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Who's RA is under control - or not Options
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mags
#41 Posted : Wednesday, February 16, 2011 10:01:10 PM Quote
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Joined: 1/27/2011
Posts: 68
jeanb wrote:
I am thrilled to say that after 8 horrid years - wheelchair, not able to move easily, etc. I am now able to climb stairs (once a day) and walk short distances without sticks. For the first time in yonks, I am without pain and my consultant (who is gobsmacked by what is happening to me) says I am in remission. My swelling has all but disappeared and, apart from the fatigue, I feel better than I have done for years. God has been very good to me.

I am posting this not to gloat, but to encourage you all. If someone who is as unfit and overweight as I am can go into remission (for however long that may last) then it can happen to anyone!

You know why Jean you have this reprieve? Cause your and angel xmags
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jeanb
#42 Posted : Thursday, February 17, 2011 12:10:57 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/3/2009
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Location: Timperley
Aww Mags - that's such a lovely thing to say! My e-mail is jeanmboyd@yahoo.co.uk - please get in touch. Much love Jeanxxxxxx
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Paula-C
#43 Posted : Friday, February 18, 2011 6:03:59 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 838
Location: Nottinghamshire
Before I put my bit just want to say what wonderful news Jean's shared with us all, must be so reassuring to those of you who are really struggling to know that things can get much much better, just got to have faith and never give up hope.

I knew most of Jenni's story and I have nothing but admiration for her. She's always seems so positive and never gives up. I have been looking on here most of yesterday and today looking for news of her appointment yesterday (8.30 Thursday morning) hoping that something positive came out of it.

Lyn.......well I knew you had had problems but I had no idea that things had been so bad for you. I always look forward to your replies on here because you seem to know such alot about various aspects of treatment, I can see why now.

Francesca..........For someone so young, you have really had alot to deal with. Just pleased to read that apart from you hip you are able to do what girls of your age should be doing. You've also given me hope that I may one day be able to wear my 'high heels' again.ThumpUp Smile

Well about me. I was diagnosed 2008 and started on SLZ. Worked very well for a time and then things slowly started to get worse. Little things, nothing major but when I start to compare myself with how I was at my best, I can see a difference. It's like RA is slowly chipping away at me and taking me from me bit by bit.

I now take 6 SLZ a day and 20mg of MTX along with stomach protector, folic acid and slow release brufen based pain relief. It looks like it is on the cards for me to start injecting MTX (been advised by nurse to and I am waiting to see consultant), that way we will be 100% certain that all of the dose is getting in my system.

I've read on some post that pain relief is not needed much, well, me being me and just needing to know, I decided a few days ago not to take any pain relief for the day to see what would happen. The next morning I was in so much trouble. Hard to believe that two tablets could make so much difference. Wondering if its the pain relief that's doing the controlling and not the DMARD's............

So, No I don't think that my RA is under control.

Paula
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LynW
#44 Posted : Friday, February 18, 2011 7:11:30 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
Hi Paula

Thanks for your kind words Smile and for sharing your story.

I believe there are some misconceptions about pain relief and RA drugs generally. Not everyone will need pain relief but many do; it's such an individual thing and everyone is so very different. I think sometimes people expect the RA drugs to do the job of getting rid of pain. To some extent they do, for example by reducing the pressure of an inflamed joint. However, often a pain management system needs to be put into place to complement these drugs.

DMARDS and anti-tnfs actually work on the disease process itself and without these the RA would continue uncontrolled leaving behind in its wake a trail of joint damage.

Anti-inflammatories and steroids work on the symptoms of the disease only. such as inflammation and some pain elements caused by the symptoms. They do not act upon the progress of the disease.

Pain relief may still be needed to deal with things like muscle wastage, joint damage and pain from the active disease itself. It could be by way of tablets, splinting of problem joints or gentle stretching exercises. I think it is important in the control of the whole disease to maintain adequate pain relief. I maximise mine by not waiting until the pain appears but continue regularly with prescribed pain killers; co dydramol between 4-6 throughout the day and 2 dihydrocodeine at night. This is generally sufficient to keep pain at bay for me. I also have a supply of Tramadol for emergencies (given to me by a Cypriot doctor whilst on hols!), such as pain during the night.

Here's a link to the NRAS article on managing pain.

Like you say Paula just two tablets can have a dramatic effect on how we feel! I take it you won't be doing that again too soon?! I hope once you get started on injectable mtx you will see a big difference and things will improve for you. Fingers crossed ThumpUp

Lyn x
My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

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AnnieB
#45 Posted : Friday, February 18, 2011 7:19:26 PM Quote
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Joined: 5/19/2010
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Thanks Suzanne for starting this thread, it really has helped me to realise how lucky I am to be in touch with people who have really gone through the mill and experienced so many different drugs and treatments.

Us newbies really do benefit from this and will do for many years to come.

Anne x
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dawnybee
#46 Posted : Monday, February 21, 2011 8:05:28 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/6/2009
Posts: 67
Hi Suzanne, i was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago. I now only take Methotrexate and folic acid. I was on plaquil but that was stopped. I feel well, i've got as new job (no-one knows about my RA) "i don't look ill!! RollEyes Sometimes i forget i have it as i do feel so well. It's so easy to forget those awful dark days before i was told it was RA. It still shocks me when i think about it and it took a long time to accept it. I keep smiling and thank god for the medication!!Smile Take care, dawn
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