Syndromes, syndromes and more syndromes

[movinalong11]

I keep wondering what will happen to me, as I get diagnosed with more syndromes and such. I have RA, Fibromyalgia, Sjogrens, Severe TMJ, etc. My treatment is with primarily Methotrexate injections, folic acid, and pilocarpine for my dry mouth. I also take several other medications to help me sleep, for arthritis, lung problems, nerve pain, GERD, headaches, etc. I sleep with a bite guard in my mouth because I grind and clench so badly thet I have done severe damage to my teeth and jaws. I have gained weight because I sleep so much, and am wondering if methotrexate also causes weight gain. I am also wondering why my ribs stay sore so much of the time, and if other ppl with RA have bowel problems (constipation) as well?

[LatoraCotton]

I know exactly how you feel. I RA, Fibromyalgia, TMJ,Asthma, and have had both of my hips replaced and I'm only 34 years old. I take Methotrexate and folic acid for my RA and it's the the only thing that keeps it under control. Plaquneil didn't work for me.

[movinalong11 in reply to LatoraCotton]

Bless your heart, LatoraCotton! When were you first diagnosed? And what is Plaquneil?

[Kai--]

Very understandable, movinalong11 & LatoraCotton. 🙏 😌

When you tire of it all, kindly consider viewing the Profiles & Posts of:

• andyswarbs : healthunlocked.com/user/and... ; foodandarthritis.blogspot.c...

• Shaun94: healthunlocked.com/user/sha... ; paddisonprogram.com/reversi... ; paddisonprogram.com/reversi...

• Kai--: healthunlocked.com/user/kai...

Wishing you both the very best. 🙏 🍀 🌺 🌞

[movinalong11 in reply to Kai--]

Thank you, Kai!

[tselph]

Yes, constipation is a problem I have, too. I also have RA & Sjögren's. I take methotrexate, Humira injections, Celebrex, Neurontin, & restasis. I've been constipated my whole life but it's been worse since being diagnosed with RA. I've even been hospitalized from blockages. Not fun. I make sure I take magnesium every day plus I eat prunes. These really help me. Good luck.

[movinalong11 in reply to tselph]

I know what you're saying, tselph! I have suffered with constipation my entire life, and was hospitalized twice for severe blockages, and also appendicitis. And even though I'm still having many problems with my bowels, it seems that for the first time in my life, I am having bouts of near-diarrhea. I never had that in my life. I also am having a lot of bloating and indigestion. I'm wondering if these things are because of RA, or if it's the methotrexate.

[angelsong]

I too suffer from RA, Sjogrens, Fibro, Hypermobility, Sleep Apnea, PCOS, Mesenteric Panniculitis, and a slew of others, a total of 15 illnesses so far. I am not able to take a whole lot of meds due to chemical sensitivities. So, I am on Lyrica, extremely low dose, Topamax for a brain injury that causes migraines, Zofran for dizziness and nausea, Zantac for upset belly, Turmeric and Tart Cherry for pain- over the counter, Vitamin D3- 5k mg, and Vitamin C- 4k mg. As well as a few other meds for other issues. But, the best thing I have found is LOTS of water and the FODMAP diet. It's brutally insane... however, it's helped my bowels stay consistent. I have had mostly diarrhea with bouts of constipation. But, this diet regulated both. It was prescribed my my GI and helped by my dietician. I have been on it since may and the only time I have problems, is when I deviate from it. Highly recommend it!! University of Michigan has a link on their website to it.