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Recently Diagnosed with RA

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 11/15/2022 9:51 AM (GMT -8)
Hi everyone. So happy I found this group. I was recently diagnosed with RA and started Methotrexate about a week ago. Prior to methotrexate, I was taking Meloxicam for inflammation and tenderness but when it didn’t do much the doctor put me on a 6 day pack of Medrol. That worked great for the most part but still had some inflammation in my hands. She then put me on 5 days of prednisone. That worked for a little bit. I’m now back to have inflammation in my hands and some pain. Although ibuprofen works to some degree, I decided to try meloxicam again. It doesn’t work fast but I read it can take weeks. Yikes. Until the Methotrexate kicks in (I hope) how do people manage their inflammation and pain? I’m thinking of calling my doctor again to see if there is anything else for pain and inflammation management. Also, does Methotrexate really take up to 3 months to start working? Thanks in advance. Adriana
Posted 12/10/2022 10:23 PM (GMT -8)
Before methotrexate I was on plaquenal ( hydroxychlorine ) (sic) for 10 years and it worked great!
The methotrexate took a couple months to kick in but has been a reliable aid for another 10 years, I still take 2 plaquenals daily besides a weekly 5ml of methotrexate injection. This combination kept me real clean until it didn’t, so they added a retuxan infusion every six months…with a little prednisone I work and have a pretty active pain free lift for a 73 year old guy… the meds will work!
Posted 5/25/2023 4:43 PM (GMT -8)
I was recently diagnosed w/ R/A and take methotrexate. I don't know anything about this disease except the scary stuff I read on the internet. All the Specialist does is tell me what drugs to take and asks if I have any questions. How can I have questions if I don't know anything? I'm scared of the future and "turning to stone"...
Posted 6/6/2023 11:35 AM (GMT -8)
A sudden onset of RA hit me hard a few weeks ago. Severe pain in neck, shoulders and hands. Hands blew up like ballon’s and searing hot pain. Confirmed after trips to Urgent Care, then 3 days later to emergency room. Followed up with family doctor and a RA specialist for blood test etc. Each doctor was surprised at how sudden it hit me. I am now on prednisone and methotrexate for 3 weeks. My hands continue to be a problem, but have improved significantly. The RA doctor is fine tuning the meds and I see her again next week. I find fatigue is a continuing issue. I have to pace myself as a 74 year old active senior. Realizing the situation, I need to follow the Doctor’s direction and learn how to manage the many activities I still do. We like to go camping with our travel trailer and plan to head out in 2 weeks after canceling the last plan when RA hit. Not sure about motorcycling going forward, but if I can, I will!
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