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Close Rheumatoid Arthritis

I initially quit working in 2000 due to a progressive back injury. I have had joint and soft tissue issues for years. In 1998, I saw a rheumatologist for serious tendinitises in both wrists and hands. He had to cast them tom get them to heal. I continued having pain and ruptured tendons in both hands and wrists as well as shoulders and knees. I had an orthopedist treating with cortisone injections, then when they quit working, I had surgery. I have had one knee one shoulder and one hand operated on, and I have the second shoulder surgery scheduled for Friday, July 3.2008. After my hand surgery last summer, the hand specialist was sure I had rheumatoid arthritic and the ortho was not surprised when I told him. I was advised to have the shoulder fixed before I start methotrexate or remicade. I am hoping to find out all I can from people using them, before I start in probably August 2008. They want me to decide which one I would like to start. They have explained all the pro's and con's but I want to talk to people who have used these drugs. I would also appreciate any advice and information as what I find on the net is usually generic or from drug manufacturers! I want some unbiased information from people living with rheumatoid arthritic.

Treatments

Aciphex Working / Worked

GERD

Zantac Working / Worked

GERD

Advair Working / Worked

Asthma also use THEO 24 for asthma

Celebrex Working / Worked

for back pain and overall joint pain

Fentanyl Working / Worked

50ug for back pain also take soma and vicoden for back joint pain.

Folic Acid Working / Worked

Vit. B has been low before

Guaifenesin Working / Worked

For asthma when needed

Lotronex Working / Worked

for colagenous colitice

Lyrica Working / Worked

for neuropothy

Methotrexate Working / Worked

Nasacort AQ Working / Worked

helps with allergies

Remicade Considering

Vitamin B12 Working / Worked

Vit B levels have been low keeps it in normal range

Vitamin D Working / Worked

RX strength 125000 IUweek. Levels were nonexistent on last blood work.

Zyrtec Working / Worked