More confusion and questions

Posted , 9 users are following.

Hi, I posted last week about my positive RF and high CCP labs. I have an apt with a specialist in Bangkok, where I live, for Aug. 5, where I will get scans. I am trying to prepare myself mentally for all of this. My main concern right now are the drugs. Being that I have no pain or stiffness or swelling, in less I drink alcohol then I'm swollen all over for days and stiff in the legs from my butt to my feet until I sweat it out. I run and lift weights and have the little nagging pain here and there which is normal enough. If I am a symptomatic and doe have this disease are mess absolutely necessary? I understand they are to help with stopping the damage to joints and pain. Could I have joint damage and not feel it? Like most people new to this, the drugs seem horribly bad for you. Are there any drugs that don't completely knock you down? If the inflammation is not present in bloodwork do you need to take these drugs? Any advice or stories about the earliest onset of RA symptoms and drugs that have not wrecked you are really needed. Thank you.

2 likes, 43 replies

43 Replies

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  • Posted

    Not everyone with RA has pain, Keith Richards is a good example - look at his hands.
    • Posted

      I thought everyone with RA did have pain. I thought OA was the one without so much pain. My sister in Italy has some OA in her hands but no pain. Is Keith definitely RA? And, if so, dare I ask what drugs he may be on? Probably better ones than us ordinary mortals!
    • Posted

      I would think all mortals have access to the same drugs. No special drugs for the high and mighty, though some may be more affordable for them.

      For some people the RA is very painful in the beginning and once it gets under control the pain subsides. It's also possible that it goes into remission for long periods when there's no pain. It can go for 18 years and then spring up again.

      In KR's case (and possible Bill Nighy – have you noticed his hands?), likely they didn't get treatment soon enough and the disfigurement set in. Once it sets in, even if the pain goes and the RA goes into remission, the joints can't recover.

      That's why doctors suggest you start on the heavy drugs as soon as possible.

    • Posted

      When I referred to the drugs KR might be on I was being sarcastic as he is renowned for his drug taking! Just thought he may have one that works better. Many get great relief from 'the weed' I can't afford that.

    • Posted

      Oh, didn't get the joke, sorry. Not very familiar with KR but, drugs, yes... Immortal? He probably is, as is BN, as they're trapped forever on celluloid and vinyl.

      Are you in the UK?

      As far as I know, 'the weed' is available on the health service now if you can prove you want the cannabis oil for pain relief. Or even if you can't, possibly.

    • Posted

      I've been moderated to purgatory. No idea why!

      Maybe it was the mention of innocent 'weed' oil that now is available on the NHS for pain relief. Let's see if they moderate this away too!

    • Posted

      Haha! Is that true? How come I didn't know. Would it help RA? And tell me is Rituximab working for you?

    • Posted

      I am so convinced rituximab won't work for me my sister asked what percentage it was successful for. Any idea?

    • Posted

      Yes it is working for me.

      And yes, that stuff helps with pain relief. One of the safest actually. Ask your GP.

    • Posted

      OK I will ask my gp. How long did it take for bio to start working? Should I be feeling something after 6 weeks? Its so frustrating not knowing.
    • Posted

      Yes, you should be feeling something after six weeks. They say between 4 & six. But you may be a late starter.

      Don'tt give up hope!

    • Posted

      I see my gp tomorrow and cannibis oil will be broached but I can anticipate her reaction already. So why isn't it more well known? Yes in UK.

    • Posted

      If it's not too late now, mention its uses for MS patients. It's in the context of MS that I heard about it. At least six yars ago, now.

      Good luck!

    • Posted

      Let us know what she said!

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