I started having RA symptoms in Jan 06 and was DX in April with RA. I have been on Enbrel since then, started on Pred. 6 weeks ago. I tried Voltaren for a week and had a bad reaction to that. I am always in pain and have stiffness. The first week I was on 10 mg. of Pred, I felt great!, but it only lasted a week. I work full time, I am still doing light housework, cut the grass, swim twice a week, and walk 1 mile four times a week. I have no idea what it's like not to have a "flare". I have an appointment with my Rheumy on Aug. 28, and I have decided to go with MTX. I read last night that someone on the boards had to do basically nothing for a few months to let the meds kick in and feel better, so my question is, Am I doing too much? thanks in advance for your reply, Rain
Yeah, you might be asking your body to do too much. Also, if you initially had a good reaction to the Prednisone but it isn't working now (and maybe that is because you had to stop the Voltaren), call your Rheumy. 10mg isn't a lot. The 28th is way too far away to be in so much pain. Are you on any other antiinflammatory? Perhaps that could be added.
Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing. And ease up a bit, there will be time to do these things again, but right now may not be the time.
Swimming is a better choice than walking right now, if you still want to do some exercise.
Jeanne
Thanks Jeanne, I will call my Rheumy today. I am only taking Pred and Enbrel. It's way to hot out to walk today 101 in Maryland! I'll change to swimming for a while, thanks for the advice, Rain
As a general rule you can do what you can tolerate, but if it hurts to do something you should not try to work through it. You can cause more joint damage. If it doesnt hurt you to go on long walks, you are okay...but if your feet/ankles/knees are hurting you every step of the way, it is time to rest up a bit.
"but if your feet/ankles/knees are hurting you every step of the way, it is time to rest up a bit."
Hmmm....Crunchy, do you follow that same advice? I know your feet are KILLING you, but you still do those long shifts at the hospital.
I know, I know, you have to make a living. But you also have to get some relief. You have to find some way to get off those feet.