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Lynn's Story

Milburle@aol.com 

Hi, my name is Lynn and I am 46 yrs old. Found out I had arthritis 10 years ago. It came along with my psoriasis. Started out in my toes. Came and went for a while and then went away for awhile. About 4 years ago, after shovelling snow my collarbone started bothering me. Was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. My family Doctor perscribed Arthotec. It helped a bit. Handled that until my knees started acting up. When it got to the point I could hardly get out of bed, stand up or walk my family doctor sent me to a rheumatologist. He started me out on Methotrexate and bi-weekly blood test. Then my ankles started acting up and the methotrexate was increased. After about a year this was under control and then my hands started acting up. Plaquenil was then added to my list of meds. As my fingers started getting back to normal my top knuckles started swelling and my wrists started acting up. Cortizone shots in my knuckles came next. The shots worked for about a month on knuckles but did not help wrists. Last visit to doctor he increased methotrexate to 8 pills a week and back on blood tests every two weeks. Other than my hands every other joint is just great on most days. Am now walking everyday and am starting Aquacise tonite. I am still working full time so I know I am very lucky. My family, friends and co-workers have been just great.