Husbands Rheumatiod arthritis

[kaykay913]

My husband has had JRA since he was 7.  He is now 27.  He had his hips replaced at 16.  He has the systemic version of this disease, and it isn't pretty.  Last april we spent the entire month in the hospital with pancreatius. He has had his gall bladder removed and is on Creon-10 which from my understanding is a pancreatic enzyme.  I guess my question is my hubby has been on prednisone and plaquenil.  He takes hydrocodone for pain which is usually severe.  The doctor has suggested Humira.  He is reluctant.  Then I have seen and gotten information on Enbrel.  I would like to put him on something that is going to reduce the inflamation in his knees.  He is 27 and can barely walk at times.  In the past he was on methotrexate, naproxyn, something called "gold".  None of these seemed to really keep it under control.  He has been feeling pretty crappy these past couple of days and I am hoping that he doesnt have a flare up.  It causes him to have a pericaditus and be hospitalized. In the past they have had a hard time pin pointing what was the cause of the flare ups.  Steady doses of prednisone and antibiotics didn't work, only made him FAT.  I know that being heavy isnt good for him either.  Any suggestions? Thanks for reading!

[spastic]

Hi Sweetie, I sent you a private msg without seeing this first.  I was explained that a theory of Stills is that it is caused by a microbe, they aren't sure about this though.  I have also heard that having any kind of infection or virus can set it off.  

Have you looked at the International Stills Disease website?  It is a great place to find info and talk to others who have Stills.  A friend I talk to from there takes methotrexate, Enbrel and steroids and she is having significant relief and she is returning to work after ten years.  

I get injections put in the joints that are bugging me, the best relief I got was a steroid and lidocaine mixture.  The numbing effect doesn't last long though but it was worth it to me to be numb.  I don't have the option to get any disease modifiers, I don't have insurance.

I am here for you, sometimes it might take me a little while to respond, my wrists are starting to do the fusing thing so forgive me if it takes awhile.

Many Hugs,

Ada

[txsilver]

It sounds like your hubby has really been through it and so have you!  I have RA and I understand being concerned about going on Humira or Enbrel, but sometimes what you gain is worth giving it a chance.  Since he is not having success with the other treatments, I would encourage him to try Humira or Enbrel.  Many in this community swear by them and have had their quality of life significantly improved.  
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.  Ada and I are here for both of you as are many other members here.

[kaykay913]

Thank you both from the bottom of my heart.  I know that no matter how bad you have it, someone has it worse than you.  I am greatful for my family, and even though my husband is sick, God made me strong to be strong for him.  Doing research online is different than actually talking with people that have the same devistating diseases that you are faced with everyday.  I want my husband to be able to crawl on the floor and play with his kids.  That is why I asked his dr about a different course of meds.  Before we committed to something I wanted to ask around, see what kind of effect this has on others.  Spastic you are a wonderful woman, very kind and caring.  You know that Stills is very rare and I am happy that I can share ups and downs with you in the future.  TX, you seem like you are very concerned about the members in this community, and that is great.  I hope to get to know each of you and share our journeys for years to come.
From the bottom of my heart,
Kelly

[txsilver]

You are a wonderful person and your hubby is lucky to have you.  We are lucky too to have you in our community!  Looking forward to hearing more from you about the decisions you make and the progress your hubby makes.  I hope one day I read that you saw him on the floor playing with the kids!  In the mean time know that you have friends here who care and will be here for you.