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Psoriatic Arthritis

Posted , 2 users are following.

maureen52
maureen52

Hi,   I have just had steroid injections in my knees for psoroatic arthritis and slight osteoarthritis, I was on Methertrexate before back in 2007, was only on it for about 2 years, everything was fine until I had a tumble last December and it all flared up. Doctors have changed at rheumatology, this younger doctor is more for injections, which are not doing much. Has anyone else been in the same situation and if you have any advice would be appreciated, thanks

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Okapis
    Okapis maureen52

    Posted

    Hello Maureen, since PA can be progressive I would go for a DMARD especially if you feel its getting worse. You cant have many steriod injections in a year and its only a temporary measure anyway - will last about 6 weeks if youre lucky.

    PA is a funny disease that waxes and wanes for no good reason and certainly in my case became steadily worse. Not the case for everyone though. What I think is important is that the disease is tackled head on at an early a stage as possible - considered best practice these days - look up Arthritis Research UK on PA for their advice. With a bit of luck maybe the methotrexate will chase it away again.

    Can you remember what dosage you were on?

    • maureen52
      maureen52 Okapis

      Posted

      Hi, thanks for the reply, the dosage of methertrexate was 4 tablets a week, after 18months or so, down to 2, then as i was feeling fine no problems with the knees, i was taken of the drug.
    • Okapis
      Okapis maureen52

      Posted

      Mmm can you remember what the pill dose was? Can be 2.5mg or 5 mg? A starting dose is generally 10-15 mg a week rising as necessary to get control of the disease. For women 20/25mg is probably the top dose.

      If the steriod injection wears off and the pain continues, I suggest you seek re starting the DMARD. Leaving PA to progress is a bad idea!

  • lucynewas
    lucynewas maureen52

    Posted

    Are you on MTX injections or tablets?  I find injections more effective.  you can combine DMARDS, often mtx with sulphasalazine or leflunamide.  you need to trial this combination before they will move you on to alternative treatments.
    • maureen52
      maureen52 lucynewas

      Posted

      Hi,  At the moment I am not on any medication after having steroid injections, that didn't do anything, just taking painkillers when i need them. I am not in a lot of pain, but find it really difficult to walk. At my next appoinment to rheumatology, I will ask to go on methertrexate, which seem to work before, hopefully they will agree.

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