Update
Went to see the Rheumatologist. It went well. I showed her images ( I took 1 image of each hand daily at random times) I started the images March 30 to April 18. She looked at march 30- April second and said "Oh my God" there was severe changes in my hands.
I was in a flare for over 4 weeks in Jan and Feb. 2 weeks in March and so on.
She prescribed me a new med to go along with what I was already taking.
Have to break the cycle of the flares. She was polite, responsive and told me to contact her anytime I had concerns or questions and I go back in June for review( through video).
I'm nervous, but looking forward to getting better. I don't want to be laid up all summer. It's how I spent most of the winter.
Husband is going to do as much as he can with an anti inflammatory lifestyle. So food changes for him lol.
So here's to a better summer. Yes, I k ow it will take 8-12 weeks to see improvements. I will not let it take my hope. Hope is what's keeping me sane right now.
Hi
. So glad to hear that the rheumatologist was so responsive. I was just getting prepared to ask what the new med was so I could give you a timeline, but then I saw that you have it. It is good to know so that you don't get discouraged. Hopefully you will be on the shorter end of the timeline.
Also, I noticed that you mentioned your husband. It is always great to hear about supportive spouses. I know I didn't mention in our early exchanges that I happen to be the husband of someone with RA. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at age two, 47 years ago. She went a lot of years without the modern treatments, so definitely understands the struggles to get on an effective treatment. That said, about seven or so years ago she started a new treatment that brought her inflammation numbers into the normal range for the first time, so the hope of the lightening striking and finally finding that treatment is real. Please feel free to keep us posted and wishing you the best. Richard (Team Member)I do have supportive family. My husband and kids are terrific and grandchildren understand when we have to have board game time i stead of active time.
Sorry to hear about Kelly, however you being here and giving us the other side is awesome.
They have put me on b9 and methotrexate pill form to start. Now I wait the usual 8-12 weeks. Plus I'm already on hydroxychloroquine. Been on just that for 2 years. So no surprises on needing a change up.
I am on gabapentin for the myofascial pain syndrome and the fact I was born with a straight neck. I have been on that almost 4 years now. Stopped the meloxicam due to uncontrolled GERD.
Had my social anxiety meds switched to something else 2 weeks prior to the added Methotrexate.
Here's to a better summer hopefully. If I could go a week with no flares I'd love it. Been in this torment since January.
This is such a great update, thank you for sharing it with us. I’m really glad you brought the photos, that probably made a huge difference in showing what’s been going on in a way words just can’t. I also love that you’re holding onto hope through all of this. That mindset really does help during the waiting part, which we all know is the hardest. It sounds like you’re moving through this in a really grounded way, and having your husband on board definitely makes it feel a little less heavy too. What’s one thing you’re hoping this new plan helps improve first? -Latoya (Team Member) , I just wanted to chime in here and say that I appreciate your efforts to remain positive. I mean, I know that somedays, things just stink and it's okay and even healthy to acknowledge that. But, I also think trying to laugh can be helpful, too!
I am glad he was on his game today and made you smile (AND he got a treat! 😉 ).
Best, Erin, Team Member.Hi
. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at age two, 47 years ago - before modern treatments, with the damage to show for it. She really understands the need to be able to find laughter. She even made this video on finding the humor in RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/video-finding-the-humor-in-ra. Not that she doesn't also take it serious and work incredibly hard to maintain her abilities, but one also has to enjoy life. Best, Richard (Team Member)
