I think Monday I had my first "bad" flare--and I'm sure it's not as bad as some of you have had, but it wasn't fun. It was the only time I've been bedridden to where I couldn't go to work. My husband was working nights, my youngest daughter ( 15 months) woke up at 5:30 and I couldn't use my hands to get her out of bed. I kinda used my forearms and pulled her out of her crib and just put her in bed with me. I got her diaper changed, but couldn't get her pants back on. When my husband got home at 7:45, I had him take her to daycare, which was just heartbreaking for me since I take her EVERY morning..she just cried and cried because daddy was getting her ready, not mommy.
Anyway---My feet are a lot better, my hands are still pretty painful, and my knees are sore ( which is a new thing) and I'm still SO tired--but nothing like Monday. Like I said, I "think" this was a flare, but I don't know what triggered it? I had my niece and nephew over night this weekend, but I didn't think I overdid it?
Oh---I just got in with a new rhuematologist this Friday! I just called for a referral yesterday, so I was shocked they got me in this quick. I just wasn't really liking my current Dr. He told me I had RA ( even though deep down, I'm in denial and still think I don't have it
More confusion---After reading over my records from him---it still doesn't clearly say I have RA?? (even though he told me that's what it is?) From what I'm reading, it's like he's treating me as if I have it...just to see if it helps? HUH?? I guess I'll just have to wait and get this recommended Dr.'s opinion Friday..
I am sorry to hear you've been having a hard time. I hope you feel better soon. love, JAmylynn, I'm so sorry you're having such pain. Hopefully the new rheumatologist will be able to help you more.
Have you got the results of blood work in the records he sent you? Maybe you could check and see what your rheumatoid factor is, and also your c-reactive protein and sed rate. If he didn't check those, I'm sure the new doc will do it. You might want to write down any questions about RA for your new doctor. I find it always helps to jot down anything that is on my mind. Otherwise, I just forget so much when I'm actually in with the doctor.
Is it possible for your husband to go with you? It might help him understand better if he hears about RA from your doctor. It could help him be a bit more understanding of how you feel.
Please let us know how you appointment goes. Hope you feel better very soon!
Hugs,
Nini
Thanks...I do have copies of my labs. My Sed Rate was 33...my RA Factor was actually negative ( which the Dr said was normal in the early stages) and the c-reactive protein was 11.10. My Sed rate did go down to 29 after being on meds for 2 months though..( the Plaquenil and Pred.)
I'll have to come up with a list of questions though...good idea. I gotta run for now, but I'll be back to add some more....
((((hugs)))) I hope you feel better soon. Please let us know what the new rheumy says to you. It certainly does sound like you do have RA and that you did have a big flare up. Hi, you might have to go back up with the preds, until you see the doctor. That's what they told me to do when I was tapering. Go back up when you must then back down when you feel better. LyndaWow, babies crying and husbands upset, and I think I feel bad when I can't play golf.....you must feel awful (if you don't already feel awful), Whatta life we have, with this dumb stuff!! Good luck, don't feel bad if you must go back up with the preds for a few days. Lynda (I know you feel like you are flunking some test or something)Thanks Grammaskittles--I'll be sure to let everyone know how it goes. I'm really excited to see this new Dr.
Lynda--I see you're off the prednisone!! Yeah for you!!
I don't blame you for being bummed when you can't golf! It's something you love to do! I just want to play with my babies.
I'm pretty surprised I'm doing "Ok" on the 8mg of pred...5mg did nothing at all, but then again 10mg didn't do much either?
Sorry about you not being able to play golf though!
Can you put your meds out of your kids reach but in a place that you would remember to take them everyday? I have teens so I don't have to worry about that stuff anymore. I keep my meds in my upper kitchen cabinet where my cups are because the first thing I do every single morning is get up and get a glass of water. And there are my meds to greet me lol. You can get a bag with a lock on it too to keep the kiddoes out of stuff. That is what I have mine in.
Grammaskittles- I now have them right on the counter where I make my tea every morning. They're out of the kids' reach too. My older kids I don't worry about, just my 1 yr old. THe other day my 6 yr old sees all my pill bottles out there and says, " Gee, mom- you take alot of pills!" Well..not really- just 3, but I split some and put the split pills into another empty bottle...plus I have the bottle of 5mg pred and 1mg pred...
Anyway--great suggestion though- and one of these days I'll probably buy a little Mon- Sun pill container too...
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