I'm feeling a little better
#270357 - 06/21/06 10:02 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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I thought I'd give an update-I posted a big, long, self-pity post the other morning but I think it got deleted before most people got a chance to read it-technical difficulties with Heathers site, not her fault! Anyways, I thought I'd share that I'm feeling a bit better!
My pain from the RA, fibro, costco and gastritis was running pretty much a solid 8. I've been on the placquneil now since January. The Enbrel (injections) for 7 weeks and the Imuran for almost 2 weeks. Along with a long list of other meds but those are the RA ones! I've been on steroids now for about a month as well. The swelling is down considerably. My hands and ankles are still pretty swollen but not as bad. My knees still hurt and lock up but I can stand and sit on my own. The costco in my chest is still pretty bad but comparatively, my over-all pain is running about a 4. It does go up later in the day but I'm finding I have a bit more energy. I haven't thrown up since the weekend! I'm still having D issues, about 10 times a day but its not bloody anymore so I'm not overly concerned.
I even got up early Monday and did 20 minutes on the elliptical. I got up early again today and did 25 minutes, about 3.5 miles. I think I over did it a bit as I'm really tired and achy but considering I needed help getting off the toilet 3 weeks ago, this is HUGE!
I'm down a total of 16 pounds. I've still got at least 33 more to go-my goal is 150 pounds, I'm 5'8 so I think thats reasonable.
I've been on 10mg of prednisone (steroid) but I've been trying to cut down as they are really bad for you to take. I'm doing 5mg one day and 7.5 the next and that seems to be holding my symptoms at bay. I'm hoping I can continue them for at least another month because by then the Enbrel and Imuran should be working. The dr's are amazed that I'm actually losing weight on steroids as thats unheard of but I'm trying REALLY hard and it makes it a little easier not to gain weight when it hurts to eat. 
With the due date of my twins behind me, I feel like I can start looking to the future. I may never have kids and I may battle the RA for the rest of my life but I'm feeling a Little better about things. I think I really needed the break from the pain. I know the steroids are bad but I feel they are a necessary evil right now. So, over-all things are improving. Still taking it one day at a time! 
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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I'm glad to read that you are feeling better....
I think your goal is very reasonable.....what a great feeling it must be to get on that elliptical each time..
You are so brave.... and I'm so proud of you...
Lovin the chipper Michele 
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www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
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Im so glad...
#270360 - 06/21/06 10:11 AM
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Natalie1985
Reged: 08/09/04
Posts: 1329
Loc: UK - Leeds for uni, Merseyside for home!
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atleast things are seeming a little bit better...I just wish I could wave a magic wand and cure you of everything....but you have great strength and a very positive attitude to things so I know you will come through this...I just hope one day you can be totally pain free! Am sending you more and more hugs by the day...and hope things get better soon.
(((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))
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Natalie
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If you're not dead, you've still got time.
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I'm glad things are looking up for you! Thats a great attitude. I know you're in a lot of pain etc, but a person's mood can greatly effect their ultimate outcome (believe it or not)
Did you ever see my reply to your longer thread?
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I'm glad things are looking up! It's nice that you're losing weight but it's too bad it has to be in such an unpleasant manner.
You've been on the Plaquenil a long time -- do you think that's started to help at all? or is it really too hard to tell?
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jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
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Glad to hear this! I've been thinking about you a lot and wondering how you were doing. Ugh - I'm sorry you've been dealing with D on top of everything else. Those multiple trips to the toilet are especially hard when it's already difficult just to sit and stand.  Take care. I hope you continue to see improvement!
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Thanks Maria! I just wish I knew for sure if it was the steroids that are helping or if the other meds are kicking in but I feel too good to mess with anything right now!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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I doubt its the placquenil. I think I would have notice improvement from that a month or two ago. Its really the least strong medication they use for it. The Enbrel and Imuran and the "big guns" as the rheumy puts it! I believe its more the steroids at the moment that are helping. They were a last resort because of all the nasty side effects but so far so good!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Dr. spice! No, I don't think I had a chance to see your reply to my other post before it got deleted. I do believe mental thinking can affect your physical health, its just hard to keep a positive mental health when your physical self is a wreck! 
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