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Elizabeth

marmietwo@cox.net 

My name is Elizabeth and I"ve had RA symptoms for 3 years but was only diagnosed 1yr 6months ago. I spent half that time thinking I was crazy and having doctor after doctor tell me there was nothing wrong with me. But I was in terrible pain and didn't know why. Then the blood work and the swelling finally qualified me as a legitimate patient. It was a relief in a way to finally know that there was actually something really wrong and I wasn't nuts. But the more I found out about this disease the less relieved I felt. 

I went through several doctors and several medications to no avail (Arava, Azulfadine, Remicade)There were not many that I could tolerate because I also have Hepatitis C so anything hard on the Liver is out. None of the above seemed to touch my pain. I have a wonderful pain doctor as well for pain meds. But even with the best of pain meds this pain breaks through.

About 3 months ago we switched to Kineret and I felt an improvement almost right away. It isn't perfect. If I get stressed or tired my pain gets really bad and I have to rest quite a bit. There are a lot of things I can't do that I used to do. Anything that requires me being on my feet for very long. But the Kineret has been the best drug yet. I recommend it highly. 
I wish I had more support. My family live a few hours away and are not present in my life physically or emotionally. The one RA support group in my area meet at night and I tend to fall apart at 5pm every night like clockwork. That's when my major pain hits me and I have to get off my feet. I'm always done for the night.My husband is my only support. I just got a new dog, a white lab, named Maggie.

She is 4 years old and loves to follow me around the house everywhere I go. Real mellow and just a love. I got her to keep me company. It helps to have a pet to take care of and love.

Thanks for listening!
Elizabeth AKA Marmietwo@cox.net