should i be getting better treatment?

[s10betsy]

i first went to doctors march 2007 with the soles of my feet hurting for about a month, i was referred to hospital where they told me i had rheumtoid arthritis and started on methotrexate in nov 2007 , plus diclofenic, paracetamol, i didnt get to see the consultant i was under for 6 months, i never feel well i wake up and just hold it together long enough for my family to go to work then i try to exercise use hot and cold water i am also on plaquenil now as well i feel i am getting worse and every day a bit more of me disappears, i told hospital in january my arms feel so weak then again in march, now i cannot put my left arm up in the air makes it very difficult to dress undress, shave under arms, then last week i turned a handle and the tendon in my thumb snapped,spent the day at joint replacement unit where they said they were going to operate next morning but the consultant said in his opinion because of r.a. the tendon would be frayed,so beyong repair i have developed carpal tunnel in hands due to my hands always being swollen , i cannot go up any more on methotrexate as my liver is being damaged, i feel so so alone please help , kind regards s10betsy.

[Babs1469]

I would absolutely seek a second opinion and try and find a Rheumotolgist (sp) that spends time with you and takes his/her time finding the right combination of meds and physical therapy for you. Your Arthritis seems to be progressing rather rapidly and I can't understand why you are still on basically the same meds with little to no releife. Have you tried, Remicade, Rituxan, Humira, Enbrol, Arava, Cortisone shots and or creams? Theraputic massage? Anything for the pain? Narcotic or non narcotic??

If I was you I would get on the phone with my insurance company and see who else I could see and then if you trust your GP ask for a better referral sometimes there are great doctors that we just don't click with and someone who is right for me might not be so great for you. You need to take a more proactive role in fighting this disease and realize that you can and will feel better and remember that you DESERVE to feel better. Please Pm me if you want to talk more of just post here and let me know how you are doing, You are not alone, don't give up.

[txsilver]

More great advice from Babs.  It can be very hard to advocate for yourself when you feel so bad.  It helped me to plan it out and pick a day that I was going to make the call and do whatever it was that had to be done.  By all means, get a second opinion, see another doctor and explore the other treatment options that are available to you.  Look for a doctor who is interested in your case, communicates well with you and with whom you are comfortable.  You need to be able to partner with your doctor as you go through the process of getting the medication combinations and dosages worked out.  That can take a really long time so if you like your doctor it will be very helpful!

[subwoman]

I just had my 1st round of Rituxan, I am glad my rhemy is very aggressive in treating my Ra I developed in 2007 also. So Please get another opinion!