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Date: 12.06.2008
From: kay

Subject: i'm new here

Hello to everyone here,i'll say sorry now as my post may be long winded.
I was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago,after i'd been to my GP loads of times with stiffness & swelling of my joints all over,after x-rays blood tests & talking about my symptoms,they told me i had RA.
they started me off on sulfasalazine which was seem to be working,but had to come off that as my bloods went all wrong.So had to wait till bloods were back to normal before they'd start me off on any thing else.The wait was agonising.Finally thay decided to put me on methotrexate,i'm now taking 6 2.5mg a week plus they have now put me on leflunomide (Arava) 20mg which i take 1 aday,as they weren't controlling it with just the methotrexate.I'm still having problems with my hands,wrists,feet & everywhere else.
This is my tablet intake
co-dydramol 10/500mg 2 taken 3 times a day
folic acid 5mg take 1 daily
Ibuprofen 400mg take 1 3 times day
methotrexate 2.5mg take 6 tablets a week
leflunomide (Arava) 20mg 1 taken daily
ferrous sulphate 200mg 1 taken 3 times day
I can honestly say i get fed up with taking all this lot & still be in pain & discomfort.
I would like to ask all you fellow suffers out there a question i suffer terible with my feet it's like walking on glass & they're never rested it feels like i'm walking on them constantly,the only thing i can wear are trainers is there any place where i can get a comfy shoe or any thing for my feet,just to let you know i'm 42 with a shoe size of 2,i know little feet,so i'm limited as to what i can buy.
I'm really glad that i found this website & i hope all us fellow suffers can join together & help one another.
Thanks for letting me go on & on.x
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Date: 13.06.2008
From: Trina

Subject: Re: i'm new here

Hi Kay,

It sounds like you are going through a really tough time. I think you may have a strong case for going onto one of the Anti-TNF drugs like Humira or Embrel. I spent years going from drug to drug (I also have a type of inflammatory arthritis) and was in constant pain - especially in my feet. Once I started taking Humira my pain and stiffness just about disapeared and the only pain I now have is from the physical damage the arthritis has left me with. These drugs are expensive and people have to 'qualify' to be prescribed them. I think it is likely that you will have to ask for them, I don't think may people get offered them without asking! For more info about these drugs visit:
http://www.arc.org.uk/arthinfo/publist.asp?ProductClassID=2

As far as shoes goes - get your GP or rheumatologist to refer you to see a podiatrist. I have shoes specially made for me by the hospital as I find it impossible to walk in shop bought shoes. A podiatrist will assess your need for insoles or shoes and can help a lot..

In short there are solutions out there but in my experience you are much more likely to get the help you need if you research what is available and then ask your healthcare team directly if you can be referred.

You may find it helpful to talk to someone from Arthritis Care's helpline, they have all the information about what is available out there. - Confidential helpline 0808 800 4050

Hope you manage to get the help you need...

All the best,

Trina
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Date: 15.06.2008
From: Gemma

Subject: Re: i'm new here

Hello Kay,
I was diagnosed with Rheumatic Arthritis in 2002, and given diclofenac to ease the pain and inflammation. As soon as I started taking the diclofenac, it seems the RA got worse and after a while, I was also offered methotrexate. I refused it though because I was very worried about the toxicity of these drugs. I am a befriender at my local hospital, and have seen first hand what these drugs can do ie. liver and eye damage etc. etc. I did a lot of research on the internet and came across an American medical website, which has information and support about a safe, low-cost treatment for rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and related diseases. The particular treatment focuses on antibiotic therapy, which has proven safe and effective. I made contact with them, and then targeted my GP with my evidence. Then, I walked like I was 80 and felt like I was 90 (I am 48). I was tired, in pain, and depressed. Luckily, he was very open-minded about it all and prescribed the antibiotic, and within weeks I felt like I had been reborn. To cut a long story short...the antibiotic worked for me and in a very short time and almost all my pain was gone. There is only one consultant in the UK, who will deliver this type of treatment, and like myself, there are many people who visit and have never looked back. I still work full-time, and do everything that had been part of my life before this disease came in. And it has given me the unshakeable belief that there ARE answers if we care to seek them - using patience, discrimination and wisdom. And, most of all, if we make a commitment to educate ourselves and to case-manage our own healing, finding and using expertise that makes sense to us, rather than unquestioningly putting our wellbeing and healing in the hands of those who will not step (or even look) outside the square of medical orthodoxy. Please feel free to contact me at gfilipe@hotmail.co.uk
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Date: 28.06.2008
From: Sheila

Subject: Re: i'm new here

Hello Kay

Just saw your post, i've had terrible trouble with my feet, hospital made up insoles which were useless, and I too have only been able to use trainers that the Consultant suggested, but I discovered CROC's, the ones i have are the Cayman type, and they are very good I've bought 5 pairs after trying out one. They cost £28.00 or 4 for price of 3 on the internet. They are NOT the most attractive shoe, but the comfort is amazing and some better looking types are coming out soon I believe. I cannot believe the differance they have made to me..regards Sheila
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