Kanah - ENBREL,PREDNISONE,AZATHIOPRINE,LYRICA,EFFEXOR XR

Kanah 59 Female

Location: SPRING, TX USA

My Bio

I was diagnosed with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis over 10 years ago. I first knew something was wrong when I began suffering from debilitating fatigue and pain. Then, my hair began to fall out. And, oh yes… I began to also have extreme sun sensitivity which caused sores to erupt on the exposed parts of my body. More recently, Fibromyalgia was added as an additional diagnosis. It hurts to be touched. I am divorced from a 21 year marriage. My ex-husband is in prison, and I still wonder if the stress of that enormous event was the catalyst for the onset of my illnesses. Who knows? I am now in a relationship with a wonderful man who knows fully about my illnesses and helps me selflessly. I am very lucky to have him in my life. I have 3 grown children and 1 grandson, age 4 years old. They are my whole heart. My daughter-in-law does the shopping and most of the housekeeping. My son is disabled from his time in the Marine Corp., so she cares for him and their son, also. Between her and my significant other, they are able to provide a loving home for us. Until recently, I had always been the primary breadwinner. I was in the commercial real estate field for almost 30 years. In July, 2009, I lost my job. It was time, because my employees were having to cover for me and my illness all the time. I was very well liked by my employees, and I love them all for caring so much for me. I miss my career, but I do not miss the long hours, extremely heavy work load and stress off the chart. I knew it was not healthy for me and hoped the end would mean better health. Wrong. I have been having a serious flare since December 23, 2009 and am still not well. The fatigue and pain is unbearable at times. I need help with almost everything. My doctor advised me to file for disability almost two years ago, but I am a very hard headed woman. I am now reaching the inevitable conclusion that I am unable to work any longer. My unemployment will run out soon, and I don’t know what we are going to do… how we will survive. I have heard horror stories about filing for disability, but God has always been faithful… I joined FaceToFace hoping to feel connected to others who are suffering. If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. Blessings to all, and hang in there!

My Friends

Health Diaries

Kanah's Health Diary

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Public Health Profile


I have Systemic lupus erythematosus	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Diagnosed 13 years ago


I have Rheumatoid arthritis	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Diagnosed 13 years ago


I have Primary fibromyalgia syndrome	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Diagnosed 5 years ago


I have Osteoarthritis	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Diagnosed 22 years ago


I take ENBREL	Overall Satisfaction

My overall satisfaction is:	very low	very high
This medication worked:	not at all	very well
The side effects were:	very mild	very severe



Started: 02/01/2007 End date not specified		Recommend: YES


I take PREDNISONE	Overall Satisfaction

My overall satisfaction is:	very low	very high
This medication worked:	not at all	very well
The side effects were:	very mild	very severe

I do not remember the exact date I began taking Prednisone, but it was 10+ years ago. My quality of life without it is unbearable. However, the weight gain and muscle weakness is a miserable trade off.

Started: 01/01/1999 End date not specified		Recommend: YES


I take AZATHIOPRINE	Overall Satisfaction

My overall satisfaction is:	very low	very high
This medication worked:	not at all	very well
The side effects were:	very mild	very severe

I took other drugs for many years including Methotrex, however each began to lose its effectiveness over time. The one I am taking now is Azathoprine, an anti-rejection drug which is used for organ transplant patients. It suppresses the immune system which is a good thing for my condition. However, the trade off is a lowered resistance to other illnesses and infections.

Started: 01/01/2009 End date not specified		Recommend: YES


I take LYRICA	Overall Satisfaction

My overall satisfaction is:	very low	very high
This medication worked:	not at all	very well
The side effects were:	very mild	very severe



Started: 01/01/2009 End date not specified		Recommend: YES


I take EFFEXOR XR	Overall Satisfaction

My overall satisfaction is:	very low	very high
This medication worked:	not at all	very well
The side effects were:	very mild	very severe

Effexor was prescribed to treat depression resulting from long term illness and to assist in pain control.

Started: 01/01/2008 End date not specified		Recommend: YES


I use a(n) CPAP Machine	Overall Satisfaction

My overall satisfaction is:	very low	very high
Comfort and fit:	not at all comfortable	very comfortable
Weight:	very heavy	not at all heavy
Initial cost:	not at all affordable	very affordable
Ongoing cost:	not at all affordable	very affordable
Ongoing maintenance:	requires a lot	requires very little



Started: 10/01/2009 End date not specified		Recommend: YES


I use a(n) CPAP Mask	Overall Satisfaction

My overall satisfaction is:	very low	very high
Comfort and fit:	not at all comfortable	very comfortable
Weight:	very heavy	not at all heavy
Initial cost:	not at all affordable	very affordable
Ongoing cost:	not at all affordable	very affordable
Ongoing maintenance:	requires a lot	requires very little



Started: 10/01/2009 End date not specified		Recommend: YES


I have the symptom of Body pain	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Muscle pain	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Tender muscles	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good

Hurts to be touched

Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Easily fatigued	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Tiredness	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Burning pain	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Sun sensitivity	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Temporary hair loss	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Joint pain	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Mouth ulcers	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Nosebleeds	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Weight gain	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Tremors	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Muscle weakness	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good

Arm weakness

Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Mental depression	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Insomnia	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Difficulty walking	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Involuntary movements	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have the symptom of Severe fatigue	Currently Feeling

I am currently feeling:	not well at all	very good



Start date not specified End date not specified


I have an allergy to Ampicillin	Allergic Reaction

My allergic reaction is:	not that severe	very severe



Onset date not specified Recovery date not specified


I have an allergy to Morphine	Allergic Reaction

My allergic reaction is:	not that severe	very severe



Onset date not specified Recovery date not specified


I have an allergy to Betadine	Allergic Reaction

My allergic reaction is:	not that severe	very severe



Onset date not specified Recovery date not specified


I have an allergy to Adhesive	Allergic Reaction

My allergic reaction is:	not that severe	very severe



Onset date not specified Recovery date not specified


I have an allergy to Nickel	Allergic Reaction

My allergic reaction is:	not that severe	very severe



Onset date not specified Recovery date not specified