I have been diagnosed about a tear. I have already had joint teplacement in my big toe. I am currently on methotrexate and enbrel. I cant take tramadol because it makes my heart race. I have been suffering with chest pains lately and when on it my heart seems worse. I recently learned that shortness of breath and chest pains is common with psa. I also have been retaining fluid. I get up at least 5 times during the night. I get bad head aches if I drink so I avoid it as much as possible. Drinking also causes flares so I keep away. I do not smoke never have. I am a mother of a 13 year old and a 7 year old. I despise steroids.i can not take tylonal due to the meds I am on and liver issues they cause and I cant take ibreprophen brcause it conflicts with the effects of the meds. What are some things I need to know or need to ask my VA Dr when Igo in 2 weeks. I feel alone.
I'm sorry I can't offer much advice here. I just want you to know that I see that you're having a rough patch, and that you're not alone.
My big question would be regarding your meds, whether they are really the right combination at this point. Should you try a different biologic? Things to consider. You may also wind up needing a short dose of steroids just to get you over the hump.
I refuse to do steroids. I gained 10# on a 7 day and ended up hurting joits more
I just got diagnosed with Costochondritis and it's been an experience. http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/a/costochondritis.htm ouch!
But I think you really need to make a list of symptoms and issues to talk to him about. You can take a NSAID if he approves it. I would ask him if he's got any solutions for your various symptoms or any suggestions for treatment to improve your quality of life. Are you drinking too much before you go to bed? That seems an awful lot of peeing at night.
Not too bad. I get up about the same on nights I drink water or nights I dont. In past 6 mths I have gone to a size 7.5 wedding ring to a size 9. When i bend my fingers they crack
Hi Debee,
I'm sorry you are having such a rough time. There may be other pain meds you can try... I can take Codeine or Oxycodone, but not Vicodin or Tramadol because I get heart palpitations and chest pain. Each person is different, and you might need to play around to find out what works for you.
I swore I would never take steroids again after several horrible experiences on them..... and here I am on them. I had to experiment, I can't do a typical burst pack, which I believe starts at 40mg. That makes me crazy, hyper, and feeling worse off than when I started. I do better with a much lower dose. My doc prescribes me a bottle of 5mg pills, and I can take as I feel I need in whatever length low doses I need (usually no more than 10mg for 5 days or so).
I find muscle relaxants helpful before bed. I take Zanaflex. Pain makes me tense up and makes it harder to sleep. The muscle relaxant helps me feel less stiff in the mornings.
It's tough to feel this way while juggling young kids as well as your illness. My kids are 13yo and 16yo, and it does get a little easier. Hang in there! I'm sorry I don't have better suggestions for you other than speak to your dr. about what you feel is and isn't working, and ask for options.
Sorry you’re going through a rough patch, Debee. No advice from me either, but I can tell you that you are definitely not alone. All of us here have had our own journeys, and most of us will be able recognize elements of our journey in yours. And as you get to know those of us here, you’ll see how not alone you are!
Debee.
I just had a joint replacement in my toe. I'm on enbrel and mtx too. Just make sure u tell him all the symptoms and why each one affects u
Have your doc do a thorough check of your heart, and bp next time you are in to rule out any cardiac issues first. If that is bialy, then maybe they can offer other suggestions of causes. There are several things that make me suggest that: shortness of breath, chest pain, water retention and headaches. How recent was your stress test? things can change and it’s much better to be thorough when it comes to cardiac problems. Could it be 100% PsA related like chostrochondritis? Absolutely, but the way PsA affects other organ systems is concerning.
You are Not alone here, ever.
My last stress test was a year ago. I had to stay 48 hrs in hospital. Because I deal with VA I dont get many answers and often get lost in the system. My anti cardio… was high which means my blood has a clotting characteristic. I have high chelesterol but last test showed improvements with that. My arthritis is in my fingers wrists shoulders hips sometimes knees and ankles. My fingers look like little sausages and are starting to turn.
I understand how the VA works-I've had to deal with them in my nursing practice. They don't like it, but you've got to force them to not forget you. Calmly call and check up on various things they may have promised. If they ever say they're going to get back to you, make sure they do. If not call them and calmly insist that they do what they said they would. Being calm and faux understanding will really help over the phone. Once you start yelling or get upset, they're just going to "accidentally" disconnect you.
Best of luck to you in your endeavors.
Hi Debee! How long have you been on Enbrel and mtx? I'm wondering if you need more time for them to work, or if you've been on them a year and maybe it's time to try something else? It doesn't seem like you're getting as much relief as you should hope to expect. Definitely check back with your doctors and request any test / lab results get sent to you. If I were you, I'd write down my list of symptoms (and make a copy for you and one for the doctor), and go through them with the doctor at your appointment. If you say the words chest pain and shortness of breath, they should at the very least do an ekg to make sure things are ok with your heart. You mentioned liver issues - I have simple fatty liver and autoimmune hepatitis (hit the lottery there! LOL), so I understand the inability to take a lot of meds. I'm not allowed NSAIDs, but can luckily take tramadol without any ill effects. Finding a pain med that works for you is important. Also - I'm not a fan of steroids either and avoid them whenever possible, especially in high doses, but did fairly recently agree to low-dose daily prednisone and it does make a big different with my inflammation, especially considering NSAIDs are completely out of the picture for me. Low dose daily doesn't usually cause weight gain and other issues that higher doses can.
I want to echo others' sentiments - you are not alone in this. Thank you for reaching out to this community for support when you were feeling alone. Be gentle with yourself.