Arthritis Foundation Forum / RA Connect / Rheumatoid Arthritis - (RA Connect)

Can infections cause a flare?

Sadie Smith — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:37:00 GMT

I have felt like I had a UTI since last week. My ob/gyn refused to call in anything until the culture came back this week. By the weekend I was exhausted and my joints were on a rampage. I had to stay in bed most all weekend. I haven't felt that bad in some time. It was hard to walk down stairs. It felt like it did back before I got on meds for RA. The culture finally came back today showing infection. I was just curious as I thought my Rheumy said once that if you are fighting an infection it can trigger a flare up. Is this the case?

Just plain tired and need a shoulder to lean on!

luvsbugs — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:38:08 GMT

Hi Everyone,I know there is really nothing that can be done, but I need to vent a little to people with sympathetic ears. Seems like I'm hitting a wall this past few months. Maybe it's just because work is really busy but I'm just plain tired of everything it seems. I'm tired of working so much, taking so many darn pills, my workout routine and in general having RA. I'm even tired of my friends, I work a lot during this time of year and am really tired of people telling me they never see me. It's my busy season people, you never see me during this time of year. Please stop making me feel bad!!! Normally I keep really good spirits but I just feel beat down right now. I've been trying to sleep a lot to get my energy back but so far it's not really helping. I have a doctors appointment in a few weeks to see if I need to change any of my meds. Does anyone else get this way sometimes? What pulls you out of the dumps when you feel this way?Thanks for listening!

Answers for Daughter!

McGirk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:35:51 GMT

[font=Verdana][size=3] First, let me thank all who prayed for our health (especially Genny) so that hubby, daughter, and I were all well to make the trip to Texas Children's yesterday.:) For the past 3 1/2 yrs. our now 15 yr. old daughter has had nighttime knee pain and morning stiffness and pain, severe fatigue at times, and occasional swelling of her sternoclavicular joint. She has been seeing a pedi rheumy in Austin for 2 yrs. and two pedi orthopedists. She was never diagnosed with anything, as all had differing opinions. Last spring her sternoclavicular joint became very swollen and painful again. Her pedi rheumy pretty much dismissed it, said she was doing great and didn't need to be seen anymore on a regular basis. This was in spite of xrays and MRI last fall, showing that her SC joint was dislocated. Daughter's regular pedi referred her to a pedi rheumy at Texas Chlldren's in early November. We didn't know if she would even be seen since Tx. Child. doesn't like to see patients for second opinions since their caseload is already so heavy. We found out only a week ago that she would get an appointment.Well, this wonderful doctor with many, many yrs. experience diagnosed her immediately with Juvenile Ideopathic Arthritis (aka JRA). He just shook his head in disbelief that she had gone this long without a diagnosis. Fortunately, she is doing much better now, having pain only a few days a week, so doesn't even need daily naproxen at this time. She just takes Aleve as needed now. She is to alert the doctor if things worsen again, but we were told that she could be headed into remission before adulthood. She is also to get her eyes checked, as her positive ANA puts her at greater risk for silent, but permanent eye damage from the JIA. After all this time of knowing something was wrong and that it was very similar to what I was going through, I am just ecstatic that she finally has a diagnosis! Now we can begin to move forward. Of course, by last night I was beginning to worry about long-term effects. She has gotten the double gene whammy from us, as hubby's father was diagnosed with RA just 18 months ago. The doctor said that even if it goes into remission before adulthood, it could come back later on. So my question for those who had JIA which continued into adulthood, did you go into remission first and then it came back?[/size][/font]

OT: Happy Birthday, Annaart (Wednesday, February 8)

Pam3 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:11:51 GMT

[url=http://community.arthritis.org/Annaart][size=5][font=Comic Sans MS][center]Annaart,[/center][/font][/size][/url] [center][font=Comic Sans MS][size=5][color=purple]I hope your birthday is filled with your favorite things, activities, and people and that they'll all be part of your adventures this year. [/color][/size][/font][/center][center][img]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSQC7BlWCUVUWIfz2dsGTPwmpHGyTD1b5LVa7xF11VxQ3RjgLJXsTqyb6Y[/img] [img]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSJGjdrV_8p2hxDeT73ORR61skP9eH9we_EbybHK0H4t1ef1sES8tl9fykR[/img] [img]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5_t2m2Lo91sBJ1LCMVaIh4oORtEwgutzTD5b5f-EI3rtHQqgM8jFz4D4k[/img][/center]

Headed to VA appointment

Roger M — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:26:14 GMT

[size=3]Hello EveryoneHeaded up to Albq. VA early in the morning for my 6 month check up with the Rheumy. Not much to tell him been feeling about the same over the last six months slight stiffness but no flares. I am wanting it to be a quick visit so I have time to vist the Hard Rock casino on my way out of town. Wishing everyone a peaceful night.[/size]

Have to see Liver Doctor

Chessiegirl — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:29:53 GMT

[size=2]I had my regular rheum appointment on Friday. He doesn't think the Arava has caused my increased AST level and wants me to see a liver doctor. Through most of last year (even from my very first appointment with him), my AST level was slightly elevated (between 38-48 when high end of normal for that lab was 30), but in November, it shot up to 60. I should know this week what it is from the blood they took Friday after the appointment.I called one yesterday and have an appointment on the 20th. I am trying SO hard not to freak out. I try to remind myself that the levels haven't really been THAT high and it could very well be that I just have an abnormally high AST level, but I have to admit that I do give in to panic now and then. Of course I had to go online and try to diagnose myself (I really should not be allowed to do that). It seems to be a little odd that only the AST has been elevated and the ALT has been within normal range this whole time. Leave it to me to be the oddball! :PHas anyone had this? Anyone seen a liver doctor before?Just needed to vent. Hope everyone had a good weekend.[/size]

Still struggling with fatigue

Jewell83 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:19:23 GMT

[size=3]I had my full dose of Actemra last Friday but I am still dragging! Last week I thought the fatigue was at its worst because I needed the full dose of Actemra and it was time to get my treatment...I thought it would boost me this week but I don't feel any better and it is Thursday already! Does anybody else continue to feel bad the week after your treatment? I really hope it kicks in soon! Maybe I need the full dose several months in a row to feel an improvement...Usually I feel better by midweek after taking Nuvigil and Prednisone several days in a row but not this week! Could this be a flare causing this horrible fatigue that I just can't shake? I don't usually have a pattern of flares just feel the same all the time...I sure do feel bad right now! Any more ideas? I am desperate for help...Jewell[/size]

New joint attack

Erin Roberts — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:45:38 GMT

Hi, I'm new and my name is Erin. I was finally diagnosed with RA last April. It currently affects both knees, the right side of my neck, right shoulder, back, and left middle finger. I took MTX and Prednisone for six months. When we started to lower the dose of Prednisone, the RA came back with a vengence. So, we gave up on that treatment plan. Currently I'm only on Meloxicam. I have a question since I'm not very familiar with the quirks of RA yet. Is it normal for RA to start attacking a joint overnight? Yesterday, all the usual ones were bothering me as usual. Then, this morning when I woke up, my left elbow was very stiff and moderately painful. It has gotten worse as the day has gone on. I am also having some muscle weakness in my left arm. Is it common to do this? Most of the other joints I have problems with, I've had problems with for so long that I don't remember them starting overnight. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Just started Orencia and feel worse!

M.6 — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:34:11 GMT

Hello! I just started Orencia with my first injection a week ago and another today. And, I have to say, I feel worse than just about ever before! I feel like there is an absolute war going on in my body right now.My joints feel like they are made of glass and are shattering, my muscles ache, I have a headache, my lymph nodes are swelling in weird places, not just my neck, (though there, too), like under my armpits. I think for me, this cure is worse than the disease. I just switched to it after being on Enbrel for 7 years and it stopped working this fall.I am miserable! I have 4 children under the age of 11 and I cannot keep feeling like this. Did anyone else experience this in the beginning, or is my body just not liking it? I feel like when I have a flu or after surgery. Feels like I am having a MAJOR flare.SO frustrated and would appreciate any input! Thanks!

OT: Happy Birthday, luvsbugs (Sunday, January 29)

Pam3 — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:59:34 GMT

[url=http://community.arthritis.org/Stacey16][color=green][font=Comic Sans MS][size=5][center]Luvsbugs,[/center][/size][/font][/color][/url][center] [size=5][font=Comic Sans MS]Have a birthday that's crawling with fun and a year that's a flight of adventure.[/font][/size][/center][center][img]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSBBFt2Pj71CaKhgGHYMNqOPh83BqoOPmmjzuU-3xudihlyY9gNaw[/img] [img]http://www.elizabethlachlan.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/6-2-06-04.jpg[/img][img]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSBBFt2Pj71CaKhgGHYMNqOPh83BqoOPmmjzuU-3xudihlyY9gNaw[/img] [/center]

Multiple Allergic Reactions to Biologic Medicines

Calani — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:46:40 GMT

Hey Everyone...I am new to the forums but I have had JRA/RA since I was 10 and I am now 25. I just went to the DR this morning for my 2nd infusion of Actemra and about 20 minutes in had a serious allergic reaction. I have had the same reaction to Humira & Remicade. I was wondering if anyone else has had these issues, especially when my doctor says he has never seen anyone be allergic to Actemra. I went off to college and for the 3 years for my bachelor degree i was on Orencia and it worked fine until my last quarter where it got all hectic with thesis's and graduating. Just looking for any input at this point to ease my nerves... Im debating telling him to screw the biologics and just stay on metho shots and prednisone. I am getting very discouraged and just want to help my fiance and my parents with the bills. I am tired of being home and want to go work!!! <3,Lani

Resilience Quote of the Day

Pam3 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:10:21 GMT

[center][font=Comic Sans MS][size=5][color=pink]"The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the most of everything."[/color][/size][/font][/center][center][font=Comic Sans MS][size=3][color=tan]Unknown[/color][/size][/font][/center][center][img]http://belladia.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341cc08553ef014e89514583970d-800wi[/img][/center]

painful enbrel injections

Gran-E — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:53:50 GMT

[size=4]I would like some feedback on the painfulness of an enbrel injection. I use to be on humira, and yes it hurt, but not like enbrel. A regular injection like an antibiotic or pain med does not hurt in my opinion. For me, enbrel is so painful, I am very close to skipping it each week. Does anyone else experience this? I consider myself pretty pain tolerant

Back from Doctor

Maire379 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:22:48 GMT

I went to see my gp today because I was having issues with my blood pressure. I though it was low but when he took it it was high. He could see that the higher dose Prednisone has caused my to retain fluid. He thinks that I what is causing my high blood pressure. He is putting me on a water pill to see if we can get some of the fluid off of me and bring dowm my blood pressure. Hopefully it is only short term. That once I get to a lower dose I can stop taking it. That is one think that I hate is take one drug to deal with the side effects of another. No wonder why I hate take medications. Hope everyone is having a good day.

Excruciating post workout pain

Emkingxx — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:25:05 GMT

Hello everyone!So, of course, RA can cause joint pain. But I was wondering to what degree it affects the muscles. I did an ab workout the other day and I am in probably the worst pain I've ever felt in my life, but not in my joints, in my ab muscles. I was wondering if the immune system also attacks the muscles when they're vulnerable? Also, any remedies for this? I'm not sure if I should use my prednisone or Enbrel, NSAIDs? I put a bit of ice on it for awhile... that helped for the time being, but unfortunately, no long term relief :(Let me know if you guys have any knowledge on the matter, advice, experiences to share, etc.Thanks! Good to be back on the forum.

Quit Smoking Question

Jaclyn Moylan — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:06:22 GMT

[size=3]Hello All- I am on my (hopefully) last pack of cigs. I bought the patches yesterday and plan to start them later today. I tried Chantix last year and failed. I was meaner than a junk yard dog while taking it so I went back to smoking. I am going to try the patches this time around and was wondering if any of you have tried these. I asked the pharmacist if it's safe to use them while taking Mtx and she said it was fine so please say a prayer that my mind doesn't get the best of me this time. My mother is on day 3 of quitting with the patches and I would love to join her this journey. Any feedback from others who have had success with the patches would be much appreciated. [/size].

My Granddaughter - Update

Great Granny — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:35:50 GMT

[font=Verdana][size=3](For purposes of online communication, I'll call my sweetie GiGi.) As expected, GiGi's blood counts are consistently low; so much so that her treatments are often postponed. During the worst of these periods, she has little energy and doesn't want to eat or drink. She still has to take meds at home, which sometimes make her sick; consequently, the meds come back up. She is dehydrated a lot. Recently, she spent four days in the hospital. A little girl she met at clinic several months ago was in the hospital too. She was diagnosed with Lukemia in August. Anyway, they met up one day and went to the playroom. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was to hear the sounds of their laughter coming from the playroom. I started to go quiet them in case they were disturbing other patients, but two nurses told me to leave them alone; that it was not a bother. One of the nurses said, "There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of laughter coming from two little girls who have been as sick as those two. They are having a ball." This past Thursday, it was 65 degrees; so after her teacher left, we went outside for a bit. I took some wonderful photos of GiGi blowing and chasing bubbles in the front yard. She tried to ride her bike, but her legs were too weak to take her very far. (That's a reminder for me to incorporate some physical activities into her daily routine.)It's cold and damp here today and she has been sneezing quite a bit today. We're watching to make sure she doesn't develop a temp. Even though she's not feeling the greatest, she still smiles. If she's up to it, her best friend will come for dinner next week. I've been in touch with the mom and the whole family will come over for spaghetti and meatballs. We can't tell GiGi or her friend because if it doesn't work out, they will be devasted.It is so hard to watch loved ones suffer, especially children, but there are lessons to be learned from every situation. I'm learning so much from her about how to live with disease and pain with dignity and grace. I appreciate your concern and I thank you so much for your prayers. I think of you often and include you in mine. Hugs and blessings! [/size][/font]

Blizzard here tomorrow

Maire379 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:29:50 GMT

We are expecting a blizzard starting this evening and not ending until some time on Sunday. Boy can I feel this one. Just right out of the blue it started. My back between my shoulderblades, ankles, both hands and wrists and right elbow. I can bearly move my fingers. Not so much becuase of the pain but they just don't want to move any more. I am at work because I was not this bad this morning. I took an early lunch with some medications for pain. Seeing how I feel once they start to work. Might have to go home this afternoon. When I get home I will lie down and rest while the blizzard is on. I see my rheumy in about 2 weeks Feb 22 hopefully he comes up with something that will help. I can't seem to get any lower then 30mg of Prednisone since he put me up to 40. Hope you are all having a good day.

U Might have RA if... (an attempt at humor )

SParmer82 — Mon, 08 Aug 2005 02:42:18 GMT

okay this is probably inspired by the fact that I haven't slept in two days. :( I'm sure some of you know Jeff Foxworthy who does the "You might be a redneck" jokes well I thought we could put an RA twist and have a rare chance to laugh at this disease :)

Here goes:

U Might have RA if... You've ever spent more then 20 minutes trying to figure out how to get out of a tub w/o using your arms or legs.

U Might have RA if... you've had to teach your hubby how to put on a bra.

U Might have RA if... your children imitate the frankenstien shuffle.

and finally...

U might have RA if... your wardrobe is organized not by season or color but by good days and bad.

Flaring

Lori Dee — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:54:17 GMT

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Don't know what kicked off my RA again. I'm trying to deal with the neck issues and the RA sneaks up and flares. One knee was just a little stiff the other day and now I can barely walk. I don't think my husband is getting it as to how bad I can get before getting better. It has been a warm winter around here and I usually don't do good when the weather is chilly and damp. My worst months are usually March and April. Maybe it's affecting me? I hurt behind my knee, there is swelling and it feels like a rubber band is around my leg. Don't know when I'll get to the Rheumy. Guess I'll have to deal with it for now and hope it goes away. Wishing everyone a pain free day [/size][/font].

Movement is supposed to help RA, right?

LoveMyBoys — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:49:02 GMT

[size=3]When I get up in the morning I am so stiff, but after a warm bath and about an hour of moving around I start to loosen up. In fact, all of the larger joints start to feel a little better throughout the day with movement. My hands tend to hurt all day long, every day though. My knuckles are staying swollen also. I do some typing, but not a huge amount, so I can't blame it on that. Folding clothes, dusting furniture, all those tasks really hurt. Any suggestions on what you all have done to make it easier? Any ideas on what can make my hands hurt less? I have been trying Voltaren Gel on my feet and hands, it hasn't helped yet. Maybe I am not using it enough (once a day). My rheumy also has me taking Limbrel.[size]

Biologics causing abnormal cbc lab results

Autoimmunity — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:36:47 GMT

I am taking simponi and my most recent labs are showing low levels of neutrophils, high levels of lymphocytes and monocytes and a low neutrophil absolute count. I had the same results on my last labs back un August and the dr had stated my labwork looked fine, but the results are much lower/higher this time.Anyone else on biologics have this? I am thinking it indicates immune system suppression caused by the simponi??

starting rituximab..please urgent help!

Serah am — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:46:32 GMT

[b]Hello i am new here ,,,but i need your opinions or infos or anything which can help me..i was diagnosed with RA since i was 10 years old , i almost tried everything..first the disease was very severe with night fevers, lots of pain and swelling in hands and knees.along the years , it has decreased ,however , new symptoms and joints were affected until i had my both hips replaced last year after not being able to walk from the pain i had in them..after the surgery i had a big relief in both of my hips, however my shoulders and hands joints are now becoming severely affected, and the bad thing is that i'm only taking prednison with a dosage of 5mg/day with many supplements.i have tried almost everything.. Remicade , methotrexate( they hadn't any effect) also i tried ARAVA( it was the best thing i had for about 1 and a half year with no pain and no need of cortisone at all , until suddenly i was severely allergic to it and had liver failure which lead almost to my death). after that, i tried Humira( with no effect yet no benefits also) and then lately i tried ACTEMRA( in which i was also allergic and i stopped it)..Now my rheumy want to try Rituximab to see if i will get any improvement with it so she told me about Rituximab, not a new one , but i haven't tried it yet..so i had all tests and everything is ok to start..however i am very worried about its side effect especially the[u] PML SIDE EFFECT[/u] which is fatal.so anyone who knows info about this please let me know it or anyone who tried it and discussed this side effect also plz inform me about your experience because after reading all the articles and researches on the internet i became very confused and afraid!!..[/b]

Favorite Soup:

JustK — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:10:26 GMT

[size=3]Hello All!Winter has really set in around here and our family LOVES the comfort of a bowl of delicious, hot, comforting soup. At least once a week, I mix up a batch of something interesting and leave it simmering on the stove or in the crockpot for hours blending all the flavors together and sending off those wonderful aromas throughout the house. Before I add a recipe, I would like to hear your favorites. Could you please take a minute to add your favorite(s) for me?Thanks in advance![/size]:) It's currently 6 below and I am about ready to start a pot of something!

SUPER BOWL SNACKS 2012!

JustK — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:01:59 GMT

[size=3]Hi Gang!I am always looking for ways to stop thinking about RA, even if for a couple of hours or so. Does anyone have any great ideas for Sunday's BIG game? Please share any suggestions or plans for the big game on Sunday. They can be healthy or not, I am open to trying and testing out some new hors d' oeuvres and super bowl traditions soon! Have a great weekend and who is your pick to win the game?:):w00t::hehe: Are you ready for some football?[/size]

Should I take my Mtx

Jaclyn Moylan — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:04:51 GMT

[size=3]Good morning all. I was supposed to take my 4th dose of Mtx on Saturday, but decided to wait until Monday since we had a full weekend planned and I knew the Mtx would make me feel nauseous as it usually does. Well, I skipped it yesterday because I was feeling like I was coming down with something and this morning I am not feeling any better. My question is should I just go ahead and take my Mtx or skip it since I am feeling crappy anyway? I have heard of some people that go off it when they get sick, but i'm not sure if they just skip it when they have to go on another medicine or antibiotic. I am not taking anything for what feels like the flu, but I'm not sure if I should just skip this dose since it makes me feel crappy anyway.[/size] .

OT: Happy Birthday, Idrial 31 (Saturday, December 31)

Pam3 — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:09:29 GMT

[center][url=http://community.arthritis.org/Idrial][size=5][color=pink][font=Comic Sans MS]Idrial,[/font] [/color] [/size][/url][color=0066cc][size=5][font=Comic Sans MS]I hope you'll enjoy both a fun New Year's Eve and a happy birthday. Celebrate another year of life![/font][/size][/color][img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5300212722_77f3708f97.jpg[/img][/center]

Nervous...Rheumy increased my Mtx

Jaclyn Moylan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:08:36 GMT

[size=3]So I had my follow up appointment with my rheumy yesterday. She is increasing my Mtx from 4 a week to 6 a week. I am to take 6 a week for two weeks and if I tolerate that then I am to go up to 8 a week. If that does not work she is going to add some type of injections to the mix. I'm a bit nervous as the 4 a week makes me nauseous as it is. I don't literally get sick I just have the blah feeling in my stomach for a couple days. I told her I was willing to increase the dose and see what happens. I will pretty much do anything to get my symptoms under control. She showed me my xrays and there was severe damage in my knees,wrists,fingers,ankles,and toes. It's really weird because I have swelling in those joints, but no visible nodules. I always thought if you had severe damage it would always show with visible nodules on the fingers and toes. Seems I learn more about this horrible disease every time I go to the doctor. She also increased my pain meds(thank goodness), I don't know what I would do without them these days. I am thankful to have a rhuemy who is very aggressive and proactive in my treatment, but I am really nervous about increasing the Mtx. [/size].

I'm a newbie

Lisa Dimit — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:39:24 GMT

So I have been diagnosed with RA by my pcp,due to months of swollen finger joints and pain,morning stiffness, and positive RA factor in bloodwork. Now I am just waiting to see the RA doc. Unfortunately its not til the end of March. In the meantime, I am taking ibuprofen,but in low doses. I do not want to have to rely on them to deall with pain, as i am a recovering addict. I am 34 with 2 kids, and feel like I am half the mom I usually am due to pain, fatigue and lack of mobility. I only work part time but evenn there its very hard to work thru. I know that I am dupposed to keep moving to help the pain but its so hard!!! I just need some suggestions, advice, encouragement and hope!! Thank You!!

When to Change Rheumy

Chessiegirl — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:46:11 GMT

[size=2]I have an appointment to see my rheum this coming Friday.For the past several months I have thought that maybe I need to change rheumy, but can't seem to make up my mind. Don't get me wrong, I like my rheumy, but I don't LOVE him. I just don't know.What irks me about him:1. I don't get bloodwork done BEFORE appointments to discuss during the appointment. Right now we are concerned about my AST levels and if I can stay on Arava and it just seems a little odd to me that he wouldn't want my blood drawn first to discuss Friday. 2. He seems to rule things out as not possibly being RA related, when I have read that it could be (my plantar facitis) and doesn't explain very well why something is NOT RA.3. Except for my first visit, he has not tested for my RF or anti-CCP levels. Both were negative then, but he hasn't tested for it since. When I was diagnosed he had said that a good portion of people test negative during the first year. I am going to bring this up to him Friday. 5. While I feel like I have his attention, and I am not being shoved out the door, I often feel like he is trying to move on to the next patient. I do like:1. I feel he does listen to me2. He is generally a nice guy3. He moves on to a new medicine if one doesn't seem to be working as well as he thinks it should. 4. He reads his notes from previous appointments. Maybe this is all normal and/or not important in the grand scheme of things and I am just too new to this to know better. I don't want to go to someone else, find out I don't like that person and then go back to this guy. I know that I do have a good rheumy, but I just have the feeling that he may not be the "best" for me. I just don't really know what the "best" for me is.Not sure what to do and I feel like if I am going to make a move, I want to do it soon. Any advice, opinions, and thoughts would be appreciated.Sorry this is so long.Thanks![/size]

Actemra therapy...

Jewell83 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:32:32 GMT

[size=3]I have been on Actemra therapy for over a year now with good success...Unfortunately my inflammation markers are really high again and I am not feeling well...I have not always been able to take the full dosage due to increased liver enzymes but it was still controlling my inflammation very well...Of course the tests for imflammation have been up and down with the decreased dosage but now they are the highest they have been while I have been on Actemra and I have had the full dosage for two months in a row...But...my liver enzymes are creeping up again so my doctor only allowed a half a dose again on Friday even though the inflammation has increased dramatically...I was soooo hoping to stay on this medication for a very long time...It has worked so well I don't want it to fail me now!:w00t: I am really scared of failing yet another medication and I am just about out of options...I could use some words of encouragement or personal success stories right about now please...Hope this post was not too confusing...I know most of you are familiar with my background of medications and the history of my illness...[u]Lulu[b][/b][/u]...I would really like to hear more about your success with Actemra and anyone else too please...Thanks for listening...Jewell[/size]

Good News Thread

Great Granny — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:35:07 GMT

[font=Verdana][size=3] On Monday, I could barely get out of bed. Today, I walked down the steps and made myself a cup of coffee. I drove my grand daughter to the bus stop for school. If I had to, I could do a "happy dance." To the general public, I'd probably look a hot mess; but you could appreciate why I think I'd look good doing it. ;)My mother/sister/friend Jerrie does not need anymore treatments for her lukemia. Her blood count has been normal for several weeks, her energy is back, and she is strong enough to resume many of her activities, including going to church and helping her elderly friends. (I always smile when she says that - since she's in her 70's.)Some time ago, I asked that you pray for a young man named David, who had cancer. (I used to work with his father.) I recently learned that David is cancer free, has gained all of the weight he lost to chemo, and has returned to work.And last, but certainly not least, my grand daughter came home with a big blue star sticker yesterday, which signifies that she is the Shining Star Student of the Week for her Kindergarten class. This is the second time she's received this award.Let's keep this thread going. We'd love to hear your good news.Hugs.[/size][/font]

Resience Quote of the Day

Pam3 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:07:49 GMT

[center][font=Verdana][size=5][color=purple]"Things don't always happen to us.Sometimes they happen for us."[/color] [/size][/font][/center][center][font=Verdana][size=3][color=pink]Jerrie L. Bascome McGill (Quoted by Writer NeAnni Ife)[/color][/size][/font][/center][center][img]http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3068/3082545173_5447621f4f.jpg[/img][/center]

Differnt brand of MTX

Itsme Wayne — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:58:44 GMT

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=4][color=#466FF]Hi Group,My story about mtx:Two weeks ago I picked up my monthly bottle of mtx. There was a note on it, that it was different than my normal mtx made by Barr. It looked different, in that instead of an elongated pill, it was no a yellow round pill.I was told on the note, it was the same 2.5 mg and would work the same as the old one.I took the new pills at my normal dose of 2.5 X 12 pills (30mg) It made me feel quite badly, but I attributed it to other issues. I was sick all week and then it was time to take it again. I thought about the previous week and how sick I felt, so I backed off to 2.5 X 8 pills and thought I may do OK with it until my next rheumy appointment. Well I took it and felt like worse than the week before. I powered through it until this week. I take it on Tuesday mornings, so on Monday, I called the WalMart pharmacy and asked to speak with the pharmasist. Of course the gal I spoke with said she could help me. I told her I doubted it, but told her the story of how sick I felt after taking it.This new to me brand is by Roxane. I explained that I had been taking 30 mg of the Barr brand and it only made me feel weird for two days and that I wanted to get the old brand back. The gal told me that she could not handle it and would put me onto the pharmacist!I told the pharmacist the same story and I asked her to use the old one and I would pick it up. She told me she could not get that brand right now, but she could have me try another brand. So I had her order that, knowing the Roxane one was killing me!I took comfort in the fact that the pharmacist heard me and tried to get a quick resolution. She also told me she put a note in my records that states not to give me the Roxane brand again.I don't remember the name of the new one and I hope it works like the old one and I will report on how I do with that one, once I have a couple weeks of it through my system.So, why am I telling you this? Well it came to me that others may have tried mtx and got very sick on it. It may be that if this did happen to you, you may try asking for a different brand!All I know, is the Barr brand worked well for me!Itsme Wayne :)[/color][/size][/font]

Critical Inj Mtx Shortage

Joy125 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:52:22 GMT

[size=3]CRITICAL METHOTREXATE SHORTAGEI’ve been having trouble getting injectable mtx since September 2011. My mail order pharmacy and two nearby walk-in pharmacies were out. After calling around I found a pharmacy in another town that still had some in stock – until last week. I took their last 2 ml vial of mtx – which is only a two week supply.According to the FDA’s 1/23/2012 list of current drug shortages, the soonest one drugmaker anticipates having inj mtx available is April. The other four drug companies have either stopped making the 2ml vials, have temporarily discontinued the 2ml vials, have it on back order and can’t estimate a release date or have a limited supply only available for emergency orders.[url]http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm050792.htm[/url][b][u]Anyone having trouble getting inj mtx should report this to the FDA by emailing[/u]:[/b][email]drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov.[/email]The more the FDA hears from us, the more attention they will devote to resolving this shortage and taking steps to prevent them from reoccurring in the future. From “[b]Drug Shortages Predicted to Reach Record Levels,[/b]” MEDSCAPE TODAY, September 9, 2011 -- according to Joseph Hill with the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP):[/size][quote][size=2][i]“There isn't just 1 driver of the drug shortage; in fact, it is complicated by multiple issues, said Mr. Hill."One of the main drivers is quality problems in the manufacturing sector," he told Medscape Medical News. "The majority of these shortages are in the area of older sterile generic injectables, and the manufacture of these products is a highly complex process.".......Dr. Link pointed out that not only is the manufacturing of these injectables complex, but that they are also costly to make, with little profit to show for it. "That gives companies little incentive to keep making these drugs," he said.Another driver is consolidation within the industry itself. "We have seen company mergers, which means that there are fewer manufacturers," Mr. Hill said.....[/i]...[/size][/quote][url]http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/749401[/url][size=3]Other articles about the shortage of inj mtx -- a chemo drug used to treat RA and pediatric cancer:[b]“Shortage of cancer drugs tied to simple economics, experts say”[/b] LOS ANGELES TIMES, November 2, 2011[quote][i].........In this eye-opening report, a pharmacist and a physician explain why so many cancer drugs are in short supply and offer some prescriptions for how to fix things.For starters, oncologists have a strong incentive to prescribe expensive brand-name drugs instead of cheaper (though just as effective) generic ones.......Oncologists now rely on drug sales for half their revenue....With doctors writing prescriptions for brand-name drugs instead of their generic equivalents, demand for generics plummeted. So companies stopped making them. ......some suggestions for reversing the problem. One is to change the way oncologists are paid so that they no longer rely on commissions from selling chemo drugs....Another solution would be to regulate the price of cancer drugs as in Europe, where shortages are less frequent. “Prices are set higher for generics so that companies will make them, but prices of brand-name drugs are often much lower than U.S. prices,” Gatesman and Smith write.[/i][/quote][url]http://articles.latimes.com/2011/nov/02/news/la-heb-cancer-drug-shortage-20111102[/url][b]"The Shortage of Essential Chemotherapy Drugs in the United States,"[/b] NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, November 9, 2011[url]http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1109772[/url][/size]

How are you feeling? What are you doing?

Txnana — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:11:03 GMT

Both my hubby and I have a summer cold :sick: here in HOT Texas.....so I'm congested, coughing, not feeling too good! Just finished making homemade chicken noodle soup....comfort food for us.....should definitely help. Plus, my fingers and ankles are stiff :w00t:

How are you feeling? What are you doing?

Take care.

Txnana :cool:

024 Pain Management System (topical pain reliever)

Laura Greenwell — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:47:32 GMT

Just wondering if this is just another hocus pocus potion.

Some advice please

Karlyn — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:17:55 GMT

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with RA two years ago but am new to posting. I am a Registered Nurse and recently accepted a new position on the surgical floor of a hospital. I work 12 hour night shifts (full time) and I feel like my condition is progressively worsening. I am on Humira and prednisone. I was doing better before accepting this new job and am thinking that perhaps the job itself may be the cause. My new job is extremely physically demanding and the change to working nights has been difficult. I have learned that I am very stubborn and accepting that I can't be as active as I was before has been very hard for me (I'm only 29 for heaven's sake!). The pain and stiffness has greatly increased over the past 3 months and I feel extremely fatigued. I've noticed other changes in my body that are quite strange and I've lost 15lbs unintentionally, I just don't have an appetite and I feel nauseous when I try to eat. I feel so terrible for my fiance because he doesn't understand how I feel or what I'm going through. RA didn't rear its ugly head until after we were dating so I feel guilty like I've trapped him or something. He's incredibly sweet and caring but he just doesn't get it (like most people). I guess I'm posting because I feel like I have no one to talk to about things and I would welcome any suggestions on how to deal with my feelings and symptoms. And if anyone else has experience working a demanding job like mine I would love to hear about it.Thank you :)

OT: Where does everyone live????

DianeLouise — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:11:49 GMT

Just thought it would be fun!

Pittsburgh, Pa

Diane :)

Is anyone on Restasis for dry eyes/RA?

Sadie Smith — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:48:02 GMT

I had to go see an eye doctor for a eye exam due to being on Plaquenil. He said I have to start taking Restasis for my dry and rather inflamed eyes. Thankfully, I can stay on the Plaquenil though. Does anyone here use Restasis? He said if I don't do something about it now I could be looking at vision loss in ten years or less.