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!
-------------------- Taking it one day at a time.....
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