How is everyone doing.

ritwren

I'm sorry I've not been around very much but I often wonder how everyone is doing. For those of you who don't know me, I have PA and OA and also Fibromyalgia.
Things have been up and down with me and I've recently had some joint injections at the rheumatology clinic in the hospital. They've also increased my MTX and started me on amytriptyline.
I'd love to hear how everyone else is coping these days especially now that autumn and the colder weather is setting in.
I'm off work at the moment but am hoping to go back within the next few weeks on reduced hours. I have Occy Health to see on Tuesday so hopefully they'll agree as I need them to before I can reduce my hours.
Big hugs all who remember me.

valval

hi not to bad but stiffer than would like at this time of year think it these winds and change in air pressure not helping any of us val

dreamdaisy

I remember you ritwren, and I am sure others will too. You have been having a rough time haven't you? I hope things are easing now after the joint injections - like you I have PA and OA. For the former I take humira and injected meth but I can't tell what effect they have as the OA tends to over-ride everything! We have a blustery day here today but the sun is shining and that helps matters. I hope the return to work goes smoothly and that OcH provide positive help. I wish you well. DD

ritwren

It's good to hear from you Val and DD. I have had a bit of a rough time it's true but compared to some of the folks on here, I've gotten off fairly lightly. DD I know exactly what you mean about the OH, sometimes I don't know which end of me is up. :roll:
I have OH today at 11am so fingers crossed it goes well. I hate having to reduce my hours further and this is as low as I can go and still keep my job so it has to work out.
Big hugs Rita.

suzygirl

Hi, sorry to hear you have been struggling. I think we are all dreading the cold, my neck has been a right nuisance the last few days. I am trying to remember all the positive things about winter :?: Hmmmm

I hope the amitriptyline helps you. I have that and take when things are bad, it is good, but it aggravates my dry mouth. I know lots of peeps take it and it helps. I take it early evening to give it time to work and avoid the groggy next morning feeling.

frogmorton

Hi Rita

Of course we haven't forgotten you

sorry things have been rough for you since you were last on. I remember your various illnesses.

Glad they ahve upped the mtx and added in the amitrip. Hope they make a difference soon and you feel more yourself.

Work will be good for you mentally l am certain, but hope that Occupational Health are with you and you get to go back gently.

Love

Toni xx

chris7

Hi ritwren

Lovely to see you and how do you work at all with all that going on!! Sorry things have been especially rough for you. You were always so supportive to me those of us on WM and yes I am still plodding on at work part time at a price. :roll:
take care and I hope things improve for you soon.
many sincere hugs back to you too. ((( )))
Chris

dorcas

Hi Rita

how good it is to see you posting :!:

I see you've not had your troubles to seek with arther et al's continuing onslaught. :roll: I do hope the change in medication works for you and that the injections have given you some ease. :?:
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you on Tuesday with your OH appointment.... and that they will reduce your hours to a more manageable level.... please let us know how it goes?

How are your lovely daughters and little grandaughter :?:

I've made a good recovery from my hand op in May, and am plodding on towards my next op... first of the two TKR(s) on 6th October... so not long to wait now.

It is truly good to see you back on the Forum Rita... so please stick around :!:

lots of love and welcome back (((hugs)))

Iris xxx

mig

HI,I only joined sept lat year so we have not had contact,just wanted to say hello.(i have ra) Mig

ritwren

Hi Suzy, thanks for popping in. The amytripyline does make the mouth dry but it's something I've pretty much gotten used to now. I do think it helps a bit with getting a better sleep. I still only get about 5hours if I'm lucky but I can manage to rest in the afternoon.
Toni, it's lovely to hear from you. I think the increase in the mtx and the addition of the amy has helped a good bit. I've seen OH and they're happy for me to go back to work at reduced hours. I'll work 4 mornings every week. I'm delighted and very hopefull that this will work for me.
Hi Chris, it's so good to hear from you. Is your part time working out for you? It's still tiring I know but hopefully you can pace yourself and get rest too. What hours do you work now?
Iris I'm delighted to read your post. You've had so much going on in your struggle and still more to come. I'll keep everything crossed for you around 6th Oct, it's not too long to wait now. I hope everything goes as planned for you and there are'nt any delays. How are you managing with Wally :?: it's good to hear you've made a successful recovery from your op in the springtime. How is your Son? and the rest of the family.
Hello Mig, I'm sure we'll find out more about each other over time. I intend to stay around now that I've found you all again.
My sick line finishes next wednesday and after that I have annual leave for a week and will then have a phased return to work. I'm looking forward to it although apprehensive as well of course. I just hope I'm fit for it all.
It's wonderful to have such supportive folk on here, I'd forgotten how much you all give such positive vibes. sincere big hugs to you all. Ritax

dreamdaisy

Of course you are apprehensive about going back to work, who wouldn't be, but you know we will do all we can to help you through those first few days. Keep in touch, ritwren, it's lovely to have you back. DD

ritwren

Thanks DD I appreciate your support. It's amazing how being off work can knock your confidence out from under you. Going back on phased return should make things a little easier. I'll let you all know how I get on.
Big hugs, Rita.

ironic

Hi Rita,
Lovely to have you back with us. Enjoy your time off and even if you are on phased return it does not lessen the apprehension of going back.
I hope the increase of mtx has made a difference for you.

Good luck with it all and fingers crossed for you,
Lv, I x

ritwren

You're so kind to reply to my post when you're having a tough time yourself and I really appreciate as always the support and hugs I get on here from you all.
I just hope it works out as this really is my last chance to be able to work and keep my job. I'll just keep thinking positive and taking the injections and tablets.

skezier

Hi Rita,

Sorry I missed this one but... its d=so good to see you

Hope the increased mtx will help you and well don't disappear again flower.

Oh how am I ... you know id don't know so please ask the employers If nothing else they keep me on what left of my toes

Its honestly o good to see you. ((((( ))))) and a decent day. Cris xx

ritwren

Cris sorry I missed your post last time I was on. :oops: My first day back went well I'm happy to say. I was knackered at the end of it but the adrenalin kept me going. My manager has been really good and has allowed me to take 2 small breaks during my shift to keep me going. I in turn will stay an extra 10 or 15 mins if I need to so it works out well. Time management and not being able to rest when I need to are things I'll get better at.
Many thanks to all of you as always for your support. Where would we be without this forum.
Big hugs all. Rita.