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Recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted , 15 users are following.

Lindadance
Lindadance

Hello.  I’ve been in denial for some months now, having been told that all my tests point to rheumatoid arthritis.  I am seventy  but have always been very fit and active (dancing and Zumba several times a week) and this has come as a shock to me.  I have been trying to  control it with paracetamol and ibuprofen but I think the time has come for me to accept it and to start the Methotrexate drug my consultant wants me to take.  I am naturally worried about the side effects I have read about and would welcome anyine’s experiences  with taking this drug. 

0 likes, 30 replies

30 Replies

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  • Leilani61249
    Leilani61249 Lindadance

    Posted

    Hi Linda

    I was diagnosed with RA on Feb 2017.  Like you I was shocked. I also Ballroom dance and line dance.  Been active all my life and healthy. 5’3” 110lbs.  

    So I didn’t take Methotrexate as prescribed.  I do take supplements to support my immune system and prevent inflammation tumeric, fish oil, cats claw, vitamin D, boswellia to name a few.  

    One day last August I woke up and every joint hurt.  I couldn’t move. I could barely walk. It scared me into taking methotrexate.  

    Slowly I got better.  By November I was back to taiko and ballroom dancing.  In December I started line dancing again up to 2 1/2 hours a day.  

    I was about to wean myself off of methotrexate but I found a video that described the pathophysiology of RA and how RA can affect more than your joints but also your heart, lungs and brain.  Here’s the link 

    It’s kind of technical but it’s a visual video drawn by a senior medical student.  

    After watching this video I’ve decided to keep taking methotrexate as a preventive measure against further joint damage and inflammation.  It’s a risk benefit analysis.  

    Do research and learn all you can about RA. Be as informed as you can be.  

    Good luck Velvet 

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  • Leilani61249
    Leilani61249 Lindadance

    Posted

    Linda 

    Forgot to mention that I was also concerned about side effects.  I’m currently taking 10 mg of methotrexate a week.  I get a little lethargic 24-48 hours afterwards.  So luckily no other side effects.  Everyone is different. 

    Velvet 

    • Lindadance
      Lindadance Leilani61249

      Posted

      Thank you, Velvet, for your reply and the information.   Coincidentally, I also linedance  and do Zumba several  times a week.  In fact i’ve been dancing for twenty years now and take it quite seriously!

      My doctor wants to start me on Methotrexate in a few weeks time and although initially I was very reluctant,  I am beginning to realise that this is porbably the only way forward. 

      Your comments and advice have made me more positive so thank you again.  Happy dancing! 

      Linda

    • diane77471
      diane77471 Leilani61249

      Posted

      Hi. I have been on MTX (Methatrexate ) for 2 or 3 months. So much has happened that that it gets all jumbled. 1 day I'm working and next I'm on disability from work. It's been a roller coaster. I hope all my friends on this forum reads this as I am very confused. I went away last week and was in alot of pain and my family said I moaned and snored all night. I skipped a couple days of mtx and suddenly I had energy and didn't snore and moan. I was my old energetic self. Then I took mtx and back to snoring and moaning from pain . Don't know if this is coincidence. Now I want to stopen mtx but afraid. I also take humira as of 1 month ago. Also, does anyone notice a pattern of high levels of activity and RA. I was working full time, jogged daily and played tennis several hrs a week. I can still walk praise God though I limp and sometimes I manage through yoga. Oh well, could be worse. Oh, I an 61.

    • Lindadance
      Lindadance diane77471

      Posted

      Hello Diane.  Sorry to hear about your experiences.  I too am very active - I retired from full time teaching five years ago but now I look after grandchildren two days a week and dance and do Zumba several times a week too.  I rarely sit down (although, sadly, that has changed somewhat). 

      I plan to start Mtx in a few weeks.  Can’t say I’m not concerned about the side effects but really the alternative seems frightening too.  I’ve heard from several other people who seem to be ok with the meds so i’m hoping for the best.  I do hope you get sorted out quickly now and thank you for replying to me.

      Linda

  • gaz1234
    gaz1234 Lindadance

    Posted

    Hello im on MTXs and humira to.

    The RA does hurt but blood tests are fine.

    Live lon painkillers.

    Seeing doc soon.

    Fingers crossed.

    • Lindadance
      Lindadance gaz1234

      Posted

      I was rather hoping that the MTX would preclude me from having to take painkillers.  Sorry to hear it’s not working for you. Waiting to talk to specialist again. Linda
    • Leilani61249
      Leilani61249 Lindadance

      Posted

      Hi Linda 

      You didn’t mention specifically what your current RA symptoms are.  At the time I was first prescribed methotrexate I only had one swollen knuckle. So I didn’t take it.  

      During  my total body flare up from August to October,  I was taking methotrexate and Advil .  After October, I didn’t need to take Advil any longer.  I still have one slightly swollen knuckle but it doesn’t stop me from dancing.  Everyone’s reaction to methotrexate is different. 

      Btw I am 68 and an avid dancer like you.  Hope you can get back to dancing soon.  

      Best 

      Velvet 

    • diane77471
      diane77471 gaz1234

      Posted

      Hi gaz, I'm on mTX and humira. Not sure about mtx. Sometimes I think it causes pain but not certain. Today is a good day. Knee pain miraculously disappeared. This is one crazy disease. I pray you get off painkillers. They suck the joy out of life. Goodluck.

    • Lindadance
      Lindadance Leilani61249

      Posted

      Hi Velvet.

      My RA factor is high but everything else (I think) is normal.  I am still dancing but not as much as I would like to.  

      Getting started on Mtx in a couple or so weeks so hoping things will improve.

      Best Wishes

      Linda 

  • sez66
    sez66 Lindadance

    Posted

    I was so reluctant to start methotrexate but 6 months later after struggling with a few side effects have felt the benefit. We have to remember RA will not go away so I feel prompt treatment may reduce some damage and improve not only pain but future problems
  • Ted12345
    Ted12345 Lindadance

    Posted

    I would be much more worried about not being able to get out of bed or move.if u have R A u will have no choice
  • terrybaby
    terrybaby Lindadance

    Posted

    All I can say is to start treatment as soon as possible so that you limit joint damage and deterioration/distortion. Delaying treatment, as mine was, due to misdiagnosis, will not do you any good.
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