Blah how come is it that the day AFTER i go to the doctor i flare up even worse then before?? Yesterday I had to go to rheumy and i told her things have been bad but sicne se didnt see any inflamation she didnt really tink any thing of it! Last night everything everything everything hurt and even i could see some swelling! wake up this morning and its not better at all........Ive been flaring last few weeks but this is just getting crazier! i skipped mtx one week cause i ran out, but ive had it back for 2 weeks now and actually i dont think mtx does ANYTHING but maybe it does? scary to think that your meds arent helping cause you still hurt but then you stop and get even worse, maybe they do help and i would be awfull without them? BLAH i hate this i hate it i hate, i dont want to walk across campus....I cant sit in class for hours without moving and right now i dont even want to leave my floor cause i live on the 4th floor with no elevator. what am i supposed to do? i took my meds, i took tylanol, i used a heating pad, and i took a hot shower nothing is helping. blah i cant even tell my stomach hurts cause in comparison to my joints its like nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do understand the "my one good day in months is the rheumy appointment day"! I read on another forum that the best short cure is to have a rheumy appt.
I though MTX was doing nothing a year ago due to severe pain but after being off for a while I started really swelling so went back and begged for my MTX. I have now added Enbrel and waiting to see but do understand the aweful pain even while taking MTX.
I am so sorry that you feel this bad. Has your Dr discussed adding a biologic? Maybe Prednisone would help you while waiting for the meds to work.
Take care.
Some people have taken pictures of their swelling or keep a log of their symptoms. I would suggest calling the doctor and seeing if you can get back in right away the next time you have a bad flare. A lot of doctor's offices now put notes in their computers when you even call to report a problem. This helps them know that something has been going on.
Since you are having problems getting around campus and onto your floor, go to the disability services and ask if they know of any solutions that would help. Wouldn't it be great if they could get you a golf cart for going across campus? Then you could have a place for your books as well as a cushy seat. Also, they might make arrangements to move you to a bottom floor. I can't believe that they don't have an elevator. The ADA would not be happy to hear about this. I'm pretty sure that the school would have to try and make some accomodation to help you.
Don't let the barriers keep you from enjoying your life. Speak up and get some help. There's no reason to stay locked up in your room.
Hope you feel better.
Little Mermaid, Oh my gosh I know how you feel! Waitng for these meds to 'work' is frustrating and now it is the week end and 'the doc' usually don't respont (call your GP they say!!) I agree with Bonny that prednisone (I take 3x5 a day!) would be good try. (maybe someone you call GP or Ra doc could prescribe it today???I'd call um! YOu are in too much pain and you can't wait for the MTX. I hope you call someone and say 'I'm screaming in pain"! Good luck, and know we all hear you. let us know, okay?well ive been on the mtx for at least a year..........enbrel for about 6 months and ive been going off prednisone for a long long time now ive been on 2.5mg for months.RD's have these machines at their doors. On the "ENTER" door it is a machine that automatically removes all swelling and reduces your brain waves to a slow lull. THe other machine is located at the "EXIT" door which provides you with swelling and immense pain and an exceptional neural exchange. IT is not you...it is the machines that these Rheumatologists have installed so their visits with affected patients are shorter and more pleasant than hearing us whine and cry about RA......this is normal and is widespread.
jode
That was a funny explanation.
I certainly can understand not wanting to stand out especially when you are in college. Just don't hurt yourself. It is really important to be close to your friends and if the first floor is like that, then I wouldn't want to do it either.
Maybe there is something more that they can do for medically which was your question to begin with. What you might discuss with the doctor is if you MTX can be bumped up a little, consider whether the Enbrel is really effective for you or not. Or, they might add Plaquenil. All the walking and climbing you do certainly keeps you in good shape physically. You can also ask that the two doctors consult with each other.
Hope you get the best of help.
Dear Mermaid, you sound overwhelmed. Going to your classes, your friends on the upper floors (but you have these flare ups and it sets you back) I hope you can get a plan for the medication, being near your friends, all this can be causing you STRESS, which we all know here, for sure, contributes to our illness. If you can get rid of the pain you can create a roadmap for everyday,next week, the rest of the year. Don't be affraid to speak out about what you NEED. People usually respond really well and want to help. Good luck., Hurting less, but still stiff and swollen (typing is harder for me when I swell in the afternoons)Yea thanks you guys! I am increasing the mtx im on 8 and going up to 9 after blood comes back monday and then going to 10.......Im pretty sure the enbrel helps cause when i went off cause i had a sinus infection I got SOOOO much worse. so i think it helps but its not a miracle drug for me.