Hello, I'm new to this list.
I was just recently diagnosed, so I don't know what most of these drugs are.
I was prescribed Celecoxib. So far the worst side effect I've noticed is
that I'm more irritable with my family. Does anyone here have any knowledge
of this med and if so, have you experienced the same problem? I'm
beginning to feel that I will never have a life without drugs :(
Heather Watson
Just wanted to say thank-u to Tracy, Patty , Kim , Shelley for their
follow-up posts aswell.... I hate it when I forget people.... I know I
probably forgot some more too.... :o/
Hi Tom, I also have pa only of the spine. I have hurt for years also
and I do experience the same pain you are explaining. I have good days
and horrible days. I don't know about you, but some days it is so bad I
can hardly walk....I wanted to ask you, do you ever go to bed feeling
good and than wake up BOOM it starts throbbing out of no where and you
just can't do anything. ?? Naproxen was my first drug also...than
twelve anti-inflammatories later....I'm doing ok. Still haven't went
beyond those, and occasionally add narcotics. I am
35.................welcome.........
Jayne
Hi everyone! I'm Kirsten. I've had A for 2-1/2 years and P for 1 year. I
have a question: what does everyone here do to get rid of unwanted hair
where the P is? I have some patches on my knees that I don't dare shave.
If I'm really sick of the hair I'll sit for a while and cut the hair with
little scissors - not the most fun thing to do.
Is the hair removal stinky cream stuff bad for the P? I'm a wimp when it
comes to waxing, so I probably won't do that. What do you all do? Just let
it grow?
I'm not addressing this just to ladies who shave their legs. I thought some
men might have P on their face and wondered what everyone does.
Thanks,
Kirsten in chilly Utah
Nancy,
I could not have said it better myself. Our moderators do an outstanding
job and, too often, we forget to thank those who volunteer without any
compensation. It is because the moderators do NOT censor O/T comments
that we had the unfortunate blow-up a few months ago ('nuff said on that
subject). Hey, moderators, there are those of us who appreciate your
efforts and I, personally, wish to offer my appreciation.
Barry
Hi all,
Lately, it seems like I barely have time to read the posts, and only
post myself when I feel really stronly about a subject. Personally, I am
getting really sick of reading the number of posts that are acusatory to
the
moderators. For those who are having a problem, please take a moment
to
consider the fact that we have the opputunity to communicate with each
other
and reap the benefits and knowledge of this group ONLY because they
are
generous enough to DONATE AND DEVOTE their time to the (I am sure, time
consuming) tasks involved keeping this list going for all of us. They
all do
a great job that I, for one, greatly appreciate. Thanks to you all!!!
Nancy in Wisconsin
Thanks to the person who posted about this upcoming webcast.. I'm looking
forward to it.. I forgot who posted it because I deleted the mail but saved
the URL.... weird huh?
I sent them 3 questions.. Hopefully they will be answered on the live
webcast....
Here are my 3 questions -
#1
It seems like this disease is triggered by an infection or an extremely
emotional episode. Is there a correlation between people with panic attacks
and psoriatic arthritis?
#2
I know this disease is caused by an over-active immune system. And certain
proteins are triggering the immune system to act this way.. But could it
possibly be a bacteria, fungus that could be causing this? I always feel
like the cure would have to be a certain type of anti-biotic. I just guess
we havent found it yet.
#3
And why the extremely over-welming , drop-dead fatigue with this disease? So
many of us complain about this and it is terrible.. I know older people who
have ordinary arthritis who have more energy then I do.
I have stopped all my bad meds for 5 months now and I am trying to
get pregnant. I was curious if women in the group were in simmiler
situations and how they coped with the problems and pain. Recently
my Rhumy put me on Prednisone and Piroxicam to help but it isn't
doing much. Just last night I have had a flare up in my Collar Bone
(this has never happened before), and have now determined that this
is truly the worst place to have a flare up! Can't seem to find a
position to rest this joint. I would appreciate any info to help
keep me in the fight, prayers are good too!
Thanks,
Denise :)
Moderator note: YES!!!!!!
I am currently off all meds, hoping to attempt to conceive. I'm almost 8 weeks
into my mandatory 12 weeks off MTX -- 12 weeks until we can start trying at
least. So far, so good. My doctor also told me he would offer only prednisone,
should I flare while attempting to conceive.
I've found water aerobics and swimming to really, really help with my aches and
pains. I call it the "healing waters". When I start feeling yucky, I head off
to the pool and always end up feeling better.
I hope your flare settles down soon. Keep on sharing!
Patty, PHDRWD@..., moderator from OH
Wow, it is so nice to have such a suuportive group of
friends. Is is so comforting to be able to email a
question and get such a wonderful response. I only can
hope that I can contribute as much as all have you
have been there for me.
In regards to the hives, I did stop taking the
Penicilan the day the Dc told me to. The symptoms seem
to go away after the antihistamine I took but only to
return 5-6 hours later. I am under the impression it
takes sometime for them to get out of your system. The
Dr was not 100% sure it was the pencilan which leaves
me with the concern" Are these suckers ever going to
leave" I have tried to rack my brain to discover
something else that I have done different but been
unsuccsfful.
When I looked up hives on the Web it seems everything
said "Auto Immunne Response" this is why it lead me to
ask all of you.
I guess I just need to be patient and hope they leave.
We did just close on a new house and are in the
process of packing for the move so I am sure the
stress is not helping :-(
Again thanks
Judy
PS I am suppose to start the Mtx this weekend, havent
been able to tell Rheumy about the hives, Do you think
I should wait?
Hi DeafEskie,
I had to start out slowly taking Diclofenac because it upset my
system and I slowly built up to taking it twice a day faithfully. It
doesn't seem to do much right away but finally kicks in and this is
the best my inflammation has been. I've tried Relafen (worked for a
year before allergic to it) and Celebrex (bad side effects at two
months) and Vioxx (hated from the start).
--------
psoriasis under the nails... low dose methotrexate helps for
psoriasis. I can't take mtx anymore so if and when my nails start to
yellow and gunk up I try to shove Dovonex ointment under the nails as
far as I can get it to go and wipe ointment on top the nails also.
seems to work,
Pat B
Welcome to: Garners@..., AnnR@..., zinger1945@...,
jca@..., adrielazure@... to the PA mailing list.
We are now a group of over 400 world wide who share on a daily basis how we
live with P and PA. When you have a chance, please reply by introducing
yourself to the group!
Looking forward to a long acquaintance,
Michelle, List founder
Robert, PA page webmaster,
All other moderators
Visit our Mailing List website for Psoriatic Arthritis by going to
http://www.egroups.com/
and sign up expertly for PsoriaticArthritis. We now have over 400 members
globally!
Thanks Patty B... That was nice of ya... :o)
Message: 3
Date: Fri, 06 Oct 2000 08:22:51 -0500
From: Patty Bacon <pattybacon@...
Subject: Re: Afternoon Naps
the younger ones, unless it's something very visible like
open wounds, fever, etc. My observations of the
problems between the generations has so much to do with
attitudes -- on BOTH sides.
Our younger son suffers from the effects post-traumatic
stress syndrome that began while he was in the military
and the depression that accompanies it. He also has some
physical symptoms that the VA clinics have not pursued
enough to determine the cause, let alone exactly what they
are or do -- muscle weakness and visible trembling that
come out after exertion. Being unable to finish a project
seems to add to the frustration, anger and depression.
His elders, including his dad, judge him as lazy, lacking
initiative and diligence. Of course, this just adds more to
the problem when the people we love and who love us
have such negative feelings toward us.
The majority of the older generation seem to believe that
you can overcome ANYthing if you try hard enough.
And they're at least partially correct. After a lot of
encouragement, our son made attempts to explain his
difficulties and some of what he said got through. Some
of the sarcastic comments let up. And, at the age of 29,
he has gone back to college to get his degree in computer
science -- living on loans, scholarships, his GI bill money,
doing his own cooking and housework, etc.
the feeling of fatigue. My personal struggle has done
nothing but grow worse over the past year. It upsets
me that I cannot do the things that I've done in the
past and leaves more for my hubby to do or is left undone.
I'm trying to take some my own advice but it's so
hard to do when everything hurts. I try to accomplish
at least one chore that I can feel good about. It means
setting priorities to conserve energy.
It's easier to give advice than to take it but I'd like to
give you some of what I gave my son and myself:
try to do something during the day that your folks
appreciate; eliminate as many negative comments
and attitudes toward yourself and your folks; let them
know that you genuinely appreciate their support; stick
to a healthy diet and habits rather than self medicating
with alcohol, etc. Try to take your nap early enough
that you can be awake and friendly when your dad
comes home and be determined to 'visit' with him.
Show some interest in what he does or likes and
dwell less on your problems until later in the discussion.
Let him know you're not happy with the circumstances
and ask his advice. Sometimes it's the little things that
help heal the family rifts.
I hope you don't mind my singling you out for this
reply but I can hear your emotional pain in many
of your posts and would like to help you by letting
you know there are people who do understand some
of what you're going through, including fatigue.
Sincerely,
Patty B in the Pinewoods of East Texas<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Does anybody know Why we are all so tired all the time? It seems like its
worse with us then people with just plain arthritis.... I feel like even
older people have more energy then I do.....
Hi Lisa,
I can certainly relate today. I have been under a great deal of stress, and it all caught up today. I was achy all over, my feet were worse, and I couldn't accomplish anything. I finally just gave up and took a nap.
Allayne
Welcome wrdwitch@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome khestermann@... to the PA mailing
list. We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over
the world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome pdboltja@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome primrose@... to the PA
mailing list. We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from
all over the world who share our experiences by e-mail
almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome janemcic@... to the PA
mailing list. We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from
all over the world who share our experiences by e-mail
almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome jtsranch@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Anybody know of which natural like remedies work well with strengthening our
immune system and have helped the symptoms of PA? I want to start to try the
natural route... anybody have some good success? I mean, besides which
foods to eat .. What are the best herbs , vitamins to use?
Thanks mike.......
By the way I went to the research clinic yesterday in newbrunswick , NJ...
and they said I just missed the study for psoriaitic arthritis and they were
only doing the study for psoriasis at the time... And I didnt qualify
because I didnt have enough psoriasis.... their keeping me on their list
though...
I told the researcher something and he said back to me that it was very
interesting.... I told him a month or 2 before I developed psoriasis and
arthritis, I was taking alot of Protein shakes and all that weight gaining
booster stuff from the health stores... And soon after , I developed all of
this stuff... I thought about it and heard that it was certain proteins that
are created in our body that our immune system rejects or something, and
thats how our PA gets worse....... And the object of DMARD's are to block
those proteins.... And they supposedly extract those proteins in those
shakes from animals.... So I dont know...maybe thats what caused me to get
this .... I dont know......
take-care
Hi all,
I know you have all probably been down this path before, but (cliche) I am at the crossroads. I am currently taking 200mg Celebrex and 10mg prednisone daily. I take Ibuprophen for pain. My rheumy suggested that I go away and find out about MTX before he prescribes it (if I want it) on my next visit on 5 October. I've found out enough about MTX to know that I will take it.
However, I read your mails, and feel that my PA is not as bad as that of others. Without meds, I can't move, let alone work. But with Celebrex and Ibuprophen, I can move, but am VERY fatigued. With the prednisone added, I've gained 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds for the unconverted!) in three weeks, and am even more tired. I don't like the prednisone.
My P is only on my scalp and forehead, one patch on my neck, and another on my side.
Luckily, insurance companies don't determine health care in Australia, doctors and the Government do. If a drug is too expensive, your doctor simply gets a special approval to prescribe at the normal (A$21-23) rate.
My question is, what will MTX do for me? I have (according to my rheumy) the worst arthritis in my sternum that he has ever seen. Because it is not a joint, it is not that obvious, yet I have had constant headaches for over six months because of it. I have PA in my fingers, wrists, shoulders, toes, ankles and hips. But do I need MTX?
I am interested to see that some of you in the US are now on benefits because of the PA. There's a famous old epitaph "See, I Told You I Was Sick"!!!! How do we make the world believe?????
Regards,
David in the Olympic City
A few weeks ago, there was some interest in protecting
hands at the computer; here is a link that may interest you:
http://rsi.about.com/health/rsi/library/weekly/aa091800a.htm
Ten "Golden Rules" For Keying and Mousing
1.Place The Keyboard At or Slightly Below Elbow Height
Prevents shoulder elevation.
Promotes a neutral hand and wrist posture.
Reduces stress placed on nerves surrounding the elbow.
2.Maintain A Neutral Wrist Posture (forearm and wrist in alignment)
Common mistakes made by keyboard users:
Keying with the wrists in extension (hand pointing upward.)
This position reduces the space in the carpal tunnel area of the wrist,
therefore placing pressure on the nerves that affect the fingers and palm.
Keeping the wrist resting on the wrist rest. This wrist position
promotes both ulnar deviation (twisting the wrist outward) and
wrist extension. Cornell University reports that many people
experience more pressure in the wrist area as a result of resting their
wrists on a wrist rest. Based on this information, I recommend keying
with the wrists approximately a 1/2" above the wrist rest.
3.Flat Or Negative Is Better
Most keyboards are designed with "feet"
to angle the keys towards your eyes for
better viewing. Unfortunately, this positive
keyboard angle promotes wrist extension.
Therefore, it is recommended that you
keep the keyboard flat and learn to touch type.
Many keyboard trays have an angle
adjustment. Angling the keyboard tray
towards you (positive tilt) promotes wrist
extension. However, angling the keyboard
tray towards the monitor (negative tilt) promotes a neutral wrist posture.
4.Use A Light Touch
Combining force and repetition increases
your risk of damaging the tendons and nerves in the fingers.
5.Keep Elbows Close To Your Sides
Keying with the elbows away from the
body contributes to shoulder abduction,
which contributes to fatigue in the upper
back and shoulders. In addition, it may
contribute to the use of ulnar deviation,
when keying. Shoulder abduction and
ulnar deviation frequently occur, when
armrests are adjusted incorrectly.
Armrests should be adjusted in two ways:
1.At or near the height of the keyboard.
2.Closely aligned with the users shoulders.
If you are unable to adjust your armrests
to fit your body frame, then it is
recommended that you avoid using them.
Patty B in the Pineywoods of East Texas
where it's cool and wet following a refreshing weekend rain.
Hi, I am having a huge problem sleeping! I am sure so
is everyone else. Has anyone tried Tylenol Pm? If so
did it work?
Judy in CA
In a message dated 9/22/00 12:52:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
F4s2many@... writes:
<< Remember to ask your Rheumy to put down Rheumatoid Arthritis as
the diagnosis and not Psoriatic Arthritis. Some Insurance Companies are
refusing to cover Enbrel for PA as it hasn't been FDA approved for PA yet.
Hi Rivky: Regarding using RA as a diagnosis, I recently found that I could
not get a supplemental short term disablity policy IF I ever have a diagnosis
of Rheumatoid Arthritis....BUT....the ins. companies have not gotten on the
PA diagnosis yet...so pesonally I wouldn't have RA attached to my medical
history ever! Funny that they don't know about PA yet, but I sure did buy
that policy right away!
:)
Shelley
For those of you that are using, Enbrel..... With your insurance how much
does it cost? Thanks, Becky
Hi Judy,
My name is Mary and I have been on MTX for 2 years now. I too was very scared
to take this drug but I have to say that it was the best thing I ever did. I
felt results almost immediately. Taking deep breaths didn't hurt anymore and
I could exercise without being in pain. I take 5 pills once a week and
occasionally I feel nauseous but the pharmacist said I could take mylanta
etc. to feel better. It works!! As long as you get bloodwork every month or 2
you should be okay. If they begin to see any liver damage, they'll take you
off MTX and the liver begins to regenerate and heal itself. I was never
offered plaquinel so I can't help you with that. Hope the info helps. let me
know.
Mary
Hi there,
I can't believe how long it took me to find a group like this one. I look
forward to all the information and discussions.
The only thing I am concerned about is reading about a disagreement between
members. Can you enlighten me? Thanks.
Mary
Welcome holdfast@... to the PA mailing
list. We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over
the world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome lcote@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome hjlw@... to the PA mailing list. We are
a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world who
share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome luvtobirdi@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome tvowles@... to the PA mailing
list. We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over
the world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome abkb@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Here's a suggestion that might help anybody with nail pitting going
on: Get a really fine-grade emory board/buffer from a beauty supply
store and then just buff your nails. I had one nail getting real bad
on me lately, with the surface almost entirely rough from pits and
ridging, so I got out my buffer thingie and the nail is really smooth
now.
The buffer (I'm actually not sure what you call it) is all white and
rectangular in shape. It's about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide, with
a
white foam core and it feels a little spongy. Anyway, you have to get
these at a beauty supply store with their other emory boards; don't
use the regular kind you find in drugstores.
Hope this helps.
--Louise
A friend of mine was just diagnosed with post-polio syndrome and
fibromalagia. Her doctor recommended a TENS unit. Does anyone know
where you can buy/rent one and how much it would cost.
Thanks.
Diane
Toasty in Texas
Thanks for the info. I have passed it on to my friend.
Diane
Toasty in Texas
(I think they are holding an umbrella over Houston - the rain went
all AROUND us.)
Hi Shelley,
My wrist splint was bought over the counter at a drug store. It was about $20. The ones at a medical supply store were $150.
Allayne
Hello Diane,
In the past I got some nasty messages and that scared
the heebies-jeebies out of me. I don't want to leave
our group so I strictly keep my messages impersonal
and when I want to write something that I think might
help someone by being OT,I send it privately.
Sending this mail to the group for me is a heroic act
of faith and I hope I won't get negative replies.
Let's keep our sense of humour and not forget that
tolerance is what keeps humanity human.
Greetings.
Margaretha.
Tu correo gratis en MixMail http://www.mixmail.com
Inicia tu navegacion en http://www.ya.com
Hello Jayne,
What this report says is that people (black Africans),
who seldom suffered from PA, once they get infected
with HIV and then develop AIDS, suddenly get PA!!
Hence my question; how come that people with low
immunity (you know that HIV infected people have
practically no immunity left), suddenly, out of the
blue, get a disease that they say is caused by an
overactive immunity (that we are supposed to have).
Margaretha.
Tu correo gratis en MixMail http://www.mixmail.com
Inicia tu navegacion en http://www.ya.com
Thank you to everyone who answered my Vioxx/Scared
email. I really appreciated it. It is so wonderful
that you can get on line and get so many answers from
people that REALLY know not only HOW you feel but can
answer your question in easy to understand words, not
confusing Dr's lingo. Thanks Again to everyone.
Judy in CA
Welcome mark.hillaby@... to the PA mailing
list. We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over
the world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
I tried wrist rests in the past and found them awkward and
uncomfortable. Over the weekend I "operated" on the combined wrist
rest and mouse pad at home. I found that the broader wrist rest used
lengthwise makes a great forearm rest. It is very supportive while
leaving my hand free to move my mouse around.
You can get a regular wrist rest very cheaply (or even free) at many
places.
Diane
Toasty in Texas
Welcome Valimichel@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
reuter's released a new item that described death and serious injury to
people who were using vioxx. however the circumstances and underlying
health of these people may have played an integral role in why they were
harmed. i believe the rate of adverse reaction was one in 500 users and
degree varied greatly. gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attack etc were
listed. did these people follow drug guidelines as written. risk of gi
bleeding rises greatly when these meds are taken concurrently with
alcohol....the article sent out fear but not a lot of detail, after all
that's what sells newspapers.....mo
Hi everyone, I am freaking out! I just left my fathers
house who said he heard a Dr on the radio talk about a
lot of people in Great Britan who have recently died
because of Vioxx. I recently about 2 weeks ago started
taking Vioxx. Mostly only 12.5 mgs but occasionally 25
mgs. Anyone ever heard of this or is it just a rumor?
Judy
moderator 2 cents: Judy, you might want to read the posts at
www.arthritis.about.com on the Forum or message boards concerning Vioxx. PatB
<< My question though is, " will i deteriorate?" Will I be ok without MTX?
Unfortunately, no one knows the answer to that question, Lina.
Like Pat B said, MTX has been around for a long time and it's a relatively
well known drug (keeping in mind that we don't know everything about any
drug).
<<Im scared of the chance of liver damage with mtx..I mean Id rather live
with this pain than die of liver damge. Wouldnt you? Worried in Indiana,
Lina
I'll take the remote possibility of liver damage over living in excruciating
pain every day, hands down. I *might* end up with liver damage taking MTX.
Some people do, most people don't. I'm being monitored regularly because we
(my RD and I) know the possibility exists.
Living in that excruciating pain I was in last summer was not acceptable to
me. I am a young woman (35) and I have a young child (now 4) that I want to
care for to the best of my ability. I want to walk across my backyard to
push him on his swings without becoming completely exhausted and needing to
sit down, for example.
I feel that methotrexate gave me my life back. I need to live my life now,
because I may be run over a truck tomorrow, and then the remote possibility
of liver damage just doesn't enter into my equation of quality of life at
all. I think I take a greater risk of damage by getting out in my car every
day than I did by taking my methotrexate weekly.
That's my feelings on the subject, and you'll find varying opinions in the
members on this list. That's why we're here!
Patty, PHDRWD@..., the moderator from Ohio, not to be confused with (1)
PatB, moderator, or (2) PattyB from the Pineywoods of Texas LOLOL
Hi all. I have to agree that it's annoying to look through the daily
digest and there can be 5 or more postings from one person about non
PA topics. I deleted my whole PA folder last night and at least half
hadn't been read. I only have so much time to spend reading the
social columns. However, I do understand that some folk to socialize
as well as have a dry discussion on a narrowly defined topic. Perhaps
we could encourage those that wish to have more interaction off topic
to use something like MS Instant Messenger (which I find excellent)
for real time chats. As I'm ignorant of any other chat style
technologies, perhaps the moderators could investigate and suggest
the best option with an invitation and directions posted on the list
occassionaly. Then we could all have our cake and eat it. Now stop
your sqabbling and get along. (Please;-))Paul.
Hello all,
To become a member if this group was one of the best
things that happened to me.
I have learned a lot in these ten months and not a day
has passed without me reading the mails. It's amazing
how different we all are with our disease in common.
Among the OT's there have been lovely poems,
interesting articles and some letters written straight
from an anguished heart.
I read them all and learned something from each of
them.
When these "people" who write about their dog have
written mails, explaining in simple language (to those
of us to whom medical language is like ancient Greek)
many things about PA; when these people have made us
laugh when we felt miserable; and when these people
are interested enough to go through the trouble to
create a poll; I surely would not like them to keep
away from the computer.
Greetings.
Margaretha.
Tu correo gratis en MixMail http://www.mixmail.com
Inicia tu navegacion en http://www.ya.com
http://www.worldsarcsociety.com/Congrats.htm
For those wondering if it is really PA or something else here is a
link to read up on another auto-immune culprit. What fun! NOT!
Regular doc said ignore the swollen glands but this year they have
given me more problems. Eye doc said SS. Rheumy said we will test to
eliminate possibilities.
Another reason to post is Rheumy said if I experience a rash (not
psoriasis) or get a red eye to let him know. Does this sound familiar
to anyone?
Pat B
spread the knowledge it works like fertilizer. Too much and you get
burned. Just enough and you grow and expand to be able to absorb
more. Not enough and you stay stunted growth.
Welcome mkredensor@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome BarnabyQ@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Hello Cassie,
When I bought my puter and spent a lot of money on it
I thought: "In for a pound, in for a penny" and bought
a special piece of furniture (sort of desk) with
spaces specially for printer, stacks of paper, cd's
etc. The keyboard is on a pull out drawer and this
drawer has a rim (6 cm wide and 3 cm deep on which I
rest my wrist so my hand and arm are practically
horizontal.
So your idea about a strip in front of your keyboard
is excellent.
As my right hand is worse than the left one I am
trying to work with the left. My puter can change my
mouse (through configuration) to a left handed one.
I find it very difficult though as I'm totally right
handed. Did you ever try to brush your teeth with your
left hand? Hilarious!
Good luck.
Margaretha.
Tu correo gratis en MixMail http://www.mixmail.com
Inicia tu navegacion en http://www.ya.com
Hi everyone, here are the symptoms to compare for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. HYPOTHYROIDISM-- facial expression is dull, voice is hoarse and speech is slow, there is puffiness of the face and eyes show periorbital edema and eyelids droop, cold intolerance, hair is sparse, course, and dry. Skin is course, dry, scaly, and thick. Weight gain (usually modest). Patients are forgetful and can show other evidence of intellectual impairment, with a gradual change in personality. You may see a color change on the palms and soles that may look yellow/orange, it's called carotenemia. Heart rate is slowed. Constipation. Paresthesias of the hands and feet are common, due to carpal-tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by deposition of proteinaceous ground substance in the ligaments around the wrist and ankle, producing nerve compression. Anemia is often present. Fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, and weight gain are usually the first symptoms that people
notice. HYPERTHYROIDISM--The more common signs are goiter, increased heart rate, warm, fine, moist skin, tremors and eye signs. This person looks like their eyes are bulging out and starring, they also have lid lag, or lid retraction. The most frequent symptoms are nervousness and increased activity, increased sweating, hypersensitivity to heat, palpatations, fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, tachycardia(increased heart rate), insomnia, weakness, and frequent bowel movements(occasionally diarrhea). Both thyroid disorders can result in life-threatening emergencies if not treated. This would be "Thyroid Storm" in the case of Hyperthyroidism or "Myxedema Coma" in the case of Hypothyroidism. It is important to take the prescribed med exactly as ordered. NEVER stop the med on your own. DO NOT double med if you miss a dose. TAKE med at same time each day to keep the level even. HOLD med when getting labwork drawn and just take it as soon as possible
in that case. Not taking med correctly or stopping on your own could result in one of these emergencies. Thyroid replacement therapy is on going. Once you begin taking it, you will require it for the rest of your life. The medication is not terribly expensive (somewhere around $15 per month). It is important to have regular follow up with labs. Hope this helps. Cassie
Welcome ssahm@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Hi Jill
Here is the medical explanation.
The pathogenic mechanisms in PA are less well understood that those
described for psoriasis. There are almost genetic and immune components.
What is not clear is whether there is a primary immune defect or whether
unknown stimuli lead to the recruitment of the immune system and
establishment of the disease; nor is it clear whether PA is an extension of
Psoriasis in certain prone individuals.
Vascular abnormalities are the earliest histopathological changes to occur
in the Psoriatic plaques and are also prominent in the Psoriatic synovium.
The fact that vascular changes occur before infiltration of immuno competent
cells and are the first changes to resolve with treatment of psoriasis is
likely to be significant.
Abnormalities in the cellular kinetics and growth factor sensitivity of
keratincytes, fibroblasts and synoviocytes have been highlighted previously.
The ability of these cells to produce growth factors and express HLA class 2
antigens demonstrates the potential for them to initiate and maintain
inflammation.
The development and possible increased incidence of PA in patients with such
profound immunodeficiency as AIDs suggests that T helper cells do not play a
significant role in the establishment of the disease. Previously many immune
changes were described. unfortunately they are non-specific and do not
indicate a fundamental defect or marker for PA.
Vasey [1985] has suggested that insidious exposure to 'Gram-positive'
bacteria from the gut, tonsils and Psoriatic Plaque results in chronically
stimulated monocyte macrophages and dendritic cells. These cells are able to
migrate through the body. Repeated microtrauma may result in the homing of
these cells to sites of injury in the skin, synovium, tendons. Interaction
with genetically hyperactive synoviocytes and keratinocytes with concomitant
release of growth factor may precipitate early lesions of psoriasis and PA.
This hypothesis needs to be substantiated, but it ties together some of the
varying observation seen.
Many abnormal laboratory findings have been described. Unfortunately, none
of the serological changes is sufficiently specific to be of great help in
diagnosing.
Similarly, there are no pathognomonic histopathological changes. However,
early vascular changes, oedema and prominent fibrotic reactions in the later
stages would support the diagnosis of PA!
Love and God Bless
Gillian
Anyone who takes himself too seriously always runs the risk of looking
ridiculous;
anyone who can consistently laugh at himself does not.
Hi Jill
As they say here, I will give it a 'lash'.
Humans are made of cells. I assume you have 'Leggo Blocks' or have heard of
kids play blocks. Well just look at a Leggo block and see a single human
cell! Suffice to say, add a few million and you have a Human. Each cell is
alive and in order to stay alive it requires oxygen and nutrients. So get a
few tubes and lay them along side those blocks. Now the oxygen comes via the
lungs, the nutrients via what we eat. The blood system is the
oxygen/nutrient transport system. Veins, arteries, capillaries, full of that
red liquid that bursts out when we cut ourselves. Mixed in with the red
blood cells are the white blood cells and these white blood cells are your
'immune system'. They are a force of Police who are on guard against foreign
invaders, toxins, bacteria, viruses, pollen, dust or parasitic worms. Should
and invader be located, the Police get on the radio, call up assistance and
take them on!
Here is a simple exercise. Take out a kitchen knife and cut your wrist. All
being well red liquid will gush out and if you do not rush to ER you will
die. Take out a pin, stick it in the end of your finger, or any place on
your body. All being well red liquid will gush out.
This red liquid is everywhere! It does not stay within the veins and
arteries, but in tiny capillaries that connect each cell in your body.
By each cell I mean, tendons, which are cells, muscles which are cells as
well as lungs, heart, brain, all the organs.
Now when these white cells locate a foreign invader, usually the bug is
already in the blood system. Like the Police they hit the siren and off they
go after this bug! Now if you were a bug, well you want to find a hiding
place! Any hiding place, but if you can hide out of the main blood system,
chances of survival are greater. So as you are flowing by you notice this
exit and take it. You end up hiding in a single cell in a muscle or tendon!
Meanwhile the Police bring out the helicopters, extra cars, extra men, place
warning all over the place, "Be on the lookout for X" You know, "The
Fugitive!" And as with the film, how many Police cars run off the road, fall
off the bridge, crash into each other!
In medical term that bringing out of extra forces is known as a immune
complex. We call on cells with various arsenals, in order to locate and
destroy said bug. Now these if you like special forces set up inflammation.
Akin to the President declaring a State of Emergency in New York!
So your immune system was 'triggered' by a 'bug'. It calls up extra troops
in order to locate and destroy said bug. However sometimes the bugs,
retroviruses can remain hidden for many years. But you immune system is
still triggered, does not send the troops back. Akin to the President
declaring State of Emergency in New York forever! So you now have all these
special forces running around murdering anything THEY consider to be
foreign. Accidental shootings if you like.
Well I would think that the people living under a State of Emergency in New
York forever, would rebel. And that is just what your muscles and tendons
do. They want to get on with there jobs, but with these special forces
flying around, setting up immune complex, they find it somewhat difficult.
And that I hope explains why PA is termed 'soft tissue arthritis' because
that is where the main inflammation occurs.
If the muscle and tendons are inflamed and we then go out to run a marathon,
our joints are not stable. Jelly toes, knees, hips, spine, elbows, wrists,
fingers and neck. And if you insist on using jelly joints, well they in turn
will rebel.
Love and God Bless
Gillian
Anyone who takes himself too seriously always runs the risk of looking
ridiculous;
anyone who can consistently laugh at himself does not.
Hello everyone,
Just a short note to introduce myself to you all. I am a 20 year old
university student from New Zealand. I was diagnosed with PA about 4
months ago, after many dr visits until I finally hit a great one who
referred me to the rheumy. A week orso ago I returned to the rheumy
for only the 2nd time to have all my questions fobbed off, no
comments on anything, positive or negative, and he basically made me
feel incredibly small. My GP is now referring me to another rheumy,
who is closer to home anyway, so I will not be returning to him!
I have terrible fatigue, which doesn't seem to ease no matter how
much sleep I get, or don't get, and headaches most days. The
headaches are mainly not too bad but every now and then I have a
shocking one, and I get migraines also. I get joint pain in my knees,
ankles and feet and my hip showed some effects on x-ray. My main
problem with joint pain is my hands and right wrist though and I have
found the recent posta about keyboards etc very interesting.
Incidentally I use both normal mouse and touchpad one- the normal one
on my computer in my flat, and the touchpad on my dad'd laptop which
I use when I'm at my parents home in holidays and the odd weekend. I
hadn't really thought too much about the difference, but now that I
have I think the touchpad one is far easier on my hands/wrist, it
just takes alittle getting used to.
Anyway, where was I? LOL My hands are what I have the most problems
with and this is not very conducive to taking notes from fast talking
lecturers. I have, sort of, got around this by buying a dictaphone
and taping my lectures. However this means I have to spend hours
after classes filling in gaps of what I miss. I've never had such
detailed notes before in my life!! LOL
At the moment I am on a nice little cocktail of drugs, which means
that I can't drink the cocktails all my friends are enjoying! LOL
I am on methotrexate, folic acid, plinzene and at the moment 1/2 way
through a 2 week stint of antibiotics to help with a suspected
chronic sinus problem, although I haven't noticed any difference with
that! I also had a CT scan done last week to check that out so time
will tell with that.
This all has been coming on over the last couple of years but mostly
this year. It has completely changed my entire lifestyle as I was a
sports obsessed person, played cricket, tennis and hockey seriously
and anything else I had time to! At the moment I am unable to do
terribly much except go walking, and even that can be hard. I am
hoping to be able to play tennis again this summer so fingers crossed.
Hehehe, just read over this and realised this is a bit more like a
life story than 'a short note to introduce myself' LOL
Anyway, thats me!
kia kaha (stay strong)
Elizabeth
Hi Linda
I am now going to make a complete fool of myself, so what is new!
I understand that the thyroid controls our body systems, metabolic rate?
So here is the question. We know that P is the ripening of skin before it is
ready. If you like it arrives at the surface before it is ready to arrive at
the surface, hence the red patch and white scale.
I also have a bone marrow problem, cells are being released before they are
ready to be released. And I also have a overproduction of certain cell line!
My body requests one extra cell and ten thousand arrive. Keep telling you I
am abnormal.
A few months ago I posted a question about DMARs, Disease Modifying Anti
Rheumatic drugs, wanted to know HOW they work? How do the MODIFY arthritis?
In my research I read the MTX is one of the few drugs that does NOT pass the
blood brain membrane. Therefore the brain is safe, will never come into
contact with MTX. Makes me wonder how many other drugs DO cross this brain
membrane?
Could I be correct in assuming that DMARs, are absorbed into the Thymus
gland and Thyroid gland? Is this how these DMARs work? They reduce the TSH,
T3 and T4, thereby 'slowing' the metabolic rate, which in turns SLOWS the
disease progression????
Therefore if we increase the supply of TSH, T3 and T4, will the arthritis
progress overnight?
Is there a pay off here? They intercept the metabolic system, by slowing it
down, in anticipation that they disease will also slow down?
Meanwhile we all complain of exhaustion and the Rheumatologist thinks, "Yep
it worked?"
I respect my Physician, his own Mother had her thyroid removed. However he
is not concerned about my TSH, yet his Nurse was! I have read about this T3,
never had a test for it, but if roles were reversed, I would order a T3 for
any patient with my TSH reading.
Unless he knows something I do not, like the course of DMARs in 1992/1993,
have reduced my metabolic rate???
Right well not you all know I am deranged! However would anyone like to
comment on this theory?
Love and God Bless
Gillian
Anyone who takes himself too seriously always runs the risk of looking
ridiculous;
anyone who can consistently laugh at himself does not.
Gillian wrote: <Odd you should question Thyroid! My TSH has
been tittering on the brink for
a few years, although the Free T4 seems fine. It was the Nurse
that brought
it to my attention, said she was 'concerned' about it? However
since then
she has left my Physician Surgery, been replaced.
I have a theory but it is just a theory, do not know if there is
anything in
it. I wonder if the drugs we take for the PA, somehow affect the
Thyroid,
hence all the complaints about EXHAUSTION????
Gillian, Get a Thyroid Releasing Hormone test. This should
show conclusively if you have low thyroid. Many doctors rely
just on the TSH test and it truly is not concrete proof of a
problem with the thyroid. It takes two hours to complete.
The Group: For those of you (and I know there are quite a few)
with low thyroid or hashimoto's thyrroidism, my doctor just put
me on T3 (cytomel) in addition to the T4 (synthroid) and what a
difference it has made!! Lots of my aches and pains have
subsided, I have lots more energy and just a better mental
outlook. I highly recommend you try to talk your doctors into
giving you this additional medicine. It just does wonders for
those of us who suffer with thyroid problems on top of the PA!
We need all the help we can get! Good luck. When I told my
rheumie that my endocrinologist had put me on T3 he was
elated...said it is a very good addition.
Also, there is a wonderful website just chocked full of thyroid
information called Sticking Out Our Necks by Mary Shomon. Those
of you with thyroid problems should look it up and read the
archives. Very, very informative. She has also just written a
book about thyroid problems that is terrific. Sorry I cannot
remember the title.
Update on the Tai Chi! For those of you who might remember I was
having a terrible time of it with the Tai Chi and getting very
sore. Well, it is all in the way I was holding myself and soooo
tense. Now that I have learned to relax it is wonderful. I
enjoy the excercise, feel myself loosening up more and more
everyday....etc. Just had to "relax" and not hold my muscles so
tightly. My rheumie was also thrilled that I had signed up for
Tai Chi as he feels it is very beneficial for those of us with
PA.
Linda
Poulsbo, WA.
Welcome davids@... to the PA mailing list.
We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the
world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome lifcooper@... to the PA mailing list.
We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the
world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
hi Everyone,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm returning to the states in Oct and
can hardly wait to hit the stores, I've have not been off this
Okinawa island in two years and have not seen a mall in that time!!!
I did find info on cruise cat touch pad and they also make an ergo
keyboard w/a touchpad in it, maybe the one you have Robert?
I'll be excited to try out the roller balls too! PA affects both
wrists and I love to use computers, so need to go shopping.
Thanks for all the suggestions,
Maria in Japan
In my case, my thyroid deficiency was diagnosed first. That was easy. The blood test showed low thyroid. It took a lot longer for the PA diagnosis.
Allayne
Hi Christie
Many years ago I did the exact same thing. I kept a health journal, but
wrote all down. From food, exercise, to drugs and pain. I had read in some
self help book that this journal would be an excellent asset in helping my
Rheumy to prescribe for my condition. Six months later I took my journal
with me to my Clinic. Gee he just shrugged his shoulders and ignored my
journal!
Therefore I put my journal to good use, but in conjunction with my own blood
test results. Thereby located this blood problem.
You must have a reason to track pain! I can assure you now, that if you are
keeping this journal on behalf of your Rheumy, you are wasting your time and
energy. No point in telling him that last week you index finger exploded and
he examines is now to locate no problem. From experience your leg could have
fallen off several weeks ago, but unless the Rheumy was there at the time,
he will not want to know, or show any concern!
Odd thing about Pain, whenever we go 'looking' for it, we find it! I have
found that recently I am unable to verbally communicate pain. I decided
years ago to drop that word from my vocabulary. Why? Because in order to use
the word I have to think about my pain and I do not want to think about it.
They had a tough time when I was last admitted with a pain in my groin. "Can
you describe the pain?" was the question. I did not reply, lost for words!
The Doctor then said, "Well is it sharp, gnawing, achy, throbbing what?"
Answer 'I do not know, it is just a there!'
Last thing I want to do, think about Pain! Therefore I ignore it!
Love and God Bless
Gillian
Anyone who takes himself too seriously always runs the risk of looking
ridiculous;
anyone who can consistently laugh at himself does not.
Hi Brenda
Welcome to the club and I hope you will now be an active member rather than
a Stalker, sorry Lurker!
Odd you should question Thyroid! My TSH has been tittering on the brink for
a few years, although the Free T4 seems fine. It was the Nurse that brought
it to my attention, said she was 'concerned' about it? However since then
she has left my Physician Surgery, been replaced.
I have a theory but it is just a theory, do not know if there is anything in
it. I wonder if the drugs we take for the PA, somehow affect the Thyroid,
hence all the complaints about EXHAUSTION????
Anyone else thought about this?
Love and God Bless
Gillian
Anyone who takes himself too seriously always runs the risk of looking
ridiculous;
anyone who can consistently laugh at himself does not.
Hi Robert
I still call it Onelist, although is it no longer. EGroups does not trip off
the tongue as easily as Onelist and means nothing in conversation. I belong
to a support group called Onelist, was better than I belong to a support
Welcome datts@... to the PA mailing list. We are
a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world who
share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Hi Dave
Well the good news, you TWIN brother may never succumb to either P or PA!
Well good for him, no doubt you wish you could swap? I wish the genetic
factors were that easy, but they are not. AND until they can get a handle on
the mechanism, they cannot find a cure.
Yes you are twins, therefore genetically you are the same. Although I am not
a twin, genetically I match my brothers and sister. Therefore we have the
same set of genes, if a few are missing. For example I test to HLA-B27
chances are my three siblings do also. However they will never succumb to
AK. All are in excellent health, none have P, PA or any other condition.
The theory, while we are 'predisposed' to certain health problems, because
we have these inherited genetic markers, we have to encounter a 'trigger',
something that will trigger these marked to 'start' the disease mechanism.
Now to my knowledge, in childhood we were exposed to the same infectious and
environmental factors, yet I was triggered, while they were not.
The same can be said for your situation. You were exposed to X which your
twin was not, therefore you succumbed to PA while he has not.
That is not to say that your brother will not succumb later in life. If he
is exposed to whatever the trigger is, chances are he will succumb. A few
years ago in England they wanted TWINS with P or PA to take part in a
clinical study. Unfortunately I do not know what the results were. Unless
they were as stated above.
As for the alarm sounding and not being able to get up, well this happens to
me. I do not suffer from depression, but the sheer exhaustion to battling
with PA all day, and then added stress of battling with College Courses or
work on a full time basis takes its toll.
For me, well I thought this was my bodies way of telling me I had 'overdone'
life. I know I have to strike a balance, rest, work and play. If I do too
much work, do not have enough rest, the battery is drained and refuses to
even contemplate kick starting with the alarm call.
Well I hope that helps?
Love and God Bless
Gillian
To be blind is not miserable; not to be able to bear blindness, that is
miserable.
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone use a touchpad mouse on their computer? I overheard
someone talk about a flat touchpad that is a mouse, something about a
cat touchpad. I think regular mouse is getting to my wrists.
Maria in Japan
Has anyone ever used topical ibuprofen gel? Does it work?
My brother wants to know since were identical and i have P for 37
yrs. and PA for 5 yrs will he get either one .also for the last
several months iv'e had problems getting up for work.i here the
alarm but i just can't get up.i thought it was from depression ,but
my gp put me on celexa 3 weeks ago .it got me back to normal but
every so often i feel wiped out i can't get up for work.it seems to
be getting more frequent over the past 6 months.i don't want to lose
my job for missing days.iv'e always had perfect attendance until
6months ago.so if any one has any info that would help i would be
greatful.
Dave,Allentown,Pa
Sometime last week we passed the 401th person of membership!!!!
Congrats to all for sticking together, sharing, caring and helping!!
Michelle
Your humble list-founder
Visit my Mailing List website for Psoriatic Arthritis by going to
http://www.egroups.com/
and sign up expertly for PsoriaticArthritis. We now have over 350 members
globally!
Hi, I finally broke down and deceided to try something
stronger than Motrin for my pain and went on Vioxx.
The strength my Dr has me own is 12.mg once daily.
Just curious what everyone else has for strength. Also
one of my favorite things to do is have my quiet time
(once kids are in bed) draw a bubble bath and pick up
my smutty romance noval and induldge in a glass of red
wine. Think it is ok to still have my red wine?
Judy
Welcome hargriff@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
I just returned from my appointment with my Rheumatologist. I met with him
and his PA-c. I told him about our discussion about fatigue. I ask him if
the reason we are so tired all the time, is because of the disease or
because of the medications that we take. He said that he feels that it is
caused by our arthritis. He said that I am anemic, a type of anemia caused
by the arthritis. I've been told this in the past by my GP. He says my
Hemocrit is 34 and normal is 44. Also, that it's not related to my Iron, my
iron is normal. When we were talking about Enbrel, he told me he has a
patient with JRA, who was diagnosed at age 9 and is now 18. She has always
has low Hemocrit levels and that since she has been on Enbrel, her levels
are now normal. He seemed quite impressed with this discovery.
This is the first time I've talked to him about how completely wiped out I
get by the end of the day. He wants to figure out why, and is sending me
for lab tests. It's quite a list of tests.
1) CBC + Diff.,
2) comprehensive metabolic panel,
3) B-12,
4) Folate,
5) ESR,
6) C-reactive protein.
Hopefully this will give us some answers. I will be seeing him in 3 months.
We increased my MTX form 6 to 8 pills a week. He wants to see me sooner
then normal, to see if this increase is helping or if we need to try
another route.
The other route would be Enbrel. I asked him about having to have a RA
diagnoses to qualify for insurance. He said that since there basically
aren't any heavy hitters that are approved for PA, he asks the insurance
companies to tell him what they would suggest. Since there aren't any,
they will usually approve it. His PA-C said that she approaches it as an
arthritic type disease with a rash and they will usually go with that. Any
way, we will see what happens.
Becky
braine@...
Welcome tridobie@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome bballer44@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome robinsongrp@... to the PA mailing list.
We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the
world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com.
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome cstock37@... to the PA mailing list.
We are a group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the
world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome dbdd@... to the PA mailing list. We are a
group of over 400 PA'ers from all over the world who
share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome usnav@... to the PA mailing list. We
are a group of over 390 PA'ers from all over the world
who share our experiences by e-mail almost daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Welcome handlevy@... to the PA mailing
list. We are a group of over 390 PA'ers from all over
the world who share our experiences by e-mail almost
daily.
Please feel free to browse the archives to learn about
our past discussions, and to send us an e mail
introducing yourself to:
PsoriaticArthritis@egroups.com
See our new webpage at: http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/
Welcome
Michelle, List founder and moderator
Robert, Webmaster and moderator
PatB and Patty, Moderators
Hi all!
Sorry I haven't posted in the last few days. I had a big concert
with an orchestra in Illinois. We had planned it (way back last
spring) as a family outing, but Mark didn't think he was up to the
long drive. I was hesitant, but at his urging, I took the kids and a
baby sitter, and left him alone. Mark has had good days and bad. It
seems to be falling into a pattern of feeling better, pushing himself
too far (ie: mowing the grass, washing floors, and trying to work
four hours, all on Saturday - none of which was essential, I may
add!!) and then having a day (or two) in bed.
I have asked him to bring up this site, and to feel free to look at
any e-mails, including the ones I have sent. So far, I can't seem to
get him interested.
I definitely appreciate all your comments on his depression (or is it
just the illness???). I guess the lack of concern for himself and
his disinterest in life other than work leads me to that conclusion.
But I certainly am no doctor. I just don't understand his apparent
unwillingness to fight!!! (although I can only try to imagine how
hard it must be to face this illness everyday) To illustrate: I
arrived home late last night. This AM, I got up, got the kids ready
for the sitter, and got ready to take him to the rheumy. I saw him
get out of bed, and almost cried. The P has now covered his face in
blotches. He still doesn't seem to care!!! He won't even let me
make him a dermatology appointment.
The rheumy, today, noticed weakness in the hips, quads, and now in
the shoulders and neck as well. The internist last week ran an
amylase (sp?) blood test, which has come back elevated. The rheumy
says this indicates his muscles are deteriorating. An EMG is
scheduled Friday, and he faces a possible muscle biopsy if this is
positive. The rheumy also ran another CPK level, as this should also
be elevated (it was normal in the hospital but the rheumy thinks it
may have been too early in the onset of symptoms for this to
register).
All in all, the rheumy thinks it is poly myelitis (maybe polio
myelitis, which was what I could find trying to look it up on the
internet) - an invasion of the arthritis into the muscle tissue.
Mark is now back on MTX (so no baby is in our future), but at this
point I just want him to feel better!!!
I asked about his longterm prognosis (I'm starting to worry about the
handicap accessibility of our home, being unable to work, disability,
etc. and what I should be doing to prepare) but the rheumy would only
say if this is really the diagnosis, his next step will be massive
doses of prednisone to get it under control. MTX should keep this at
bay (I don't know if 4 months off was enough to trigger the problem,
so I guess I can feel guilty about this too) and that Mark is now on
about the highest dose he can be on. By Christmas, he will have had
enough MTX that a liver biopsy will be scheduled. The rheumy brought
up the possibility of Enbrel or Avara as an alternative to MTX, but
wants to wait for the test results.
I brought up the possibility of seeking help at Mayo or some such
place, and while the rheumy gave me lip service "certainly, you
should get a second opinion", I thought he made it clear he was upset
by such a suggestion. SIGH. Now I doubt I'll get Mark to consider
it. Maybe it's just my frustration of wanting to be able to do more
for him!!!!
Oh well, this is long enough. Take care all!! and God Bless.
Laurie
Hi Brian
Mom has diverticulitis. From my understanding, this is akin to a
hernia/bulge/pockets forming in the colon. The food gets caught in these
pockets and sets up infection/inflammation.
As for food, toxins and arthritis, I have read many articles on this. The
colon is where food is absorbed into the blood stream. Many think the
stomach does this, but the stomach just pulverises, makes the food easily
absorbable. [Had a birds eye view a few years back]
The colon aka small/large bowel, receives this pulverised mess and enzymes,
followed by bacteria break it down further. When it is this semi solid
state, the nutrients are able to cross into the blood stream, either side of
the colon. Yes we all have bacteria in our colon, where it lives happily as
long as WE do not upset it. We do upset it by taking Anti-biotics, which is
why they now state you should eat Bifidus Yoghurt after any course of
anti-biotics. Mind you my GP reckons you would need bucket full to survive
the acid in the stomach.
In the blood stream are red and white cells. The red cells are the transport
system, absorb oxygen from the lungs, enzymes from the liver and nutrients
from the colon, then take this mixture to every living cell in your body.
The white cells are the immune system, the Police. Now should bacteria from
the bowel cross into the blood stream, the lymphocytes will murder it.
How can bacteria cross the colon/blood membrane? Well inflammation which
upsets