My diagnosis/treatment started almost simultaniously. I was diagnosed, started steriods, methotrexate and onto a biologic within 4 months. I agreed with this, as most things I read state the earlier your treatment= better outcome (less joint damage,etc). Before this I rarely took a tylenol! I don't like putting/injecting all these chemicals into my body, but for me personally, the benefits way outweigh the risks. I really did some soul searching and found this was my best path. I hope you figure out your path- don't forget, it's not set in stone what you decide. Good luck!

Sorry to hear of your story. I was just diagnosed this past April. Was on methotrexate then Arava and prednisone now will be starting humira and prednisone. This all happened in 4 months. I also believe that the rheumatologist are being aggressive so that we may end up with lesd joint damage. Yes there r decisions for us as patients to make and does move fast. But like others I am not happy with these meds biologics but I guess if it keeps the deformities to a minimum and damage also I guess I have to try.
Good luck

I was diagnosed the end of May. Started on hydroxychloroquine, mtx and folic acid. 4 weeks later at my recheck, was started immediately on biologics as my anti-ccp was over 300. I was concerned that things were happening so fast, but it was determined that I had caught the RA early, had no major damage yet to joints and had an aggressive form, so early and fast intervention was the Dr recommendation to get things under control.
I will admit I went from 0-60 pretty fast on symptoms, so I am all for hitting it as hard as I need to try and keep joint damage to a minimum!

So sorry it has been so hard on you and that every thing is moving so fast. I have been dx with RA for 20+ years and I was on MTX and plaquenil for years but I was sero negative meaning that my blood work didn't show I had RA. I was in remission for a few years at least I was doing ok so I thought and went off of all meds but then about a year ago (from this point we sort of sound the same) I got this rash on my neck and arms... and since then I have been Sero positive (which means I now have positive blood work for RA). Plus it has been really tough to keep ahead of my RA this time... I was put back on Mtx, Plaquenil and Folic Acid but this time it didn't work so doctor changed me to the Mtx injections and that didn't seem to help that much so next week I should be getting my first humira shot. I am to stay on Mtx, Plaquenil, Folic Acid along with the Humira shot. My doctor stated they are not sure just what is going on but that I do have some autoimmune problems going on. I have already been dx with RA and Sjogren's. Now they are looking at Lupus or Wegener's. Plus these drugs should help if I have RA, Sjogren's, Lupus, and/or Wegener's (all are autoimmune diseases). It is scary to think that any of us have to go on a biologic... most of us are not happy about it. But the pain and the inflammation is very hard to deal with. I don't want the damage that is possible if I don't get this under control. Maybe someone that is on a biologic will stop by and tell you more about that. Hope you can get things figured out what is best for you.

My rheumatologist also wanted to be aggressive with my RA. I was diagnosed NOV 2013. I think they all have the same basic plan, start with MTX and then go onto a biologic. I went from the MTX oral form to the injections which have helped a great deal. So far I have kept the swelling at bay with just .6 ml. I also use essential oils that are known to reduce inflammation. (frankenscense, peppermint, wintergreen). No scientific proof that the oils are helping but I haven't had to increase my MTX or go to the biologic and my blood test are within normal range so I stick with them.
I think it is normal for Drs. to discuss all the medications up front and play it by ear.
Good luck, glad you found this board. The people on here are extremely helpful.

Ten years into moderate/severe RA I discovered that for me diet was the cause. After elimination diets and food allergy testing - I'm now in year twelve of RA and in diet induced remission.

The strongest thing I ever took was prednisone. Used the AP (Minocin) for the first decade. It kept the RA down to a tolerable level for me. And put my mother (aggressive RA, twisted hands within four years of onset) into full remission for two decades now.

Every journey is different. Each person's magic bullet is as individual as their body. And not all success stories are gotten through aggressive treatment. You have to decide what you're willing to accept as potential side effects.

Unfortunately most rheumies only know the aggressive route now. They aren't well versed in the older treatments or alternative treatments.

Good luck in your journey.

Hello and welcome!
It is a shame in a way that with diseases no one can write a book stating,ok this is what happens and this is what is going to happen..it is like a magic trick-who knows what is going to happen to each person next!

Ofcourse if we knew what was going to happen-in any manner-we may not want to bother sticking around for it :(

Thank you everyone for the information - feeling much better now. I was so depressed after my last visit because all I could think was how fast it seems to be going. It has really helped to see that this is pretty much the norm. My rheumy is fantastic. I drive 3-1/2 hours one way to see her so that should say something. We have rheums where I live but I chose this one and am glad that I did. My xrays were okay - just degenerative changes right now. She has told me that you need to be aggressive with RA. I trust her. I also like the fact that she includes me in the decisions. Once my insurance gives their okay I will start the injectable MTX. Now just need to decide which biologic I want to try first. I look forward to being a part of this group - really glad I found you guys.

You shouldn't need insurance approval for injectable mtx- it's cheap. Biologics, yes, as they're beyond pricy.

I started on prednisone and mtx immediately, and first tried a biologic in about four months. The current thinking is that early and aggressive treatment is best. It is looking like there's a real chance to get the beast back into its cage this way. Have you discussed your too-much-too-soon feelings with your doctor?