Arthritis?

[southernbelle04]

Question for you guys...do any of you suffer from arthritis? I am 28 and was diagnosed with psoriasis about 7 years ago. I have a mild case and usually do well with topical medications. However, in the past year my dermatologist has noted that mine is getting much worse. So we decided to go to a more powerful treatment of Enbrel. It is an injectible med and he thinks it will really help me. However, when I went to get started on the Enbrel, I found out I had to wait. I had a positive TB test about 5 years ago and although I did not have TB (normal chest x rays, etc.) I have the germ for it in my body. The doctors think it was passed on to me from my mother at birth since she is the same way. Of course, once you have had a positive TB test, you will always test positive. The doctors I've seen (dermatolgist, infectious disease specialist, rheumatologist) all believe that I would never ever develop TB as I am a healthy individual and am younger. However, Enbrel is a medicine that suppresses your immune system. So before I can start the Enbrel I am having to take a INH medicine once a day for 9 months. This is supposed to kill the TB germ in my system so that it will not be a problem and become active TB when I start the Enbrel. However, since I started the INH medicine (which can have side effects on the liver...and I have a blood test every month to check my liver function...it has been normal so far and the doctors believe I'll be fine since I am younger and in good health) I have noticed a lot of pain in my joints, especially my feet. Sometimes I can barely walk if it is really cold or early in the morning. So I went to my dermatologist and he referred me to a rheumatologist. Turns out I have developed psoriatic arthritis. This is fairly common in people who have psoriasis and is just one of those things you have to deal with. However, since I am taking the INH, my doctors said that for the time being they cannot put me on anything for the arthritis. They even advise against taking pain medication unless I am in need really bad since it too can have side effects on the liver. They didn't want me doubling up on meds that could affect my liver. When I start the Enbrel (In June) it will help both my skin and the arthritis, but in the meantime, I'm just having to live with it. I thought I could deal with and manage, but the past few weeks have been so bad on me. I think it's the cold. I find I'm having more and more pain. It has really gotten me down. So I was wondering, do any of you suffer from arthritis? Is there any tips you have on easing the pain? I am going to talk to my doctor about this at the next appointment, but in the meantime I thought I might ask. Do you think a heating pad or electric blanket would help? Any advice is much appreciated!

Sorry to write a novel here too. LOL.

[Beamers Mom]

I feel for you. I have RA and sometimes it is really painful, but I am able to take pain meds.

Have you tried acupuncture?

[Patti]

I am sorry to hear about your health issues. My 26 year old daughter was diagnosed 1 1/2 years ago with Rheumatoid arthritis. Her Dad has psoriasis and his mom had scleraderma. All of these are auto immune diseases. She tested positive for the RA marker. Her main problem is her knees fill with fluid all the time and she has to have it drained and get cortisone shots. She also has back ache's and her elbows ache a lot. She is on Humera, a drug similar to embrel, methotrexate and anti inflammatory medicines. She has to have her liver function tested regularly also.She will do ok for awhile and the have bad flare ups. She cannot exercise or wear any high heeled shoes as they cause her knees to swell. My daughter's flare ups happen more in winter too. Her rheumatologist told her to use ice packs. We always thought she had eczema but once she started the Humera it went away so we think she actually had psoriasis like her Dad. I know just about any arthritis medicine effects the liver so it really limits your options. Have you been given any exercises to do that can help? I hate to see such young people having to deal with this disease. I hope you can get some relief soon.

[Harrysmum]

I can't help much - but just wanted to say I really, really feel for you. You're far too young to be having all these awful health issues.

I have the beginnings of arthritis in my knuckles - but then I'm 55. The cold definately makes it worse. Exercise is good - try to keep everything as supple as you can.

My mum suffers with it very badly - her neck practically locks up. She was advised to use a heat pad - she sits there with one on each evening like she's wearing a scarf, it really helps her. Good luck Sally x

[gidget529]

I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. I also have an autoimmune disorder, Takayasu's arteritis. Unfortunately, the longer you live w these disorders, you start to develop more autoimmune disorders. I now also have Crohn's, rhematoid arthritis, and orbital psoriasis. I think the cold and dampness does make these joints hurt worse, and then if you add some rain on top of it - ugh! I cannot take the NSAIDS bc of the Crohn's and they want me to try to do w/o the pain meds also bc the immunosuppressant drug I'm on is also hard on the liver (I have blood tests every month also). I also get the steroid injections in my knees, but they probably do not want to do that while you're on the INH. I know you are in pain. I am so sorry. Warm showers really feel good to me on a bad day. On bad days, I say the heck w water conservation, and I stand under the hot shower. Try to stay warm. I also say the heck w electric conservation on the bad days too - up goes that thermostat!

[gidget529]

Originally Posted by Patti

I am sorry to hear about your health issues. My 26 year old daughter was diagnosed 1 1/2 years ago with Rheumatoid arthritis. Her Dad has psoriasis and his mom had scleraderma. All of these are auto immune diseases. She tested positive for the RA marker. Her main problem is her knees fill with fluid all the time and she has to have it drained and get cortisone shots. She also has back ache's and her elbows ache a lot. She is on Humera, a drug similar to embrel, methotrexate and anti inflammatory medicines. She has to have her liver function tested regularly also.She will do ok for awhile and the have bad flare ups. She cannot exercise or wear any high heeled shoes as they cause her knees to swell. My daughter's flare ups happen more in winter too. Her rheumatologist told her to use ice packs. We always thought she had eczema but once she started the Humera it went away so we think she actually had psoriasis like her Dad. I know just about any arthritis medicine effects the liver so it really limits your options. Have you been given any exercises to do that can help? I hate to see such young people having to deal with this disease. I hope you can get some relief soon.

I am so sorry you're daughter is starting on this road at 26. I really hate to see young ppl have to deal w these things.

[KazzyK810]

I have RA. Worst is in my knees, but also bothers my wrists and elbows alot. I've been told repeatedly to ice when I have a flare up to lessen the inflammation. But, it doesn't work for me. I love heat! Nothing makes it feel better but heat. Scary thing is the pain can get so bad, that I don't even recognize how hot the hot water bottle (my fav choice of site specific heating) I'm using is and I've burned myself quite a few times.

I was looking at getting a new electric blanket for use this winter, but after reading alot of reviews, I ended up going with a heated mattress pad. I absolutely LOVE it. I'm waking up on cold mornings with alot less pain than usual. I'd highly recommend one. They are available with dual settings, so if your hubby can control the heat on his side.

Hope you find some relief.

[southernbelle04]

Thank you all so much for your kind words and advice. I too am so sorry all of you have to suffer with illness. I know it is no fun! But I think having Yorkies helps us a ton!!! That little face can always make us smile no matter what.

I too have tried the ice packs and that makes mine work. I think for me, the heat helps a lot. I finally gave in and turned up the thermostat yesterday after I couldn't take it anymore. I think I'll definitely look into a heated mattress pad/blanket. Of course, KS is like a little hot water bottle when she snuggles up next to me. LOL.

Again, thank you all very much! I will try your ideas! I haven't tried acupuncture, but will definitely look into it. I will try anything.

[KazzyK810]

This is what I have. It was half off when I bought it and its on sale for half off again

Slumber Rest Bedding, Premium Quilted Square Queen Heated Mattress Pad - Mattress Pads - Bed & Bath - Macy's


I don't understand the physics of why sleeping ON a heated mattress pad is so much better than sleeping UNDER an electric blanket...but it is! Works wonderfully!

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

This is what I have. It was half off when I bought it and its on sale for half off again

Slumber Rest Bedding, Premium Quilted Square Queen Heated Mattress Pad - Mattress Pads - Bed & Bath - Macy's


I don't understand the physics of why sleeping ON a heated mattress pad is so much better than sleeping UNDER an electric blanket...but it is! Works wonderfully!

I think it's because it seeps into your bones from underneath, rather than going upwards into the air (heat rises?) I don't know, just trying to sound intelligent!!! Sally x

[Yorkiedaze]

All I can add here is what happen to me. I was scheduled for knee replacement surgery (I have arthritis) and while going thru all the tests needed before surgery, a friend with a doctorate degree in the field of nutrition, put me on Jarrow formula CMO, twice daily, NOW brand super Omega 3,6,9 and stress tabs with iron. A week later I was walking almost normal, and in two weeks I was walking normal and pain free. I canceled my surgery. This she said is NOT a cure and I may nee surgery at some point. This was almost a year ago and I'm still taking these supplements and doing great!

[Patti]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

All I can add here is what happen to me. I was scheduled for knee replacement surgery (I have arthritis) and while going thru all the tests needed before surgery, a friend with a doctorate degree in the field of nutrition, put me on Jarrow formula CMO, twice daily, NOW brand super Omega 3,6,9 and stress tabs with iron. A week later I was walking almost normal, and in two weeks I was walking normal and pain free. I canceled my surgery. This she said is NOT a cure and I may nee surgery at some point. This was almost a year ago and I'm still taking these supplements and doing great!

That's wonderful! I am going to tell my daughter about that. Thanks

[yorkieusa]

I wish I could offer some advice for you. I think the mattress pad is a good idea. Have you considered taking a hot soak in the tub after you get up to see if it helps you feel less pain the remainder of the day? I hope you get some relief soon. You're too young to have so much pain.

[ArmaniMan]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

This is what I have. It was half off when I bought it and its on sale for half off again

Slumber Rest Bedding, Premium Quilted Square Queen Heated Mattress Pad - Mattress Pads - Bed & Bath - Macy's


I don't understand the physics of why sleeping ON a heated mattress pad is so much better than sleeping UNDER an electric blanket...but it is! Works wonderfully!

Hope you don't mind me asking, but do your furkids sleep in bed with you?

I have a lot of joint pain- my doctor is just now testing for RA among other things and I would love to get something like this as the pain is so bad at night and in the morning- but I wonder if it will be okay to have the dogs sleeping on it as well?

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

Hope you don't mind me asking, but do your furkids sleep in bed with you?

I have a lot of joint pain- my doctor is just now testing for RA among other things and I would love to get something like this as the pain is so bad at night and in the morning- but I wonder if it will be okay to have the dogs sleeping on it as well?

Yes, ZoE sleeps in bed with me.

I preheat the bed so its nice & toasty warm for when I get in, and ZoE starts out on top of the covers laying on her blankie. During the night, the whole house gets colder from turning my house-heating thermostat down overnight, and thats when ZoE then snuggles under the covers with me....usually around 3am.