Nothing is helping!! | Arthritis Information

Hi there... My name is Dana (35), and I was diagnosed last year with RA and Lupus. I have had two strokes - the first in 05' and wasn't properly diagnosed, the second in the beginning of 06' - none leaving any permanent damage - they were TIA's.. It was the last one that caused the doctors to run tests. The lupus was affecting my blood by clotting. Also, My sed rate tests were extremely high. I started out on Prednisone and plaquenil ... didn't work. Then the doctor added on to my list of meds, methotrexate 25 mg per week. Still no results - even six months into treatment. I am now on Prednisone 40 mg, Plaquenil (can't remember the dose on that one), Methotrexate 20mg week, and Humira weekly. This regimen has lasted about 3 months now. At first, I thought this was wonderful... but after the first month, back to the severe pain and fatique. I have not had a good nights sleep in I don't know when, I have gained weight, causing me to not want to work out due to the chronic pain of the RA and extra weight. I have terrible sores in my mouth and in my nose, even taking the folic acid.

Has anyone taking the above regimen and it not worked, but maybe now you are taking something that is?

Help!!

I am tired and in so much pain....

Hi Dana,

Well, I haven't moved on to Humira yet, but what I can tell you is that treatments often don't last long. I'm on MTX & Arava, Celebrex & prednisone. I started with just the prednisone, added the MTX. Naproxen didn't touch the pain or inflammation, so I moved on to Celebrex. I'm in a really good place for the moment, but having read all of the posters for a while, now, I understand that it probably won't last, and there's no way of knowing how long it will work.

You're on a heck of a lot of prednisone - is that your usual dose?

There are always other meds to try, and what I've learned is that they might work, stop working, you switch to something else, and they work again. It's very hard to predict.

Good luck!

Hi Fiona,

Yes, 40mg is my usual dose. It was 30 for quiete sometime and my doc bumped it up because I was in so much pain. I have tried pain pills, which they don't work. And in the meantime, my liver enzymes are climbing... I go for labs this week, and then my appointment next, I am hoping that he will agree to trying something different. I must also note that I do not have insurance, and happened to find a doctor that is treating me absolutely free of charge. He is wonderful! I am also able to qualify for the patient assistance program through Abbott for the Humira. Otherwise, I don't know what I would do.

Hi Dana,

I wish I could help you. You are lucky to have such a wonderful doctor. If you hang around the forums, you will hear horror stories. That is a very high dose of prednisone, although you aren't the only one on it. You also aren't the only one not having a lot of luck with treatment. A lot of the old timers are hanging around the forums below now. I'd recommend that you post your question there. Someone will have an idea for you, if not an answer.

http://www.vf11.com/autoimmunedisea/
http://www.4ratalk.com/forum/
www.vf11.com/rasushi

(((((MISS DANA)))), honey sending some warm hugs your way.

I also have Lupus and RA. My Lupus is very mild...yet the RA is a booger. I have had a time with finding medicines to cover me as well.

I think when you have more then one disease battling in your body, it makes it harder to get relief. One, is because you are treating two diseases at once and they both bring their own unique problems. Two...they stresses of having both, and three the continual off and on again of the medicines cause more headache then they are worth.

Okay, mini suggetions...stay in contact with your Rheumy...tell them of the troubles you are experiencing and the lack of coverage from your medicines. There are always alternatives to the medicines you are taking and maybe others to add on to give you good coverage.

Have them look into maybe water therapy or even lite massage to ease the pain. For the mouthsores...they maybe able to get you a medicine used for Cancer Patients that helps heal and soothe mouth sores. I will get you the name! Also...someone just posted about the mouth sores. I too right now am battling some bad ones.

Makes me want to tear my tongue out then deal with the pain! LOL

Well, I know I haven't added much to your request...but i hope the little I've shared has helped some.

Have a Blessed evening and (((HERES A FEW MORE HUGS)))

ROblyn