SoontobeHayes’s Profile

Open Rheumatoid Arthritis

I started with symptoms in my wrists at age 15, but it didn't fully evolve or get diagnosed till age 18. I have never entered remission as of yet. I have improved though. I can now walk up stairs most days, and I can get out of bed just about every morning. (in comparison to 2 years ago, when i missed classes 2-3 days/wk. and skipped meals due to necessary stair climbing in order to get food).

Treatments

Celebrex Not Working

it didn't help me at all.

Folic Acid Working / Worked

i find this medicine helps balance the effects of the other medications.

Methotrexate Working / Worked

this has helped greatly. I found that switching to the injections lessened the stomach side effects. I experience nausea the 24hrs following the injection.

Orencia Working / Worked

this is my current miracle drug. It makes me nauseated for 24-26 hours following infusion, and joints are more sore for 3-4 days, but then i feel better overall for the whole month.

Plaquenil Somewhat Helpful

i honestly don't know what part this medicine has played, however i know that i'm feeling better and don't want to test them all to find out which ones are helping.

Prednisone Working / Worked

prednisone helped, however it made me gain 15 lbs.

Remicade Not Working

i had an allergic reaction to this one, landed me in the hospital with a mild heart attack.

Open Sjogren's Syndrome

They diagnosed me with this at the same time as the RA and APS. its irritating, but i haven't had any major problems, just the annoyances.

Open Family & Friends of Bipolar

My brother has bipolar (rapid cycler), and was diagnosed when he was 12, I was 11. The rages are awful, and it was hard growing up. However, I do understand the disorder and the problems he faces, but I also realize the problems it brings my parents and myself.

Open Rape

I first joined daily strength and joined sexual abuse, which fits part of my story, but upon reading the description of rape, i really feel as though i fit here too. long story!

Treatments

Rape Counseling Somewhat Helpful

it proved helpful this summer, but now i'm back at university, where the attack happened, and i realize that i haven't healed like i thought.

Talking Somewhat Helpful

it helped to a degree, but talking about it brings back images and even physical memories(i can feel it happen again even though its not really happening).

Open Miscarriage

well, at the age of 18, i was warned that when i was ready to start having kids it would be very difficult for me to carry to term on account of a blood clotting disorder i have. When I got married i got on birth control right away because the medications i take for the BC disorder as well as rheumatoid arthritis would be very detrimental to an unborn fetus. well...i've been married 4 months and managed to get pregnant on birth control and miscarried at 4 weeks.