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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Normal / or Not

TWGarrett
TWGarrett
Ok, aside from mobic and Fibro meds., I start my first infusion Mon. but so far I haven't taken anything for RA. Everyone talks about remission but EVERYDAY the bones in my feet feel bruise and cracked, my ankles feel cracked, my hands, wrist, and arms are swollen and ache. My knees and hips hurt.
Now, is this normal since I haven't had any treatment? And, what can I expect from RA meds.?
mmztcass
mmztcass
Yes, it's 'normal' to hurt and have all those pains in the areas you mentioned without being on any treatments. When I was on Enbrel shots and the MTX, I was in Seventh Heaven. Much of my pains went away and I could literally jump up and down in joy.

Good luck with your infusions and that it will bring to you pain relief.

{{{hugs}}} :-)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, that's our new normal! I'm on MTX, Enbrel and prednisone, I've never reached remission like I once had hoped but I am so much better off, I'll take it! Good luck.
suera
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sounds normal! I am newly diagnosed with RA and I started with the MTX injections weekly and even doubled the dose with no relief except feeling like I was hit by a train for 24hrs after taking the mtx. I started the embrel 2 wks ago and wow what a difference, I feel normal again! My only thought is am I going to have to give myself weekly injections forever? Does remission occur at some point and you get off the meds. Down side is I get a red, rash hive like lump where I inject myself which lasts for about 3 days.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've never reached remission, yet, but from what I understand you continue to take your meds. I believe they call it a medicine induced remission. Although I think I recall reading instances where a remission is achieved naturally. If only!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good luck with your infusion! Just be patient as it doesn't kick in immediately even if it does work. Normal for those of us with RA is different than for most people. I was lucky enough to go into a remission several years ago and I felt great. My great however was not the perfect great someone healthy feels. Expect with the proper meds to feel less fatigued, have less pain and imflammation and just to be able to function normally as you did before RA hit.

Again, look for small changes and hopefully before you know it you will be doing 100% better. good luck and happy new year. hugs, marcia