Arthritis caused by autoimmune response to covid

[Paulandrew]

Hi all,

I have recently suddenly started with RA caused by my autoimmune response to covid 19 (July 22), RA consultant diagnosed last week. It is painful and causes stiffness in both knees, I’m a very active 59 yr old (triathlete), who has been knocked for 6 by this, without drugs I feel like I’m 90, hobbling around with unbending knees and much pain.

I just started a 6 week tapering course of prednisone, hoping to put the cat back in the bag.

Has anyone else a similar experience, what, how successful and how long was your treatment?

[DorsetLady]

Hi.

If it’s Rheumatoid Arthritis, usual treatment is methotrexate -although steroids may be tried initially. But it’s a long term condition and won’t be gone in 6 weeks.

This is a UK site -but you’ll get similar info from a US one if you look - (maybe try mayo clinic -they have good info)

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

[Paulandrew in reply to DorsetLady]

Thx for the info on the alternate drug. My diagnosis came from the Mayo, my RA Dr is a consultant there, I’m hoping I can still close this thing down (put the cat back in the bag).

[DorsetLady in reply to Paulandrew]

Not sure that’s possible -don’t have RA myself - but do know some who have -and although it does fluctuate in severity -once you have it, you have it. Sorry!

[Paulandrew in reply to DorsetLady]

The Dr said it can happen because the sudden onset has viral infection as the catalyst. Apparently because its reactive acting quickly to try to shut it down is the strstegy. I read that this is possible (4/5 cases successful cited), However he did temper the discussion with it may not get shut down, then we’ll have to look at other drugs (biologics, DMARDS etc).

[DorsetLady in reply to Paulandrew]

Hope so…

[CagneysMum]

Not heard of any cases like yours but then covids still largely unchartered territory. Let’s hope it’s a glitch that the steroids can close down quickly for you. 🤞

[Paulandrew in reply to CagneysMum]

Neither had I until I spoke with the RA Dr, and he confirmed he himself had dealt with a number of cases similar.

[Batty1]

Your RA was probably always present you just weren’t aware of it because it was keeping quiet and something happened to you Covid (Im guessing) and Bam your RA decided to make some noise and maybe it will be around a short time (if your lucky) or it could stay active for a long time. I use to be a fitness junkie and a half marathon queen until psoriatic arthritis decided to pay me a visit worse guest I ever had in my life its been hanging on to me for over 5 years now and it has destroyed my health. I spent 3 years housebound 2 of them I was unable to walk like a human…I hate arthritis.

I do agree with DorsettLady about medications.

[DorsetLady in reply to Batty1]

I have osteoarthritis-but at least replacement joints can alleviate pain (thank goodness) -have been working my way around the body - hopefully no more required. But at least I know there are options. So sorry to hear your story. 🌸

[Paulandrew in reply to Batty1]

So sorry to hear tour story, that sounds terrible - Housebound I’d hate that too. With prednisone I’m up and about and walking ok, by mid afternoon I feel the best, its lying in bed overnight that causes stiffness and pain, so I’m trying to be as active as I can during the day….but I’m on the drugs, lets see what happens once I taper

[Paulandrew]

April 2023 (St Georges day) update: The arthritis has improved, but not gone. I have been on a prednisone tapering course now for 8 months, now down to 5mg per day. I expect (hope) to continue to drop 1mg per month until I’m drug free & pain free. Arthritis now has receded to mainly affect my shoulders and fingers. I’m back running, cycling and weight training, however shoulder pain is still restricting weight training and swimming somewhat.