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...
Brief intro about myself. I'm a male, 66 years old with a family history of RA. First signs appeared about 3-4 years ago with swelling in the hands that was easily controlled with over the counter meds. For the most part, it stayed this way until about 3 months ago when I was awaken in the middle of the night with severe pain so bad in my shoulder that I had to make a trip to the ER. Given a bandaid and sent home. Two weeks later, same thing.....and again, given a script for pain and sent home.
Over the next couple of months, I began to have swelling in my ankles, my knuckles, my knees and generally hurt all over to the point I made an appointment with my doctor so she could see with her eyes the swelling. She sent me for test and results showed an RA Factor of 640 with Sedimentation rate at 93.... Right away she told me to see a Rheumatologist.
My first appointment.... I'll have to say from he beginning if first impression means anything, I'm off to a wonderful start. The doctor I saw was the most attentive, caring doctor I had ever met. He took the time to explain everything. Answered any questions I had and showed a general kindness that's not seen in todays world of quick in and quick out medicine.
I was given prescriptions for fivedifferent medicines....
1. Methotrexate
2. Sulfasclazine
3. Folic Acid
4. Tramadul (pain)
5. Prednisone
I left the office with a much better understanding of RA and it's effects on your body and mind and a much better understanding of all the side effects of these medicines to fight the disease.
After a week of deciding when to start my meds due to a trip coming up in a few weeks. I took my first doese of methotrexate 6 pills last night right after dinner. So far, so good....knock on wood. Other than feeling tired, which is normal for us (I think) I'm doing fine. But then again, this was only my first dose.
We'll see how it goes from here on out. I'm thinking, the more I take it, the less side effects I'll have. I forgot to mention, last night was the first full nights sleep I've had in some time. Felt good to actually sleep all night for a change. Well wishes to everyone.....and may you have a pain free day
Over the next couple of months, I began to have swelling in my ankles, my knuckles, my knees and generally hurt all over to the point I made an appointment with my doctor so she could see with her eyes the swelling. She sent me for test and results showed an RA Factor of 640 with Sedimentation rate at 93.... Right away she told me to see a Rheumatologist.
My first appointment.... I'll have to say from he beginning if first impression means anything, I'm off to a wonderful start. The doctor I saw was the most attentive, caring doctor I had ever met. He took the time to explain everything. Answered any questions I had and showed a general kindness that's not seen in todays world of quick in and quick out medicine.
I was given prescriptions for fivedifferent medicines....
1. Methotrexate
2. Sulfasclazine
3. Folic Acid
4. Tramadul (pain)
5. Prednisone
I left the office with a much better understanding of RA and it's effects on your body and mind and a much better understanding of all the side effects of these medicines to fight the disease.
After a week of deciding when to start my meds due to a trip coming up in a few weeks. I took my first doese of methotrexate 6 pills last night right after dinner. So far, so good....knock on wood. Other than feeling tired, which is normal for us (I think) I'm doing fine. But then again, this was only my first dose.
We'll see how it goes from here on out. I'm thinking, the more I take it, the less side effects I'll have. I forgot to mention, last night was the first full nights sleep I've had in some time. Felt good to actually sleep all night for a change. Well wishes to everyone.....and may you have a pain free day
The MTX takes a while before you reach the max benefits, so be patient. I had no side effects for 3 years, and really felt quite normal during that time. Some folks can go years more with no other scripts. I suspect your immediate relief is from the prednisone.
There are many more folks here that know much more than I do.
Again, welcome.
RA is just a bump in the road, with the right medicine, life can still be almost normal, you will have good days and bad, but life is what you make it to be. Even on painful days, I fight the pain and keep going. Don't let this get you down ever.
=)
Lin
Peace and Be Well
Bluedogs2
Bluedogs , you never fail to crack me up. That popcorn sandwich trick sounds like one Papalaveck would try.
Welcome from another RA newbie!
Peggy
Cheryl