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...
I've had issues for year and wasn't officially diagnosed with anything until just this last fall.
There's always a flare around the middle of December and usually coincides with diseased activity spreading.
It happened again this year despite being on medication that I *thought* was doing a nice job of stopping the advance. The big difference this year is that I have a rheumatologist even if he is 350 miles away. I called the office and mentioned what was going on and in a couple of hours, a prescription for prednisone had been called in that I was able to pick up on my way home from work.
This flare was nasty enough that it took until day three for the prednisone to kick in, but holy cow what a difference it made! Instead of just getting through the holidays, I enjoyed them! I didn't miss the kids' Christmas program a church this year. I baked.
I find myself wondering if I can talk my doctor into that prednisone script every Christmas! I teach music in public school, so there are extra layers of stress in there.
There's always a flare around the middle of December and usually coincides with diseased activity spreading.
It happened again this year despite being on medication that I *thought* was doing a nice job of stopping the advance. The big difference this year is that I have a rheumatologist even if he is 350 miles away. I called the office and mentioned what was going on and in a couple of hours, a prescription for prednisone had been called in that I was able to pick up on my way home from work.
This flare was nasty enough that it took until day three for the prednisone to kick in, but holy cow what a difference it made! Instead of just getting through the holidays, I enjoyed them! I didn't miss the kids' Christmas program a church this year. I baked.
I find myself wondering if I can talk my doctor into that prednisone script every Christmas! I teach music in public school, so there are extra layers of stress in there.
I'm still on a low maintenance dose until we get on a good level of Methotrexate. I'm having a hard time getting used to it (Mtx). I bet your teaching job is really fun working with the kids.
I'm really glad your Christmas was great!
good for you. i am happy for you.
and you are my heroine. both my kids were music bugs throughout high school (youth symphony band yadda yadda) without teachers like you there would have been a big hole in their hearts (and skills) they BOTH still play. one found an adult wind ensemble in Brooklyn outside of college. which means I am STILL going to concerts. music educators make a musical impact for a lifetime. thank you
Ros
I was also glad to see that you have a rheumatologist this year. That will make a big difference in your treatment. If you need the prednisone each year, ask for it. I've never had a hard time getting prednisone from the doctor when I need it. In fact, the nurse at my infusion center which is run by my rheumatologist suggested that when I go on vacation that I always take a dose pack with me. I like to vacation as hard as I work if the body permits. Now I'm on a low dose of prednisone daily.
Communication with a good rheumatologist will go a long way in how you live with RA.
Best Wishes to you for an even more enjoyable New Year.