Arthritis Insight-Member Stories-Lori

Lori's Story

My name is Lori. I am 37 years old, married, with three children; 16, 12, and 6. I work as an RN. I was first diagnosed with RA after the birth of my last child. It has been a struggle since. I most recently had a joint fusion on my right ankle three weeks ago. My rheumatologist and I and my surgeon had discussed the options--ankle joint replacement or total joint fusion. Both md's opted for the fusion. This was a very difficult and painful surgery, requiring a 4 day stay at the hospital and many pain killers; needless to say I am starting to come around. I had a tendon transfer surgery on my left wrist in August 2000 and on my right wrist in October 2000. I have had it with casts!!! Anyway, it's been a tough road. The latest treatment I started last year was the Remicade infusion therapy. Unfortunately I have seen no improvement. As you know, it is very frustrating trying to find the "one thing" that works. I am on several meds: Plaquenil, Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, Arava, Remicade, Vioxx and Indomethacin, along with various pain relievers. I finally succumbed to buying one of those little weekly pill boxes just so I didn't have to open so many bottles. There are days when I wonder how I will get through it, and there are other days I thank God that I'm not feeling so bad. Hopefully I can make some new friends who can relate to what I feel.