mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523 
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Post by mlana on Oct 14, 2015 17:02:01 GMT
I've been on a prescription anti-inflammatory for over a year for my osteoarthritis in my knees. It also helps reduce the inflammation in my feet and hips which makes it possible for me to keep moving and to lose weight. Since January 0f 2014, I've lost 60 lbs, with the bulk of that loss occurring after I started taking this medicine.
In June 2015, I noticed that my daily pain level was higher, and I was finding excuses not to go out to my garden, which is both my passion and my main source of exercise. I put this lack of interest down to the stress I was under due to Granny's illness. In August, I went to help care for Granny as she was in hospice, and my activity level plummeted while my eating level soared. Granny's church family couldn't make her well or make us hurt any less as we watched her go downhill, but they could feed us..and did they ever! by the time the funeral was over, I had gained 10 lbs back. I gave myself 2 months to lose the weight, but I didn't lose even a pound. Even worse, my pain levels were so bad, I could barely walk out to the garden, much less be active in it. When I hit the 2 month mark, I decided that I needed to do something about the pain, so I could get back to losing weight and gardening.
I have a great primary dr and he suggested that part of my problem might be some of the side effects of menopause as well as the arthritis, so he ran an large panel of tests to find out exactly what was going on. He also recommended that I visit the rheumotologist again to see what meds might be the most effective. I was able to step into someone's cancelled appointment, so I got in to see the rheumy asap.
Turns out, my Vitamin D level is less than 4, with the lowest acceptable level at 20. Last year my DH was diagnosed with low Vitamin D with a level of 9, so I knew my levels were bad. The rheumy told me that I was doing great to be moving as much as I have been with my levels so low. She also told me that levels this low were definitely playing a part in making me more sensitive to pain. The tests she and my primary ran also showed that I have some high levels of inflammation, probably in my foot where most of my pain is. She started me on a new NSAID as well as a prescription for once a week Vitamin D.
Both of my drs were wonderful. I really dislike going to the dr because I have been to so many who only see a fat person and they act like I should understand that my weight is the root of all my evils. It's really hard to go see someone for help when you know they are going to judge you rather than take a serious look at your concerns. I actually had one orthopedist tell me that of course my foot hurt, I was obese, and this was as good as it was going to get. Who tells someone something like that when they are in pain from a foot injury caused by slipping in the shower?! These drs were great, though, and they both were able to focus on finding out what was causing me to stop the habits I had worked so hard to learn. I was almost as relieved to find out that there was something measurably wrong with me as I was to find out it was something that could be treated.
Marcy
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
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Post by brandy327 on Oct 14, 2015 17:34:14 GMT
I've had many of the same experiences as you with doctors. I've been overweight my entire life and whenever a doctor's visit was warranted, it was immediately blamed on me being fat...it couldn't POSSIBLY be anything else. Unfortunately, right after my twins were born in 2004, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and thankfully I have a wonderful rheumetologist. While I do like her a lot, I still put off going to see her...I do it now because I'm doing so well. I'm on Enbrel (a weekly injectable) and it's been THE best med for me. I live with very little pain and/or stiffness these days and really only remember that I have it when I overdo it physically or when the weather changes. I'm glad they were able to diagnose the problem and hopefully you'll be back to your garden in no time!!  |
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Post by nlwilkins on Oct 14, 2015 18:29:44 GMT
I've had the same experience and while I am overweight, I am not that much overweight. But, what they blame the problems the most on is my age. At 65 doctors start thinking you are doing pretty good if you can still lead a full life. Well, I want to continue to live a full life for at least 20 years or more. People live longer nowdays!
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Post by Judie in Oz on Oct 14, 2015 19:20:53 GMT
I've had many of the same experiences as you with doctors. I've been overweight my entire life and whenever a doctor's visit was warranted, it was immediately blamed on me being fat...it couldn't POSSIBLY be anything else. Unfortunately, right after my twins were born in 2004, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and thankfully I have a wonderful rheumetologist. While I do like her a lot, I still put off going to see her...I do it now because I'm doing so well. I'm on Enbrel (a weekly injectable) and it's been THE best med for me. I live with very little pain and/or stiffness these days and really only remember that I have it when I overdo it physically or when the weather changes. I'm glad they were able to diagnose the problem and hopefully you'll be back to your garden in no time!! Not many people know about psoriatic arthritis. Were you on any different meds before the Enbrel? I take weekly methotrexate, along with a cocktail of other stuff. I'd love to hear more about how you do on the Enbrel. Thinking of asking my rheumy to try it. |
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
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Post by brandy327 on Oct 14, 2015 20:17:36 GMT
I've had many of the same experiences as you with doctors. I've been overweight my entire life and whenever a doctor's visit was warranted, it was immediately blamed on me being fat...it couldn't POSSIBLY be anything else. Unfortunately, right after my twins were born in 2004, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and thankfully I have a wonderful rheumetologist. While I do like her a lot, I still put off going to see her...I do it now because I'm doing so well. I'm on Enbrel (a weekly injectable) and it's been THE best med for me. I live with very little pain and/or stiffness these days and really only remember that I have it when I overdo it physically or when the weather changes. I'm glad they were able to diagnose the problem and hopefully you'll be back to your garden in no time!! Not many people know about psoriatic arthritis. Were you on any different meds before the Enbrel? I take weekly methotrexate, along with a cocktail of other stuff. I'd love to hear more about how you do on the Enbrel. Thinking of asking my rheumy to try it. It wasn't a difficult jump for my docs to diagnose me because I've suffered from psoriasis since puberty. The docs think that the huge surge of hormones while I was pregnant with my twins is likely what caused the start of my arthritis. When the twins were about 2 months old, one day I noticed that my thumb hurt. It felt like I'd put a lot of pressure on it...like while I was sleeping or something. I didn't think much about it. Within a week, all the joints on that hand were like that, within 2 weeks the joints on my other hands hurt and within a month, almost all of my other joints were feeling it. I'd started doing some reading and had a sneaking suspicion that it could be PA. I saw a rheumetologist within the first 2 months and confirmed. I was given a low dose steroid as well as methotrexate to start with. We upped the dosage several times with the methotrexate and it never helped. I was also on Plaquenil. After almost 2 years of fiddling with different meds and upping dosages and nothing really helping, my rheumetologist prescribed Enbrel. Within a couple of weeks, the relief was amazing!! Within a month, my pain and stiffness was minimal. I've had some flares here and there but nothing like when it was originally diagnosed. I know for some people, it's not the answer. A good friend of mine also has arthritis (he's had since he was 3yo) and he tried it...and while it provided relief, within a few months his liver/kidney numbers were not good (you have to have frequent liver/kidney checks) so he had to switch to Humira. I've never had issues with my liver/kidney and I've now been on the meds for over 9 years. A bonus? It helps clear psoriasis up. The only place on my body that I still battle psoriasis flares is my scalp. If you have any other questions, just let me know! Oh and I was able to ween off of all other meds after starting Enbrel. No more methotrexate, steroids, nothing....just the Enbrel. |
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Oct 14, 2015 20:17:36 GMT
I'm glad that your doctors listened to your concerns and found the root of your problem. I hope you're back moving and grooving soon and dropping the unwanted weight.
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Post by jenb72 on Oct 14, 2015 20:34:12 GMT
I'm so glad you have docs who will listen instead of just chastising. Of course you know what your weight is and that it doesn't help any issues you're having. The point is, you can't go about improving on that and getting better if you're in so much pain you can barely move! Honestly, I think sometimes common sense isn't so common, even for doctors.
I'd never heard of a Vitamin D deficiency and that it can make you more prone to being sensitive to pain before... so I've learned something new. Thanks for that!
Jen
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scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,306
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Post by scrappinghappy on Oct 14, 2015 20:50:10 GMT
I am so sorry you are in pain. I suffer (suffered) so badly from joint pain that rolling over to get out of bed in the morning was a HUGE deal. I also desperately need (needed) to lose a LOT of weight.
I consulted a local nutritionist, who also works with an endocrinologist and a rheumatologist, for help losing weight and she told me the most interesting things. Did you know that some foods cause such a bad inflammatory reaction in your body that they actually PREVENT you from losing weight? She ran blood tests and my iGe and iGa levels were off the charts. She told me this was absolute indication of an inflammatory reaction caused either by a non-lethal allergy or an intolerance to certain foods. This was three months ago. Working with her, she told me to remove 7 foods known to cause inflammatory reactions: Gluten, sugar, corn, soy, peanuts, eggs and dairy. It wasn't easy, but I figured I could do anything for three weeks. Right?
I couldn't fit an appointment in at 3 weeks so after 4 weeks I went back, had another blood test and the levels were significantly down but not within normal ranges yet. I had lost 15 pounds and still felt achey in my joints but the pain level had dropped from a 12 to a 6. I could get my wedding band off and could hold a sewing needle for extended periods of time. She told me to carry on for another 3 weeks which I did. The following blood test showed that the levels were within normal range. I had lost 23 pounds in 8 weeks, was never hungry, my joints had no pain and the arthritic swelling in my fingers was completely gone. The next step was to work on re-introducing healthy forms of the foods we took out to see what was causing my body to react. So I am in week 11 right now. I added back eggs first. OMG - the joint pain was back at a 10 within 4 days. I also had the weirdest patch of dry skin right in the middle of my forehead. There is some question whether it was the eggs or the potatoes in the frittata I made. Either way, I am totally off eggs and potatoes for the meantime. I am back on the elimination diet till I get the egg/potato out my system and my levels back to normal then will try the next food. I have lost 30 pounds to date, and am almost pain free in my joints.
So, may I suggest you find an excellent nutritionist who is familiar with inflammatory reactions and elimination diets and give it a go. One book my nutritionist recommended reading was JJ Virgin's "The Virgin Diet" which is basically an elimination diet. She also has a lot of recipes you can use.
Surprisingly I thought my biggest cravings would be sugar and chocolate. Much to my surprise it's cheese. And thus, dairy will be the last food I bring back. Apparently your body has all these antibodies that need to work so you crave the food that will cause the reaction that allows the antibodies to work so there is an excellent chance that my inflammatory reaction is exacerbated by dairy (as well as either eggs or potatoes).
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M in Carolina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,128
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Post by M in Carolina on Oct 15, 2015 10:06:05 GMT
I'm so glad that you're getting your low vitamin D level treated.
I have low D, and it makes my bones hurt. I am going back on the prescription D.
I'm also seeing a new neurologist and need to see a rheumatologist. My dh sees the neurologist, and he saw my swollen hands and these weird sores on the joints of my fingers, and he thinks I have RA along with the MS.
I don't do well on steroids at all. I get severe urinary retention and feel horrible on top of already feeling horrible.
When I first had autoimmune symptoms and gained weight from the hormones to treat my endometriosis, my urologist told me that losing weight was simple: burn more calories than you consume.
Dumbass. If it were that easy, we wouldn't have a multibillion dollar weight loss industry.
My primary care doctor's office has a new nutritionist service. I'm going to check it out. I've been to nutritionists in the past and have asked my various pancreatitis specialists for diet help, but nobody agrees on what you should eat. It's so frustrating because I know losing weight would help my joint pain. It's also frustrating when there's so few foods that don't cause pancreatitis symptoms and fiber is not recommended. Simple carbs are the easiest to digest. Basically my doctors have said I have to eat something, so don't stress about not being able to eat as healthy as I'd like. It sucks because I LOVE fruits and vegetables. They don't like me, though.
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Southern Side eyed Pea