I want you all to remember, you can have RA and lead active, healthy, pain free lives. I know that many of you guys/gals have RA and related issues and are having a difficult time. Tired, sore, feeling wasted, I've been there as well. But since getting the right mixture of drugs (Enbrel and MTX) I am back to my normal self ... and you can too.
I rode 25 hard mountain bike miles yesterday, 3,000 ft elevation gain, around 10,000 ft altitude, through snow, mud, countless downed trees. I was whooped after 4.5 hours on the trail. The closer to the ride was a 2,500 ft descent in 4 miles, steep, on the brakes, dangerous cliffs, and I was beat by then.
If I can do it, you can too. I may have gotten lucky with the drugs, maybe my age (45) has helped, I really don't know why I feel pretty darn good and so many others do not.
But I can't possibly be unique here, so I want you to remember that others have the disease and are getting by very well. Don't give up!!! ... Craig
Well done Craig!!
You go Craig! This board can use some inspiration!
Elcamino
Woo-Hoo! Way to go Craig!
Diagnosed January 2005 - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis
Diagnosed January 2005 - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis
-Currently taking 50mg shot weekly of Enbrel
Diagnosed May 1998 - Graves Disease
-Complete Thyroidectomy September 1998 - While 11 weeks pregnant
Other Complications - GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes
Diagnosed May 1998 - Graves Disease
-Complete Thyroidectomy September 1998 - While 11 weeks pregnant
Other Complications - GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes
Current Meds - Enbrel/Prevacid/Synthroid
Past Meds - Inderal/PTU/Prednisone/Voltaren/Feldene/Mobic/Cortisone and Steroid Shots
Thanks for the inspiration Craig, I really needed that! **
OOH OOH ME TOO, ME TOO! 
okay, was pretty darn sick last week (pneumonia) but no biggie...it's a lot easier to deal with than RA.
okay, was pretty darn sick last week (pneumonia) but no biggie...it's a lot easier to deal with than RA.and....ARE YA READY?????
yesterday i walked 2.49 miles, i have proof too, it's on my honey's GPS thingy!
so in short, this is coming from gal who for the past year couldn't get to the mailbox without extreme pain.
so what today the knees are balloons and can't walk too good...i did a BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT!
now, when there are days where the RA is so bad i cannot shower, cook or do for myself...i'll remember that little remissions can come & great things can happen.
it's a great boost in ego i tell ya that!
with RA, time in pain is evil...and really is the enemy. it's the NOT LOSING HOPE & CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF that will get a person through a lot of this.
Craig, your the best. P.S. my man ran his 1/2 marathon last week and placed 7th in his age group! (45-54 y/o)! the NJ MARATHON and half marathon was VERY INSPIRATIONAL!
peace,
erin
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg every 4 days; pred; Pentasa; Imuran; dilaudid; diazepam; Avinza 30mg; MiraLax & too many others.
So there is light at the end of the tunnel? It's great to hear stories of people that are doing well with their RA. Hopefully more of us will be able to join you soon. I, for one, can't wait until that day!
dear RAgirl,
things go forward, then backwards, sometimes things are worse for LONG periods of times....it's all about learning to roll with the punches.
the hardest thing i feel, is when i have a good day...and then another one doesn't happen for months.
have to keep the faith & believe things will be better.
glad to have ya aboard!
erin
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg every 4 days; pred; Pentasa; Imuran; dilaudid; diazepam; Avinza 30mg; MiraLax & too many others.
Craig
You are an inspiration and you made my day. My PCP diagnosed me with RA and referred me to a rheumatologist whom I see in a couple weeks. I have been very discouraged. I am a runner. I did my first triathlon last year. I am doing the Great MA GEtaway in June (100 mile bike ride)
Since RA...I have been unable to run and my training for the bike ride has been limited. Thanks for giving me hope and inspiring me.
You are an inspiration and you made my day. My PCP diagnosed me with RA and referred me to a rheumatologist whom I see in a couple weeks. I have been very discouraged. I am a runner. I did my first triathlon last year. I am doing the Great MA GEtaway in June (100 mile bike ride)
Since RA...I have been unable to run and my training for the bike ride has been limited. Thanks for giving me hope and inspiring me.
Hey Patti - Welcome to Healing Well... Craig is great isn't he? Hopefully when you see the rheumy, they will prescribe something for you that will help you continue to train for your ride. What joints are affected? Are you on any pain meds now for it? I hope you are well, and continue to post here... Duck
Confirmed Diagnosis of - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis/Graves Disease/GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes/Chronic UTIs
Confirmed Diagnosis of - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis/Graves Disease/GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes/Chronic UTIs
Current Meds - Enbrel/Prevacid/Synthroid/Nitrofurantoin
Past Meds - Inderal/PTU/Prednisone/Voltaren/Feldene/Mobic/Cortisone and Steroid Shots
Additional Supplements - Multi-Vitamin/Bromelian/Acidophilus/Green Tea
Thanks Patti, really just little more that the truth.
Sometimes we all get a little pesimistic, just like the rest of the world, we don't always report the good stories, but we always report the bad ones. I just want everyone to know (as often as I have to say it) that the drugs have worked well for me and I don't think I am the only one.
My physical schedule has significantly increased this year, more than ever. I ride 5 days almost every week, hard rides in the mountains around Durango. I ususally lift twice a weeks, more in the winter months. It is possible to have RA and still be as active as you want!
... Craig
Sometimes we all get a little pesimistic, just like the rest of the world, we don't always report the good stories, but we always report the bad ones. I just want everyone to know (as often as I have to say it) that the drugs have worked well for me and I don't think I am the only one.
My physical schedule has significantly increased this year, more than ever. I ride 5 days almost every week, hard rides in the mountains around Durango. I ususally lift twice a weeks, more in the winter months. It is possible to have RA and still be as active as you want!
... Craig
you made my morning! i too havent gone to the gym since feb. and cant even think of going right now. heck laundry put me into a spin cycle on sunday! but i cant wait til this is under control and i feel like the old self. or middle age self hahaha .... today actually is pretty good for starters and i will keep your sucess in my mind every time i get upset with this internal WAR! i will try and let everyone know how i do at the eye and rheummy doctors. and thanks again for all the support and positive feedback on this line! ps i ever could do mountain bikes or marathons before so i will be happy with painfree housework... oh my gosh i cant believe i said that ... i really should guilt my hubby for a maid hahahahahahaha. i must be desperate to want to do housework! yalinda
Ha! Yalinda you crack me up!
Craig, one of these days, I'm gonna grow up and be just like you... :) I haven't been on my bike in about 2 months... sad isn't it? I think the hubby and I are going to go riding this week actually, hopefully will do me some good... I need the exercise... I have been having lots of other "girly" issues, that I won't go into now.. but that's the only reason why I haven't ridden... Hubby has continued to ride, and needs a new hub... something about the freewheel? Anyhoo- thanks for all the positive words Craig, you're the best!
Duck
Confirmed Diagnosis of - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis/Graves Disease/GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes/Chronic UTIs
Craig, one of these days, I'm gonna grow up and be just like you... :) I haven't been on my bike in about 2 months... sad isn't it? I think the hubby and I are going to go riding this week actually, hopefully will do me some good... I need the exercise... I have been having lots of other "girly" issues, that I won't go into now.. but that's the only reason why I haven't ridden... Hubby has continued to ride, and needs a new hub... something about the freewheel? Anyhoo- thanks for all the positive words Craig, you're the best!
Duck
Confirmed Diagnosis of - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis/Graves Disease/GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes/Chronic UTIs
Current Meds - Enbrel/Prevacid/Synthroid/Nitrofurantoin
Past Meds - Inderal/PTU/Prednisone/Voltaren/Feldene/Mobic/Cortisone and Steroid Shots
Additional Supplements - Multi-Vitamin/Bromelian/Acidophilus/Green Tea
its 30* here! to cold to do outdoor stuff! stationary bike! naw... i'll couch it this am as i am feeling better dont want to wake up the inflammation!
hope everyone has a great day! yalinda
hope everyone has a great day! yalinda
morning yalinda! and WELCOME PATTI! 
oh Ducky don't fret...we'll all get back on our bikes someday!
Patti, i was a big time athlete (way back when) and then the RA was so disabling that showering was near impossible (sometimes still is on bad days). but after 3 years on TNFs and immunomodulators and DMARDs i am walking the best this month than i have walked in the past 4 years! (everyday activities are still very difficult & cannot work yet...but gettin' there i hope).
the Humira i was on this year took about 9 months for it to work really well (my RA was a bit on the out of control, hard to settle down line); but i absolutely have to say, coming from where i have been & not being able to walk...that RA isn't a death sentence & waiting and time are the worse parts. the medicines will hopefully work sooner than later for ya! but good things can & will happen.
i think that with RA and AI disease, whatever doesn't kill us doesn't necessarily make us stronger...it makes us more determined.
you all are doing great & are all an inspiration to me as well.
keep up all the great work!
erin 
Active, Severe RA. Crohns. AS. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. Partial complex seizures. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung & Heart. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg Q 4 days; Pred; Pentasan 4G; Imuran 50mg; Dilaudid; Diazepam; Avinza 30mg; Meclizine; MiraLax & too many others.
I had always heard:
"What does not kill you, only postones the inevitable"
I had also heard that all the time spent on your bike is free and gets added to the end.
"putting death off one mile at a time" ... Craig
"What does not kill you, only postones the inevitable"
I had also heard that all the time spent on your bike is free and gets added to the end.
"putting death off one mile at a time" ... Craig
LOL
Active, Severe RA. Crohns. AS. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. Partial complex seizures. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung & Heart. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Active, Severe RA. Crohns. AS. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. Partial complex seizures. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung & Heart. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg Q 4 days; Pred; Pentasan 4G; Imuran 50mg; Dilaudid; Diazepam; Avinza 30mg; Meclizine; MiraLax & too many others.
... back I go on the bike... :)
Confirmed Diagnosis of - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis/Graves Disease/GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes/Chronic UTIs
Confirmed Diagnosis of - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis/Graves Disease/GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes/Chronic UTIs
Current Meds - Enbrel/Prevacid/Synthroid/Nitrofurantoin
Past Meds - Inderal/PTU/Prednisone/Voltaren/Feldene/Mobic/Cortisone and Steroid Shots
Additional Supplements - Multi-Vitamin/Bromelian/Acidophilus/Green Tea
Back I go into bed.
LOL.
Now wait...I danced my booty off Saturday nite, so that accounts for cardio (plus a few unmentionables as well, tee he hee).
Anywhoo, back to bed. hah!
Active, Severe RA. Crohns. AS. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. Partial complex seizures. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung & Heart. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
LOL.
Now wait...I danced my booty off Saturday nite, so that accounts for cardio (plus a few unmentionables as well, tee he hee).
Anywhoo, back to bed. hah!
Active, Severe RA. Crohns. AS. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. Partial complex seizures. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung & Heart. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg Q 4 days; Pred; Pentasan 4G; Imuran 50mg; Dilaudid; Diazepam; Avinza 30mg; Meclizine; MiraLax & too many others.