I have been avoiding this post like the plague.
I guess because I have not accepted the reality of my situation.
I saw a rheumatologist yesterday,
I went to the appointment in denial of what I actually already knew and a determination not to take the treatment. I was as afraid of the treatment as I was of the disease I knew I had.
I have RA or rhematoid arthritis. For those of you that do not know anything about this disease your immune sysrem attacks your joints, tendons and ligaments and it can cause sever deformities and cause you to become crippled. I had read about the medicines use to treat this disease and they all have awful side effects. Some are cheno therapy drugs abd since I have already had chemo therapy I did not want to go through it on a weekly basis. Other drugs can cause lymphoma and other types of cancer, I really did not want to give myself cancer again.
But when I was examined by the doctor I found out that I have swelling in almost every joint even though it is not visible. She also said having a positive RA factor this early in the course of the disease usually means that the RA is progressing aggressively. And that she needed to treat my disease aggressively and soon to prevent any further damage.
She explained that the drug that is used in chemo treatments would be a very small dose- 1/100th of what is used in chemo treatments. But it takes several weeks to work so along with it I need to take Prednisone as it acts quickly to rid the inflammation the is attacking my joints.
My husband was with me and he felt I had no choice but to start treatment.
So I did start it yesterday and I think I do feel slightly better.
I am determined not to let this overtake my life.
I was still creating before yesterday and I will continue to do so. Hell hath no fury.....!
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I am so sorry to hear this. I will pray for you. Glad that you are feeling a bit better though.
ReplyDeletepatti
Debra, we are praying for you.
ReplyDeletePam
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I know that the condition is extremely painful sometimes. My cousin was diagnosed with Juvenile RA when she was 16 , she tried many medicines and the best prescription to worked in her was Prednisone. She swelled for a couple of months but then the condition went into remission and has continued with her normal life more than 18 yrs. I hope that the same medicine works for you too. I will pray for you. Hugs, Eve
ReplyDeleteOh, my heavens Debra. This is devastating news for you and I hear that it is very painful. But there are treatments being worked out and they improve the medicines all the time. I hope that the example Eve told you about can be your outcome as well. I pray that it will be. I'm glad that you have the support of your husband by your side. And your attitude is very positive, I was told the other day by the specialists that that makes ALL the difference and that I had an excellent chance at turning my condition around and getting my life back.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Susan
Thanks for your supports Susuan- I hope we can both get our lives back.
ReplyDeleteDeb, having friends with RA, I know it can be so painful. The new developments in treatment will help you so much. As will your attitude. I am so sorry with your husbands illness, you now have to deal with this. Blogland is a group of prayers, Deb and prayers will be said for you.
ReplyDeleteI just joined this blog. I enjoy it very much. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless.
Beth
Debra~ I will be praying for you~
ReplyDeletesmiles
Teresa
Debra, I will be praying for you, that they find some meds to help you and you don't have any side effects. Bunches of hugs, Lecia
ReplyDeleteThank you so much ladies- you are all so wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Deb, I am so very sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you!!
ReplyDeleteBig HUGS!!
Brenda