Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Good morning -
I was diagnosed last October and have been working to manage my symptoms since then. Dr. put me on Prednisone for first six weeks and I had relief but not enough. Then added Plaquenil and it took a few months to feel any better. I would say that I had about a 70% improvement especially with the fatigue. I would have flares a couple times a month and they would last a few days but improve with rest if possible. For the past few weeks though it has been bad. My feet especially in the joints have a lot of pain and my hands have been bad as well. Feeling really tired again as well. I have a doctor appointment next week and am afraid it is going to be more of the wait and see.
I am seronegative and my blood work doesn't show imflammation which is frustrating on some levels. I need something else but i don't know what is considered a first line of defense treatment. I just know that the pain and ability to not use my hands and feet in a way I need them can't continue.
I was diagnosed last October and have been working to manage my symptoms since then. Dr. put me on Prednisone for first six weeks and I had relief but not enough. Then added Plaquenil and it took a few months to feel any better. I would say that I had about a 70% improvement especially with the fatigue. I would have flares a couple times a month and they would last a few days but improve with rest if possible. For the past few weeks though it has been bad. My feet especially in the joints have a lot of pain and my hands have been bad as well. Feeling really tired again as well. I have a doctor appointment next week and am afraid it is going to be more of the wait and see.
I am seronegative and my blood work doesn't show imflammation which is frustrating on some levels. I need something else but i don't know what is considered a first line of defense treatment. I just know that the pain and ability to not use my hands and feet in a way I need them can't continue.
I am wondering what a biologic is and should I be discussing this with my doctor if current meds aren't working? Does a flare this bad mean meds aren't working?
Feeling lost.
In the last few months, I have moved up to seropositive RA. From what I have read here on the boards, that is not unusual. Hopefully, you will find relief soon.
To answer one of your questions, the biologics are the drugs such as Enbrel, Humira, Orencia, etc., used in moderate-to-severe inflammatory arthritis. The are referred to as "biologics" because they are monoclonal antibodies, cloned in animal cells rather than made chemically like most pharmaceuticals. These drugs when you find one that works, are the most effective, both at relieving discomfort and at slowing disease progression.
Prednisone is a huge topic. It does make you feel better, but at a cost. It does nothing to slow the disease process, falling into the ignorance is bliss category. It also comes with a host of possible side effects: bone loss, adrenal suppression, weight gain, mood swings. Once on it, it can be hard to get off. You'll find people that have taken small doses for years, people who do tapers for flares, and people who won't go there under any circumstances.
Thank you for the link. I saved it so I can read it and absorb it.
The prednisone seems to mask what has been happening. After months of it the inflammation continues and it is only taking the edge off.
I am going to prepare a list of questions and concerns before my doctor appointment and be prepared. I need to be able to walk and most days at the end of the day I can't.
SO GLAD I found you!!
Sounds like you definitely need to talk with your doctor about changes. They will probably try methotrexate and folic acid next to see how you respond.
It really is a matter of trying these drugs and finding out what works for you. We are all different in this journey. But, don't despair just yet - you have lots of options open to you. Be sure to check out alternate therapies, under doctor supervision, as some have mentioned here.
Good luck - things will work out!!
It is just really a trial and error process. Your rheumie just needs to help you find the "cocktail" that works for you! The most important thing is having a Rheumie you like and trust.
Hang in there! It will get better!