I took myself off Celebrex completely on 2/24/2010. I ran into some issues last week and it felt like I was having some kidney problems (nothing major as it turns out.) I read on line that mixing an NSAID with Methotrexate can cause kidney issues, so I decided then and there that I had to drop the Celebrex.
With the introduction of M to my PA regimen, I think the Dr. wanted me off Celebrex anyway. She cut me from two pills a day to one.
She didn't really tell me why though, so I was hesitant to make the change. That stems from a previous bad experience. Once when I was taking Plaquenal (sp) and Celebrex together, I stopped the Celebrex and I paid dearly. My ankles were so painful I felt like Herman Munster walking around. I dreaded stopping completely now, but I didn't want to ruin my kidneys.
As it turns out, a week a later, I feel great. Even today. I walked this morning and usually that means I'm going to be stiff and sore during the day. But I just got up from my desk and I feel better then I have in a long time.
I guess that means that for me the M is better then the P.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Darn the Cold Weather
It's been unseasonably cold here in lovely Texas. Over my two week vacation, we've had snow and rain and wind. I managed to walk most morning regardless of the weather, but I have to think the weather is doing a number on my hands.
This time it's my thumbs. On a scale of 1 to 10 it's probably a 4, but it is so annoying. Occasionally when I try to pick up something heavy, I have to re-think it or make a special effort to hold on tight because it hurts a bit.
I guess it's possible my knitting is contributing to the problem. I did get more of that done during my time off. But the doctor said knitting is good for me. It's keep things moving.
No burning this time, just aching. And not my knuckles, they are doing fine.
My hips, ankles and feet are about the same. If I sit too long, it takes a couple of steps to warm up. Usually no more then a 6 to 10 ft.
Back to work tomorrow. Back to a routine. Back to getting my water in daily. No more rich, holiday food. Hopefully I can drop a few pounds and take the pressure off my lower body.
Do I have a resolution for 2010? Oh, of course, to lose weight, but I also want to strength train. I used to do it. I have a set of weights. I just need to do it. I'm also going to do daily bible reading. Heal from the inside as well.
This time it's my thumbs. On a scale of 1 to 10 it's probably a 4, but it is so annoying. Occasionally when I try to pick up something heavy, I have to re-think it or make a special effort to hold on tight because it hurts a bit.
I guess it's possible my knitting is contributing to the problem. I did get more of that done during my time off. But the doctor said knitting is good for me. It's keep things moving.
No burning this time, just aching. And not my knuckles, they are doing fine.
My hips, ankles and feet are about the same. If I sit too long, it takes a couple of steps to warm up. Usually no more then a 6 to 10 ft.
Back to work tomorrow. Back to a routine. Back to getting my water in daily. No more rich, holiday food. Hopefully I can drop a few pounds and take the pressure off my lower body.
Do I have a resolution for 2010? Oh, of course, to lose weight, but I also want to strength train. I used to do it. I have a set of weights. I just need to do it. I'm also going to do daily bible reading. Heal from the inside as well.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
What a Great Week
I don't know where it came from and I'm not sure I care, but my mood is good and my energy level is outstanding.
This week I walked four mornings and did something every evening and made it to Friday without being "Friday tired."
Monday - went shopping at the Mall
Tuesday - Master Composter dinner and wreath making
Wednesday - more shopping at the mall
Thursday - worked late and ran errands
Friday - ran more errands and came home and cleaned (a little)
This morning I wasn't sure what to expect, but my energy level was still fine. I cleaned early, went shopping and ran errands from noon to 4 and now I'm baking cookies and I feel great.
I guess the methotrexate is working or maybe it's the vitamin D. I don't know, but I LOVE it.
This week I walked four mornings and did something every evening and made it to Friday without being "Friday tired."
Monday - went shopping at the Mall
Tuesday - Master Composter dinner and wreath making
Wednesday - more shopping at the mall
Thursday - worked late and ran errands
Friday - ran more errands and came home and cleaned (a little)
This morning I wasn't sure what to expect, but my energy level was still fine. I cleaned early, went shopping and ran errands from noon to 4 and now I'm baking cookies and I feel great.
I guess the methotrexate is working or maybe it's the vitamin D. I don't know, but I LOVE it.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Weather Kicked My Butt
We had almost an entire month of rainy or overcast weather. It wreaked havoc on my PA. I didn't get the burning in my knuckles. This time it was my knees, ankles and foot bones that took a hit.
The pain in the lower half of my body is different from the burning in my knuckles. It's more of an ache. Sometimes I don't think of it as a PA thing. I thought it had more to do with the shoes I wore walking. But I finally had enough so I took several doses of P and I was 95% better in the first 24 hours. I took two pills for two days, and 1 pill yesterday. I'll take another today and then cut to half a pill, then half a pill ever other day. I really want this pain to go away this time.
I'm not sure what the M is doing. I would say not as much as I would like since I have to take the P, but maybe I just need to give it time.
To be honest, this sucks.
The pain in the lower half of my body is different from the burning in my knuckles. It's more of an ache. Sometimes I don't think of it as a PA thing. I thought it had more to do with the shoes I wore walking. But I finally had enough so I took several doses of P and I was 95% better in the first 24 hours. I took two pills for two days, and 1 pill yesterday. I'll take another today and then cut to half a pill, then half a pill ever other day. I really want this pain to go away this time.
I'm not sure what the M is doing. I would say not as much as I would like since I have to take the P, but maybe I just need to give it time.
To be honest, this sucks.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Upgraded to the M
Saw the Dr on Tuesday, 9/29. She wasn't as pleased with the last 4 months as I was.
I left her office last time empowered to help myself if a flare came along. I knew that when it happened I should take 20mg of P for two days. I did it three times in the last 4 months and I was proud. I'd managed my PA.
When she asked how things were going I told her my story. Turns out I wasn't managing my PA, I was managing my flares. In truth, we don't want any flares.
She decided to upgrade me to M - chemo for arthritis.
Then she asked how often I'm taking Celebrex. Twice a day. If I don't, my bones pay for it. I get very sore. She wasn't too happy about that either. When she heard I had to take Celebrex twice a day, she said she didn't feel bad about putting me on M.
Although I picked up the prescription on Wednesday, I just took it today. It's a weekly drug so I wanted to take it on a day that felt logical to me. The weekend seemed right. I'm also a little afraid of a reaction. DH was away this weekend, I waited until Sunday when I know he will be back. This way if I have a reaction, he will be around to help. I'm headed to church so hopefully it will happen before church or long after so I'm not in the middle of the service if it hits.
I was sad Tuesday. I feel like I just took a step up the ladder. At the top are the biologic drugs. I don't want that, but I just went a rung closer.
I left her office last time empowered to help myself if a flare came along. I knew that when it happened I should take 20mg of P for two days. I did it three times in the last 4 months and I was proud. I'd managed my PA.
When she asked how things were going I told her my story. Turns out I wasn't managing my PA, I was managing my flares. In truth, we don't want any flares.
She decided to upgrade me to M - chemo for arthritis.
Then she asked how often I'm taking Celebrex. Twice a day. If I don't, my bones pay for it. I get very sore. She wasn't too happy about that either. When she heard I had to take Celebrex twice a day, she said she didn't feel bad about putting me on M.
Although I picked up the prescription on Wednesday, I just took it today. It's a weekly drug so I wanted to take it on a day that felt logical to me. The weekend seemed right. I'm also a little afraid of a reaction. DH was away this weekend, I waited until Sunday when I know he will be back. This way if I have a reaction, he will be around to help. I'm headed to church so hopefully it will happen before church or long after so I'm not in the middle of the service if it hits.
I was sad Tuesday. I feel like I just took a step up the ladder. At the top are the biologic drugs. I don't want that, but I just went a rung closer.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Vacation and a Weather Flare
I was on vacation the week of Labor Day. I guess it went so well, I didn't think to blog.
Since my husband worked that week, it was mine to do with as I please. Tuesday I did yucky things like get my teeth cleaned and my hair colored and cut. Wednesday I had an enjoyable day of "retail therapy" with my friend Joy. I didn't buy a darn thing, but I still had a good time.
Thursday it started to rain and it rained for a solid week off and on. On the upside, I was forced to slow down and just enjoy the rain and take it easy on my time off. On the downside, I think the weather brought on a flare.
I didn't notice the burning knuckles as much as very painful ankles, feet and hips. This flare definitely hit the lower part of my body.
I finally broke down and took 20mg of P for two days and it seems to have helped.
Vacation did wonders for my mood. I'm back to my happy self.
This weekend DH and I bought a camper. I'm hoping there are many restful weekends in my future.
Since my husband worked that week, it was mine to do with as I please. Tuesday I did yucky things like get my teeth cleaned and my hair colored and cut. Wednesday I had an enjoyable day of "retail therapy" with my friend Joy. I didn't buy a darn thing, but I still had a good time.
Thursday it started to rain and it rained for a solid week off and on. On the upside, I was forced to slow down and just enjoy the rain and take it easy on my time off. On the downside, I think the weather brought on a flare.
I didn't notice the burning knuckles as much as very painful ankles, feet and hips. This flare definitely hit the lower part of my body.
I finally broke down and took 20mg of P for two days and it seems to have helped.
Vacation did wonders for my mood. I'm back to my happy self.
This weekend DH and I bought a camper. I'm hoping there are many restful weekends in my future.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Wahoo! It's Saturday and I'm On Vacation
Even though I slept until 7:30 this morning, I feel great. My hands don't hurt. My mood is good. I'm ready to do something. Clean house, go shopping, things I normally don't want to do on Saturday morning. Now I just need to capitalize on that.
I was in a decent mood most of the week. Any bad moods this week were attributable to my husband. While not fun, at least I know why. Not like the Monday Funks I've had recently.
This is going to be a good week.
I was in a decent mood most of the week. Any bad moods this week were attributable to my husband. While not fun, at least I know why. Not like the Monday Funks I've had recently.
This is going to be a good week.
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