Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Well, as a RN with a background in critical care and hospice, I have been the "strong" one. Physical strength is something that has been disappearing for the last few years. Today was the day the "official" dx came through. RA, nope, not me. 20 cc's of fluid off my knee 3 months ago, then soft nodes on my wrists and fat swollen fingers and of course pain. God the pain. I never was a complainer. I know what suffering and tragedy is...but I usually check it at the door. Now I'm there with "them" but I won't complain. I'm not bed bound or comatose. I love to "go".

So, methotrexate and predisone to start. What freaks me out is my "knowing" of what these drugs do, especially being in critical care. Ok, I can deal but I'm a bit nervous. I had gastric bypass 8 yrs ago. I have been taking hydrocodone for the pain. I feel like maybe a GI bleed waiting to happen. How bad is the nausea? Anyone else out there on these med's after a gastric bypass?

I am grateful to know this is a place I can "vent", thank you all. ~Gina

Gee whiz Gina....you are a year younger than my daughter!....I have

been started on prednisone.....tried MTX earlier in the year, not for

me. You aren't the only person on here with football knees though.

So many people on this site have been or ARE in the health care

profession.

Glad you are here to talk with all of us...many wonderful people

here...WELCOME

Kathy

Kathy,

Thank you! I think it's virally induced. We healthcare providers are subjected to so much. In fact, my symptoms started after a 8 day hospitalization of a "viral syndrome" 104 temp, pericarditis. About 6 months after that is when I feel like my body started to change. I hope someday soon we can all have answers. Thanks again for the support

Hi Nurse Gina: I'm newly diagnosed with RA. I'v done tons of research on RA as both my Grandfather and my Mother died from complications of RA. My Mother died from the side effects of one drug.

So I share with You with being nervous so far I'm on Celebrex and it has help my fingers but the rest of me is swollen and painful I have my 1st Rheumy appointment soon and my recent blood tests came back with really high reading so i believe I'm about to be placed on heavy duty meds right away. I have a couple of injuries from a auto accident that the RA moved right into. I had my left knee replaced for third time in Dec 2009 and already I have all kinds of stuff growing all around it. The xrays are shocking and make me sick to look at them.

Anyway as a new member I welcome You and look forward to sharing our upcoming adventures into the world of RA. Tom the Shepherd Trainer

Yep RN Gina....there are many here (including me) who have swelling issues. For me it is primarily the knees. I was started on methotrexate in January, then taken off it in April due to what they thought 'could' have been a reaction. Then, a few weeks ago my right knee swelled up so bad, they drained 3 1/2 fat syringes full of fluid out of it. I have been on Humira for 3 months, and the doctor wanted me to try methotrexate again, so I am on my 3rd week of those injections again.

I am really trying hard to be aware of side effects. I don't get really nauseous it seems, although everything tastes absolutely horrible. I have an icky taste in my mouth from it. I also get mini hot flashes from time to time. Other than that, I haven't really noticed anything significant. However, my knees are still quite sore and I am beginning to wonder if any of this is working!

Thursday is my injection day, which is tomorrow. I will let you know if I get any bad side effects from the increased dosage!

naomi

Gina: I have noticed a commonality among people with RA.....THEY ARE

ALL very empathetic, caring, giving, and sharing. I have always tended to absorb other people's pain...no matter what kind it is, and

take it to heart....I am an artist...so is molly5.

Shep: My grandmother and my dad (her son) also had RA...She ended

up with scleroderma,cataracts,glaucoma.....I remember many times

she put her arms skyward and started speaking in tongues (pentecostal)

and scared me to death.....drugs work better.

Fowler: Those hot flashes you speak of....I think that is part of

flaring that I hate most....especially if I am trying to complete a

chore....I begin sweating profusely...primarily the face.

TRY ice packs on back of neck...lie down on it...

Oh...and in regard to theraputic marijuana....my dad grew some in the

backyard in his late 70's for the pain, dried it out in the oven, and

rolled cigars....he said it doesn't do squat!

Oh, the swelling. I am happy to say with summer here I haven't resembled Fred Flinstone so much. With all that swelling comes extra pain. Can hardly wait for Fall and Winter to get visited by him again. He must have had Raynauds.

Hi Gina, and welcome. I'm also on MTX inj and Pred. Third try of the MTX. Started last Aug and it got stopped twice for side effects, liver counts, liver biopsy, then on to the injections. Hoping these work and I can stay on it. My side effects are mouth sores, increased fatigue, and hair falling out but not near as bad as it was with the pills. No nasuea. I do the shot on Wed. still hurt Thursday and Fri. Sleep alot but have less pain Sat-Sun- and sometimes Monday. Pain is back full force Tues and Wed. Only been on it 6 weeks so maybe in another month everyday will be good. I have stomach probs that started before meds and the MTX doesn't seem to irritate it cept for the Gerd. Glad you found us.

hugs

Thank you all for the insite. I pick up my prescriptions today. I am going to start on Sunday, I have a big work party Saturday (at the bosses house, I want to be social and have at least one drink) I also have to call ortho to get some splints. I will use them at night so the morning won't be as bad moving around. Right now it takes me 2 hours to "get going". I have 3 weeks of the tabs of MTX then labs, but I think I want to do shots, especially with my stomach surgery history. How fast did the "moon face" stuff start with everyone on Predisone? How many doeses of the MTX until the sores and hair loss started? I feel like a 2 yr old with all my questions...lol Well I am off to work, thanks for your posts, I really am so greatful we all have this place to come to. Hope everyone has the best day they can!!