Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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yankeesgrrl 09/10/2012

Sorry to keep posting all these questions, but I am still new to this....

How do I know if I am having a flare? I have crazy pain in my right hand and right wrist today...I can barely close my hand, and it's swollen at my knuckles...I didn't do anything to injure it. Started bothering me last night. I had the same kind of crazy pain 4 days ago, but that was in my jaw, in the joint by my ear. That pain went away after 2 days, but it was a miserable 2 days.

I have seen m Rheumatologist, but since it was the initial visit, she only did blood work and gave me Mobic...but no other meds. I have another appointment tomorrow.

Is this pain from the RA??

deleted_user 09/10/2012

Hi,
It's no problem asking questions. You will learn so much here from people with heaps of experience. It sounds like you have been having flares. I get the jaw pain and it has been dxed as RA in the jaw. Be sure to tell your rheumy about the pains as flares can be miserable. I'm actually going through a major one at the moment and can't get out of bed feet and ankles. I take methatraxate and cimzia injections as well as normally 10mg of prednisone. While flaring they put me on high doses of prednisone and taper. I have major drug allergies so can't take a lot of meds. Sorry to ramble hope you get some relief.
Gentle hugs
Kel

Angelpuss 09/10/2012

It certainly sounds as if you are having flares. It can be anywhere that you have a joint and can last from a few hours to weeks. Having jaw pain is so painful.
I hope you get some relief from your Rheumy. Feel free to ask as many questions as you wish. Someone will always answer.

Hugs

yankeesgrrl 09/11/2012

Thanks for the support! I did have my appointment today, and told her about the pain, which she said is definitely RA flares. She has started me on Methotrexate (4 pills once a week for two weeks then 8 pills once a week for however long...) and Folic Acid, as well as a high weekly dose of Vitamin D, because apparently that level is in the crapper. I am a bit nervous about side effects...any tips?

lynnedavidson3 09/11/2012

I have had very good experiences from methotrexate with folic acid. It works great. Hope you feel better real soon!

Angelpuss 09/11/2012

Thanks for the update. If you click on GROUPS (top of the group page) and find the group, "Tips for taking Methotrexate" which was set up by one of the members here, you will find helpful tips from several people. I have had severe reactions to most of the RA meds but have been taking Methotrexate (maximum 10 pills) for almost 3 yeaqrs with no real side effects at all.

The Vitamin D shots will probably help a lot with fatigue if you've been running on really low levels so that should be good for you.
It sounds as though your Rheumy is right on the ball, too, as far as treatment goes.
Good luck

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