6th June 2002
I too have Rheumatoid arthritis and was taking Arava and Predisone with a occ Dcn-100 for pain. I would rate my pain 8-9 most days. My Rheumatologist acted like me requesting pain meds was terrible....so I went to see a pain specialist. He has worked with me until I am basically pain free. He Rxs Methadone with Percocet for break thru pain. My rheumatologist is not aware that I see a pain specialist. On my last visit to my Rheumatologist I told him that my pain was between 8-9 and he basically said "RA is a bad disease and no one can tell how bad it will be for an individual pt. or how crippled you might become". He did not prescribe any pain meds. I am now Prescribed Embrel, Prednisone, Arava, Fosamax. Until I started taking Embrel, I couldnt stop the Prednisone no matter how hard I tried. Embrel was prescribed over a year ago and I just started taking it 2 weeks ago and I already feel better. I think it is the magic drug for me, thank you Lord. It is pitiful how much pain arthritis sufferers are expected to tolerate by most MDs. We basically have to educate ourselves and figure out our own treatment as best we can and try to find the rare MD who cares enough to help us.I am a registered nurse so I have access to more in depth education (possibly) and here is my plan.....right for me. not suggested for others.
Embrel injs. twice a week. Low dose Methadone for pain with Percocet as needed. EffexorXL 75mg and Lorazapam 1 mg at night. I have had terrible insomnia and been very depressed with the pain and disability of RA. I use parafin baths for my hands as needed. I walk (4 blocks) daily and recently I have been able to do more and more. When the pain of RA is excruciating, you are exhausted and move as little as possible. As the meds help you pack on the lbs. you become more and more sedentary. With pain relief, you start to smile again and get up and go and do and start to get your life back. Can anyone tell me why MDs dont want to give narcotics for RA? Why is it taking so long for us to get Embrel and why is it so expensive?
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Elizabeth
Embrel injs. twice a week. Low dose Methadone for pain with Percocet as needed. EffexorXL 75mg and Lorazapam 1 mg at night. I have had terrible insomnia and been very depressed with the pain and disability of RA. I use parafin baths for my hands as needed. I walk (4 blocks) daily and recently I have been able to do more and more. When the pain of RA is excruciating, you are exhausted and move as little as possible. As the meds help you pack on the lbs. you become more and more sedentary. With pain relief, you start to smile again and get up and go and do and start to get your life back. Can anyone tell me why MDs dont want to give narcotics for RA? Why is it taking so long for us to get Embrel and why is it so expensive?
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Elizabeth