I haven't briefed you in the last few weeks on my marathon training. I'm still hanging in there. Thank goodness we start walking at 7:00 am because by the time we get done, it is already very hot. I had to resort to the gym for my evening walks because we were sitting at 103-107 degrees and that is just too hot to be walking outside.
I am having more problems than normal with my knees but not while walking - as usual my pain tends to follow the walks. So far, as usual for me, no swelling just intense deep aching which I admit sometimes takes over my brain.
I tried to get a hold of my rheumy but he is really hard to get a hold of when you don't have an appointment. I don't see him again until September and I'm not sure I can hold off. I'm waking up in the middle of the night and my hands are practically frozen stiff. I know if I talk to him he will just stick me back on pred. As it is, I'm on a high does of methotrexate and it doesn't seem to be enough.
Before I was officially diagnosed and got on the meds, I use to believe that I would solidify and never be able to move again. It sounds like some of you have felt that way also. I guess I really do have RA but I haven't been able to totally get rid of some lingering doubts. I know something is wrong; I just hope he is right. I sure would hate to be taking the wrong meds because it is really something else I have.
At my next appointment, I'm going to beg for a MRI on at least one knee. I'll even offer to pay. I need to know what is inside.
Until next update, take care everyone. May you have loose and limber, pain free joints!
Cristine, RA is very cunning. It is easy to question it on a constant basis. I quickly realized that Drs. do not even really understand it. I think it effects every aspect of our being. Obviously physical stress, but also emotionally, spiritually and even our environment(we have been discussing the weather UGH) All probably factor into how and when ra rears its ugly head
Keep on moving girl.
I feel so sad when I hear people who cannot get in touch with their rheumy. I would get panicky if my rheumy is so available for me. I will be thinking of you. I wish I could walk with you!!!!!!
It sure would be nice to meet everyone face-to-face but I know we are greatly spread around. I really love the fact that we meet and talk to others outside the US. It's great to have friends everywhere.
CHRISTINE; SO GLAD THE MARATHON TRAINING IS GOING WELL BUT SO SORRY YOU ARE FEELING SO MUCH PAIN. THINK IT IS TIME YOUR RHEUMY ADDED ANOTHER MEDICATION. YOUR CURRENT MEDS ARE HARDLY KEEPING YOUR RA AT BAY. MY RHEUMY IS TERRIBLY INDEPENDANT. SHE IS ON VACATION EVERY OTHER WEEK IT SEEMS AND ONLY WORKS A FEW DAYS A WEEK....MUST BE NICE.I have been working out very regularly since Dec 2004.I have lost 60 pounds.My motivation at first was to get into a size 8 again.But now that this pain is back again and all the same problems I have had for years are getting worse,I am even more determined to push on.I have been pretty sick these last 2 months.had to cut back on exercise some but I always get back in there and have at it.I want to strengthen my muscles to support my joints as much as possible.
How do you get through those days when the fatigue is so bad and the pain is killing you?I'll be seating in my big comfy chair just totally numb from being sick and hurting and just wanting to go to the gym so bad.How often do you have to let your body rest to keep from getting real sick?
I feel much better now after reading your post.If you can do it so can I.Gotta keep pushing on.
Sheila
Just sorry to hear that you are having so much pain as a result of your training. I hope you will continue on with your training despite your pain. Just think of how good you will feel when you cross that finish line and feel like you really accomplished something despite of RA!!
Keep it up!!
Thanks everyone. I don't know how I do it. I walked on Saturday with the group. I got in 7.5 miles but that last .5 was tough. My feet were killing me. I noticed that my big toe joints start to really hurt with long distance walking. Again I slept 12 hours on Saturday night and yesterday (Sunday) wasn't great. I have sores on my throat again which has been happening on and off for the last three weeks. I'm going to try to get into my internet today for a throat swab.
My rheumy is out of town until tomorrow so I'm hoping he will call me and give me some advice. Most likely he'll stick me on the pred. but if that helps me accomplish my walking then I guess I'll do it. The funny thing about me is that I hurt worse when I'm resting after a lot of exercise then when I'm actualy exercising. I hope that made sense.
Roxy, I have never been to Chico but your waterfall and creek is calling me. I'll have to find an excuse sometime to head that way. You would probably think I'm rude though; I'm always looking at people's joint to see if mine look normal. Occasionally I also get paranoid.
Have a good week everyone!
Hey Cristene. Is this heat getting to you????????? After a day at the creek, I have to spend a day to recuperate. NOT FAIR. Swimming is supposed to be good for you but I think it is like the spoon theory. I use up all my spoons for the next day when I go to the creek ! PM me anytime you come up north. We can compare joints
I've had RA offically for 11 years now and even as recently as yesterday I still question my RD about it. I test negative for the RA factor; but the SEDS rate is elevated at times. He laughs at me everytime. "When are you just going to accept it?" I guess I have accepted it...but will I ever stop questioning it? I'm not sure. I think that's just a common reaction.
How much MTX do you take? Eventually you might want to suggest starting a biologic. I increased and increased and increased MTX until my doctor said "That's enough. We're going to have to add something else" Humira really has helped me. Lots of us here swear by the biologics. You might want to consider it too. It sure would make a difference in your training.
Good Luck;
Lovie