Hi,
I just thought I'd post an update. When I was dx'd in August I was wondering how things would be 6 months later. Will I have the same pain? Will I be able to walk without pain? What will my life be?
So here's a look at how the past 6 months have gone ...
August 2006
Dx with RA. On anti-inflammatory, most pain is in feet. Off anti-inflammatory, the knees and hands join the party. Start MTX (6 pills per week) and naprosyn 2 x per day.
Late Septemter 2006
Some improvement in feet, but RA decides my golf swing was getting too good, so kicks it up I can barely use my left wrist.
November 2006
Not happy with progress, rheumy ups the MTX to 20 mg, then 25 mg injections. No problem -- I don't mind needles.
January 2006
I discover my rheumy must have it in for me as I find out that I didn't have to use a horse-sized needle tip for the injections and can use a super-fine diabetes needle. Too late, I now HATE needles.
February 2006
The nasty injections are working! And, with the steroid injection last week in my left-wrist, I'm 99% pain free (actually, maybe 100%, but I'm too afraid to jinx myself by saying it!)! Plus, I've reduced the naprosyn to a single dose/day.
I've actually been cross-country skiing twice and working out at the gym (I had a trainer help design me a program that protects my joint and offers me workout options, depending on my RA pains)!!
Unbelievable! I honestly didn't think it could come to this. I'd hoped, but had not wanted to believe it could happen.
I know that I'm one of the lucky ones. I know that with RA my future is uncertain. I'm going to embrace the second chance I have for now to do some of the things I love. And, when I do them, I'll experience them so much differently -- I'll be so much more grateful that I can do them.
And, as I always do, I'll be thinking of everyone here at AI.
- J.
Hey, thats wonderful news! I hope you continue to be in remission!Joy!
Congratulations on your progress. I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well. Keep up the good work and keep up that skiing!
Lori
Truly, I am estactic for you. This is the dream we all live for. It gives all of us hope. I wish more people who have good results would post. It makes me happy to hear it. Thank you all. I had hesitated posting for several days, but was hoping that my news might give hope of what can happen. I know I'm lucky. Congrat's for finding something that works for you. I'm glad you're feeling better. No one should suffer this crappy pain.; On a lighter note; thanks for giving me my morning laugh. I cracked up about "the doc being out for you and using horse size needles". Not funny, but very funny. Thanks for the chuckle.
I had to start the injections when my rheumy increased my dose to 20 mg/wk. At that dose the effectiveness of taking the MTX orally is significantly reduced, so they recommend injections to get the full effect of the drug. However, it was only when I moved to to 25 mg/wk (1 cc), that I noticed the amazing improvement of my condition. So, I'd have to say it is the quantity of MTX that made the difference, not the manner in which I take it. From my RA group at the Canadian Arthritis Society I learned that the risk of infection from any of the DMARDS, biologics included, is low. Yes, it's higher than not using them, but the increased risk is not significant and wouldn't stop me from taking them. However, I understand your concern given that you are in a high-risk work environment already -- and have your little girl at home. The choices RA forces us to make seem as painful as the disease at times.
Debrakay: On the lighter note ... I'm glad you caught my humour there -- laughing is what keeps me sane! And thanks again to all for your kind words of encouragement and sharing my "joy"!
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