Comments on: The Importance Of Having Confidence In Our Decisions

By: Tina

Tina — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:23:08 +0000

Thank you for your blog, I found it today when I most needed it. I have had RA for about 20 years, 8 years of not knowing what was going on with, doctor’s and people thinking I’m crazy because my flares we at least twice a week in both hands, knee and other areas and they would always last at least 3 days with me trying to work. I was finally sent to a Rheumatologist and test positive for RA, they the put me on Nsaid many different ones and they all burned my stomach, so I stop taking them everyday and when I flared I would take them. It has been 12 years, and know I’m faced with taking Methotrexate and not sure what to do, because I don’t want to take this drug because it has so many side effects, so I’m still looking at my options. I am still working full time, walking doing some yard work cleaning my own house and living my life at 51. Hope everything goes well for you and I am so glad I found this blog. Thanks again Tina

By: Carine H

Carine H — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 02:49:39 +0000

I feel for you, and I totally understand your choice for the drug free approach; and also to try medication again.. No choice is irresponsible because you followed your heart, and that’s as responsible as it can get!
I have severe RA but have never taken drugs, which many people don’t understand. I put a lot of effort in diet and alternative approaches and I’m still far from cured. Still for me this feels the best. Meanwhile the alternative therapies have strengthened my being in so many ways. We all have our own paths and we must all respect tand support that of eachother.
Wish you and all who read this well!

By: Susie O

Susie O — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 16:56:32 +0000

Will never feel good about taking any of these drugs…but when I get to the point where I can’t walk or my body won’t move well then I feel it is not as I have a choice. The choice is kind of forced upon me. I Hate RA! I will never stop missing what I had before RA. Mostly I just want to cry. I am a non med. natural type person, having to take some of the most damaging drugs out there. Maybe the secret is in simply taking the drug that makes me functunal and not worrying about tomorrow. That is the answer… I just can’t seem to learn how to do that. I guess it is about letting go.

By: jane

jane — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:46:24 +0000

I have had RA for 9 years. Had every biologic on the market. Finally tried actemra two years ago and it actually works for me. However, I now have high blood pressure, high tryglicerides and severe anemia all due to actemra. I am seriously considering just stopping meds. My worry is that I was in tremendous pain before actemra for years and the pain is still not completely controlled. Between a rock and a hard place here. Any advice is welcome. I am so tired of taking this med and having it ruin the rest of me.

By: ronnoxs

ronnoxs — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:22:43 +0000

Great luck to you!
I’ve been unmedicated since diagnosis (18 mths) but with little support from consultant or nursing staff. I think I’m getting close to going agreeing to some form of medication but I am dreading the reaction I’ll get.
Thanks for sharing your experiences as they make me feel less alone with my decisions