to doubles tennis. 6. Any other medical conditions? Hypothyroidism 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? Sister has Fybromyalgia, and 2 aunts have hypothyroidism 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. Want to try gluten free diet and more whole foods. Also meditation and accupuncture. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? The pain is a pain, but it helps clarify what is important in life. It helps one stop and smell the roses, and not take things for granted. 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? I love Stone Cold Creamery ice cream different varieties in those cone cups coated in chocolate - I think I need a fix right now!! Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Married/two daughters 34 & 32/ 3 grandkids, one each that's 13 years old and one girl 8 years old. 2. Retired US NAVY after 26 years, now a Senior Field Engineer 3. 57/56/56 4. Daypro, NSAIDS damn near killed me
5. Severe 6. OA, Just found out Dr. also think I possiblely have Fibromyalgyia, sending me for more testing. 7. Don't know family history 8. Just dx'd in Dec 05, still checking things out to figure out what works and what doesn't. 9. I was always very active in sports and putting around the house and now some days I don't even want to get dressed. I thought I had a high tolerence to pain but it is getting really tiresome to be hurting all the time. I am by nature a very happy person but lately I have become a grumpy anti-social old man. I hardly ride the Harly anymore. Only played golf twice so far this year. Oh Yeah, this has changed my life. 10. Original flavor Klondike bars Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Single, never married. Have no kids 2. Work in a hospital in both the central service department (preparing instruments for the OR and the other supplies of the hosptial), and health records department. Am going back to univeristy for nuclear medicine. 3. I am 32 (will be 33 this wednesday)/ was diagnosed at 32/my first symptoms started at 9, but they kept saying it was growing pains. 4. I'm on Celebrex for now until I see a rheumatologist next month. I also take Synthroid and Nexium. 5. I consider my RA as moderate most days, but when it really hit me last month, for the whole month I would say it was severe. It was bad enough that I would go to work and make every excuse to go to the storage to get charts that had not been used for years to just get away from everyone and cry a bit. Then I would pull myself together, and go back to work. The one thing they told me with Celebrex is that while taking it, I can't take asprine with it. So, I really don't know what to do when the Celebrex is not cutting it for the pain. 6. I also have hypothyroidism (since my last flare), acid reflux, and I remember a while back, someone diagnosed me with fibro but nothing was done about that. 7. I just met my birth sister (I am adopted) and learned she has lupus. Our mother has severe diabetes and RA. 8. I was diagnosed last month after a sudden severe flare. My GP happened to have a visiting rheumatologist in his office when I went to see him for the results of my blood work. So, now I am waiting for an offical appointment with the specialist. 9. I seemed to have some form of arthritis since I was 9. I have had to give up on a lot of sports that I loved because my knees would always catch and lock. As I grew older, I would have a lot of pain at night and never got enough sleep. Lately, though, I really went through a rough time and it scared me a lot! I have never had to rely on anyone to get me dressed, or brush my teeth.... I am scared to death a flare like that will happen again. I have had really bad problems with earaches when I was younger (I was always swimming), and I have always said I will never forget the pain that I expierienced with those... but the flare I went through was much worse. I will never take anything I do for granted now. 10. Heavenly Hash ice cream is my favorite! I am a chocoholic.
2. Occupation? Ranger and Environmental Educator. I have a Master's in Environmental science and I love nature. 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 50, 49, 43 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) Been on mtx, plaquenil, the sulfa drugs, all had bad side effects. Currently on Enbrel, Relafin, and tons of supplements and pain pills as needed. 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? My doctor considered it severe but lately I have been wondering. If I am not working and not stressed, it is so much better. I was in agony, truly, for over a year. Enbrel, supplements, and water exercise has really helped. Stress is not good. Possibly losing my job has been very difficult. 6. Any other medical conditions? mild COPD (don't smoke) allergies and probably fibromyalgia but both my doctors say it doesn't matter
7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? NONE 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. Accupuncture - the pain is less, many supplements - I figure they can't hurt, water exercise and yoga which I would do if I did not have RA. I have a very strict diet - no processed foods, avoid wheat and nightshades - tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, also corn. I eat very little dairy. I think diet is very important for any disease you are fighting. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? It has scared the hell out of me. It has made my priorities different - my family is even more important to me. It has made me lose my identity and become very depressed too often. It has been a tough one. I survived but never got over my daughter's illness. I know because of that, someday I will cope better with ra. It has made me try to find less active activities to fulfill me but that has not been successful yet. Spend too much time on computer.
10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? yummmmmm Coffee 1 Married to a great guy 30yrs. 1 so 25. 2 Pharmacy Tech 3 53 now,52 diagnosed, 51RA symtoms but alot of achiness an stiffness for years. 4 plaquenil, ibu, vicodin as needed, flexeril,fioricet. Plaquenil is the main thing for RA.Others are for herniated disc's 5 mild 6 fibro.allergies,L4&5,S1,C5&6,migrains 7 Brother ulcerative colitis, OA,grandma diabetic 8 Massage helps if I could only afford it more often, chiopractic 9 Yes It scares me sometime as I don't know the future but I try not to dwell on it and know how lucky I am so far. Most of the people here have it sooo bad and I feel for them. Sometimes I want to stop the plaquenil and see if it comes back but I am afraid it might come back worse and I really don't want to be on anymore drugs,but you do what you have to do. 10 As long as there is no coconut I LOVE ICE CREAM of any flavor. It is my favorite of all sweets. Wellcome Newbies! This is great, I really am enjoying reading everyones bios! 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? I am married with one son, age 16. 2. Occupation? I have been a paralegal for 6 years. Prior to my change in professions I was an industrial hygienist. 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 48/48/44 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) At the moment I am only taking Ibuprofen. My PCP diagnosed my RA. I see the rheumatologist on Friday. So we will see how the course of treatment goes. 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? mild to moderate-depending on the day. 6. Any other medical conditions? None 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? Grandmother, grandfather, mother and aunt all have RA. 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. None really-yet. Although when I had my first serious flare about 4 years ago (didn't know what it was at the time) I stopped eating meat and the symptoms went away. I am not sure there is/was a relationship. 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? I am not really sure yet... 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mocha Chip...hands down although I will settle for any kind of ice cream. It is the only dessert I really love.
Hi Everyone, My name is Arlene and I'm a Chocoholic!! I love everything chocolate! I'm 52 & married with two children 26 & 28 yrs old. I was diagnosed with RA at 28 when the disease hit me like a ton of bricks, one day I was fine and the next just about bed ridden.. I would say that my RA is moderate/severe. I have been on Methotrexte for about 20 yrs. and it has worked wonders for me but I do have deformity in both my hands. I have limited mobility in my shoulders and elbows and couldn't run if my life depended on it (except maybe if I was chasing a chocolate ice cream truck)! I try and walk for about an hour every day and feel that the exercise really helps me feel in control of this horrible disease. As far as I know there is no history of RA (or any other form of Arthritis) in my family. ATC must have chocolate! yes, must have chocolate! agree, only food outside of donuts suitable for consumption. Another little just for fun thing..... 1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? Divorced -2 sons- 24 & 26 2. Occupation? Retired 3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? 50 now/diagnosed and first symptoms 2 months before 45th birthday 4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now) prednisone, mtx, plaquenil, Fosamax, Kineret,hydrocodone,Enbrel, Celebrex, Vioxx, Diflusonal, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Trazodone, Humira. Currently on Humira weekly, Celebrex, prednisone,Fosamax, multivitamins, hydrocodone. 5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? moderate-severe 6. Any other medical conditions? no RA is enough 7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? Mom has Diabetes. No one else in family has or had RA. 8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. Haven't tried any traditional meds only 9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on life in a profound way? How? It's made me sad and angry. I had to retire from a job I worked long and hard to achieve. I can no longer participate in activities that I loved. I always thought that when the time came, I would be the one taking care of my parents and they are taking care of me. I find myself worrying a lot now. I've have always appreciated and been thankful for my family and friends. These were the same people who were still there for me and I could depend on even after I got sick. It's made me love and be grateful for having them in my life even more so. 10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Chocolate chip Ano
1. Divorced; boyfriend of 3 years, Joe; son Kenneth, 19; and daughter Claudia, 14.
2. Graphic designer
3. 45/not yet/43
4. Just salsalate, tramadol, fosamax until July 12 RD appt.
5. not sure yet
6. osteopenia, irritable bowel
7. don't know
8. chiropractic tried. He gave good advice about heat therapy and vitamins, but don't like the neck popping.
9. This has definitely changed my life. I used to be a professional musician (guitar, mandolin, violin, viola, banjo), but play infrequently now. I used to do distance running, but now I have trouble walking. Taking my daughter to the mall is not easy like it should be. I have been pretty "down", but I think that when I am able to get treatment, I will have a better outlook.
10. Peanut butter cookie dough!
MMMMMM---burritos and ice cream! Ice cream burritos? What about burrito flavored ice cream?
2.MILITARY 27 YRS RETIRED 11 YRS.
3.57 NOW,DX 24 SEVERE ATTACK AT SEA ON A DESTROYER,IT WAS A
NIGHTMARE WHEN ITHINK BACK,I NOR ANYONE ELSE KNEW WHAT I HAD.MEDIVAC BACK TO CANADA ON ANOTHER DESTROYER LIKE BEING
ON A BUCKING BRONCO
4.FINALLY DX 6 MONTHS LATER BY A REAL COMPASSIONLESS MIL
DR WHO SAID I COULD LOOK FORWARD TO A WHEELCHAIR AND PUT
PUT ME ON ENTROPHEN AND LINED ME UP FOR A CAREER MEDICAL REVIEW BOARD WHICH HE ASSURED ME WOULD THROW MY SORRY LITTLE ASS OUT OF THE MILITARY.I WAS VERY FORTUNATE AT THIS TIME AND WENT TO WORK FOR AND OLD TIME NAVY CHIEF WHO SOME
HOW GOT A FIX ON THAT REVIEW BOARD AND I WAS CLASSIFIED
UNFIT SEA DUTY WITH NO OTHER CAREER RESTRICTIONS,GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS.THE OTHER WORDS OF WISDOM THAT WERE ON TO ME AT THAT TIME,WAS NEVER GO TO A MILITARY DOCTOR AND EVEN MENTION RA,WHICH I NEVER DID .AT THAT TIME I WAS BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE,MONTHLY PAY OF
0.00,MORGAGE PAYMENT 0.00 MTH,KIDS AGE 4 AND 2 SOLE
PROVIDER AND NO EDUCATION TO DO ANYTHING ELSE.WIFE I LOVED WITH ALL MY HEART,KNOW ONE TO TURN TO ANY VERY LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO MY BODY.
ANYWAY ENOUGH OF THAT.SOMEONE MENTIONED THERE MOTHER USED TO TAKE ENTROPHEN TILL THERE EARS WOULD START RINGING,THAT WAS MY TRICK ,BUT VERY HARD ON THE STOMACH.
I WAS FORTUNATE IN THAT MY WIFE HAD A VERY UNDERSTANDING DOCTOR AND HE WOULD SEE ME AND WRITE ME UP IN HER NAME,THROUGH HIM I GOT NAPROSYN WHEN IT FIRST COME OUT AROUND 1977 AND HE LINED ME UP WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND THEY BOTH HELPED ME A LOT AT THE TIME.LATER ON I LEARNED TO ADD BEER WITH THE NAPROSYN,THEN MORE BEER LESS NAPROSYN I WOULD,NT RECOMMEND IT,BUT IT WORKED FOR ME AT THE TIME.
I SEEN MY FIRST RHEUMY IN 95 ,PRED AND PLACQUENAL DID THAT FOR A YEAR GOT PISSED OFF AND QUIT GOING WAS DOING NOTHING FOR ME,WENT BACK ON THE BEER.
WENT BACK TO THE RHEUMY IN 05,NOW ON MTX,ETC WAS BARELY WALKING AT THE TIME.
IM NOT ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS IN ORDER,I HAVE TO SAY RAHAS AFFECTED MY LIFE PROFOUNDLY,HOW I MADE THIS FAR IS BEYOND ME,THERE WAS JUST SO MANY DAYS THAT I SWORE I WOULD NOT MAKE IT THROUGH THE DAY,ALWAYS HAVING TO HIDE IT,THINKING I MUST BE A WHOOSIE HALF PAIN IS JUST IN MY HEAD.I NEVER MET ANYONE ELSE TO TALK TO WITH RA WHILE I WAS IN THE MILITARY OR OUT.
I HAVE A QUESTION FOR THOSE WHO ARE LONG TERM RA 30 YRS OR MORE,DO YOU HAVE MANY DEFORMITIES?I OFTEN WONDER IF I HAD SEEN A RHEUMY FROM DAY ONE WHAT KIND OF SHAPE I WOULD BE IN NOW.
\ SORRY ABOUT ALL THE CAP LETTERS,ERRORS,ETC I HAVE ONE FINGER THAT WORKS FOR TYPING.
1. Married/single? Kids or no kids? Divorced with a 2 year old---dad is
totally out of the picture
2. Occupation? middle school science teacher. I actaully work two
jobs---I work at a learning center after school and weekends.
3. Age now/ age at diagnosis/ age of first symptoms? I am 29 years old. I
was diagnosed at 19 but missed quite a bit of high school due to
unexplained fevers and joint pain.
4. Course of medications? (what did you start on...what are you on now)
My orginal rd was very agressive. I began on Mtx, alzufidine, and
plaquenil. I am now on MTX, remicade, and prednisone. I have tried and
failed the other biologics. Pred has been has high as 90mg but now
down to 5mg.
5. Do you consider your RA to be mild/moderate/severe/other? Dr. say's
it is very active. I would probably condsider it moderate since I can still
get up and do what I want to do.
6. Any other medical conditions? Inflammatory Bowel--fun fun
7. Family history of RA or other auto-immune disorders? Mom and sister
have fibro
8. Alternative therapies that have or have not worked for you. Not big on
alternative therapies
9. Do you think that this disease has changed your life or your outlook on
life in a profound way? How? it has made me realize that I can overcome
challenges. When my now ex had an affair while I was pregnant I thought
the world would end. How could I raise a baby by myself. Well--I can
and I am doing a GREAT job if I do say so myself. Also, I have learned
that the people closest to you in your life can often provide the boost or
support that you need. Let them help if they want to. You are only
hurting yourself more by being stubborn and saying no.
10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Ben and Jerry's anything.
Those are also the names of my cats.
Clue me in...what is Ozone Therapy?? 1) Single w/o kids
2) Instrument tech 2
3) 58 now / 57 when DX / have trouble most of my life
with my joints
4) Advil at first, then added zantac, mtx w/ folic acid
and finally colchicine
5) Mild
6) Allergies, oa, cppd, fused R hip, and only God knows
what else!
7) Not sure if mom had RA and don't know about the rest
of the family as I'm consider "the black sheep"
(it's a long story and it's not a happy one..)
8) Haven't tried any
9) You bet it has. I don't have the engery and can't
run around like I used to. It takes me twice as long
to do things and somethings feel like I'm climbing a
hill just to get it done.
10) Ice cream, I LOVE IT!!!!! Dreyer's grand light is
my favorite! I always have a 1/2 gal. in the
freezer. It doesn't matter what favor as it doesn't
last long. The only one I'm not fond of is Heavenly
Hash. Too sweet!!!!!
Now I have to go to the store to get some ice cream!
Marisa
Hi Pdolph...welcome!
__________________
2. Work in a small cannery office, do anything and everything, doing the fish tickets are murder on my fingers, every day is something different and I can forget about the pain for the hours I'm there.
3. 52/32/30
4. I don't remember what I started with, have been on MTX for 16 years, now on Remicade, 20mg MTX, Naproxin, 15mg Prednisone(just started this, I have to get my hands in shape for salmon season) Vicodin and Oxycodone, Folic Acid
5. I guess it was moderate for 19 years and then had my first severe flare in Jan., it is slowly getting back to moderate, but I'm on alot of medication that I'm not too thrilled about.
6. Diabetes-40 years, on an insulin pump 20 years and the Prednisone is wrecking havoc with my control, which is usually excellent, High BP, Glaucoma
7. Diabetes, Dad and Brother, but I was Dx'd first, very distant cousin w/RA, mom's fingers are getting twisted, but she's 80 and just figures it's her age.
8. No Alternative therapies
9. I am a miracle of modern medicene, my health is crap but the alternative is not an option. I have 2 beautiful daughters, who make me want to hang around and my husband still loves me although I can't do most of the things we used to enjoy together. Any chronic illness will change the way you look at life. I've been diabetic since I was 12, I sometimes wonder what I would be like now if I had ever been healthy, but I hope I'm making the best of what I have.
10. Raspberry Sherbert
Okay---where are all the guys, Mike, Dave....not willing to share???