Rheumatoid Arthritis

I was just diagnosed about a month ago with RA. I am newly married and young and I am finding it hard to deal with the pain. I am on 20MG prednisone and 1000MG sulfasalazine. I am seeing no relief in the pain. I had a cortizone shot last week which helped with the pain but it is wearing off. I woke up this morning unable to move my hands. I have to work a full time job in order to support my husband and I because he is a full time student. Sometimes I just feel like I cant make it, the pain is horrible. My DR said I have RA even though my blood work doesnt agree. I wonder if it is something else? My sympotms match to a T but I just dont undertstand how I am in this much pain and my doctor just doesnt seem very "compassionate" How do you all find relief and what are things I can do to make it at work 60 hours a week?

Please help!

Dearest Abby,
First of all, wrap your arms around yourself and give a big hug from me. I too have spend many years with and without a definitive diagnosis...going from doctor to doctor trying to get some relief from the pain and discomfort, and getting pain medication ON A REGULAR BASIS without fighting the doctor because they were afraid of writing a narcotic med too often. FINALLY, I went to a pain doctor and I have been so very happy for over 3 years. I go to his office every 3rd month to renew my prescriptions. I am on Vicodin, Robaxin and Neurontin (for the neck pain that runs down my arms). He saved my life. He also gives me an epidural (like when you have a baby) during times of exacerbation of symptoms, also I can have nerve blocks in my cervical vertebrae. Good luck dear. Bitze

Hi Abby, I am sorry to read about your struggles with arthritis. I work for Corbett Accel Healthcare Group in Chicago, IL and my team is conducting a research project (no sales involved) on new therapies for RA. We would like to get the opinions of people who have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Undifferentiated (Inflammatory) Arthritis in the past year.

I have read through your postings and would like to ask if you would participate in a 1-hour phone interview. If you qualify you would receive $50 for your time.

To find out if you qualify, please call me at 312-475-7857.

The deadline for responses is Friday, October 24. Thanks for your consideration.

Abby,

I have RA and have found an alternative to Western medicine that works! I have my life back and you can too. My wife and I are so excited and we are more than happy to share with you what has worked for me. Please contact me at esbest@sbcglobal.net.

Steve