My 2010 resolution is not to become disabled

[mdmc]

I've been struggling to get my Rheumatoid Arthritis under control for a couple years now.
I am losing this battle and it seems inevitable that I will eventually be disabled by this illness.
I currently have a hard time walking. My right arm no longer straightens out (it is crimped at the elbow). I have a very hard time using my right arm for anything. It is always somewhat painful. Sometimes the pain is unbearable.
The pain wakes me up in my sleep (when I move my arm, for instance).

It seems that it will only be a matter of time before this RA brings me down.

I have health insurance through my employer. I cannot afford the medical treatment prescribed to me because it is not affordable. I tried to complete a week's worth of OT treatment, but $120.oo later my arm was worse off. The OT said to me, "You should stop doing these exercises (that she had prescribed for me). These exercises are making your arm worse." She gave me new exercises, but they do nothing to help.

My neurologist (another $40.oo per visit) and my rhumy ($40.oo) have given me cortisone. It helped a little, for a couple of days. They gave me exercises to do, which I do several times a day.

The pain continues, and I don't know what to do.

So that is my goal. I plan to try to keep my employment, and avoid being disabled. If anyone has any thoughts or advice, I would love to hear it.

[murielm99]

1. I don't know what to say to you.

I hope you can keep your employment, and find relief from pain. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could give you more.

Maybe there are some RA sufferers here who can give you some more advice and support than I.

[mdmc]

2. Thanks for the reply miss

peace and low stress..

[marybourg]

3. Have you tried methotrexate? nt

[mdmc]

4. yes it is a very good med

I take it weekly.
I take embrel injections weekly.
mobic daily BID
presidone daily TT

The meds have been good to me except they shut down my immune system so I get sick alot.
I also have some damage to my joints that just seems to be unrepairable.
I don't have the money to do acupuncture, OT, PT or any of the message things that have been recommended / prescribed for me. I will do as much of this stuff as I can.

I "exercise" (before getting sick this was called walking, swimming, and moving around) now. I place my hands on a table, palms up. I move my hand toward my should, like I was making a sign of the cross. The arm will only bend so far, so I use my left arm to push the arm a little closer to touching my shoulder. It cause great pain, but sometimes I can touch my shoulder.

So I diet and exercise and try hard not to get sick (cold, fever, stomach, ear ache, flu, n1h1). I take the meds when not sick. And try to always eat right and move around..

peace..

[marybourg]

5. It sounds as though you're doing everything you can. I hope the

new year will bring you better health and peace.