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...
So basically I joined this forum in April to ask a few questions regarding RA. My wife was diagnosed with Seronegative RA. The only blood work that was positive was CRP (1.5 [Normal < 0.8]) and her SED rate (30s - 80s [Normal < 20] .
My wife's Rheumy told my wife that after 6 weeks, she can be declared with chronic inflammation, so she started treatment immediately since my wife had pain in her joints (hands and feet). She could not start with MTX since my wife's liver enzymes with slightly elevated. The Rheumy needs clarification on the liver to begin MTX. She gave my wife Plaquenil for now and plans on adding Azulfidine soon.
My question today is, will inflammation markers go away?
Does medication for RA treat inflammation? As far as I know, it treats symptoms and potential bone damage.How is that different from prednisone(which hides symptoms)? I understand "chronic" inflammation, however I read that it could last months or years. I hope this is true and can go away.
How long will my wife need medication for? I understand they can be life time. But at what point will a Rheumy say, "you feel better, lets take you off it".
She's starting PT and OT next week, I hope that helps her.
Thanks again guys, you've all been a big help.
My wife's Rheumy told my wife that after 6 weeks, she can be declared with chronic inflammation, so she started treatment immediately since my wife had pain in her joints (hands and feet). She could not start with MTX since my wife's liver enzymes with slightly elevated. The Rheumy needs clarification on the liver to begin MTX. She gave my wife Plaquenil for now and plans on adding Azulfidine soon.
My question today is, will inflammation markers go away?
Does medication for RA treat inflammation? As far as I know, it treats symptoms and potential bone damage.How is that different from prednisone(which hides symptoms)? I understand "chronic" inflammation, however I read that it could last months or years. I hope this is true and can go away.
How long will my wife need medication for? I understand they can be life time. But at what point will a Rheumy say, "you feel better, lets take you off it".
She's starting PT and OT next week, I hope that helps her.
Thanks again guys, you've all been a big help.
I was initially diagnosed with seronegative. 2 & 1/2 years later, I am now positive.
I am now on my 6th biologic, and this one has been the most help. I do feel much better, my Rheum is very happy that I have found something that does make me feel better. But, I doubt I will ever hear him say "you feel better, lets take you off it". Instead, What I hear is 'you feel better, lets stay with what is working"
I wish your wife well. I was in remission for three years and I hope she gets some time off from RA soon!
you probably mean will the mtx eventually affect her liver? (well maybe if she's tossing back drinks nightly also) or will the biologics eventually cause a black box warning? or will the prednisone eventually thin out her bones? or will she become addicted to narcotics? or something like that.
i think the rheumies just want to interrupt the progression of the disease and allow for some function to return in the case of those who are having enough symptoms to interrupt the functions of their life, limit their careers, or restrict their mobility.
the patient takes the future fear in trade for being able to to____________ fill in the blank today.
does your spouse, who has the RA, do as much research as you? if so you are both a formidable team in the knowledge is power. duo. does she also have an account online with us here? she might like us as much as you do if she likes to read and participate also.
depot
Peace
Bluedogs2
I certainly hope your wife joins someday - she will find great comfort here.
I look at it this way - more than likely I will be on some type of medication for the rest of my life. I'm with Sally on this one - prepare for all that may come your way. Educate yourself regarding this disease. Find a good rheumy. Be kind and gentle to yourself. Realize that you can still have a good life and that others out there have it much worse. Get up everyday and enjoy what you can - focus on what is positive not negative. We simply wake up and do the best we can on a daily basis. If that involves medication, then so be it.
Please let your wife know that we care!
Linda
It's good that she has started treatment. There is new evidence that people who get early and aggressive treatment do better long term than those who don't. Is she getting any relief from the plaquenil?