Yazzy23, Prednisone usually brings the pain down for me, but I don't feel well when I use it, so I try to avoid Prednisone, but that's just me. I also had a bad reaction to Plaquenil, but other people I know didn't; we are all so different.

I started with those two, and tried Humeria, Zeljanz, Simponi, I'm sure I'm misspelling those. Now I'm on Methotrexate, have been for years and started Orencia Infusions six months ago, but the Orencia isn't working. I'm in a huge flare with massive swelling in my hands, wrist, fingers, ankles, feet, knees elbows. It's no fun. Oh, yes, even my Jaws are swollen. But, remember that's just me. I know people who are in complete remission using the above drugs.

Keep working with your Rheumy to find the right treatment plan for you. I'm glad you're on the board, just sad for the reason. You'll get a lot of good feedback. There are many smart and caring people here.

Hi,
My Rheumy's have always refused to give me Prednizone, I have had good luck with Plaquenil, but she took me off it. Plaquenil took 7 months to start working, so be patient with it.
I am now taking Remicade infusions, have had two so far, seems to be making everything worse. This is my last biologic, all the others have failed, but thinking back, they were a lot better then this.
Hope something helps for you!

There are a couple of things at play here yazzy. First, we are different and react differently to the individual meds and/or combination of meds so the Dr's try this, then that, then this+that, ect until the correct combo is found that works for your system. Secondly the Dr's have a "suggested protocol" (more correctly, "mandate") from the insurance companies to try the cheapest first then work up from there when they must.

Keep a daily log of how you feel of literally everything from swelling, breakouts, all the way to anxiety and stool consistency/color. The more info the Dr has to match with your blood work the quicker and better they can climb the insurance ladder for you. Hey, stay at it, you must be your best advocate!

Thank you all for your response and sharing. I'm so new to this and it's so confusing. The whole idea with trying different meds and in the order that rheumys and insurance companies see fit. Also I have noticed that different rheumatologists will suggest different meds for me! Different schools of thought, education, experience perhaps. Not sure what exactly comes into play when they recommend meds.

Can anyone share their thoughts with methotrexate? What to expect? What helped? What didn't? Thank you all so very much. I don't have any support groups in town. This is my go to for help and advice on this RA road....my sincere thanks

Prednisone has helped me too. But i think I was started on 30mg - it's called a Medrol Pack.

The really interesting thing I picked up on in your comment is that prednisone did not help. Remembering back to when I was diagnosed, my Rheumy gave me a steroid injection because my shoulder was so bad that I could barely move it. Since I was RH negative and therefore not convinced that I definitely had RA, the Dr. Said, if you get relief from the steroid injection, it's a definite sign you have RA. She gave me a prescription for methotrexate and sent me on my way. I felt so amazing with my joints after that injection (within a week), I totally forgot what the Dr. Said about what this means. When I went back in a month the effect was still there and I had therefore not started methotrexate. She reminded me what she said about the steroid and it brought me back to earth. I accepted my diagnosis and started methotrexate and have been on it for ~10 years. It is a disease modifying agent, similar to plaquenil and the side effects can vary among individuals. I have hair thinning, nausea initially (so I take it at night & that helps). You need liver function and blood counts monitoring regularly too. I also have fatigue but that's multifactorial.

I would check back with your rheumy. Maybe the dose of prednisone you were given was not optimal and another round may help you decide how to proceed?

Hang in there though, it can take patience and time for things to work and to find the right mix. I've been on Enbrel too and now on simponi but I've always had to take methotrexate. Each time I wean down I have flares. Let us know how it goes.

First, welcome to the group.

Second, your rheumatologist was not talking about psoriasis, but psoriatic arthritis. They are similar, but the PsA is much worse and hits the joints, which just the regular psoriasis does not.

As for a prednisone, I hate the drug! But it works better than anything. I have been on and off of it for 30 years. First for asthma and then for RA. I have gain hundreds of pounds on it, and literally had to diet every ounce back on. It affects bone density, and can you say mood swings? BUT, it has held me together more than once.

So, if it doesn't work, I do find that strange. I thought it was a catch all drug for everyone with auto-immune diseases. Perhaps something else is underlying your pain? Well, make sure you keep pushing to get a proper diagnosis. I know there are specific tests for PsA, is your rheumatologist giving you that one? Don't be afraid to call him if things aren't working, too! That was my mistake in the beginning, I just accepted a low standard of care, and when I complained, I got on a biologic along with mthx, and then I was good. Well, for quite a few years, anyway!

I went to an orthopedic and he gave me a Cortizone injection in my right hand. However I have developed pain in my left hand and never went back to my orthopedic. My rheumatologist has put me on prednisones but it has not helped the pain in my hands and other multiple joints.

I went to an orthopedic and he gave me a Cortizone injection in my right hand. However I have developed pain in my left hand and never went back to my orthopedic. My rheumatologist has put me on prednisones but it has not helped the pain in my hands and other multiple joints.

I don't have the symmetrical pain like I have read about many people with rheumatoid arthritis. However I have positive CCP anti-bodies but a negative rheumatoid factor. I'm constantly feeling in different joints like my shoulders, elbows, ankles, and knees like stabbing and numbing and just like something is going on in that joint and it happens throughout the day for an unspecified period of time. It does not stay it goes all around to different joints at different times of the day. I've had a rash on my elbow and that's why one of the rheumatologist suspected PSA.
I've had a rash on my elbow and that's why one of the rheumatologist suspected PSA. But another rheumatologist I went to has diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis.

Did you get any relief from the cortisone injection? Sounds like they haven't nailed down your diagnosis yet, not definitively anyway. As someone else suggested, you have to be your own best advocate. Push for proper answers and ask the specialist to confirmm that you are indeed being treated for the right illness. RA does affect both sides of the body but I find my right is more severely affected, most of the time. My rheumy thinks it's due to right being my dominant side...

Please keep asking questions. I would also suggest bringing to your next appointment a friend or family member who can advocate for you and has some medical know how. Never hurts to have an ally!