Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
It is so miserable sometimes with this RA. Its been a year and a half since diagnosis and still no relief, just progressive pain and destruction. It affects so many areas that we cant keep up with all of the doctors and therapies with the expenses and such. I have, at least, been on treatment now long enough for the positive TB test that I was finally able to start a biologic last week (Remicade) as I am already on Plaquenil, Arava, and Prednisone. (Methothrexate gave me severe migraines and Sulfasalazine didnt work at all). I was sick for 4 days after the treatment with even worse fatigue than I originally (which I thought was impossible) as well as a headache for 4 days. I started having neck pain right before the treatment and the last few days its been worse with tingling down my arm and fingers but Wednesday I was bringing in a couple bags of groceries and all of a sudden screaming pain down my right side and even in my chest. Because I have had a heart attack in the past my doctor told me to go straight to ER. Luckily all things heart wise turned out good they said I have a pinched nerve and need an MRI which I am going for in the morning. They said it could very well be from the inflammation of the RA in the cervical spine. Then yesterday (Thursday) I stepped off of a curb in a parking lot and my knee buckled and down I went on the cement..so it was a hellish night which I pretty much cried all night In pain. Even after I took my Hydrocodone and Flexaril.
So today I went for an Orthovisc injection (1 of 4) in my right knee and I guess my pain reactors were working overtime because the numbing shot hurt like crap and the Orthovisc injection had me almost screaming which my pain levels are usually really strong so I guess its all catching up with me. The set of Orthovisc injections last year didnt hurt this bad. (These are artificial fluid injections made to add cushion to joints that are bone-on-bone). I had a left knee replacement last fall and need one on the right but I need to do biologics more than I need surgery right now (cant do both at same time). When Im not in my power wheelchair I am used to using a cane but my wrists and fingers hurt so bad Im having trouble gripping so Im not using it but my doctor said today I need to so I wont fall again and if I dont use it then I need my walkerThats too bulky so I dont know what Ill do.
So, Im just really frustrated with all of this!!!!! I just feel jinxed and I miss my old life..Sorry for ranting..I hope everyone has a good night.
So today I went for an Orthovisc injection (1 of 4) in my right knee and I guess my pain reactors were working overtime because the numbing shot hurt like crap and the Orthovisc injection had me almost screaming which my pain levels are usually really strong so I guess its all catching up with me. The set of Orthovisc injections last year didnt hurt this bad. (These are artificial fluid injections made to add cushion to joints that are bone-on-bone). I had a left knee replacement last fall and need one on the right but I need to do biologics more than I need surgery right now (cant do both at same time). When Im not in my power wheelchair I am used to using a cane but my wrists and fingers hurt so bad Im having trouble gripping so Im not using it but my doctor said today I need to so I wont fall again and if I dont use it then I need my walkerThats too bulky so I dont know what Ill do.
So, Im just really frustrated with all of this!!!!! I just feel jinxed and I miss my old life..Sorry for ranting..I hope everyone has a good night.
Wishing you all my best
I think it's the weather or the change in season.... I've also hit a very big snag and SO upset and crabby. I try to stay positive and do okay most of the time but here lately I've struggled.
I also want my old life back. I have problems with not being resentful during low times. I hear u and understand your pain and sorrow. Many hugs.
Sun
I miss my friends and being invited places. They text me and say good morning-hope I have a good day, or good night which I'm so fortunate they think of me and I used to be very busy with our police dept and the police dept is such a close knit family so I'm grieving that because I miss everyone. I volunteer still from home but I miss doing as much as I used to and so I feel sorry for myself....that's not good. I really should look at the bright side....I'm just having trouble seeing that bright side...
Those that don't understand RA seem to think that all of my problems and my setbacks are still regarding my knee replacement and my Achilles reattachment last fall. When I'm absent from a lot of meetings and then I show up for one they will ask me how the surgery is healing and inside I want to say it's not the surgery that's the problem, it's the disease because everyone thinks that what is wrong with me is the arthritis they have in their back, knee, etc. So then my thoughts are that they must think I am a hypochondriac to have to see all of these drs and have days I can't walk.
Oh well.... I need to not be so sensitive I guess. I need to control my outlook on things. Thank you all for the gentle hugs. I appreciate you.
I do agree with Sunvalleygal. The weather change has made it difficult for me as far as pain management because of the highs and the lows we have gone through. I woke up this morning with pain all over my body. It has been raining and now it is extremely humid and warmer than it was yesterday. Where some with feel that weather is better for us, for those with RA it can be a nightmare. Wishing everyone a peaceful pain-free day!!
Hit with pain like that is overwhelming.
Perhaps asking for a change just through this rough time in pain medication. If you have a good relationship with the prescribing doctor may not hurt to ask. Although we know by now it's contolling the inflammation & RA causing it.
I have the cervical neck problem. It can get beyond painful. Dealing with RA with it can be overwhelming. Throw the knee in well you need some relief.
I've used lidoderm patch with some relief at times. There is a patch that's anti inflammatory called Flector. I had some better luck with that but insurance denied coverage. Doctor gave me samples for a while.
Should see if that's changed. Throwing possibilities out there.
Be careful with that neck.
I've been hurting also more then usual. So maybe the weather is in part adding to existing pain.
I'm so sorry. Wish you lived near by Id try to help in any way I could. Everyone needs a little every now & then. Plus I totally get it.
Has to get better right?
Gentle hugs,
Sammy
This "stuff" we deal with is unyielding and hideous ALL THE DAANG TIME - morning, noon and night.
'ole Blue has a stump of an old Oak tree way out back and I mean WAY out - MBDs2 can always tell how bad it is by if she can hear me or not. Of course I can always relieve the absolute frustration(s) by just grabbing my walk sticks and stroll through Hickville or Wal-Mart - it reminds me that even thought I don't feel 100%, I DON'T HAVE IT AS BAD AS THEY DO.
Vent away, we are in your corner and right there with you
Peace
Bluedogs2