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...

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New Rheumy much different than old one... help!

deanma
deanma
Hello. I have had RA for two yrs. I have been on prednisone, methotretxate, plaquenil, tried remicade, and embrel. Throughout the first yr and a half, my rheumy was old school in the fact that he didnt want me doing much activity wise either. My pain in my hips was the worst symptom, and continues to be. all over joint pain is there as well. anyway, my old rheumy retired about six months ago and i had to get a new one. My new rheumy said that because all those meds were not helping the pain maybe i didnt have RA....? maybe fibro? She put me on a drug holiday and my pain stayed the same. after two months she looked at my crp and it was elevated quite a bit. So that proved it that i did have RA. But then she said it was atypical, what my RA was doing. So, keep going on a drug holiday and i will see you in a month. I am due to see her thursday. I am so confused. even tho the meds thus far didnt stop the pain, it felt right to be on them for my joints... What should i do??? so frustrated. and yes, i am RA seronegative. my Vectra score was high both times. M
fibrolizzy
fibrolizzy
I hear ya and feel your frustration. I'm kind of in the same spot trying to have somebody figure me out. So the MTX and prednisone didn't really make a difference? They did with me, so that's why my doctor is keeping me on them.

I really hope you get answers! I sure understand how frustrating it is just not knowing. Keep us posted.
beechfeet
beechfeet
I am in the same boat as you, don't have any suggestions at the moment, put on a fibro med at my last appt. with a follow up in Dec to discuss further treatment, also worried about joint damage in the meantime because I can't get relief from the inflammation. Please keep us posted with your progress.
beechfeet
beechfeet
Meant to include I would take any imaging/test results you have that she may not, or bring them up with the Dr. if they are on file. In general at my appts anyway Dr.s don't review history before they start asking questions and recommending things, I found I have to bring them current and point out what is on file as far as try/fail/not tolerated.
I make a reminder list for myself to bring up concerns or questions.
I wish they would take more responsibility for this part of the visit but I consider it a part of the doing things as fast as possible world we live in today.
deanma
deanma
Thank you all for your replies! RA Sally, I had my feet blow up a yr ago... dont have pics tho. My hands do swell at times. No redness noted. I will ask for MRI or ultrasound on thursday. To get to the bottom of all of this. I appreciate your sharing what you have learned. Thanks so much. It is frustrating as heck at times! M
altoclef
altoclef
I just want to add that doing as LITTLE as possible is about the worst advice. There is a strong "use it or lose it" component with RA. Whether it's taking a slow walk to the corner and back, going to physical therapy or a warm-water exercise class, any exercise you can get without overdoing it is important.