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[JEEPGIRL]

Hi, I have been living with RA for 9 yrs and thought it time to reach out and talk to some people who are living the life I live. I have tried many medications and most currently failed oral Methotrexate after spending 5 days in the hospital for Gastritis and bleeding from the stomach. I have been off now for 2 weeks for elevated liver enzymes and the above and they gave me a steroid injection to get me by until my appt this Wed. Doctors are wanting to change me to Arava and I am wondering if anyone has tried or is on this medication.:)

[Deborah]

Hi everyone, my name is Deborah and I have advanced RA. I'm currently unable to work and am living with my daughter. I receive Indigent Health Care (wow does that feel crappy to say) and they have NO Rheumatologist in their referral network, so I am currently untreated. I saw an Ophthalmologist today and Sjogren's Syndrome has also joined the party. I can't tell you just yet who else is at this party due to having no rheumatologist, but I can tell you from my own research and listening to my own traitorous body, that I'm in for a tough time. From the pain, swelling, headaches and incredibly low energy levels, I would guess that it is currently active.

Sorry for all the complaining, I'm not normally like this, having a particularly bad day.

I have to admit that I'm a bit fearful of the RA in my neck as there is spondylosis and I'm starting to develop what I think are nodules along the cervical neck going toward the head and they really hurt. I'm waiting for my disability and until then I don't think my RA is going to be addressed. My doctor (you should be grateful...its free) has stated that he will NOT treat my RA because he is not a Rheumatologist, so there's no help there and I'd like to know just what I'm supposed to do until then? I'm totally open to any ideas on pain control that my fellow sufferers can give me. I am currently doing a bit of Tai Chi breathing and stretching but only what I can pick-up on my own from the net.

Wish me luck, and I wish all of you better days and better health.
Deborah

[Brandywine]

Hi Deborah,

i am horrified at your situation, i think that in this day and age it is barbaric that someone should find themselves in your position. I live in italy so receive excellent treatment, i have been living with RA and have had the best care so my heart goes out to you. all my meds are free including the biologics,,, but i have also tried mangosteen juice which has alot of anti inflammatory properties and anti oxidents, it is also yummy,,, i tried it for awhile and it helped me alot,,, it is not easy to get here in italy and is expensive as i have to order it from the states so i stopped taking it and realized the benefits that it had given me,,,,
i wish you all the best and hope that you will be able to see some kind of specialist soon,

regards
Brandy