Diagnosed with RA at 23

Hi angel30729, 

I'm also 23 with RA. I understand where you are coming from. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what my new "normal" is going to be, so I think that might be a good question for your rheumatologist. If your medications don't seem to be doing enough, I would call the doctor. I know it can sometimes feel like we are always talking to doctors or always feeling bad, but you'd hate to not call, and the doctor has an easy solution for you. 

Hope this helps!

 

Sorry you're having such a rough time!  It takes time to get the right mix of Meds.    I've found out it's trial and error.  Your rheumy is trying to give  you what's best for you.  It it might take a while to get the right mix.  Give it a chance and maybe you need to call and see if there is anything they can add to help with the pain.  Maybe a shot of prednisone?  That is what I was given the first appt I had.  I was in horrible pain and that took care of it.  Be advised it can cause weight gain which I didn't know!  I ate constantly!

Good luck and keep us posted!

So sorry to hear that. I was a lot older than you when diagnosed but remember those first few months vividly.

i hope you can contact your rheumy to say how bad things are as it s all a bit trial and error for each individual  in the first 6 months or so to see what works. 

For example they could try a higher dose of mxt as a very normal next step or offer a corticosteroid shot for short term relief while waiting to see if the mxt is working. It can take 3 months to see if mxt works but if it doesn't sufficiently they should reconsider how they are managing as it s so important to hold back progression of the disease in the early stages.

in the meantime the waiting to see what works is tough, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel. I guess you are trying hands in hot water and shoulders in hot shower? - also do gentle open and closing of fingers and arm movements as you are able .( one I was told to do by physio when shoulders were so bad is to lean forward and just let arm swing a little )

Don't know if any of that will help but wishing you all the best as you find your way through this.

MTX does work for most people, but there are a small number out there including me, where the MTX doesn't get absorbed through your digestive system.

I was up to 35mg once a week, and the tablets were making no inroads at all on my inflamtion levels, rheumo arranged a blood test the day after my tablets if I remeber correctly, I do remeber her saying you are not taking up the medication, there is very little in your bloodstream, and you are going to now start injecting yourself, we will teach you.

Local GP was wonderful and walked me through the whole process a couple of times in his office, and then has left me too it, commented a couple of times since that you are very needle skilled, and can give me an injection anytime you want, I do not bruise now, have also been told by a nurse, better than most.

That's where my pains have mainly been shoulders and hands angel130729 and it's been alwful I was just wondering what the hell was going on with my body, motor neurone and MS were my first thoughts, but no I was diagnosed some 2 weeks ago and am now on methotrexate too started on 4 last week, 4 this week then move to 6 next week, I have to take folic acid a 5mg 3 days later every week, so far so good but it's very hard core stuff and it's so hard for me to accept because I have always been so fit I go to the gym a lot and am very active, but I guess this can effect anyone I am 58.

I do seem to be in remission or since I had half my thyroid removed 7 weeks ago funny enough as it had nodules on it, my doc seemed to think it could be that pressing on a nerve, I was really hoping but no I have had a couple of small things nothing like before on my hands but I took it that it must be something else, so yes very recently diagnosed.

I just hope I get no harrendous side effects off this methotrexate as I have read so much about it and some people are absolutely fine on it and others had to come off it as were ill, it's a waiting game so we will see

Really sorry this is happening to you, so young.

I haven't read the others here, but I've just this to say...

It's hellish painful, but you will get it under control, and life will get more or less back to normal. It just takes time and patience.

One piece of advice: Try not to stay in bed when you're in pain.... your joints will benefit from movement even though it's painful. The day will always start bad but get better as you walk your way through it.

So without actually straining yourself so you damage your joints, use them to the border of what you can bear and you'll find your evenings are good to you...

I am so sorry to hear that too, it reminds me of how mine started I though I was going mad I had to hold my hands and fingers up on pillows. It does get better but like most of the other bloggers get in touch with your dr other wise they don't know how your going. Good luck and hang in there

Hi angel130729 Im so sorry to hear that you have R.A I no it sucks  but I dont understand why having just been diagnosed and that you are in considerable pain that along with the M.T.X that you are not on tramadol paracetamol and prednisolone even amtriptiline to take at night time to help you, to just take  M.T.X and a vitamin does not make sense to me ( I dont no what celebrex is) but whatever it is its not enough you cant just sit it out till they find the right combo of meds for you its all about quality of life and to say your spending your time in bed is having no quality at all you need to get back in touch with your rhuemy or better still see your dr he/she can certainly prescribe the meds that i have just mentioned you must insist on this but I dont think you will have to,you have a chronic illness thats bad enough you have to make changes to your life again thats bad enough but you still do have a life and a voice make your voice heard and dont put up with the pain that your in and please get back intouch and tell us all your not still in bed with pain and they have sorted out the pain relief meds for you and they can do that right now while they sort out the right amount of M.T X. for you all the best angel