Still worried about meds

[Yorkshire-Rose]

Hi all

I wrote a while back, about my worries about taking meds or at least having another med added on so soon.

As I don't feel my RA is that bad.,just one flare up.

I was advised to speak to someone at rheumatology, which I did. I had run out of meds, tried to get a prescription from the GP surgery....but I had to get them from Rheumatology...which I didn't know....or I just failed to remember.

So anyway I was given an appointment to get a prescription,and while there I talked about my concerns over having to take another med. Hydroxychloroquine, and said I didn't feel like I needed another med, and she seemed fine with this.

Next thing I knew....i agreed to upping the methotrexate to 15mg a week....even though I said earlier in the conversation that I was fine on the 10mg.

Now I'm back to square one...it took me a lot to take the drug initially ..managed for just a month...a pretty short time compared to some others I know...but my anxiety really goes on one at times...and taking meds is one of the things that cause it.

I know I seem to be a bit mardy or over thinking stuff...but that's just the nature of anxiety..which I have had for a long time before RA decided to land on me.

I appreciate that RA is a serious condition, but surely it is best for me to be able to gradually work my meds to a higher dose..and not feel rushed into it.

I just feel like I take one step forward then get knocked back again. Because I had to pick up a new prescription I hadn't taken my med for that week and I've not started it again this week. Now I'm worried about that.

I've had low moods alot..feeling weepy and this RA landing on me hasn't exactly helped me... one-minute I'm all positive and feeling stronger..better health wise...the next I'm feeling depressed, fed up and a little more than mixed up. I know this isn't exactly a question... I just needed to get things off my mind, sorry.

Thanx for listening.I'll stop whining now :).

[medway-lady]

I've just logged in so picked up you wingh ? anyway depression is for some just part of RA. On the other hand worrying about everything is not going to make you feel any better so perhaps your GP could organise some counselling or therapy for you. You have my sympathy and your not alone just tired it seems. Try not to see everything as a threat RA meds can change your life for the better.

[sylvi]

As Medway lady has said try not to over worry about it. Also get some help talking about it. You've got it and you might as well take them and get it sorted that you can get your drugs via your dr. The meds will help you in the long term and though you've had a flare up now in the future when you have another flare up(which sadly with ra you will) it might not be as bad as the medicines are already in your body and you will be able to cope better. Hugs darling.xxxx

[Hidden]

It must be really difficult to accept strong meds when you haven't seemingly had an unforgettable flaring experience that is imprinted on your memory. Modern treatment is to go in hard and you are still on a low dose of Methotrexate. Maybe its more about anxiety than the meds? Sometimes anxiety will just stick to anything it can. Try and soothe yourself, meet up with people, eat healthily, take exercise and maybe seek some counselling about your low mood and anxiety. Wishing you all the best..

[Nsmith13]

Ahhhhhh I do know it's such a lot to take in all these meds and you do need time to get a bit wiser to them and what they do, or in my case don't do just ask as many questions and ring help line on this forum it's been a marvellous from day one, think there are so many differant treatments and you've just got to see what is best for you nooooooooo rush were all here to help if we can and it's the best thing I did when I found out I had this horrible ra your not on your own and the nras booklets are full of information that you can sit down and read in your own time

[ruth_p]

I’m not going to tell you not to worry it would be like asking you to stop having RA. This is a great place to express your worries with people who understand the RA. You could go back to your rheumatologist, but take someone else along so you don’t just agree to do something you don’t want to. You could try some relaxation before taking the medication to try and calm yourself beforehand (easier said than done of course!). My husband suffers from OCD and depression and he has a technique of holding his breath and tensing all his muscles before releasing it all, which he says helps to calm him. Just remember we are all here for you if you want to talk or just vent. We’re listening 🙂

[juneann]

I have spent the last fourteen years trying to cut back on meds and delay infusions, however at the back of my mind I do wonder if I am doing more damage as what knowledge do we have on T-Cells, B, Cells, Lymphocytes, Neutrophils etc. My point is that we are wise to put our trust in the people that are well trained in medicine and have taken years studying it and are still studying it. Everytime my CRP (inflammation marker) levels rise my consultant reminds me how it can be a constant threat to the body. We can all list at least half a dozen illnesses that everyone has heard of, but nobody ever mentions inflammation as a threat. Inflammation is a big part of RA and it absolutely must be kept under control which is what these drugs do even though we can't always see it. I feel that I am very attuned to my body and RA, however my consultant and nurse specialist can always see inflammation on the outside that I can't see, what none of us can see is what is going on inside. Don't be afraid of the meds, what you can't see, touch and always feel is the problem. I don't wish to play on your anxiety but without seeing the risks of not taken meds you could be doing more harm. I think the big thing that would help is talking to someone,

as anxiety will take over even when there isn't always something to worry about, that's what it does.

[Hessie5]

Hi - like you I am someone who hates taking medication, prefer the more natural route. But sometimes we need a little helping hand. I have trained my mind to think my medicines are for now and not forever ... as hope is that I get too remission. For now I am on a powerful biologic that hasn’t much testing, and a list of side effects that is scary. However, take one day at a time and remember, Helix in this community made a good comment that you can always stop them if not for you. Wishing you well. Hessie

[dbestdeb]

When I spoke with my dr about the risks of all of these meds, she reminded me that the risks of untreated inflammation are much greater than the risks of any of these meds. I know she is right because my mom had untreated RA and it didn’t end well for her. I try to do what my dr advises because she has skill and knowledge that I don’t have. Once in a while I allow my common sense to overrule her, but not often.

[ragurl]

I totally relate - I fight it too. I usually end up doing it my doctors way after I have suffered... I believe it is important to self advocate. If the quality of life is good and the RA is manageable I resist medication changes but if I start to flare and flare then I surrender to doctors directions.

I do think it's important to keep in mind that this disease can cause havoc if left untreated for some. I just started to make diet changes- keep the faith

[popsmith1874]

Don't worry I was going to give up the meds as I wasn't controlled but after a conflab with my specialist nurse she said she would speak to my rheumatologist and get back to me and true to her word she did next day and am waiting to start Humira as Benepali isn't working and after my grump I thought if I stop my meds I'm not be able to get out of bed like I was 3 years ago