Hi, everyone. I'm new here and ask for your forgiveness if I ask stuff that's already been covered. I'm currently on 50mg Enbrel weekly (sureclicks works great!), Folic Acid daily, 20 mg MTX weekly. Only began the Enbrel 5 months ago after taken off Arava due to elevated liver enzymes, and rheum. didn't want me on the prednisone any longer. Seemed like the Enbrel took a couple months to 'kick in', but after that it seemed to be a miracle drug-- to have almost no pain even without the prednisone!! However, it seems the joy has been relatively short-lived-- perhaps its the cold weather, or I'm just 'due for a flare?', or ?? I'm really beginning to wonder if its maybe not working as well anymore-- does this happen?? I don't seem to have the swelling as much in my fingers/toes (but I'm also no longer working so obviously not typing 8 hrs/day has helped that a bit, too), but now most days my shoulders feel as if I have a heavy yoke hanging on them, my elbows 'burn' (the pain that goes with hitting your funny bone without the tingles--just the burn) and the base of my neck always hurts--sometimes it feels like my head is too heavy but then I also can't find a comfortable way to lean it/lay, either... I see my rheum. mid-March, but am fearing sh'es gonna think I'm becoming a hypochondriac if I mention all this-- does any of this sound familiar to anyone else?
Also wondering if any others females out there notice that they flare more during 'that time'? It definately seems like the pain, the fatigue and every aspect of the stuff that seems to be part of my r.a. is wwaaaaaayyyyyy worse for 'that time'.... -- and I've been peri-menopausal for several years now so maybe that is the norm?
Last question--I'm not currently working-- worked as billing clerk for 25 years prior to flare that was severe enough to force me to resign 1 year ago, but have now been given permission to work up to 25 hours/wk at something that won't stress joints. How do I explain (on app. or during interview) my reason for leaving last job/time not working-- without giving TMI/being seen as a potential liabiliity to a prospective employer? Any advice would be appreciated-- I don't wish to be dishonest or evasive, but don't have a desire to shoot myself in the foot, either...
Thanks for being there, it does help loads to know I'm far from alone in the 'land of r.a.'
linda
Linda, I had to quit a job long ago and when hunting for another one I just put down "personal reasons" for my reason.
My Enbrel will be in tomorrow so I have no experience on that issue but sure hope that is has not stopped working for you in such a short time.
Welcome Linda
Sorry I can't help regarding Enbrel as I haven't been on it before but I also have days where my neck feels like it can't support my head
I know what you mean about not wanting to sound like a hypochondriac. I usually have a list of ailments when I go for an appointment and I apologetically name them off. My rheumy is pretty patient with me though. It just feels like lately, everything is going down hill health wise.
I know what you mean about the neck and not wanting to be a hypochondriac. I also take enbrel but my neck was that way before. Maybe you are having a flare. Could the elbow pain be nueropathy(sp)? I would tell your Dr anyway. I also have thought about getting a p.t. job. I do not know what to do about that. I was self employed for 17 yrs. We move so much that I do not want to start my own business to leave in a yr and half. Maybe Deanna has some ideas. She always has something good to say. Take careI have had a similar situation with Enbrel. Worked great for a bit (I've been on it since May of last year). But now I seem to be experiencing more pain lately. Maybe it's the winter season? Or just a flare, as you say. I don't seem to have any swelling so I have decided to wait it out a bit. I have heard that like any of the other drugs the efficacy tends to wane. I hope that's not what is happening to us.
I agree with Bonny about using "personal reasons" to explain the year's absence for the workplace. It still leaves you open to questions but I think few employers will tread there. Unfortunately, no matter what you say will have negative implications.
I wouldn't worry too much about the time off issue. It is a different world out there now and statistically people are job hopping every 18 months. Potential employers are looking more at what you are going to bring to them and you need to sell yourself like you're selling a product.
If asked, I don't think I would say "personal reasons" as that sounds so vague it could lead to more curiosity. You can just say that personally and professionally you wanted to take some time off to readdress your career focus and it's impact on your lifestyle. That is why you are now making the choice to work fewer hours, so that you can achieve both your new personal and professional goals.
Hi Linda, no need to apologize for asking questions. I'll try to input what I can.
I definately have noticed a connection of ra symptoms and that time of month! It's not an every month thing but pretty often.
Your doctor wont think you're a hypercondriac at all. Thats what shes for. By all means mention everything thats on your mind. Sometimes meds need to be adjusted or test need to be done but they wont know how we are feeling if we dont tell them. Write it down so you are prepared when you do see her. If you dont think you can wait until then ,go sooner.
hope this helps.
Debbie