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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: bridesmom
Date: 05-23-2006, 02:14 PM (1 of 11)
I am on two meds for rheumatoid arthritis. Both are new for me and now I am finding out about side effects. One - Arava, has numerous side effects that I suddenly seem to be seeing, and only since I started the 2nd one Humira. I am finding my hair is coming out way too much when I wash or comb my hair. I am thankful I have thick hair, but at this rate, I'm going to need a wig!! I'm waiting today for the Dr to call me about it all, cause I am also getting some small bruises showing up on my legs, and a rash on my wrists as well as the standard diarrhea that it causes and I'm so tired by the end of the day I can barely function. After lots of researching I think the side effects are mostly from the Arava, and may have been aggravated by the starting of the Humira. So if I am going to have to deal with hair loss, I think I need to stop coloring my hair and get it cut short so I don't have to do much to it. I know this sounds really vain but it's really bothering me with my hair falling out. Then I get depressed because my older sister doesn't have anything wrong with her medically, and she's 10 years older than me. I just wanted to cry on someones shoulder today. I'd go sew but my machine is in the shop for a week. I'm just really tired of having to deal with this stupid disease, and I go through bouts of being really down about having it. That's all.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-23-2006, 02:24 PM (2 of 11)
Poor Laura. I'm sorry you are feeling badly.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Patty22
Date: 05-23-2006, 03:59 PM (3 of 11)
I know this sounds really vain but it's really bothering me with my hair falling out. ....

Laura.......I don't think you're being vain, I just think you have been dealing with so much that your hair was just the tip of the iceburg - so to speak.

sending you lots of hugs that don't hurt ((((((())))))) and putting out a cup of tea for you.....
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: Skye
Date: 05-23-2006, 05:01 PM (4 of 11)
Lots of hugs Laura and I hope that your dr gets those meds sorted out.
Thjose wee bruises are of concern too but I can sympathise with you about the hair 'cause I certainly wouldn't like that either.
I know what it is like to have a chronic condition and I move into my cave every now and then too when I start feeliong sorry for me
More hugs
Skye
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000
Total posts: 233
From: AndreaSews
Date: 05-23-2006, 08:38 PM (5 of 11)
(((Laura))) I hope that your doc can help you come up with a better balance. It sounds like a tough time.
Andrea
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007
From: Chrysantha
Date: 05-23-2006, 10:03 PM (6 of 11)
I have rheumatoid arthritis and my Dr calls Humira poison in a bag. She won't give it to anyone UNLESS it's a last resort. I was on Plaquenil for many yrs. (then had to go off due to side effects). Then there was Vioxx. (didn't work thank heavens..) Bextra (worked, but it too was pulled off the shelves). So now I'm stuck. I have lidocaine patches for knees, if I need'em and an NSAID in a cream, if I need that. (NSAID's make me ill, so I have to be careful using that stuff.) Otherwise, I take aspirin. Stay out of the sun, try not to stress out, eat right and exercise.

I'd tell the Dr whats happening, maybe get a second opinion...I've found through the yrs (23 since I was diagnosed with Lupus/arthritis) that there are as many opinions about rheumatology as there are rheumatologists. (since my husband was in the AF, I saw quite a few. I've had the same one now for 10 yrs and she's by FAR the BEST one I've seen. She actually LISTENS...she's also an Internal Meds Dr....she specialized twice.)

I also lay down and rest if I feel the need...(anti-depressents might help you out too...I take'em....)
Chrys
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414
From: esrun3
Date: 05-23-2006, 10:21 PM (7 of 11)
Laura, I hope you are feeling better soon. Sounds like a drug interaction to me. Do not let your dr. brush you off! Be sure he listens and does something, changes your meds, dosage, something! Hang in there. We are here for you!
Lyn
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004
Total posts: 2345
From: chris b
Date: 05-24-2006, 12:13 AM (8 of 11)
My Dr has always told me to "try" new drugs but if I felt badly to discontinue them and call him. If you also feel bad you should go to the ER because if you are allergic and you take more you could really have a problem. When I had my wisdom teeth pulled in my 20's I had a bad drug reaction and ended up in the ER in bad shape. Don't fool around if something new doesn't make you feel right!
Pfaff 2170,Pfaff 7570,Elna 945
Singer 301A,Singer Redeye,Singer 15 HC
Simplicity 2/3/4
Pfaff Creative 3-D digitizing,3-D Fabric Decorator
Pfaff PCDMac2.2
StitchBunnyPro,FlutterWhumper
Embird,Studio,cross stitch,
EQ5....and adding all the time!
User: chris b
Member since: 01-10-2001
Total posts: 109
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 05-24-2006, 03:59 PM (9 of 11)
I am 35. I am young for this forum, but have been dealing with some wiser than my age issues.

I have Narcolepsy, REM Sleep Disorder (I like to fist fight in my sleep), non-epileptic seizures, a degenerative hearing loss in both ears (and no $4000 to buy the hearing aids).

Last week I was told I have endometriosis and that I had a choice of medicated menopause or hysterectomy.

All I've been able to do is cry, and try to figure out WHY. It is easy to get depressed when you are so sick, and everyone else is so "well". Talk - talk, talk, talk, it helps so much.

You are not alone. Hard as it is I struggle and hold on to my faith, believing I can handle it all because God would not give me more than I can handle.

Medications can be a real nightmare. I've been on and off so many I can't count them - I could own a drug store with my leftovers. But don't give up - someday the right combination will be found, and then you will feel better.

Blessing and prayers for you.
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006
Total posts: 257
From: bridesmom
Date: 05-25-2006, 12:43 AM (10 of 11)
Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I have been researching the meds I've been on quite a bit and I work in a hospital too, so having that medical knowledge background has helped. Chrys, I share some of your concerns/comments regarding the Humira, I'm not positive that it's what I want to be on, but I do have a great Rheumatologist, she's pretty positive and good for trying new things, and seems to have a great deal of knowledge on stuff, but I also want to be able to be around long enough to see my grandbabies get married and dance at their weddings! I'm just tired of being sick and tired. So for each of us that is dealing with something that makes us sick and tired. BIG GROUP HUG!! It means alot to know I can come here and whine and complain and you all will encourage me and come up with new ideas and make me feel better and I can do the same back for you. You are all just super special people!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: MariLynntex
Date: 06-15-2006, 03:31 PM (11 of 11)
Laura, I am glad you are seeing a woman doctor. I am 79 and have seem quite a lot of doctors over the years (I had 7 children who had all the usual stuff) and was occasionally sick myself. Many doctors are good and worthy of your confidence, but women doctors LISTEN to you much more closely than male doctors, wo have numerous preconceptions about women and their illnesses. It looks like neither of those meds were good for you. I am allergic to a great many medications. I am not allergic to anything else, just meds. I hate to try a new med, I have no faith in 'wonder drugs'. I'd rather hurt than try a new medicine! So be careful and don't be afraid to change doctors. ALWAYS complain if you have side effects. Love & Prayers, MariLynntx
User: MariLynntex
Member since: 01-05-2006
Total posts: 107
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