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...
When I was first dx May 2011 I was suffering big time. I had ankle anthroscopic surgery which sent me into (now I know) a constant flare from May until August. I couldn't walk, dress myself, cook, etc. I moved back home with my parents so my Mom could take care of me-my husband worked too much. I thought that was the end of my life. I was sure I'd be crippled and depending on others from that point. I since moved back home to my hubby in late August and although I was still suffering I gradually starting cooking and walking better.
I failed MTX badly to a point of losing 60lbs, needing a blood transfusion due to a very low blood count, and outright weak. My new rheumy took me off MTX and added Humira then Arava. Fast forward to November 2011 and I'm strong as ever. I've gained 20 of the 60lbs back, my booty back :-), and I stand up straight with no crutches or cane, my ankles and knees have stopped swelling and hurting so much. I can jump right out of bed instead of taking pain meds first. BTW, I was taking 6 vicodin a day from May until October now I'm down to zilch. I think I've finally reached a medically induced remission after only the second cocktail of meds.
I realize I'm not completely out of the woods but its so encouraging to know that I won't condemed to my bed for life. I'm not bragging but trying to give encouragement to the newly diagnosed. I was so afraid and I didn't know what my future would hold. The most important thing for me was to keep moving rather it hurt or not. If you just lay there you WILL get weaker. Stay strong and have faith in modern day medicine. It may take time to find the right cocktail but you will get better. God bless us all and may they find a cure for us someday.
I failed MTX badly to a point of losing 60lbs, needing a blood transfusion due to a very low blood count, and outright weak. My new rheumy took me off MTX and added Humira then Arava. Fast forward to November 2011 and I'm strong as ever. I've gained 20 of the 60lbs back, my booty back :-), and I stand up straight with no crutches or cane, my ankles and knees have stopped swelling and hurting so much. I can jump right out of bed instead of taking pain meds first. BTW, I was taking 6 vicodin a day from May until October now I'm down to zilch. I think I've finally reached a medically induced remission after only the second cocktail of meds.
I realize I'm not completely out of the woods but its so encouraging to know that I won't condemed to my bed for life. I'm not bragging but trying to give encouragement to the newly diagnosed. I was so afraid and I didn't know what my future would hold. The most important thing for me was to keep moving rather it hurt or not. If you just lay there you WILL get weaker. Stay strong and have faith in modern day medicine. It may take time to find the right cocktail but you will get better. God bless us all and may they find a cure for us someday.
Getting onto the right "meds cocktail" to control RA can be a real roller coaster ride. Two years down the track from dx, I am still looking for my magic meds but haven't stopped hoping. You just have to hang in there.
I agree, sitting or laying does not help. In fact I spent a day on the couch not long ago, some virus & was more sore from being off my feet. RA is not for the weak is it? Lots of self discipline when you know you have to push through the pain at times..
God bless,
Sammy