I'm new to RA..I have not started my MTX injections yet. I go back next week and will probably start then. I'm like you, I HATE meds, and I'm really not looking forward to the side effects.

Maybe there is another RX he can try. Maybe plaquenil...Maybe someone with more knowledge can help you out.

Good luck!! I hope your pain gets better!!!! :)

Understand Mari! My personal opinion is that unless an individual grows absolutely everything they consume there's no way to completely avoid what will hurt them. There are so many undisclosed products and some in such minor quantities that they could build up in the body to a level that is a problem for us. I also think that our consumption of items that give us problems is not always via what we intake orally. Last year I was doing a little project in the utility room, used some of that expanding foam in a can, got a really good whiff (stupid me) and BAM. Twenty minutes later the beginnings of a big flare. I'm east-north-east of the oil/refining operations in TX, LA and the gulf and often wonder. I also am curious how much exposure BD2 has in North TX with all the rigs close to him.

I know the diet helps me but there's no way I'm going to come off of plaquenil. I understand your reluctance to get back on mtx....one of the reasons that I try to stay on my diet so keep from having to go to those levels of inhibitors until absolutely needed.

Don't get down on yourself, you know what helps, do your best!

RA is a disease and you will need medications to treat it. Your immune system is attacking your body. I'm sure diet helps somewhat with inflammation. RA can not only damage your joints but it can attack your organs, mainly lungs and heart. I hate meds as much as the next person but I don't hesitate to give myself my two monthly injections that has kept it under control for five years. I don't want to ever lose the use of my fingers and hands again.

I forgot to add that I couldn't handle mtx either. I was on Enbrel for 2 years and have been on Cimzia for three.

Thank you nonightshades. I was painting at a rental house we own which may have brought on the flare. I think I may try plaquenil. Just can't do mtx but afraid Rhuem will not think that is enough. I really believe the diet has helped but I know med is needed too.

What kind of diet were you trying? Mum's been telling me to watch what I eat a bit better so I'd be interested to know :)
Over the summer my arthritis got a lot worse and started spreading to me knees aswell as my ankles. A family friend told mum that people had been drinking aloe vera for their arthritis but I was sceptical as I thought yeah as if what will drinking aloe vera do. When I went to the doctors around Octoberish they wanted to put me back on methotrexade, which I wasn't too happy about as I was on it for years when I was younger. I decided to try drinking the aloe to see if it would help, and if it didn't then I'd go on Methotrexade again.
I'm so glad I did, the rheumatologist said my joints were fine last week, I found it hard to walk before and now I'm able to go to the gym :) I dunno if you'd maybe tried that? I've tried all kinds of alternate medicine as I nearly got a stomach ulcer from Ibuprofen as a child, horrible methotrexade etc so I'm actually so happy it's helped me. Thought I'd let you know as it could be helpful :) Hope you get better soon! :)

I was diagnosed on Sept 11, 2009 and started plaquenil right away. I stayed on it for 3 years, but recently I developed nodules so I took my first shot of Orencia. The plaquenil gave me no side effects and hopefully none fromOrencia. Try it, hopefully it willkeep you ff the biologics!!
Good luck!!
Christine