The medical community, research and science have made great strides in the advancement of medical treatments for arthritis and related diseases. When I was first diagnosed in 1986, there were not a lot of treatments to choose from and none were capable of slowing or even stopping the progression of arthritis like the medicines available today.
Those diagnosed in the decades prior to the '80s, had even less medical options. Many people who were diagnosed before me say their treatment plan consisted of aspirin and bed rest. I've heard stories about young adults and children who spent years laying in a bed at a hospital or facility while taking high doses of aspirin.
With the way medical treatments for arthritis have advanced over the years, I am optimistic there will be a cure during my lifetime. Hopefully sooner rather than later, but nevertheless, the drugs that are available today are much more effective than ever before and far better than spending years in a bed!
Everyone knows there are risks involved and side effects when taking medication. Side effects can vary depending on a person's medical history, eating habits, personal care and health management. They range from mild to severe and have a tendency to interfere with the way we want to live our lives.
As if having arthritis isn't bad enough, we also have to enter into a lifetime regiment of drug therapies and the juggling a pill schedule (see Pill Blog).
While some side effects cannot be avoided, such as headaches, nausea and dizziness, others are within our control. As patients, we have a responsibility to take our medications as directed, as well as avoiding certain activities to reduce the risks of side effects. For example, if being exposed to direct sunlight is risky, we need to stay in the shade. If liver damage is a concern, we must stop drinking alcohol.
Do you think that's easier said than done? I do! Although many of these suggestions are in our best interest, they are not always suitable for how we live and can often interfere with our identities.
When I started a new treatment plan in 1991, the doctor thoroughly reviewed everything with me, then said, "Be sure to avoid the sun. If you have to be exposed to it, you should limit yourself to 10 minutes per day."
Since my first love was water skiing and the doctor was very much aware of it, I was shocked by his insensitive manner and the way he instructed me. So I questionably said, "But, I live on a boat." His reply was, "That shouldn't be a problem. Get yourself a wide brimmed hat and always wear long sleeves and pants."
At the time, it was a problem! I was in my 20s and not used to skiing with my clothes on, while wearing a big, floppy hat.
A few years later, I began taking other medications, which not only interfered with my life, but everyone around me. Since the drug options for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were few, I really didn't have a choice and tried to believe there was some good in the sacrifices I made.
For six years, as a direct result of the treatments, I spent one day each week in bed because I was too sick to function. In addition, I did not drink alcohol because of the increased risk of liver damage.
When the new treatments were introduced to the arthritis world at the turn of the century, I researched them with the hope of finding an alternative that would be more Annette-friendly. After discussing it with my new doctor, he asked why I was so desperate to make the change. My answer was simple, "Because I wanted my seventh day of the week back. I also wanted to be an adult again and have an occasional drink."
What side effects have you dealt with as a result of your arthritis treatment plan? Do you have suggestion on how to control specific side effects? Have you taken your medication as directed and still experienced side effects? Does it feel like you've made sacrifices for treatment? Share your stories.
sulfasalazine 500mg x 4 daily// hydroxychloroquine 2 1/2 pills daily// prednisone 5mg x 1 daily. The regiment isn't too bad and I am back to walking with out any type of walking aid. I have decided to be pro-active instead of re-active with this disease. I have had x-rays taken of my hands and feet and will take another set of x-rays in 6 months to see what changes have occurred. I have blood work done every three months. I have just started physical therapy to see what can be done for strengthening and will be seeing a podiatrist soon. I am looking for some type of support on my feet that will relieve some pressure from my toes. My biggest frustration is finding someone who has dealt with this disease for the past five plus years and what their outcome has been on medication. I would like to know what to expect. I get that everyone has different levels of progression but I would still like to hear how they are doing? so I can get an idea of what to expect. Any suggestions?
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