What would you like our RA Health Leaders to discuss next?
Our RA health leaders have shared tips, perspective, and support through our Conversation of the Week series (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/?p=41861).
What topics would you like them to discuss next?
Heat Therapy with saunas and infrared lights
I absolutely love my sauna! Thank you for sharing! I am really into this topic and I know it's helping a ton of people. -Effie, team member
I'm new here so don't know if this would be a repeat topic - how about eye issues. Eye inflammation is an ongoing challenge for me. Many providers don't understand the unique nature of Uveitis due to autoimmune arthritis. My optometrist doesn't understand my insistence on being seen by an ophthalmologist. "I can manage that for you." Um...no, you can't. I'm still fuming because he called Uveitis "low hanging fruit."Heh, after thirty years or so of RA I can tell you that some of the things I have heard full MD doctors say to me would make you turn white. People don’t understand chronic illness and that it’s a whole system illness! Eyes included. You are not alone. Keep on keepin’ on, DPM You're right about this. Uveitis and eye inflammation isn't all that common in those with RA, but it's prevalent. It's sometimes about finding a provider who will listen and who is knowledgable about the connection. They are out there, just have to keep going until you find a provider who will help. Great topic suggestion! -Effie, team member
When to give up on methotrexate snd switch to biologics? pros and cons?
I second what Daneil said, it's hard to know and I say without your doctors guidance/what labs show. Now many rheumatologists say that methotrexate in combination with another biologic works best. Though even with that it's trial and error to see what works for your own body. -Effie, team member I stopped MTX in my own (not advice just my choice) I was getting sick every week and just as soon as I started feeling better it was time for another injection. I was At the lowest dose, yet still got sick. I stopped it to see if I felt worse or had flares (once again what worked for ME) my labs still were decent and I was not sick most of the week - I told my Rheumy and he was surprised that I was doing well without it. I still do the Actemra injections every week. I hope you are able to talk with your rheumatologist about it. I have had RA for 17 years so I knew how my body felt. I have an amazing Rheumatologist so I knew he was going to be ok with what I needed
Good luck!
The RA pain in so bad at times, I cannot take it anymore! Even though I have medication, use heat or cold paks and wraps! So at times. I feel like taking sleeping pills to put me out my misery! I do have a live in care taker so I’m in no danger but crying for hours almost every night is making me a tired and unhappy person! I thought a doctor could help but so far all I I have gotten is a bill! Can somebody help me to keep me alive? Thanks and bless you!❤️
Hi I don't know if you saw 's response to your comment. But it's a great message and I second their thoughts as well. Living with RA can be so difficult and frankly unfair. Many of the community can attest to that. But please know that a high-quality life can happen with RA. It just takes time of trial and error to find the right treatment and finding support (in places like this community) when needed to keep taking things a day at a time. Thank you for sharing here with us. We are here for you and you aren't alone! Warmly, - Reggie, RheumatoidArthritis.net team member I am feeling the frustrations myself, it seems the only I can do is watch my dreams melt away like the snow. Even ALL the mess I take cannot make me feel good enough to accomplish anything. Not to mention the severe fatigue and brain fog.I was put on a new pill yesterday to help with severe depression. I guess, just keep on keeping on.
