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Week #3 Tip for fatigue

Are you depressed? In addition to fatigue, other symptoms include but are not limited to lack of...

Posted by Scott Zashin, MD

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Week #3 Tip for fatigue Are you depressed? In addition to fatigue, other symptoms include but are not limited to lack of...

Week #2 fatigue tip Are your medications causing f...

Many medications are associated witih fatigue. For the RA patient, methotrexate has been assoicated...

Posted by Scott Zashin, MD

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Week #2 fatigue tip Are your medications causing fatigue? Many medications are associated witih fatigue. For the RA patient, methotrexate has been assoicated...

10 Tips to Help Fatigue

Over the next 10 weeks, I hope to provide 10 tips that I provide to my patients to help with their...

Posted by Scott Zashin, MD

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:10 Tips to Help Fatigue Over the next 10 weeks, I hope to provide 10 tips that I provide to my patients to help with their...

ARTREX...New US FDA approved product for arthritis

Wanted to inform the community that ARTREX cream is US FDA approved & tablets are US patented for rheumatoid...

Posted by Ranmon

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:ARTREX...New US FDA approved product for arthritis Wanted to inform the community that ARTREX cream is US FDA approved & tablets are US patented for rheumatoid...

RA SUCKS/PAIN RELIEF

Yes RA sucks trust me I know I was diagnosed in 02, as a male it is even harder sometimes becuase you are...

Posted by endersgame

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:RA SUCKS/PAIN RELIEF Yes RA sucks trust me I know I was diagnosed in 02, as a male it is even harder sometimes becuase you are...

This helps me with stomach pain,and nausea.

I first was diagnosed with O.A. on my lower back about 2 1/2 yrs ago, about 6 months later I was also...

Posted by HopeFig79

I first was diagnosed with O.A. on my lower back about 2 1/2 yrs ago, about 6 months later I was also diagnosed with R.A. So since then I've been taking Methotrexate,and Prednisone. I was taking 6 of the MTX on 2 days a week,and 9mg of prednisone daily,trying to work down to 1mg daily,but my R.A is always very active.Even with both those meds.After a while though I had a liver test done,and it was higher than it should of been,so my Doc cut me down to 3 MTX a week.
I tried Remicade in the past and it did not work. Then my Doc put me on Actemra and it was helping alot.. For the first time in 2yrs I felt pretty good. No Fatigue,fevers,and best of all not much swelling,and pain... But for the past few months I have not been able to take the Actemra because I keep getting sinus infections.(Can not take Actemra when you have a infection.Would make matters worse) Soo I'm back to the daily swelling,tightness and pain,and still on 9mg of prednisone and off the MTX for the moment so I can take antibiotics,for the infection..I had a x-ray done on my sinus and was diagnosed with chronic sinus infections..Anyway my PCP diagnosed me also with acid reflux.So I also get heartburn,and stomach pains,and nausea,and sometimes my esophagus would swell,and make it hurt,and hard to swallow..I've been having a problem with swallowing food,and sometimes pills..Every once in a while a pill or two,sometimes small amount of food would go up into my sinuses instead of going down.No hiccups,or coughing when I swallow. I swallow with a liquid and it goes up..My Docs are kind of baffald by that one. Anyways my PCP gave me a prescription of HYOSCYAMINE TAB SL for the swallowing problem and the stomach problems..Whenever I have a upset stomach,nausea,cramps,or esophagus pain I take one of those pills( you can either put it under your tongue,chew it,or swallow it) I prefer under the tounge..Once the pill dissolves and maybe a minute later the nausea is gone,and so is the stomach pain..Maybe you could talk to you Doc to see if that med will help you to,like it does for me.. Hope this helps..View Thread

Posted by HopeFig79

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3 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:This helps me with stomach pain,and nausea. I first was diagnosed with O.A. on my lower back about 2 1/2 yrs ago, about 6 months later I was also...

Side Effects

I was on Methotrexate for about 2 yrs and Folic Acid along with Piroxicam. After the 2 years I began...

Posted by jensiegirl1

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1 Reply | ReplyReport This| Share this:Side Effects I was on Methotrexate for about 2 yrs and Folic Acid along with Piroxicam. After the 2 years I began...

Includes Expert Content

WEIGHT GAIN AND RA

HAS ANY ONE EXPERIENCED A GREAT AMOUNT OF WEIGHT GAIN WITH RA AND TAKING METHOTREXATE? I HAVE...

Posted by sickandtiredofbeingsick

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4 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:WEIGHT GAIN AND RA HAS ANY ONE EXPERIENCED A GREAT AMOUNT OF WEIGHT GAIN WITH RA AND TAKING METHOTREXATE? I HAVE...

Shoes for RA and fibromyalgia

I have both RA and fibromyalgia, and both affect my feet. I have most of my pain in the first joint of my...

Posted by Fabulousfb

I have both RA and fibromyalgia, and both affect my feet. I have most of my pain in the first joint of my toes and the balls of my toes. Fortunately, I don't suffer from planter's faciatis. After trying a pair of Point Blank Skecher's shoes at an outlet store, I knew I had found the right brand of shoes for myself. They were so comfortable, and I now have at least 10 different styles of Skechers, many in multiples of different colors. I do have to put different insoles in some, and wear none in some. They are all from the Skechers "Biker" collection, which all have the same type of sole like a sneaker, which is rubberlike and very "sure-footed", which is great for me, as I have had a few falls, one of which really screwed up my left knee permanently. The tops of the shoes go from casual "feminine" sneakers- the Point Blank sneakers to dressy gladiator sandals to dressy black "ballet" type shoes. You would never know they have a sneaker-type sole and have only a 1/2 heel, if even that. I love the fact that they don't look like orthopedic shoes at all. And I have no problem with them being "flats", since I gave up on heels many years ago. I feel like I've reached a happy medium. The only drawback is that I have to order most of them on-line and tho' I normally wear a size 8, I have every size between a 7 and an 8.5, depending on the shoe. But if you shop around on-line, you can get some great discounts and some companies have free shipping and free returns, which really makes it alot easier and cheaper for me. The average price I pay is around $40, which is very reasonable. I'm not a paid promoter of these shoes, but I should be! I love them, and others are impressed when they see the "sensible" soles on such pretty shoes! I hope this helps, but realize that your feet are going to hurt no matter what when you are on them for awhile. These shoes help make it more bearable for me to walk for longer periods of time.View Thread

Posted by Fabulousfb

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2 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Shoes for RA and fibromyalgia I have both RA and fibromyalgia, and both affect my feet. I have most of my pain in the first joint of my...

handsofclay

I've found Merrell to provide good arch support. I have worth orthotis for years whereas these provide...

Posted by handsofclay

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2 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:handsofclay I've found Merrell to provide good arch support. I have worth orthotis for years whereas these provide...

gofergulch

Kristen--I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 34. I am now 57. I still lead a very active life punctuated...

Posted by gofergulch

Kristen--I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 34. I am now 57. I still lead a very active life punctuated with small rest periods. When I need a short rest period, I give myself permission to take it. I just can't do all the housework in one day like I used to so I split it up over the week.
I have found that my rheumatologist is my best advocate. I take Humira (TNF blocker) and methotrexate, no NSAIDs. My RA is moderately severe at this time (due to flare up) but I made up my mind many years ago that this disease wasn't going to conquer me. It is so important to get some exercise daily, not only to help the joints but to help improve your stress levels. It is okay to let others know you might need a little assistance at times. The very best thing you can do for yourself is keep a positive attitude (yeah, right when your knees are killing you!). I also think it is important to save some time for yourself every day to do something you really enjoy doing. I sew and have found that when my mind is occupied, I hurt less. I also pray alot. Any focus you can find that gets your mind off of what your body is doing is perfect.

There is a new blood test called a Vectra test. One vile of blood is drawn and it shows your doctor how active your RA is. If you find that a certain medication doesn't seem to be working, call the doctor. There are so many drugs available. All things considered, their side effects are minimal compared to the relief you will get.

Kristen, don't be afraid. This can be managed, it is not a curse, just means you might be doing things a little slower at times but YOU WILL BE DOING THEM! I work full-time and walk all day on concrete floors. I learned about good boots (I have to wear a uniform) and I take short breaks when I need to. Get knowledgeable about your RA. There is a lot of info out there.View Thread

Posted by gofergulch

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:gofergulch Kristen--I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 34. I am now 57. I still lead a very active life punctuated...

Fighting RA

I see all the postings about using Prednosone. I just want to say be careful as this drug will raise your...

Posted by Flattracker

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Fighting RA I see all the postings about using Prednosone. I just want to say be careful as this drug will raise your...

lorijrocks

I have severe arthritis in both knees and also a rare dysplasia on both knee caps. I am a former CDF...

Posted by lorijrocks

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:lorijrocks I have severe arthritis in both knees and also a rare dysplasia on both knee caps. I am a former CDF...

confused and overwhelmed re RA or Lupus diagnosis

last year 3/2010 I was diagnosed with RA after being sick with all kinds of symptoms from stiffness to...

Posted by wendybird65

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1 Reply | ReplyReport This| Share this:confused and overwhelmed re RA or Lupus diagnosis last year 3/2010 I was diagnosed with RA after being sick with all kinds of symptoms from stiffness to...

making the most of your Rheumatology appt

Because time may be limited for your appointment, focus on the 2 or 3 things that concern you the...

Posted by Scott Zashin, MD

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The Road Back Foundation

I was just reading your post and wanted to share with you my journey with RA. My name is Pat First let me...

Posted by jorge51;

I was just reading your post and wanted to share with you my journey with RA. My name is Pat
First let me give you some background on how RA has affected me. I have only been diagnosed for two years but, I am fairly certain that I have had the disease for eight years. It incapacitated me for the first two and then went into remission for the next four. In the beginning of the last two year period I found myself becoming increasingly tired to the point of napping three times a day and being exhausted in between naps. I woke up with a headache and went to bed with one as well for over a year. It affected my memory, the use of my hands, knees, shoulders, and neck. I was unable to exercise, carry things, fold much laundry, cut up food, button my shirt; even shampooing my hair was becoming difficult.

Almost a year ago, I had my first abscessed tooth. I was on huge amounts of antibiotics for almost a month. I felt better with the abscess tooth than I had felt in months. I thought I was just having a period of good days in the disease but, when the antibiotics were stopped I had the worst flare I have ever had in the history of my disease. Six months later I developed a second abscessed tooth with infection in the jaw. Again I was put on massive amounts of antibiotics with the same affect on the RA. This time I put the two together. I had antibiotics left over from the first toothache, the Dr. switched medications two weeks into the therapy and I had just refilled the script, so I continued to take antibiotics and started to do research on the net. I found "The Road Back Foundation". I got the book that Dr. Brown wrote from the library and read it. I was determined to try this therapy.

I went to my Dr. and asked him if he would prescribe the Minocycline, the drug Dr. Brown prescribed to his over 10,000 patients, and let me try it. He agreed. I am now almost back to energy levels prior to the disease. I no longer take three naps a day nor am I looking forward to the next one I can take. My headaches are rare and never as intense as before. I can cook, clean, fold, vacuume, tie and button shirts and shoes, almost at normal levels. I still have to rest more than I used to before the RA and I still have some pain in my hands if I over use them. I still take all my medications but, the point is the quality of life I am enjoying is so much better.

I hope you will take this therapy seriously and try it, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The drug has few side effects; it is used long term in young patients to treat acne. If you have any questions or just want to talk feel free.

Pat

View Thread

Posted by jorge51;

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1 Reply | ReplyReport This| Share this:The Road Back Foundation I was just reading your post and wanted to share with you my journey with RA. My name is Pat First let me...

prednisolone may be more effective than prednisone...

Rarely I will find a patient who is not getting the response I would expect with prednisone. In those...

Posted by Scott Zashin, MD

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21 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:prednisolone may be more effective than prednisone in some patients Rarely I will find a patient who is not getting the response I would expect with prednisone. In those...

pjrdlg

I am new to the site. I am on Methotrexate, folic acid. I am grateful that I am retired but I substitute teach....

Posted by pjrdlg

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:pjrdlg I am new to the site. I am on Methotrexate, folic acid. I am grateful that I am retired but I substitute teach....

mouth sores

I recently read that when one takes methotrexate as many of us do with RA and Sjogrens Syndrome, it can make...

Posted by ugirl1234

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1 Reply | ReplyReport This| Share this:mouth sores I recently read that when one takes methotrexate as many of us do with RA and Sjogrens Syndrome, it can make...

pneumococcal vaccination-get vacinated if possible...

There is an increased risk of infection with some of the medications used for treatment of patients...

Posted by Scott Zashin, MD

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:pneumococcal vaccination-get vacinated if possible before starting certain RA meds There is an increased risk of infection with some of the medications used for treatment of patients...

Methotrexate information

Hi All, I'm hearing lots of people complaining about the side effects of taking this drug. I've only...

Posted by AutoimmuneLady

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2 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Methotrexate information Hi All, I'm hearing lots of people complaining about the side effects of taking this drug. I've only...

working with a trainer

Daily aerobic exercise is recommended to help with pain, fatigue and general health.When choosing to...

Posted by Scott Zashin, MD

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:working with a trainer Daily aerobic exercise is recommended to help with pain, fatigue and general health.When choosing to...

Includes Expert Content

etodolac

I was diag about 6 months ago w/RA I have been taking Etodolac 500 mg twice a day and lately my hands, arms,...

Posted by An_215671

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2 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:etodolac I was diag about 6 months ago w/RA I have been taking Etodolac 500 mg twice a day and lately my hands, arms,...

help with methotrexate side effects

I recommend all my patients on methotrexate take at least 1 mg of Folic Acid daily to help decrease...

Posted by Scott Zashin, MD

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1 Reply | ReplyReport This| Share this:help with methotrexate side effects I recommend all my patients on methotrexate take at least 1 mg of Folic Acid daily to help decrease...

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