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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Heading back to Rheumy

RCross
RCross
I'm heading back the the rheumy tomorrow to discuss "treatment options." I'm really not sure what this means. At my first appt, he ordered bloodwork and x-rays. Then his nursed called and stated some of my labwork was "abnormal" and that the Dr. wanted to schedule an appointment to discuss "treatment options." My head wasn't "clear" that day and I didn't ask the questions I should've. So now I'm hoping that tomorrow I'll have a clear head!! I've attempted to jot down some questions but really since I don't know what we're treating I don't know what to ask!

~sitting in a mental fog
deleted_user
deleted_user
Write down a list of questions to take with you. So that you aren't pressed to remember what you wanted to know.
I'm glad that they are going to sit down face to face and get you moving in the right direction.
Good luck!!!
RCross
RCross
Thanks Rose...but I don't know what to ask. I really have no idea what the rheumy thinks dx is? All I can go on it what my pain doc and primary think...which is RA.
bluedogs2
bluedogs2
Good Luck RCross - I'm going back to see mine. She ordered MTX (5 a day once a week). Side effects concern me. Like you, I had lab and x-rays and all I got back was "ok to start taking the pills" Really didn't make me feel to good so I made up a list of questions from various sites I've read about RA. I go see the rhuemy on the 26th at 7:30 a.m. and my doctor the next week -
Good Luck to ya
RCross
RCross
Thanks Blue...good luck to you as well!
bcatz
bcatz
Probably, you and the doctor will decide your first line of treatment.
If your numbers were high on Rheum Factor/Sed/Anti-ccp, etc AND you are in pain, your doctor will recommend starting some kind of dmard. First line dmards to expect might include: methotrexate, sulfasalizine, planquenil. You might also receive prednisone. Be sure to read about these. I opted to accept a prednisone prescription but I rarely have ever taken it. It can wreak havoc on blood glucose. It can also help immensely with swelling and stiffness. I still have my original 30pill of 5mg and have taken all of 4-5 of them since diagnosis two years ago. I broke them into quarters.

Read up on the dmards too - at least read on those above since they are typical to get first. You will be monitored by your doctor as you begin treatment. Best wishes!!!
RCross
RCross
Thanks bcatz. I'm familiar (sadly) with predisone for my other autoimmune issue. But the others I'm not. I wish my hubby was in town to go with me. He did offer to cancel his business trip but I told him not too...sigh. Just not sure how much faith to put in this doctor. I know my CRP, SED and anti-CCP were all elevated...with the CRP being "very" elevated, per the nurse. I'll get copies of the labs tomorrow. Not sure what else was/is off.