Arthritis Insight-Member Stories-Dorothy

Dorothy's Story

Hi everyone, I have had ra. for almost three years now. It has been a roller coster to say the least. I am a mother of five, and grandma to three. I have always had an active life. I have been married 36yrs. I worked part-time. And also did volunteer work. I loved working in my garden, and i am an avid reader. Ra. has taken everyting away, except for reading. My ra. started with pain in my middle finger of my right hand, and painful feet. I had no clue what was about to come. I have been healthy all my life, except for a kidney stone(that I still have). Thus began my coaster ride with rheumys and medication. Pred.& methx. was my first. The methx caused me to get diabetes. I had to go on meds. for that. So i was weened off both pred.and methx, and put on Arava. That seemed to work for 2mos. and I got terrible diarrhea, and had to stop that, but it stays in your system long after you stop taking it, so I had the problem for a month before I felt better. Next came Celebrex, Big zero. Next came Vioxx. I saw no improvement in fact during this time of being medicated I went from walking-to waking with a cane-to using a walker- to a wheel chair. That's where I am now. I am unable to walk at all. My doc. gave me shots of cort. in both knees. No change in the rt. knee but the lt.knee got Worst.

After this happened I was so depressed. I just wanted to give up. But that's not my nature, so I started a serious search for some answers. I found some info. on minocyclene and interested me. I called my rheumy. and expressed a desire to try it. He said he would rather me start enbrel. Now I had a decision to make and I had to pray about it. I read about enbrel, and decided I didn't want to take it, not now anyway. So, I Have just started minocyclene 100mgs a day, and vioxx 25mg a day. I am praying this will help get me on my feet again, He also wants to give me another cort. shot in my bad knee, I refused. At this point I am so tired of all the toxic meds. I am not taking anything I don't think will help me. I am not in any serious pain, and I am grateful for that. I feel pretty good.In fact, I feel fine if I'am laying or sitting, but when I try to stand I can't, and it's painful to try. I just bought my computer last month, and since then I have been searching for any info. on my condition. It has been a God send so far. I found the web site recently and I have really enjoyed reading all the messages. It was so good to be able to read something I could relate to. You all seem so very nice. I am sorry you have this struggle, but I am glad I found you. I hope you will let me become part of your family. It's lonely when friends and family can't relate to the disease. I need someone to take to and share with. I am new to all this. Well, I have written enough for now. PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU. You can reach me at. dottyb20@hotmail.com I have quite a few things to put on the rant page.(smile).