Hello Brownsfan, so sorry you have been diagnosed with RA :( I have that and other physical problems, too! I always recommend doing a online search for remedies and their benefits verses risks. What helps one person might not help another person. Some people do great on meds and others suffer side effects so imho it's something each person needs to search and make the decision their self. Good luck! I hope you find something to safely help :)

I was diagnosed 20+ years ago. I've been on MTX all this time and five years ago we added Humira. I have my life back again.

The first year is the hardest. It's about finding the best rheumatologist [it's like finding a lifelong partner], getting the right diagnosis, getting the right treatment, adapting to some lifestyle changes [in some cases].

Don't be alarmed about what you read about the meds. They're time honored and they work for the vast majority of patients.

Have questions? Ask away. We have a great group of people who will give you a whole spectrum of opinions.

You asked what to expect. Bear in mind that we're all different. Here's my experience:

MTX: I was started on small dose [5mg weekly] and it was upped over a period of weeks. about 2 months or so after starting I saw noticeable improvement.

Humira: I saw noticeable improvement in 3 weeks. I've had not one side effect from it.

I'm guessing you won't be on a high dose of MTX if the gameplan is to add the biologic. This is good that your doctor believes in aggressive treatment. [Back when I was diagnosed, we didn't have biologics.]

If my guess is right and you are maintained on about 7.5 mg of MTX while taking a biologic, you most likely won't experience any nausea. And remember - some people, even at higher doses, don't experience any nausea.

You might experience some lethargy......but my experience was that only in times of acute flares or in much higher doses of MTX did I experience fatigue. If you do, try to document how long after the MTX it comes and how long it lasts. If you work M-F you can probably take your MTX on a Friday so that it has no impact on your work. Again, at lower doses many people don't experience lethargy.

With respect to the biologic injections, if you'll be getting "pens" then it's super, super easy if you know how. We can walk you through it as the time draws closer. Very easy and no need to be apprehensive.

Count yourself lucky to have aggressive treatment.

Thank you for all of your input. Everything is scary and it all came on all of a sudden... Hands have been achy for a couple months then in July first 2 fingers on left hand were swollen like sausages and could not bend. Called PCP and did some bloodwork. Rheumatologist called but couldn't get in until Nov originally but luckily was on cancellation list and got in last week. Did not realize what all RA involves until I started reading up on everything.

Most people do not realize that Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic disease and totally different than Oestoarthritis, which technically not a disease but the results of wear and tear on your joints. (This from an orthopedic surgeon!)

The first thing I would say is "Don't be afraid of the meds!!" In fact, meds are your best friends! The sooner you get on the better, and you are fortunate to have gotten in early, and also gotten a rheumatologist who is treating you aggressively.

This disease can be debilitating, or if you get on the right combo of meds, it can cause minimal problems. It also sounds like you might have sero-negative RA, because it is affecting your hands so badly. You might want to ask about that, as well as other blood test results. I have found I like to monitor my blood tests, just to know where I am at.

Anyway, welcome to the group, if not RA!

Sounds like you have a very good doctor who is AGGRESSIVE in treating your RA, which is a good thing! The meds will help you feel better and also stop the profession of the disease which is very important!

OK, to be clear, you did see the rheumatologist last week and it was confirmed that it was RA and not PSA? [Is it possible you have both diseases? I do.]

15 mg starting seems a tad high, but it sounds like the rheumatologist is going for very aggressive treatment. That's good on one side of the coin, but it doesn't give the body much of a chance to adjust to the MTX.

http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Treatments/Methotrexate-Rheumatrex-Trexall

Care to share what criteria/tests your doctor used to diagnose?

Californialynn I have had so much bloodwork done...if I remember my PCP did RA Factor and Sed rate test and Rheumatologist did CCP test and some other bloodwork. Sorry I'm a little overwhelmed with everything going on.

I feel for you - been there. It sounds like you had a positive RA Factor and perhaps an elevated ESR, which led the physician to draw the conclusion. [If you didn't have a positive RA Factor, given that you mentioned the "sausage fingers" I was going to offer the possibility of PsA. But no matter: both PsA and RA and treated almost identically.]

Just remember, the first year is the hardest. But I see that you're very conscientious about this and very invested in getting the facts, so my take on it is that you'll deal with the changes and make headway faster than most. Too many are often in denial and are biased against the drugs, making that first year horrible for them. If my hunch is right, you just want to get to the bottom of it, launch the treatment, and get on with life.

Great attitude.

I had it come on all of a sudden too. I have had blood tests done and came back normal, but my swelling continues in my fingers and toes so I'm off to a Rhematologist's to try to get a diagnosis. I'm scared to death too. I'm also from Cleveland and a Browns fan, so we have two things in common! Swollen joints and a bad football team!

Please look at all options and ask questions and research. Sadly we find out too late or after the fact what these meds can do to us. I understand the pain you must be in but please take the time to look into everything :)

Californialynn...yes you are right I am not going to let this run or take over my life. I have been told I am too positive and always in a good mood. I am not going to let this change me. And Jennylynn. Yes it sounds like we do have a couple things in common and for some reason I still cheer for the Browns!!!