I know I've not been around on the forum recently and feel that I have let people down, but to be honest with the way my physical and mental health has been over the past couple of months, I would not want to impose it upon anyone, and would not have been of any help; it was like I just wanted to switch off from everything going on in my life and the world. My brother is very ill with liver disease, and spent 8 weeks in hospital with a burst stomach ulcer, and has been told he will die if he does not change his lifestyle. I am very worried about him, but feel useless as I am unable to help practically with his care, which has been left to my poor 73 yr-old mother and my younger sister.

Over the past couple of months I have been in hospital 5 times with one thing or another: feet and hands, E-coli (again) and episodes of vomiting and retching, which last for hours on end, and does not stop until I'm given a jab to stop the sickness and put on a drip, because I get so dehydrated . The doctors have found nothing, and I'm now waiting to have an endoscopy on the 12th, but suspect that like with all the other tests nothing will be found. Maybe I should be pleased if nothing is found again, but I know it is real and not something in my head! One of my enlightened carers said she had experienced exactly the same thing when she was going through the menopause, and was wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar? I am 50 and have infrequent periods, which are very heavy when I do get them.

I have had my good days when I'm able to move around quite well and when I am not in too much pain, but as I am not on any meds it doesn't last for long. I have been advised to go back on Enbrel later this month, but I am worried and wondering with my previous experience with drugs whether I should? My consultant said the Enbrel will also treat my pustular psoriasis, and dodgy liver, and given my previous experiences with medication, I now find myself in a bit of a dilemma.

Much love to you all and sorry for not being around,

Barbara
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Hi Barbara,
It's good to see you back on here.
You've had a dreadful time these last few months and I hope things will start improving for you now.
I can well understand your dilemma about the enbrel, I hope you can do what Monty suggests and talk it through with your rheumy nurse or consultant.
Sorry too hear about your brother too.
I didn't have any sickness at all going through the menopause.
Hope the good days start to outnumber the bad for you very soon.

Love and hugs, Doreen xx

Hi Barbara

How are you doing ?

Well i have unexplained skin rashes as well but not as bad as yours ( as i have seen it )
But i had stacks of trouble when the menopause came .

started with R.A and all the other auto imume stuff .
the menopause it self well i have sailed though it no flushes no nothing just the other stuff .
Which told it has came along with it .

along with skin promlems i have had all sorts of rashes roseasa dermitis (Well you saw me )

may be when you are settled it might pass .
Maybe look at life a other way so you don,t foucs on whats wrong only the good stuff thats happend .And think off nice things too get your mind of the bad .Try a differant hobby i have tried to grow a veg garden ha ha .
With your brother get carers in to take the burden off .Its out there meaning the right care is out there .
keep ya chin up

Christine

Oh Barbara,

I'm the one who is sorry - you may have noticed I've also kept away for similar reasons. I hate the way I shut myself off, but if that is our way of coping I'm sure everyone understands. Still it means I haven't been there for you, and it sounds as if you've had no let up at all.

I'm also now off all my RA drugs because of my lousy kidney function - I had gone toxic with rash etc. Now been referred to Nephrology to work out what to do drugs wise. Also had a fall and bad wound so off Humira anyway in case of infection and am also waiting for endoscopy to confirm coeliac or not ( dreading having to go back on gluten!)

I've had my daughter and grandaughter for 3 weeks which is a good distraction and wonderful, but....! They go back on Thurs

Thankyou for touching base with everyone - will be in touch properly at end of week

xxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Alison, just posted and please don't worry, I know "out of sight is not out of mind," and you and other people on the forum, who I know are poorly too, have been very much in my thoughts. I am just fed-up with it all and do not want to subject people to my negativity. However, I do like to hear from people who are doing well, and managing to cope with the disease as it does give me hope, makes me feel better, and like to learn from others.

will try and call tomorrow,

much love,

Babara
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Oh Barbara- you must never ever say sorry on here. We all understand and sometimes we all need a break from things. I'm not on as often as I used to be for various reasons but it doesn't mean I forget people and what they are going through.
Sometimes our mental and physical reserves are stretched to the limit!

I had a tube put down .Theres nothing too it expect the thought if its done while you sleep and you won,t rembember a thing if they use dizapam

Sorrry Barbara to hear you have so many troubles with yourself and family . I know these stresses worsen
the RA s well.

Everyone above has given a lot of good advice. Take care

Rose

Hi Barbara,

Sorry to hear you have been so poorly, and having very heavy periods on top of everything else must really pull you down. Why don't you consider getting the Mirena Coil once fitted it takes about 3 months to settle down and then your period tapers off completely. It remains in place for 5 years, then chances are you will not have problems after that.You will also have to watch you are not anemic if you have been heavy for some time. Hope this is a help to you, Lorna

Dear Barbara

Sorry to hear abut the rotten time you're having

sending you much love

Maria x