Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group difficult decisions!!

Thanks Joanne for all the support. You and John have definitely been through so much. It just seems so unfair. There are so many risks and choices we have to make just to lead a quality life, but I guess that is where the hard decisions are made, in accordance with the quality of life we crave. It took a long time but the duragesic patch finally kicked in. In combination with the valium, increase in neurontin and increase in prednisone I actually slept for 5 hours straight and then another 3 hours. It was glorious!!! I forgot how wonderful it felt to sleep. I just changed the patch tonight and hope for another good nights sleep. The patch did make me feel drowsy for a couple of days but that side effect wore off. I have been lucky actually to not suffer from too many side effects from all the meds I have been on. Anyways it was so kind of you to respond with everything you are going through right now. John sounds like a very courageous man and all my prayers and good thoughts are with you both.

Lots of Love

Simone

Hi Deborah

Thanks for the support. I am very lucky indeed to have the physician I have. I wish so many of the still un-diagnosed or under treated members here at kickas could see her. She has NEVER given up on me and always believed in me. I am so blessed. I am also lucky to have such a great family. This has been very hard on the kids as they have never seen me in such bad pain. I am usually very good at hiding the pain, but this was excrutiating! There was a lot of tears shed this week between me,my husband and the kids. I just hope it is a learning experience for us all and we never have to repeat this again!!

Hugs

Simone

Hi Mike I have never heard of Mobic. What type of drug is that?

Take Care

Simone

Hi Cheryl

I asked her specifically about the Arava. She said it worked the same pathways as the methotrexate and considering I am on high doses of that, she didn't think it was likely that it would work. I was hoping that would be the one she recommended but she didn't. I was going to look at arava on the internet more and see what it has to offer. I know you have mentioned it and it has worked well for you. Were you ever on mtx.

Take care Cheryl

Simone

Thanks Kat

Hugs are as good and sometimes better than advise. Hugging has been very painful lately, so cyberhugs feel awful good!!!

Love

Simone

Simone,

There's a good description and a short discussion thread about Mobic (Meloxicam) posted in the AS Pharmacy. It's another type of NSAID. I don't think too many people on this site have either heard of Mobic or tried it, given the relatively few responses to an earlier site search.

It has certainly worked for me, cutting the bad flare pain I was having a month ago buy more than half. I've read somewhere that it is especially effective at reducing morning stiffness, and I can attest to that. Some have posted that they've taken this drug for years and couldn't live without it. I might be worth bringing this option up to your rheumy.

I hope you begin to feel better soon!

Mike

One can never get any but a loose and ignorant notion of such things except by experience.

~ Mark Twain on the subject of pain

Hi Jayne,
I feel for you and the family so much. I am so sorry you are going through this. It looks like several of us here are also facing the tough decisions. You are not alone. Take some comfort with all the love and support coming your way. My heart is with you. I know you'll find your way through this in the best way, as you've always done.
Big Hugs, Liz