Oh what I wouldn't do for THAT problem! lol

I'm lower on prednisone now so my appetite is actually decreasing. But with all the meds I "have" to eat or the nausea is awful. I was thinking "how could I have RA if I'm not losing weight" because thats one of the "signs". Of course, being in denial, I still think that... But it's probably a good idea for you to get some good nutrition to help give you energy and help in any healing. Do you take a multivitamin?

:) take good care
Hen

No I don't I feel like I take enough pills and the thought of adding another one is just crazy. I love the weight loss I just wanted to know if its normal to have a decrease in appittie with so much pain.

I'm no expert but it's probably normal. Pain can do that to you. Sorry you have so much pain. I know what you mean about all the darn pills...

Hen

Pain can make you loose your appetite. What are you taking? I lost a bunch of weight when I was on Methotrxate. I was never hungry. It was great to have a med that worked and that had a side effect of making it very easy to loose weight. Oh how I miss my methotrexate! Hope you feel better soon.

I'm on methotrexate and plaquenil and now antibiotics for the pneumonia. I'm absolutely wiped and just today I noticed maybe for the first time how "unhungry" I am... Maybe there is a bonus for us who need to lose weight. Heaven knows we could use a good side effect. :)

Take care
Hen

I believe loss of appetite is actually one of the written side effects of RA. When i was between biologic treatments and my flare ups were so very very bad I never felt like eating. I would take my meds and lay in bed. I would try to eat something dry and quick like chex mix or cereal with the pills to have SOMETHING in my stomach, but I think this is just another side effect of our disease and when its flaring up bad its a lot more evident.

Here is a copy and paste from the wikipedia article on RA...

Constitutional symptoms including fatigue, low grade fever, malaise, morning stiffness, loss of appetite and loss of weight are common systemic manifestations seen in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

I know it is horrible to say but I wish I had that symptom. Atleast i wish i could switch the fatigue for it or something! haha!

I am sorry to hear of your problems, I know it only adds to the weakness felt. It is a main symptom of ra. and honestly the past couple weeks I have noticed that i haven't been finishing my plate like I usually do.

All I can say is choke down some whole wheat crackers with a multivitamin everyday. Ensure Is really great to drink, the hospitals even use it for feeding tubes.

Congrats on the weight loss. I suspect your body is just adjusting to its new circumstances. Over the years I have gained weight from meds and other times lost weight because of a waning appetite. For me since beginning rituxan seems as though I am ALWAYS ravenous! Guess I just need to do a few extra crunches every night. Good luck. Remember if you are truly concerned ask the doctor!