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Rheumatoid Arthritis. New to this forum

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WendYs53
WendYs53

Hi  I was diagnosed with ? RA in November 2014 on my first visit to see Rheumatologist. Following lots more tests, this is now confirmed. I started with symptoms mainly hands fingers wrists. A few days before I saw consultant I had pain in ever joint. Any movement was painful. I was put on 15 mgs  of steroids, which helped enormously. The side effects were nearly as bad as the RA. The dose was reduced to 10mgs, which has improved the side effects. In the last month I had 2 flare ups, first hands wrists elbows and shoulders. Second flare was every joint again which lasted a week. I see Rheumatologist next week and wonder what might happen now. I have other health problems. What questions should I be asking please. I am making a list to help me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

0 likes, 23 replies

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  • janis06023
    janis06023 WendYs53

    Posted

    Hi Wendy,  I have had RA for 10 years, I am from the United States so I am sure they do things differently here but I was wondering if they haven's told you about biologics.  I was put on prednesone and Methotrexate at first, this was before my diagnosis was confirmed.  The prednesone raised my eye pressure and I now have glaucoma so I encourage everyone to get their eye pressure checked if they are taking this.  Steroids do make you feel better but do nothing to help the condition.  I was miserable, could hardly move and my rheumatologist recommended Humira.  He said the side effects are scary but at that point I didn't care.  I decided I wanted quality of life.  I have been on it for 10 years, I have no joint damage and no pain.  The only side affects I have are sinus infections and fever blisters.  I went gluten free and have not had a fever blister in 8 months!  I also take 10 mg. of Arava. The Methotrexate was weakening my bones and causing stomach problems. I know everyone is different, I have a friend who takes Enbrel and has had the same results.  If you have a fever blister or any kind of infection you cannot take your shot, if I miss a month of shots my fingers start hurting but this is the only time I have pain. My Doctor said that starting on a biologic quickly prevents joint damage. It was very scary for me at the time because biologics were new but I followed my doctors advice and I am glad I did. He has since retired and I have a new doctor and she did not change a thing. Good luck!
    • WendYs53
      WendYs53 janis06023

      Posted

      Hi Janis

      Thank you for your reply. I live in Spain but am from the UK, so it makes things a little more difficult for me. I have very quickly seen a Rheumatologist. I have other health problems. I have high blood pressure,   Pre Diabetes, and liver problems. This makes it difficult with some treatment. I will get my eyes checked as glaucoma is in my family. 

      I also want a life but I am scared of the side effects of different tablets.

    • danny16391
      danny16391 janis06023

      Posted

      Hi Janis,on the contrary biologics have been on the go in the uk for a number of years.
  • Winryl
    Winryl WendYs53

    Posted

    I was thinking about Saleh Stevens MMA, any suggestions? Anyone recommend or not recommend Saleh Stevens MMA?
  • MikaGrace
    MikaGrace WendYs53

    Posted

    Hi Wendy, I've been diagnosed with RA for almost a year now. Same as you, every movement was painful and I was on and off steroids for more than 6mos and I was also given other meds such as HCQS, and another med that I forgot the name. I also searched for natural remedies and tried turmeric, moringa, and epsom salt but still didn't work.

    Until I saw one article on garlic and honey and I tried it. It worked for me and I've been off steroids and meds since Nov.

    Here's what I do everyday:

    I chop 2 cloves of garlic into very small pieces and put one tbsp pure honey. Then I drink a glass of water. Then I don't eat anything for about 20 to 30mins. Then, the rest is my normal routine at work and home.

    Now, I am able to perform and move normally. I religiously do this every morning. I still have some slight flare ups when I'm overly stressed, but it goes away eventually after relaxing.

    I hope this can help. Have a good day! smile

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