Medical Update
#266942 - 06/01/06 10:02 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Well, I just got back, again, from the eye specialist. My eyes have been flaring really bad for over a week this time around but its been on going since last August. The eye specialist actually called the rheumy and told the rheumy that he MUST do something more to get the RA under control or I will lose my vision. I've been having to use steroid eye drops and they are causing my cornea's to "meltdown." Corneal meltdown was the exact words the eye specialist said. Ducky-no wonder they are SO red and hurt like hell!
The eye doc gave me yet another pack of oral steroids called a medopack. Its a very high dose that you taper off over 6 days. I was supposed to see the rheumy this coming Monday but I need to call and reschedule that appt for 2 weeks out. By then, the steroids will have worn off and if the Enbrel isn't kicking in, then he will start me on Imuran in addition to everything else I'm on. The eye doc was appaled at the amount of visual swelling in my body and got right after the rheumy! I guess it takes one doc to kick another in the arse! 
So, I should have a few good days here from the steroids. Today started my 5th week of treatment with the Enbrel and I've been on placquenil since January, not to mention all the other stuff I take for the Fibro and IBS and Insomnia! The eye doc also listened to my breathing and said I'm only breathing at about 50% because of the costochondritis, which is swelling in the cartilage in my chest caused from the RA.
Will is ordering me a mini, light touch key board and an upright mouse today. I've got to be able to stay active with the outside world, honestly, I need the support to get through this. My twins would be due on June 18th, Fathers Day and thats also weighing heavily on me right now. All this is starting to really wear on Will, I've noticed he is drinking a lot more, not sleeping well and having tummy aches. Please send some love and hugs.
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Re: Hugs
#266948 - 06/01/06 10:08 AM
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Honey mix
Reged: 11/16/05
Posts: 285
Loc: USA wish it was England
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{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} I hope you get better soon I have been having troubles with my eyes hurting to I think its allergies though everytime I go near a cotten tree my eyes start to ache 
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Puppies Are Cute But I'm Cuter
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Honey, I am soooo wishing that this treatment will work! This must be so hard! Please know I am praying and thinking of you! You hang in there and know that we are here for you!! Gentle hugs my friend!
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God is Faithful!
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Hi Michele,
I'm glad that the other doctor is kicking your rheumy to get in gear with sorting out your RA meds. It isn't right that you're suffering so much! As far as Imuran goes I'm currently taking 150mg of it daily to treat ulcerative colitis and it's working fabulously. It takes up to 3 months to see the full effects but I was a quick responder to it and noticed improvement in 2 wks. My wbcs are just below the lowest normal which is where the doctor wants it to be. Hopefully an immune suppressant will help your RA.
Sending you positive thoughts.
Jenn
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Thanks Jenn, the placquenil is an immunesupprosent and the Enbrel is a TNF blocker, which is also supposed to suppress the immune system. I guess mines just really on over active right now. Maybe one more drug will make the difference. I see that the Imuran has GI upset listed as a side effect though and my IBS is already all wacky!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Re: Hugs
#266973 - 06/01/06 11:29 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Thanks Honey Mix. Pantanol is a great prescription allergy eye drop if your eyes don't clear up for you!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Have a blessed day! Rachel
Formerly poochibelly...
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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coming your way...michelle you're so brave...I cant believe how aweful that must be to have your eyes and body that swollen....it must be so uncomfortable not to mention painful...and the fact that you can still come online and offer us support is amazing. I cant really say anything else but look after yourself...get all the rest that you need and sending you all the hugs I can possibly give....
(((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))
GET BETTER SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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 Natalie
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Hi Michele,
I don't think Imuran will cause any problems with your IBS. Imuran is really great at putting people like myself with UC and others who have Chrohn's disease into remission.
I think you'll see a postive change with it. I know that it has a very long list of scary side effects and that did make me hesitant to take it. That being said my doctor explained it to me that those do not usually happen for people taking low doses (like people with CD and UC) it's mainly for people using such high doses to prevent organ transplant rejection. Well that reassured me a bit and I've been taking it since Dec. 2004 and have been in remission pretty much since starting it. I haven't had any adverse GI effects as a result of taking it.
Maybe talk to your doctor about it's success rate with treating RA.
Jenn
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