Conditions > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment > Arthritis Treatment Timeline

Arthritis Treatment Timeline

Take control early to avoid joint pain and damage

After receiving an RA diagnosis, follow this general guideline for what should happen in the first two years. Everybody is different, however, so talk to your doctor about the treatment timeline that's....

Ever Hopeful

20 May 2012, 11:50

I have had RA and OA since I was in my early 30's. I am now 54. Inititially I started treatment with methotrexate which did not seem to help. I was switched to Enbrel, which worked well for awhile and then stopped working. The next treatment was Humira, which did the same thing. The course of action which followed was Arave along with an Orencia infusion once per month. Although it took seven months for the Orencia to begin working, it has made all of the difference in the world to me. I was blessed that my doctor encouraged me to stay the course because I was ready to give up after two months of pain. Seven months seemed like an eternity at the time, but it was worth the wait to get the relief I have been given. I have been using Orencia for about four years now and have had no known side effects. I write this to let you know that there IS hope. Sometimes in the midst of pain, it's hard to see the light, but don't give up. While one medication does not work for everyone, with the help of a physician and patience, you will discover what works for you.

A.S.Kapoor

19 May 2012, 06:35

My wife is suffering from RA for the last 5 years. Initially allopathic treatment was given but due to fear of side effects we switched to ayurvedic treatment for one and half year but there was relief. Hot spring water treatment in the month of Oct. Nov. was found very effective as long as you take bath and once stopped stopped after 15 days again same pain started. presently she is on homeopathic treatment. there is acute pain in joints but she is not taking pain reliever tablets. fingers of hand and foot started disfiguring. Advise.

kristen

28 Jan 2012, 09:30

What if you have been diagnosed with negative serum RA??? Does anyone know what course you should follow then???? I don't want joint damage that could have been delayed if I am not showing the sign in the blood test but have pain???? Anyone?

Donna G

21 Jan 2012, 20:02

Wow,I finally have a appt. with a RA Doctor and after reading these post: I am more unsure than ever.I have been unemployed for the last 2 yrs. finally have a job and insurance and can go to the doctor.I have been suffering for 3yrs.I really don't know what to do.Are Doctors this Bad that they are afraid to take charge of their medical careers?? If someone needs pain meds. is the DEA that hard on them?Where does the doctor do his job and the DEA do theirs?I am so tired of pain and it is the year 2012 not 1989. Confused!!!!

Amy S

02 Jan 2012, 22:03

I am a 30 yearold single mother whos dealt with artritis and severe chronic back pain since ive been 16. I have been everywhere trying to find a doctor. I was recentaly hospitalized for fluid on my heart they took over 550ml off of it the doctor said it was due to neglecting rhumatoid arthritis and i have lupus. Anyhow ive been trying for ten years to get help either they aren't excepting patients or they say your paranoid.
The government needs to do something they are forcing us who is in pain or are born with these problems to suffer because of those who abuse the meds or sell. The ones who need it can't get it thats a whole lot more of us in pain that dont break the law do the right that are getting screwed and loosing all they work for. They have clinics for these addicts and supposedlaly take them out of pain for doing drugs and give the anxiety medicine to deal with doing illeagal drugs but us who cant help the way there body is falling apart are made to suffer this is a big joke a person in this much pain or cant walk or wheelchair did not choose to be this way its beyond are control but i see more and more of are rights being taking because of people who just wanna be high we need to have a rally on the whitehouse lawn youd be supprised how many have been forced to suffer because of pain but addicts they dont want suffering what is happening to America. When criminals get treated better than citizens who try to obey the law.

Raine

27 Dec 2011, 16:18

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with RA - My younger brother and grandmother both have it as well-- the protein never really showed up in my blood tests but between symptoms and family history the doc pursued it and did an MRI on my hands and determined it was RA - I have gained 65 pounds over 2 years between the steroids and inactivity from the pain - I started on Methotrexate tablets but once at top oral dose I went to double dose in weekly injections - I got better for a while but the fatigue was still awful and the weight gain continued from the prednisone. Switched to Enbrel after a year fight with insurance and started feeling better - went off Metho and weaned down to lower dose steroids - stopped gaining but still not coming off - Enbrel is destroying my immune system - I am always sick - I am afraid to be around anyone with a cold even - just got over a month of severe bronchitis - of course you are sick so off the meds and a flare as well. this disease stinks - I inherited this and Graves disease so have two autoimmune diseases - I have being overweight and never was before this. any ideas or help out there.......PS my brother walked away from treatment and takes high dose coated aspirin when he needs it - works out like crazy - his hands and feet hurt all the time but like myself he got tired of being overweight and being sick so he deals with the daily discomfort instead.

Karin Martin

17 Aug 2011, 19:16

I have had breast cancer (bi-lateral) Mrsa from surgery and now RA. has this happened to anyone else? KLM

LBJ

20 Apr 2011, 20:30

I have had OA and now RA with an original diagonostis 35 YEARS ago. I was 21. I am just starting on Arava. Does anyone have an experience? Also over all these years, I have fought constipation for years and just found a miracle for me. Take 500mg of maganisum with 1200 Calcium in GEL capasule form and within a day I became regular for the first time in years. When I asked my arthritis and internist why they never told me, they said you didn't ask!

Readytokickbutt

16 Apr 2011, 14:45

I was diagnosed with RA two days ago. The rheumotologist immediately put me on methotrexate and hydrochloro something. I took 4 tablets this morning with no side effects. Actually, I'm feeling better already so I guess it depends on the person. I sent a link to my mom regarding the meds and she called back frantic. She told me her brother has had if for like 15 years. He's a heavy drinker and I don't recall him ever talking about meds. He's not deformed, never had surgery, but his hands hurt every now an then. Although, I'm sure he's in excruiating pain he's just drinks alcohol to mask it or something. I've been reading since I left the doctor. I'm scared but I'm ready for the fight. I'm going to do whatever I need to do send this crap into remission. Be it meds, diet or complete lifestyle change-I'm not giving up. I'm only 43 and I'll be damned if I'm not going to enjoy the rest of my 40's.

nicole gaffigan

15 Apr 2011, 09:34

My husband was diagnosed 3 yrs ago with severe RA and was put on Humira immediately. After a couple of months, he had a reaction to the Humira and landed in the hospital unable to walk. After a few months off of work resting (he has a very physical job), he started on Orencia. He has been on Orencia (a once a month IV) for about 2 years now. It has helped out immensely. He does start feeling the pain and stiffness the week before he is due for another treatment but it usually eases up a few days after treatment. He is not taking any steroids. The Orencia has worked so far for him but it is very expensive. Luckily our insurance picks up most of it. His doctor signed him up with the Orencia Co Pay Plan and they reimburse us for the cost of the actual drug. They don't pay the entire out of pocket expense but it does cut our out of pocket costs in half.

Shannon

10 Apr 2011, 17:38

I was diagnosed with RA 14 months ago. I cannot take methotrexate, NSAID's, or sulfasalazine (allergic and highly sensitive). I am on planquenil which helped a little and I have been on Enbrel since November. I am prednisone (which I hate) and I am still having very painful flares. I am exhausted. I am 38 and used to be very active with 3 kids and playing sports. Now, I can barely sit on the sidelines to watch. My hands hurt and I can hardly use my left hand. My wrists, feet, ankles, and knees kill me. I see a podiatrist this week and follow up with a rheumatologist in May. I used to be a patrol officer but I had to transfer to detective because of the pain and losing function in my hands. Has anyone added a second DMARD or other biologics beyond Enbrel? Did it help? Has anyone added antidepressants? I also have Sjogren's and symptoms of fibromyalgia... suggestions please

Fernando nova

06 Apr 2011, 12:34

hola señores, mi nombre es fernando nova tengo 27 años vivo en bogota colombia mi problema es:

Mi mama hace aproximadamente 2 meses le diagnosticaron artritis reumatoidea, le han recetado una cantidad de medicamentos pero no han servido de nada, quiero saber si ustedes podrian ayudarme con esto.

no manejo muy bien el ingles, espero que ustedes me ayuden...

gracias..

bjr

03 Apr 2011, 16:55

I would afraid to have children sicne RA is hereditary disease

bjr

03 Apr 2011, 16:50

Hello RA friends
allow me to say this first of all methotrexate does not cause hair loss, i was diagnosed with RA about 3 years ago, my first two years were my best ones, since january of 2011, i have declined some but back to hair loss info. when i begin to try this drug, i was so hairless, bald spot in my head i had to wear a wig all the time, now my hair is thick, when i braid its round as my hand ball into a fist. hope you can understand what i am trying to say, so many time we get confused, been there, especially when you first diagnosed it overwhelmed me to the point of total denial, no one in my family had RA etc.
My question is during my last session with RA doctor,she diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia, because the severe pain was located in areas she stated was not affected by RA. so RA and fibro. together well you know the rest of story this last month has been to the point so severe, my medical doctor just gave me the oxcy, pain meds, i hate to say this but sometimes you have to do what it takes, my pain is so severe even with all the meds, its probably will be surgery next. so pray with me, and so glad to know there are other that know my pain. please e mailed me at brenda_ross@sbcglobal.net oh yes my writing, sentence structure is not up to par forgive me friends

shona

16 Mar 2011, 09:13

I am 34 and was diagnosed with RA last year. I have only tried the prednison and took myself off it. My pain lessened but I began to gain a tremendous amount of weight, which only makes you feel worse. I have read all of the inserts here and have some ideas as to what i need to do. I am a very active mother of 3 and work 2 jobs. I have to make myself get up and go. And it kills me to stay strong for my family but I know the breaking point is coming and if i dont do something soon its going to happen. I fear of being hospitalized, the meds made me soo hungry and i already have IBS. So whats one to do, I am going to try the trigosamine and see how that works. Good luck to you all and I like all of you hope they find a cure for us like they are with cancer. We need it.

Sean Neethling

15 Jan 2011, 01:27

It started with a stiff neck which went away. Then I developed Carpal Tunnel and had surgery on both hands which stopped most of the numbness and tingling. Right hand joints now still becoming painful especially in the morning. Feet, shoulder, knee sore and stiff. Rheumatologist has not started meds yet and Im sure I have RA. No +'ve blood indicators but must re-test now. All the best to everyone struggling with this.

Jennifer

21 Dec 2010, 22:19

I found an online article where Clorox causes Rheumatoid Arthritis in goats that were washed with Clorox. I believe my exposure to Clorox in general house cleaning, by inhaling occasionally, and skin absorption caused my RA. Please respond with your knowledge and suggestions.

Lisa

14 Oct 2010, 09:49

I am only 42 years old and they are thinking i have RA in my neck and spine and I don't even know what to expect with any of it. and Lungs I might but how do they know if it is in your lungs how do they tell? They mention surgery even on my neck please fill me in with any info any of you might have thanks. Lisa

Chillindamost34@aol.com

Monica

13 Oct 2010, 10:06

I tried Trigosamine yesterday and woke up this morning with out back pain for the first time since I can remember. My hot and swollen hand joints are much more mobile. I'm so happy with this supplement!

elainemcsweeney

07 Oct 2010, 06:09

Does plaquenil make liver enzymes go up? A recent blood test indicated that.I'll do a follow-up blood test then call my rheumatologist.

Sylvia

02 Jul 2010, 12:01

I've had ra for about nine years, meds that i'm on is predizone and hydroxychlor, recently I was diagnosed with rheumatoid lungs, now oxygen therapy, it never seems to get any better.I'm really afraid of some of the medications for ra because of the side affects. I'm 59 years old and out of work
I can't go back to my job because of the oxygen therapy, i need this every day.some days I can hardly make it out of bed, and then there are days when i just stay in,i would like lto know if there are certain foods that i should stay away from????

joji

31 May 2010, 20:41

by the way for those who want to respond, here is my email ad: dvamp.joji@yahoo.com. thanks

joji

31 May 2010, 20:33

hello. i want to know if one of the symptoms of RA is having some bumps in the head. the bumps will go away after a while but will come back again. the bumps i think are from veins swelling. please help...

Claire

21 May 2010, 07:17

Hello Everyone, its great to read that I am not alone with the pain of RA I was diagnosed 11 years ago and have been on all sorts of med's had that many operations its embarassing, but I found my ortheopedic surgeon was more interested and concerned about my condition than my Rheumatologist. I finally found the guts to say no more and I am looking for a new Rheumatologist who will look after me and listen to me when I say that I have a problem instead of here's another tablet take this. I am currently on remicade and find out everything that I have been on its been the best so far. I feel positive that in years to come that things can only get better and treatments are getting better every year, some days its hard to get out of bed but if we all stay positive and think of what we have in our lives its worth getting out of that bed everyday even if it is for a little bit.

lori m. west

30 Mar 2010, 15:37

my email is loriwest78 @ hotmail.com oops forgot the 78 ..lol my bad

lori m. west

30 Mar 2010, 15:22

i'm 31 years old ; i live in a very small community called Burns Lake, B.C Canada. i'm aboringal woman. RA specialist comes to my town once a year. As of February 1st, 2010 i started methotrexate. somewhat working but its only 9 weeks into the treatment. praying it will help. i recently found a new symptom ~ my left knee is locking and cramp (hurts) and my left middle finger tends to lock at least a few times a day. i demanded my family doctor to referr me to foot doctor; every shoe/sandal i buy is not working for me. my family doctor just kinda chuckled and told me to give my treatment some time to work me. with all the patience i have; lately i have none.. my mom has arthritis; rheumatoid ; she may be on waiting list to get her hand in surgery because her hand is so deformed.
i'm single with no kids; plently of nieces/nephews. i'm still adjusting to my lifestyle because i miss my beer :) anyone want to email me. pls do i like meeting peeps. loriwest @ hotmail.com no space

Christina

30 Mar 2010, 15:22

I HAVE BEEN ON ALOT OF DIFFARNT MEDS I STILL HAVE ALOT OF PAIN,TAKING SULFAZINE NOW WITH LITTLE RELIEF DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY IDEAS THAT I CAN TRY TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A NORMEL LIFE.THANKS

Kieron

05 Feb 2010, 05:46

I've had RA for about 5 years now i got this at the age of 24. I was a very sporty man who played football (soccer) 5 times a week so to get this i was gutted. Started off not being to walk or dress myself but then slowly got better. I was on a combo of 4 drugs, methotrexate, planquenil, sulfasalazine and folic acid. It was good for a round 2 years and the the pain and swelling started coming back had a few days when i couldn't get out of bed. Went back to my doctor and he cut my meds on the methotrexate by half so i am now taking 5 instead of the 8 tablets a week and they have put me on Aramax and cut out the planquenil all together as you cant take them with aramex. Fingers crossed for the past 3-4 months the pain is decreasing and im able to walk a lot better, still cant straighten my knees properly but a whole lot better, good luck people.

Amber

09 Dec 2009, 02:35

Hi everyone! I'm 27 and I have RA. I've had it since I was 12. I have total hip replacements at 16. Just last year I had a left knee replacement. I feel Like I've been on every drug possible. Now I'm on Remicide I don't feel like it's working. I've seen so many doctors it's sad. I need my other knee replaced. Both of my shoulders are next on the list. On top of all that my ankles are bad and technology is not up to par for ankles.
I Try to stay positive for my 4 kids but it's hard. I feel like my surgeon is willing to help more then my Rheumatologist. I just don't know what to do next. My pain is not going any where I'm content with that. I just need a better doctor that understands.

Dawn

19 Nov 2009, 21:50

Hey Danielle I know you posted your message a long time ago, so I don't know if you'll get this or not, but don't give up! I am 27 and was diagnosed with RA when I was 11mos. old, so I have dealt with this for twenty-seven years. And believe it or not, it does get better! The majority of my childhood sucked! Constant pain, little to no mobility, I spent sixth grade in a wheelchair. So I know that this can be so challenging and overwhelming. Thanks to the help of MANY Dr.s some good and some not, the support of family, nine surgeries and trying so many different drugs that I have probably forgotten the names of most, I am doing better than ever. I just graduated from college and am currently looking for a job. I am engaged and my RA is under control. Yeah, I still have really painful days when I don't even want to get out of bed, but the good days outnumber the bad right now and that's something. You will always be able to go back to the gym, you just have to change the activities you do until you find some that work for you and do not push yourself too hard. Talk with your Dr. and don't be afraid to try new things. Yeah, sometimes the side effects are bad, but they do not always affect you. Good Luck and don't give up!

Margaret

19 Nov 2009, 05:42

Bonnie,
Please have your eyes checked. I had to go off plaquenel after 10 yrs. because it affected by eyes. It was found by a field vision test. Now I'm experitmenting with different drugs. Do not feel well like I did before. Hopefully the MD & I will find the right combo. I was on the same combo as you and was doing very well. Take care.

Annette Kerubo

10 Nov 2009, 07:13

I was diagnosed with RA back in November 2007. I was given Diclophenac tablets to use to reduce the pain. This used to work for only a few hours and the pain would come back, stronger. I was then given Ponstan that i used for several months. I had pains in my eyes that hurt so much. When it was active, my eyes would start tearing and i would feel so much pain accompanied by serious headaches. The doctor told me that RA sometimes affects the organs like the eyes, liver etc.I stopped the medication as soon as the pain went away. The RA is inactive now. Should i continue with medication?

Lesley

16 Oct 2009, 08:42

I have had RA for almost 19 years. I have had 4 surgeries, and believe it or not, pain free. it took alot of experimentation to get here. you have to be willing to try the new drugs (biologics), they will slow the progression. You may have to try several till you find the right one. Diet, weight loss, exercise, all help, BUT they do not replace the meds. I have heard it all! If there was a cure, we would all gladly partake. Hopefully someday sooner than later, there will be. The idea is to slow the progression of the disease. The sooner you begin TX the better. Personally, I did not want live with the pain,and until I found the right rheumatologist, who shared my belief, and listened to me, took my many calls early on, and worked with me, I would not have been satisfied. I had 3 different internists tell me to take tylenol, there was nothing wrong. It took almost 5 years to finally get a diagnosis. Palindromic disease turned into RA. Unfortunatley, I did not have tx's that could have helped my hands and feet fast enough. Please be your own advocate, keep pushing. call the drug companies for help to get their meds. I say, try the drug before you decide the side effects are scarry. Every drug has a list of side effects which rarely occur in most of us. If you don't do well with one, try another. Most of the side effects reverse themselves when you stop the med. Plus your rheumy should be drawing bloodwork regularly.
prednisone is a very useful drug, but it can do alot of damage over the long term, besides, it does NOT slow the disease destruction. There are so many new drugs out there which can really make a difference in quality of life, and they do slow the progression. Remember, what works for you may not work for someone else. Which is why a rheumatologist is so important. They know and work with these drugs everyday. They know the cutting edge tx's, as well. Your choice, possible side effects, or not, and a much better quality of life?, or pain and disease progression, poor quality of life? The likelihood of this disease getting worse is probable. So, what do you choose? I have taken enbrel for about 6 years with no side effects, 50mg inj. once a week, when and if that stops working I will move on to the next med. but so far so good. I take mtx-6-2.5mg tabs weekly, the day befor my enbrel. no folic acid the day I take mtx. I take 500mg twice aday of azulfidine, 75mg twice a day of voltaren, a multi vit daily, and 1mg-folic acid daily. I am feeling great, except for the occasional ache, but that is like the rest of the population! Good Luck

joyce

28 Sep 2009, 21:18

I was recently diagnosed with RA. I have no insurance and don't "qualify" for help through the state. I decided I would do whatever I can in my abilities to control this --- I cut out red meat, dairy, coffee, bread (gluten), and sugar. COLD TURKEY. That was 7 weeks ago about two weeks after I was diagnosed. Well, I do feel better, my pain is less severe than it was, and on top of that I have lost 16 lbs. I did need to loose the weight, they say that helps. I have simply began eating a nearly vegetarian diet. I still have a piece of pork or chicken now and then but mostly I am eating salmon, tuna , etc. tons of fruit and veggies. Beleive me I was a complete sugar feind and I don't even get urges.
I wish I could get in to see a Rhumatologist but for an uninsured person they want $500 for an initial visit. So, I can only imagine what the meds cost. My primary physician did give me a Rx for prednisone to take for flare ups. I guess that will help, although I think I've had this for about two years when I think back on it, there have been many flare ups. Good luck to all- stay positive and eat right :)

Lisa

27 Sep 2009, 14:21

I find comfort in knowing I'm not alone with
RA. I thank each of you for sharing your
experiences with me. The pain makes me angry
too. There's so much I want to do each day
but I feel so tired and irritable. I try to
take one day at a time. Feel free to e-mail
me at STILLDREAMING21@msn.com

Carol

10 Sep 2009, 10:28

I have had RA for for years. When first diagnosed I was on 5mg of predisone and 50mg of liquid gold injections once a month. That was good for a period of time. I then went to a rhuemotologist who weened me off the predisone and put me on Humira and Celebrex. The Humira did not work well so I am on Enbrel, Celebrex and the gold injection. I also have started to walk 5 out of 7 days for 1 hr. a day. I now only have to take the Enbrel injections once every 3 to 4 weeks not weekly. I really think if you can get the pain under control and begin to exercise it is a great help for RA. My life has become fairly normal because of all this. It was miserable and painful at first. Hope this helps someone else.

Jeanette

24 Aug 2009, 10:58

I have read everyone's comments and it saddens me what we are going through. I am having a bad flare up today and I am miserable. Desperate, to find more help I ended up here. I am taking sulfasalazine and naproxin. I understand these medicines have an accumulative effect. My first pregnancy put me in remission for 3 glorious years. I just had my second child, which awakened the devil. And I have full blown RA again. I just keep hoping a cure with be discovered. I looked into arthritistrust.org, it seems odd if there was a cure on the 1970's that it is not being used.

Bonnie Morehead

10 Aug 2009, 15:32

Yoga and exercising everyday are saving my life. I take a an hour class everyday and walk a mile a day. I never miss my exercise. When I can't get to the class I use a tape at home, however the class is better. I am following a diet in the book Too Young To Feel Old, by Richard Blau, M.D. Lots of garlic, turmeric, fresh ginger, lemon, cinnamon, oregano and walnut oil allanit-inflamatory spices. Every recipe I have tried is very good. Fish, chicken and london broil so there is a good verity. I take plaquenil,prednisone and meloxicam, but I believe exercise and diet are the key. Good luck to you all and be thankful for the many blessings in your life. Don't let the pain win.

Maria Renee

07 Aug 2009, 21:55

Last year, after 5 months of visiting different kind of doctors and getting the most unbelievable diagnosis, having different lab tests and Xrays done, and taking all kinds of painkillers, sleeping pills, antinflamatory drugs, prednisone, etc. and suffering of terrible pain in arms, shouders, legs, knees, neck and hips and at the end I could hardly walk or do the easiest things, I was diagnosed with RA, I am on prednisolone and methrotexate and it has already been 7 months and I can say both medicines are working, I have pain but nothing that can be compared with the pain I had before. I have a normal life, expect for somethings, for example, I get infecctions more often than I used to before. I can not drink wine, because I get sick of my stomach, I can not do rude movements or lift heavy things, and the most important I have to sleep well, be calm and do not do a lot of things in a single day,if I do, next day I am in pain. I have noticed that stress is the worst for RA. It has been hard to accept I have RA, but thanks God I found a good doctor who has helped me and has given me the medicine that is working for me. I have some side effects of the methrotexate but they are not that bad, I use the subcutaneos inyection once a week and I take folic acid everyday.
Every person is different but I hope my story helps other people.

Mary

05 Aug 2009, 12:07

My situation with Methotrexate and Prednisone are the same...1st the pills worked and then needed to go to injections now they are not working. I am on 40 mg pred daily and have been removed from work and going to lose my job either way do to the palindromic attacks I am continually having in my larger joints..the pain is unbearable and the dr told me to take the pred on the start of attack and go to the er or urgent care for pain management if needed more then perscribed..they treat me like a drug addict when I am only asking for help at the hosp not to take anything home or anything...my husb has even been accused of abusing me and that is why I am in the pain I am in which is crazy...then they refused to treat me and made me leave with no help at all in terrible pain..this last visit my dr told me to go to urgent care for an injection of inflamitory med because he didnt have the opening and couldnt give it up in his office...they refused and treated me the same way again...
I have been looking up alternative treatments and found arthritistrust.org I am really wondering after reading everything if this is a route to go...at least to try it. any opinions from someone who has read the same information on the study and protocal... please email me back at mkconstancio@gmail.com

Pam

03 Aug 2009, 13:13

Has anyone else ever had the problem that the RA medication (mine is Methotrexate and Prednisone) worked for a few months then seemed ineffective? If yes, what did your doctor do?

21 Jul 2009, 08:49

I understand how everyone feels! It is frustrating! But try what you can. I agree with the bell pepper and red meat. I even find that weather (pressures?) is a factor. Just like other things, you have to find what works for you. "How to Eat Away Arthritis" has helped me and others I have met with RA. We as a community must beat this! Give these things a try...you just never know. I keep believing there is something positive...you change what you know affects you, even if it is hard. I loved bell peppers, even the smell, but I decided I love walking and doing things with my kids and friends more. You won't miss them that much! Look at it this way- if you were allergic to peanuts or a medicine, would you take them? No..so keep your head up and try whatever you can until you succeed! Read that book...try some of the ideas like no peppers or cooked tomatoes and sauce (it raises the acidity in your body I think?)-it might work. :) The positive is knowledge.

Debbie

11 Jul 2009, 10:08

I recently had the signs of carpel tunnel in my hands, so I went to my doctor and he put me in the hand braces. When that didn't work, he sent me to an Orthopedic doctor. When the Orthopedic told me that I had hands of a 30 year old, (I am 45), and that I didn't have carpel tunnel, that it must be a nerve problem. I was then sent to a neurologist, who did tests and of course, I didn't have any nerve damage, or problems with my spine. By this time, I was very very aggravated. I am a very active person. Then came the rude awakening. I woke up one morning with such intense pain, and I could lift my right arm up or out. I called my regular Doctor and told him that I wanted blood tests, x-rays, whatever. I had to know what was going on. That is where they found out I had RA. He promptly told me he would refer me to a Rheumatologist. I told him I would find my own Rheumotologist as I wanted the best. I calle him back with a name and told his staff to make my appointment for me. I got a call from the Rheumatologist office the next day. I am now on a course of treatment that I decided was best with the recommendations of my rheumatologist. I have been on the treatment for 3 weeks. I feel that if we don't get aggressive with the Doctors on our treatment, we will just be pushed aside. I have also found a great many ideas in the the book Alternative Treatments for Arthritis. I have found that by doing some of the alternative treatments and the plaquenil and celebrex, I am managing my pain and disease. Not to say that I don't have bad days, I do, but I refuse to get down about my diagnosis and let this disease win. After all, studies have shown that if we allow the pain to get us depressed it is worse. I know that I am in the early stages, but, I will continue to research and follow the information on this disease.

laurie dumont

23 Jun 2009, 03:03

I have been in constant pain for 2 years now. My right leg was 3 inches bigger than my left and I got that swelling out with serropeptase (a homeopathic antiinflammatory) scrip ones did not work.
They call mine asymmetric seronegative spondyloarthoapy(means no ra)and possibly psioratic arthritis. In other words they dont know. The pain is unbearable. I cannot sit, walk, do anykind of work, without it taking day. First I had prednisone, which cause a pregnant belly, then they added tylenol 3, for pain and advil for inflammation. Then dilaudid. Well all I did with that was took so much I didnt know who I was. The methotrexate is not working after 4 months, and I am getting tired of the side effects. hair loss on eyelashes, itching badly, sick to my stomach all the time and dont eat for days.
all this and they still dont know what is wrong. when i found out the methotrexate caused lymphoma I freaked. Why would I purposely want to get cancer on top of all this pain

Pam

20 Jun 2009, 19:34

I know how you feel Rosa. I was there too and I still feel like that myself several times a week. My whole life has changed from what was normal to me. December 2007 I woke up one morning and could hardly move and hurt everywhere. The same thing had happen to my mother 12 years earlier. The pain would be unbearable for days on end. My general doctor ran the tests and said that I had RA 4 months later then he referred me to a RA doctor which took another 6 months to get into as there isn't enough RA doctors for the amount of people who has RA. I was started on methotraxate which helped some but the side effects weren't pleasant. Too much stomach problems. Now I'm on the injections for 2 weeks now waiting to see if it helps me any better. We all need a cure not more bandaids. Good luck to everyone who is suffering through this with me. I wouldn't wish this for anyone.

Sandy

26 May 2009, 20:51

I have read all your comments and generally have to agree with what you all have had to say. I am 58. I basically diagnosed my RA before I could get a doctor to diagnose RA. (I have worked in the medical field for several years). I was first put on Prednison, then Plaquenil, then switched to methotrexate. After my liver functioning test came back with elevated enzymes, I was taken off that med for three weeks. After the three weeks I spoke with my Rheumatologist and asked if I could stay off all meds. I had lost my job and began exercising for an hour each day (I had exercised for at least 30 min/day for the past 20 years). I then joined the "Biggest Loser" online. It has been great. I originally weighed 157 and now I am down to 149. I take a med called "Trigosamine" which I get through the mail. It contains: RapidFlex-helps with the anti-inflammatory response, Hyaluonate13, and Glucosamine15. I generally do not have as much pain in my knees or as often as I use to. My feet are what hurt at times - and especially when the weather changes. I am not fatigued like I used to be. I really believe that exercise and a more positive outlook have helped me a lot. I really do like to talk to others who are going or have gone through what I have. Hope this helps someone.

Cindy

25 May 2009, 21:14

I have just ben diagnosed and I'm very confused. Some of your comments do not help and make it even more intimidating. Are there no positives?

Shari

27 Apr 2009, 23:17

I am pretty new to RA, as of last August. I have been on prednisone since. I have been trying to conceive, but this will be our last few months of trying. I am tired of feeling exhausted. I make it through the day pretty good. It is just hard to wake up and hard to stay active when i get home. I am gaining wieght after just losing 30lbs. this just sucks. I am a PE teacher and coach and i am not ready to give up my love. I want to feel somewhat normal. If there is a good book, I would love to have someone tell me about it. I am afraid to go on all meds because of the side effects. What do you advise or promote through your experiences. I am on prednisone and anti-imflamatories. Let me know your story, and help me. I am nonserum, RA.

Thanks

Ellen Galo

22 Apr 2009, 08:38

If a person still isn't functioning, then something more or different needs to be done.
I have heard of, or talked with, a couple of people who are on an antibiotic protocol for RA and feel that that helps slowly but steadily, with less worry about side effects. I don't know for sure, but it may be the answer for those for whom nothing is working, especially if you are 'sero-negative', i.e., blood tests are negative for rheumatoid factor. (I am not a medical professional, this is what I've gathered from reading and a few conversations from people on the antibiotics - see "The Road Back" website or book).
Dietary - there may be a relationship between RA and some foods. Some people get better if they avoid dairy foods. For me, I have less pain if I avoid green peppers (nightshade family - also includes potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant, for those who are sensitive. I avoid cooked tomatoes or tomato sauce due to acid reflux. I don't like eggplant. Potatoes don't bother me as much as green peppers. Red meat makes me depressed & foggy and gives me PAIN. ALSO, studies show that vegetarian or vegan diets reduce pain and can help that for a long time. HOWEVER, it will not reduce the progression of the disease - but pain reduction is worth. When my pain gets worse I sometimes cut out meat for a week. Fish is better, (all those omega-3s) I don't necessarily cut fish out. EVeryone has to make their own decisions and see what works best for them. But I hope these suggestions help.

sally

21 Apr 2009, 12:10

I have been reading books on nutrition to help with the flare ups. It helps to eat correctly and know your food sensitivities. However, staying on a strict diet is impractical so pain still persists. I am terrified of the drugs that they use and take minimal amounts of Methotrexate. I refuse to take the newer biologic drugs because the side effects listed are endless.

Lynn

20 Apr 2009, 10:36

I agree, I get SO angry when I read all these articles about someone running a marthon or climbing a mountain that has RA. I keep wondering when will I ever be normal. I am so tired of waiting until something works. I am literally exhausted all of the time, I don't want to go to the gym, I just want to sleep.

Danielle

20 Mar 2009, 22:40

Is there hope with these meds I have tried methotrexate, and i now take sulfasalazine, plauinel, and I'm still on prednisone that no longer seems to help I'm also on enberel I'm only24 will I ever be able to get back in the gym?

Pamela D. Miller

10 Mar 2009, 00:43

I can totally sympathize with you Rosa. I wonder the same things. When am I going to feel like my old self? When am I going to be able to get out of bed without sitting there first for at least an hour or more? I am experiencing some side effects from the Humira and Methotrexate which are making me feel worse. I guess the saying "the cure will kill you before the disease" that is how I'm feeling right now.

rosa m salazar

09 Mar 2009, 15:42

are you suppose to have pain every day??? Does it every get better or just progressively worse. Is there certain foods that should be eaten or a book with meals that are recommended. Please advise.
when is your next medical conference on rheumatoid arthritis????

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