How long does a rheumatoid arthritis flare last?

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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (rue-ma-TOYD arth-RITE-tis) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints that affects an estimated 1.3 million Americans. The disease occurs when the body’s immune system – which normally protects from us from infection – mistakenly attacks the synovium, the thin membrane that lines the joints. The result can be joint damage, pain, inflammation, loss of function and disability.

The joints most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis are those of the hands, feet, wrists, knees, elbows, knees and ankles. Joint involvement is usually symmetrical, meaning if one joint is affected the same joint on the opposite side of the body is affected as well. The disease can also affect many organs, including the skin, heart, blood vessels and lungs.

Although rheumatoid arthritis is chronic, its symptoms can come and go. Periods of mild disease activity can be punctuated by flares, or periods or more intense disease activity and symptoms. In some cases, with appropriate treatment, the disease may become inactive and symptoms may go away completely.

What is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease is one that results when the body’s immune system – its natural system of defense against intruders such as viruses, bacteria and fungi – mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues.

There are many autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, affecting many different tissues of the body.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the primary site of the attack is the synovium, the thin layer of tissue lining the joints. But the immune system may also attack other tissues, such as the lungs and the lining of the heart.

Shannon

11 Mar 2010, 11:23

Re:Sara
I really can relate to your situation. i'm 34 and was diagnosed with RA after my second child. I had some nerve damage to my sciatic after my epideral so i associated my pain to that for awhile. Then it started in my shoulders, hands and wrists. it got so bad i couldnt change my baby's diaper or pick her up. thats when i was diag. the doctor put me on prednisone and methotrexate. i felt so sick that i couldn't take care of my family. All i did was lay around. i did get some pain relief but it wasn't worth the side affects. i started taking msm supplements from a company called Young Living. They have therapuetic-grade essential oils and supplements!! I don't have the side affects now and virtually no flare-ups. Ive also changed my diet to a blood type diet and that has helped too. I felt hopeless and was in deep dispair over the quality of my life. Now i wake up with new hope.

Nathan Enyart

08 Mar 2010, 05:49

To all the folks going through this pain. I know what you are talking about. I hurt from my neck to my feet. two knee surgeries
two spinal surgeries. And no it don't go away just some days are better than others.
I can't stand in one spot very long especially on concrete if I do I can't hardly get my legs moving and when they do you talk about pain. I am a 51 year Old Male And have put up with this for quite a while now. ANd if any one mentions pain management and shots I don't mean to burst your bubble but that only last a few days then its back again.

Tamara

17 Feb 2010, 15:51

Re: Helen,

I SO understand your comment about having been fit and active for some many year....and then suddenly being hit with RA. I was a former All-American swimmer, I used to snowshoe extensively in the winter, and hike in the summer, in my early 50's...I was so healthy, until this RA hit me like a bus. I have trouble shopping for food...walking my dog (I feel like I weigh 900 lb's and I'm so fatigued).

Currently, I'm on massive pain abd anti-inflammatory meds, and my doctor will probably hit me with steriods in the next couple weeks.

I'm in counseling to deal with all aspects of how this disease affects me........trying, trying.....

carlene

17 Feb 2010, 01:10

can anyone answer this question for me please,if you are told you have a ra factor of 55 once in your life and told you don't have ra,does that sound logical to you or does this sound like someone is yanking my chain? i have had chronic pain that comes and goes since the 90's

Helen

16 Feb 2010, 18:09

I am 55 yo and have been diagnosed with multiple autoimmune issues, Rheumatoid Arthritis among them. I was first diagnosed 4 years ago. I also have Osteoarthritis along with degenerative disk disease. I have tried Methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel, and some other things I don't remember. As of now, I take steroids every day along with Oxycodone 4 x daily through a pain management Dr. My Rheumatologist is going to up the dosage on the Orencia that I now take to the upper most level that I can have. He says that if that doesn't work, he can add an anti-rejection drug used to treat Lupus. Orencia worked for a couple of doses but never for over 3 weeks at a time. I can't quit work, we have a daughter in college. I'm a nurse for the the Red Cross doing blood drives where the shifts can be 12 hours long. My hands, wrists, neck, back feet, knees and hips are involved. I don't know how much longer I can last. I have practiced yoga for 35 years and in fact teach a class 2 x weekly. It's getting to the point that I dread that as well. I've always loved yoga. It's so frustrating because I've always kept fit with exercise and proper diet. I don't drink or smoke and yet my body is in self-destruct mode. It does seem so unfair. I know you all know what I am talking about. The prospect for the future is sobering, but we are much better off than people in our situation 30 years ago. There is every hope that new and better treatments will be developed soon. Our numbers are growing and medical science cannot ignore us. I know depression and hopelessness are on the edge of all of our lives but we are not alone. If we hold each other up, we will not fall. I need your support, and I would be happy to be there for anyone else when they need it. Sometimes it's not one day at a time, but one hour at a time,(or even 5 minutes). To all my fellow sufferers, hang in there. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

amalia aguilar

10 Feb 2010, 23:34

HI; GOD BLESS EVERYBODY, I am a new person whit this RA,Im very happy because Im not alone I have only 3 m, and for me is hard,Im 41 years old. and my life is destroy, Im trompet player and I rely need help. I don't have any insurance, and I don't no if some places can help me whit low cost, any infomation,welcome thanks, whit love Amalia.

Mary Bearden

05 Jan 2010, 15:17

This is for Sara. I have RA, OA, Fibromyalgia, IBS, Interstitial Cystitis, GERD, Diverticulitis and underactive thyroid. I know what you mean about the waiting part for doctors to find the right combination. I was on methotrexate and told to learn to live with it (he couldn't decide if I had fibromyaglia or RA). When it did not work, I dropped him and found another RA doctor and an orthopedic. Guess what? The old RA doctor never MRI'd my two knees and the reason they hurt and I could not walk was I had torn the muscles due to the RA! So, had to have surgeries which only lasted a year and they tore the next year and had to have two more. I just had a left knee replaced in November. I think the right one isn't feeling any pain because the pain has transferred to the left! But what I wanted to say was this: Is your RA doctor checking your sed rate every 6 weeks? Mine does and that is how we knew that Enbrel, then Humira, and now Remicade did not work. They worked for a little while but eventually the sed rate would go back up. I had to stop the Remicade when I had the knee replacement and boy, do I know the difference! Also, I started on the lowest dose and that worked for awhile but then had to go a little higher when sed rate elevated. I only got one of those infusions before the surgery. I go this Thurs to ortho and hopefully he will release me and when he does I am getting the first appt for an infusion. My whole idea is this: Is your sed rate being done (it will tell a doctor the meds aren't working because your inflammation rate is still going up), when that happens my doctor switches meds or raises the dosage. Also, I know everyone is different but I also thought the Remicade wasn't working until I went off it for the surgery and now I now it was giving me relief. The reason I know this is my physical therapist and I noticed the right knee is just as swollen as the left knee I had replaced. She also said my ankles were swelling along with my fingers. I did not have this while on the Remicade. Has your doctor increased the dosage of Remicade? You did not state what dosage you were on so I have to ask these questions. Also, the reason I had the knee replaced is I was getting to where I could not walk. I thought I had torn it again but when the doctor went in he said I had bone spurs all over my left knee and the rest was solid white with arthritis. So, there may be more going on than just arthritis. Have you had MRI's done of your knees? Of course, in my situation, it could not be done because of the two previous surgeries. He said all that would show up would be the scar tissue. Which is also a problem, the more scar tissue you have the more likely you are to have problems. You did not say whether you have had any surgeries to scrap the arthritis so I don't know about your situation. Also, I could not take steriods because they locked my stomach up and I ended up in the hospital for 7 days while my GI doctor got my stomach to working again. I have so much other bad diseases going on sometimes you don't know until it is too late that one medication can throw you into a tailspin. In a nutshell, here is what I do and maybe it will help or not, but worth a shot if you have as much pain as I do. I use a heating pad on the places that hurt the worse. If that does not work, I try ice packs, this works best on the back of neck or on the forehead. I have tried creams and the Biofreeze does work but I found 2 other creams that work even better, Sore No More and Sombra (a natural pain relieving gel). Try those. They run around $12.00 a jar. The Sore No More helped 2 of my friends and the Sombra is what my husband uses for his back. Lastly, I do go to a pain clinic. It was the last resort. Instead of taking the steroids by mouth they can use trigger point injections at sites where it hurts the most or a general location and let it spread. This does not hurt me as bad if I only do it every so often. My last shot in my neck region was over 2 years ago, so at least I solved that area. You have to decide what areas hurt the most and get treatment for that area that absolutely you feel you cannot stand it another minute. I do take pain meds for in between for breakthrough pain. I cannot use the patches of Fentyl because they deliver too much too fast and I got terribly sick and it sped my heart up. The very last resort is what the pain doctor told me one time: There is no drug that will kill the pain of joint pain and let you work or move around. He said he could give me enough pain meds to completely block everything out, but I would be like a vegetable sitting on the couch unable to move or carry on a conversation. I said no, that is not what I want. That is something you give someone who is terminally ill and dying to make them comfortable. So, it is all a gamble but it is worth the gamble to try different things until you find the right combo that works for you. My combo is Remicade, surgery, pain meds, injections when I need them, heating pads and ice packs. Lastly and only if you can deal with the side effects is antidepressants. I tried them and they worked but too well. I did not remember what I had done or said and slept alot. But it does help with the pain, but the dosage is so high it wasn't worth it to me. But I do not know your level of pain so a small dose might help you. Mine was very high. I spend almost 3 months combined in 2006 in the hospital the pain was so intense and I let them try the antidepressants. But, I have alot of other issues besides RA & Fibromyalgia as I listed in the beginning. So, I have to be careful what I take with my stomach so sensitive and my colon. Some meds mess with my colon where the pain from that is worse than RA! If you need more advise feel free to email me and I will help as much as I can but the bottom line is this: do not let any doctor or person tell you that you need to learn to live with the pain. Do not let them put you in a box and say this is what you have. Get second opinions. I did and if I hadn't the torn muscles in my knees would have made me disabled if left untreated. So, not all RA doctors are good at what they do. The first two did not even take MRI's and it would have saved me 6 months of pain if they had. Talk to an ortho doctor just to make sure that all you have is RA. In my case, that was not all I had. RA left untreated or not on the right meds cause inflammation that can cause tears like mine did. Also, my RA doctor has me on a baby aspirin a day because RA does cause the muscles in your heart to do the same thing as it does to your knees, which could lead to a heart attack. My current RA doctor is the only one who ever told me that. The first 2 never mentioned that dangerous side effect! I saw an article in a magazine and took it with me when I first met her and she confirmed that it was true. She tested me for every known disease before she would confirm I had RA. There are so many other diseases that can mimic RA, like lupus. I don't know what you were tested for but it is worth it just to know what you don't have, so that you won't worry about possible misdiagnosis. My only other advice is it does help to get up every so often and walk around and stretch. The more I sit or lay the worse my joints hurt. I also swim in a heated swimming pool at a local gym. I feel so much better when I do that. If you can't do that then take as hot a bath as you can stand and just sit there and soak. If you only have a shower do the same thing. Turn it on as hot as you can stand it and stay there until it runs out of hot water. It relaxes the muscles and makes moving around a little better. I hope some of these suggestions help you or the others who are reading this. It took me 4 years to get the right doctor and the right treatments that work for me. Unfortunately, everyone is different and what may work for me may not work for someone else. I wish you all the best. You are so young to be affected this way. I was 49 when everything started to happen so I was able to enjoy my 30's & 40's. I am considered disabled and drawing disability so I do not have to worry about getting up for work. I don't know how any of you that still work do it. I think I would cry every day if I had to be forced to go back to work. For those of you who do not have insurance, if you live near a college, see if their programs offer any kind of physical therapy classes because if they do, they might have a program that lets you come for free and the college students help run these free clinics and they are just as good as the ones your doctor advises you to go to. I did that for both of my surgeries I had before the knee replacement because I had not been approved for disability and had no money. They have all the same equipment you would find in a gym or therapists office. And they give you material to take home so you can do some of the exercises at home also. We have the North GA College & Military School here and they offer this clinic to anyone that has no income or not enough or no insurance. And for the ones who do have insurance but low income, they take whatever the insurance company pays and writes the rest off, so it is free for you also. You might get lucky and they might have an indoor heated pool which our college does have and the public can use it for a very small fee. All of you take care and I hope I helped someone who did not know where to start or go to.

Lynn

31 Dec 2009, 19:26

Sara...I'm sorry nothing is working for you. I've had RA for about 3 years, I'm currently on methotrexate 20 mg weekly and Humira 40mg every other week. I understand what you mean, nothing has worked for me yet either. I haven't tried Enbrel or Remicade yet, but I'm sure that will be somewhere down the road. I only take a pain pill at night before I go to bed because they make me so sick. The best I've ever felt was when I was on prednisone, but unfortunately I don't have that anymore. I'm not as bad as you are physically, but am getting there. Most of the time I feel ALOT older than I am! I am going to try adjusting my diet, I found a book....maybe it will help. At this point I'm sure you're just as desperate as I am. I'll let you know if I have any luck. I wish you the best, I hope you find some answers here. Just hang in there, I do know what you are going thru.

Sara

30 Dec 2009, 10:26

I am 30 years old, and was 27 when was told I have RA. It is severe and very active. So far, nothing has helped. I was on Humira for a year which did absolutely nothing, and now on Remicade since this last Feb...so over 10 months, and that has not helped at all either. I keep hearing about "flare ups", however, mine is a constant flareup. The pain and swelling never go away!! I am also on 7.5 mg methotrexate injection, along with some other stuff. Nothing seems to help at all...the only way I can even move and get through the day is by taking 20-30mg of predisone which gives me alot of other problems...but atleast I can push myself through the day. I have to keep working, which is difficult as It takes everything to get through the day, esp without just crying and being sick. I just had surgery on my hand as the swelling has been so severe and constant, it made the carpal tunnel really mess with my nerves which made it even more unbearable. I dont even know what to do anymore as the pain is so constant and bad I can't stand it. I can't get in a truck without being lifted in because can't bend my knees, can barely use my hands ..just enough to get through work. I'm typing this with one finger! Has anyone not had ANYTHING work at all...any of the RA meds?? My Dr don't seem to do much other than just "wait and figure out what works" but don't think they should wait a year in between before they figure its not helping!!! I know it takes time for meds to work..but not a year!!

Sherry Edwards

28 Dec 2009, 08:28

Three years ago I was diagnosed with subcutaneous granuloma annulare after suffering disfiguring, painful nodules on face, arms, feet, hands. Reknowned drs. at two teaching hospitals tried many drugs including thalidomide, which did much to remove the nodules, pain, and swelling; however, when that no longer helped, I was sent to a rheumatologist, who diagnosed seronegative r.a.this past April. I have been taking Humira since then. At first, I had great improvement. Now the swelling in my hands and the pain in my feet have increased. Also, the nails of my big toes have begun to lift. What should I do next?

miriam

28 Dec 2009, 00:41

I used to have back pains after a performing chores or standing for long which I assumed to be fatigue or poor posture. However, 2months ago i started experiencing severe back pains and any slight movement was regretted. I saw a doctor who asked me to have an xray which turned out to be ok. The doctor suggeted that I take a test for rheumatoid factor which came out positive. He said that there is no treatment for the condition and it can only be suppressed by painkillers. Is it true that there is absolutely no treatment for the condition?

Kim Mccormick

23 Dec 2009, 19:41

For the last 2 years I have had all the symptoms of RA. The pain in joints is bad but the flu like symptoms and weakness is unbearable some days. I hadve been to a Orthopedic surgeon for my feet due to damaged joints and spurs. He thought I had RA but all tests were neg. How can you find out if you have RA with all the blood work negative? He said the damage is to severe at 53 y/o for osteoarthrits.

Michelle

04 Dec 2009, 10:11

Erin-
How long did it take for the Remicade to start working? I heard it can take weeks to start effecting your symptoms?

Thanks- :)

Erin

02 Dec 2009, 10:00

Hi. My name is Erin and I am 34 and have had RA for 13 years. I have been on Remicade for approx. 5 years and it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY! Before remicade, I was not able to get out of bed some days and on the days I did, I hurt so bad I could have cried. I was on 20mg of Prednisone daily and could not come down at all. Since Remicade, I have been able to wean down to 4mg every other day. Until recently, I had very little pain, I am having more pain in my elbows and wrists but this too will pass. I am really glad the pain moves from joint to joint and doesn't stay in one place. Even though I have been feeling better, having this diagnosis and all of its limitations is very depressing. I feel sad and frustrated a lot especially when I can't help my husband rake or garden, etc.. or play with my kids like I want. I wish there were more support groups because it is hard to get through this alone. My husband is very, very supportive but he doesn't understand why I complain about being in pain and why I am in tears sometimes because a 34 y/o shouldn't have to go through this disease, or why I am pooped when I get home from work and need to rest on the couch. I feel like I am short with my kids too often. This just really sucks!

Joanne

25 Nov 2009, 04:41

I have been on Remicaide and it is wonderful. Just do yourself a favor and have the doctor give you something for naseua before you begin treatment because one of the lovely side effects is tummy trouble! at least for me it is. I am unable to get my treatments now because of screw up with my insurance. If anyone knows how to get PPA info, please let me know. I do know that the ivs were helping me considerably but about a week or 2 before my next treatment I had severe symptoms again, but I knew it was almost time and that helped me get throug it. Keep your chin up. Also you may want to talk to your doctor about a port a cath. I got one due to weak veins that always roll and blow and it is the best thing. If you don't know what it is, let me know and i'll explain more.

fonsy

20 Nov 2009, 05:19

this is my e-mail add: i might help you guys! fonsy_d_great@yahoo.com.ph

fonsy

20 Nov 2009, 05:17

Good day! i am one of those people who suffered with this kind of arthritis. for those who want to try what had helped me, e-mail me. try the food supplement of DXN International(RG/GL) which is very good in conditioning our immune system. If our immune system is good, all kind of disease can be eliminated. Try it! nothing you can lose.

Michelle

17 Nov 2009, 07:40

Debi-
Please let me know how the Remicade goes for you!! I was at the dr 2 weeks ago and what my treatment is now is working but not working like the Enbrel. So now I am at the point where if I switch to Remicade, my dr says it can be slow to start working in the body and it may have me starting all over to ease my symptoms. Ugh. So I will anxiously be waiting to see how it goes for you. :)
Thanks for the post & good luck!

Debi

12 Nov 2009, 20:58

Michelle,

I was given info on 4 different types of treatment and decided to go with the IV treatment Remicade. I start the treatment tomorrow. I was told that it takes 3 hrs to administer. I decided on Remicade because even tho it is a TMF like Enbrel & humira it is more consentrated. Orencia is the other optician but what I've read is that is good to start when Enbrel, Humira & Remicade stops working. I'm really hoping this works.

Matt Staton

11 Nov 2009, 09:29

Is there a correlation between RA and vasectomy for us guys out there? How many guys who have RA also have had a vasectomy? I'd love to hear from you.

Greg Manning

10 Nov 2009, 20:13

I found out today I have RA. It took 3 surgeries not to work for me to realize something else was wrong. The only way I am able to move now is because of the steriods. The PROVIGIAL allows me to stay awake during the day. I must now add the RA medications to hold the rest of this illness at bay. I am sorry for anyone who is going through this. But I will not give up.

Janetlee

10 Nov 2009, 19:41

Hello,Im 44 and diagnosed with arthritis(not RA) when I was 7.I had rheumatic fever as a child and nearly died.I was diagnosed with RA 20 yrs ago...my father and my daughter are also dealing with it.
Some days are so bad I cant do anything at all...but I force myself anyway.Im an avid hunter and love fishing...but I cant hunt hardly at all now.I dont have the strength or mobility to pull my bow now.I fight the fatigue and depression every day.Anyone out there who feels alone...trust me...youre not.

Donna

04 Nov 2009, 00:07

Hello Tammy (from Oct. 21st post)

I know exactly how you feel when you say you feel so alone and nobody understands. I have just recently been diagnosed with RA and have been started on Methotrexate 7.5 mg. once a week. I have been disabled since 06-01-95 from an injury to my spine. So I have had alot to deal with and like yourself. My family DOES NOT UNDERSTAND or they just don't care unless it is their problem. My family is not as close as at one time since my Mother passed away in '87. So I know very well the feeling of nobody being there for you. Just know that I may not know you, but because of your post, I feel we have atleast one thing in common. I have been in pain mgmt. since I was injured in '95 and have been on opiods for the chronic pain since then. Thank the good Lord for our Doctors he has given us. If you are not in Pain Mgmt. may I suggest you check into it.
Please feel free to post back to me ANYTIME, I will keep in touch if you wish to have somebody that DOES UNDERSTAND and sympathizes with you dear!
Take care and know that God does understand and He cares very much!

Michelle

27 Oct 2009, 08:23

Debi-
I just read your post from the 22nd! How very interesting! I am in the EXACT same boat. I was on Enbrel for about 7 years and all the sudden last year the Enbrel completely stopped working! My Dr said things like that happen but I think something was changed in Enbrel to be so night and day!? I am on Humira, Methotrexate, Prednisone, and pain killers trying to find something that works. Humira isnt working that great. I am looking for info on the IV drugs myself. Let me know if you hear anything?
Thanks!! :)

DARK_SAMUS

23 Oct 2009, 23:45

Hi, I'm 20 and I was diagnosed with RA when I was about 12 years old. Back then, it didn't affect me much, but now that I have had it longer, it's been hurting my joints more often. Sometimes I would feel my left knee pop and then it would become loose, and then it would hurt when I put pressure on it. More often then before, my right hand would hurt and over time, the pain gets much worse that it would spread throughout my arm to my elbow. I've tried some RA medication, but it didn't work. I hope my RA doesn't get too bad...I love to draw and be active.

ania sweetman

23 Oct 2009, 09:22

please help me

Debi

22 Oct 2009, 21:42

I was diagnosed with RA 7 yrs ago. It was severe when it started and was put on Enbrel within 2 months of seeing a Rheumatologist. This past year the Enbrel stopped working and started taking Humira. Humira never worked right and will start an infusion drug. Can anyone taking Remicade or Orencia give me any info on how it is working for you? Being a widow I am the sole bread winner in my family and afraid of losing my job, my house.

Lori

21 Oct 2009, 15:02

Tammy-I read your post and I know what you are going through. I am 35 and was diagnosed with RA about 1 year ago. I have gone through tremendous pain and had many moments of not being able to do anything for myself (get dressed, get out of bed, etc.)
I take pills twice a day, Methotrexate pills once a week and I go for an IV of Remicade every 6 weeks.
The Remicade has been a life saver for me.
Find a doctor that you really like-and work on trying different treatments until something helps you.
Keep your head up-depression is very common with this illness, but in time it will get a bit better.

Tammy

21 Oct 2009, 13:17

Just diagnosed, 47 yrs old, I am soooo depressed. No one understands, can't say I've ever felt so alone.

Michelle

07 Oct 2009, 09:02

I was diagnosed when I was 14 years old with RA in my knees. Now I am 32 and have lived over half my life with this disease. Mine is a severe case, I have had one knee surgery and have been on almost all the RA medications they have out there plus painkillers to boot. So anyone who thinks they are alone, you aren't. This disease has really altered my life and has taken away many many things I used to love. Simply walking can be very tough. But stay focused...don't let yourself get down. Be proud of small accomplishments. Whether it is opening a jar you never could or walking to the end of your block. I know it is hard to stay positive...but remember you are not alone.

Christy

01 Oct 2009, 18:09

My Doctor told I have a knees of 90 yr old .
My knee caps are not in place .

Tonya

29 Sep 2009, 23:49

I'm 32, and I was just diagnosed today. My aunt has RA, and has no use of her hands now. I'm really scared. Most days my hands, feet and ankles are so swollen that I can't bend them. I always feel very tired, and my body feels like it is screaming at me! This pain is so unbearable most of the time that my daughter has to help me do daily things. I used to be very active, I taught her how play tennis and now I hurt to bad to take her to play. This is not easy for a single mom that is very stubborn and independent! Is there someone that can tell me what to do or what can help?

Gary

15 Sep 2009, 14:48

I am 59 and was diagnosed with R/A this past Jan, when I had trouble getting up from a chair, putting on my socks & moving my hands and wrists. (They swelled so much, I could not wear my rings).
I have been on a low dose of Methotrexate since late Feb (with no side effects) and with the exception of the normal morning and late night stiffness, all of my other problems have been reduced a minimum. I can now wear my rings, walk the golf course and play guitar again.
I now call Methotrexate the wonder drug.

old guy jim

01 Sep 2009, 14:48

Tell me more about the homeopathic treatments. I am on Humira now and will be adding Enbrel soon. As bad as the pain is, it is the loss of function that really gets me. I can not get dressed or eat meals without help. Not sure how much more I can take.

Yvonne

29 Aug 2009, 09:16

I was just diagnosed with RA this past week from my RA doctor. I'm 43 yrs old and all test result were negative except for inflammation and the classic syptoms of fingers, wrist and elbow pain. The doctor states I am part of the 30% of people with RA tests whcih come back negative. I had been given prescriptions but after reading all the side effects I honestly refuse to take them. I don't like meds and honestly I suffered from allergies for many years since I was a teen and in the past year I started to take allergy meds, I basically just dealt with it until my spouse got tired of all the sneezing LOL!!! I am currently doing extensive research on natural products for my RA symptoms, if there is anyone out there with my simliar story, please let me know.

Lynn Walden

28 Aug 2009, 00:39

sounds like mama ..but mama is 68

maria

24 Aug 2009, 22:36

hi, i have been diognose with ra 4 months ago and since then actually before i have been having pain in my right foot ang ankle. I dont know what to do with it already!

Melissa

23 Aug 2009, 13:19

I'm 23 and was just diagnosed with RA. I'm scared. All the resources I've read online don't look very promising. Can someone please tell me what this is really like, what I can expect, and how do you cope with something like this?

Kris

17 Aug 2009, 09:00

my father is suffering from arthritis. How can we possibly treated it practically? His knees to feet are already swelling

Mari

30 Jul 2009, 15:05

My husband was 28 when diagnois with RA, not only RA, but Tyroid problems, high blood pressure and liver problems due to tylenol. He is a Auto body tech and was not able to perform at work and was getting really tired and so much pain, he decided to go to the doctor when could not even get the coffee mug to drink. That is when he went to doctor and was sent to Reaumatologist and was diagnois with RA and was given Humira and getting the first syringe he felt back to normal and also doc gave him Naproxen and that has help him so much he is back to work. He loves his doc and calls Humira a miracle. Also Humira has awsome programs if can't afford or loose jobs. I would recommend to look into it.

uzma

24 Jul 2009, 14:56

rajeshwari haval
what kind of hemeopathi treatment are doing. i have just been diagnosed and am very confused with all the options.
please help.

uzma

24 Jul 2009, 14:53

rajeshwari
what homeopathi treatment are you taking?

Vanessa

18 Jul 2009, 13:39

Hi I am 30 yrs old & was diagnosed almost 10 yrs ago with RA. Before that I had other problems but lend a very active life being a bartender in new orleans. I had to quit working & finally depend on a man which was really hard for me. I have 3 boys which help get me dressed everyday don't know what it's like to have a mom to play outside with. I also understand what it's like to have no one understand that little thing like brushing your hair is like a huge workout. You feel like everything was taken away from you at times. Through my church I joined a lifegroup with women this year, one who was my age, who actually understood. I was able to vent & not be looked at with that clueless look of what do you mean brushing your teeth is a huge task. I understand what you are going through also if anyone needs to talk.

maria ribera

07 Jul 2009, 21:44

i was on mtx and a pain killer for a couple of years when my syntoms got worse and was found that my liver was getting damaged,after that experience I am very interested in a holistic aproach to my illnes.Rajeshwari what sort of treatment are you taking please?

rininta

30 Jun 2009, 02:15

It was been four months, my ankle hurt and I can't walk without pain. Still I don't know what should I do to make it better. Please help

Bernadette

23 Jun 2009, 11:54

Hi i'm 30 years old and had no idea you could have RA at this age.i just got diagnosed about two mo.ago.some days it is realy hard.we are tring to find the rite meds.thats a start to filling better.its nice to know i'm not alone.

Johanna

18 Jun 2009, 09:31

Hi Kimberley, I'm 31 now but was 28 when I was diagnosed with RA so also quite young. I also don't know anyone my age with the disease. It is really hard (for all ages) - I don't know about you, but I feel rubbish most days but never really say anything bc I don't want to bore people. There's not much they can say or do anyway. So, what happens is I end up thinking about it alone and then getting depressed and upset.

The first year was particularly hard - it took a while to get used to the medication as well as coming to terms with the prognosis. I was training for a run when I was diagnosed and had to stop. I do keep active though, it's good to keep the joints mobile, but just in moderation. I walk a lot, swim and dance.

I don't really have any answers for you, but I do understand how you're feeling. Just remember that although you will have to perhaps change the way you do things you don't have to stop doing them. Focus on what you can do and not what you can't.

brian micheau

08 Jun 2009, 08:21

any info would help.i have had ra for going on 5 years. the biggest problem i have is with some doctors. unless a ra specialist all doctors are leary of pres. pain mgmt. meds. they all seem to think you are a drug addict. very frustratng. any ideas?

Kimberly

02 Jun 2009, 20:50

Is anyone on here under 25 like me? I was diagnosed this past christmas, just before my 24th birthday. I grew up a very active person, and now I am struggling to accept and adjust to barely being able to move my hands, feet, back, knees and ankles. It is unnerving knowing that I am tied down to a daily medication just so I can move without pain or rigidity. None of my peers know or understand what I am going through. It gets lonely. Any suggestions or advice would be most welcome. If nothing else, thank you for listening.

jacqueline

24 May 2009, 18:17

I was on the lip of RA for years but blood work indicated it was fully active about 3 years ago. Since that time I have had several flares...but two really dreadful ones--with symptoms I didn't anticpate. Pain in toes, ankles, fingers, shoulders, wrists, etc and a feeling of malaise that was almost flu like. I am a former runner and spent 13 years lifting light weights 3x a week. I am petite and light weight. I never thought how bad this RA could be. I still work in an excutive position but am worried about the pain and malaise cutting into my executive abilities. My fingers hurt now as I type...

Max

24 May 2009, 17:43

Yes which type of homeopathic treatment are you taking?

bob

21 May 2009, 14:23

brigitte

18 May 2009, 22:23

Rajeshwari, what type of homeopathi are you taking. I am very interrested in holistic healing, rather than starting on mtx. I was just dx in dec'08.

Ruth Owopetu

30 Apr 2009, 21:36

For five years I have been undergoing treatment for Osteosrthritis. I have received steroid injecxtions severally, two sets of Synvic injection on both kness, aquatherapy, and tried sevral medications. My orthopedic pain manager recommended I needed knee replacement. I saw an orthopedic surgeos who to my amazement today told me he did not think I needed kne replacement or cleaning. he thinks I have Rhumatoid arthritis and has referred me to an rheumatologist. How can I really know what is going on/ I have had joint pains for more than 20 years and it is beginning to crile me. What do you advice or what am I to bewlive. I am tired of the pains. Every day is becoming more of a challenge. I cannot climb stairs or walk any short distance without pain. Working around thehouse or in the ofice is accomplanied with significant amount of pain. H-E-L-P! Ruth

rajeshwari haval

25 Apr 2009, 07:54

I am undergoing Homeopathi treatment for RA since 2 years, and has allmost feeling good about 80 to 90%. What I feel is Homeopathi really works for such cronic diseases.

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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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