Hi Tina, I wish there were some magic word I could say that would stop your pain and depression. There isn't, which is the sad reality. However, a more hopeful reality is that you have found KA, and that you are talking about your experiences. When we do that here, there's no telling how many other people have really needed to vent about the same things.
Getting that dx is a double edged sword. Now, suddenly, you have something concrete to fight ... you also have something that will be with you for the rest of your life (barring a medical miracle). It's overwhelming, man do I know that. We all do here.
First off, I would get in touch with the Arthritis Foundation and find out if they have an Arthritis Self-Management program going. I just finished taking it and it's done me a world of good. I truly wish someone has pointed me in their direction 2 years ago (I was dx'd 2.5 years ago). You'll learn coping skills and how to talk to doctors. The textbook has a great section on drugs that's been updated relatively recently. Not to mention, you'll be in a room for a couple of hours a week with people who understand.
I'm 40 by the way, have been battling the AS beast for, probably, 22 years (looking back with my 20/20 hindsight) and was only dx'd after I finally admitted to myself that there was a problem. You can imagine the contradictory messages I get from my doctor because of my age.
Me: I feel lousy and I'm so low.
Doc: It can't be easy, after all you're only 40 and you have more doctors than most people see in a lifetime. You're too young for all of this.
Me: I feel lousy and [insert symtom here] is happening.
Doc: Well, Kath, what do you expect. You are getting older.
DOH!!!
I'm on Celexa, by the way, 30mg/day. I've found it to be very helpful when it comes to my depression. I can think more clearly, don't get so overwhelmed by the problems that I can't cope. Yet, I can still feel the problems, they're still there, they just don't bury me anymore.
Anyway, I'm rambling at this point. I'll give someone else the talking stick now.
Hugs,
Kat
"I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."- Thomas Edison
