Greetings all!
I just found this community and I’m not sure what to expect or what I have to offer, but I’ll try.
I was diagnosed with RA about 8 years ago. I am fortunate that I have a relatively mild case in my hands only. My current treatment routine is Plaquinel and ibuprofen (as needed).
If late, I have been researching for ways to get off of all meds. I don’t know that I can, but I’d like to try.
Im not a medical person, I’m 73 and had RA for40 yrs and much has changed in the drug regime since I started. But I understand your desire to reduce or come off your drugs. Had had forgotten but I have been on plaquinel . From what I can remember it was one that I didn’t benefit. My core drugs are MTX, alendronic acid, hydroxychloroquine, prednisone and a number of others. Of course there are side effects and with that in mind you have to balance the risks with the benefits. Key that is maintaining reduced pain and enabling joint movement. You should consult your rheumatologist about any changes I think they too would like to see a reduction but you will need their support.I have been on prednisolone for 40 years and brought it down from a high dose down to 10mg. Due to circumstances beyond my control back in early 2020 I had to remain on 10. Over the last 18 months started to reduce again at .5 at a time. I found 3.5 was getting painful and when I moved to 3 it was really painful so I was told to return to 3.5 and let my body settle down.
I also had to stop my MTX at the same time but needed to restart it in that case my dose changed from 22.5 to 15 partly due to my loss in weight but also it was effective at that dose.
MTX can effect the lungs and therefore need to be monitored. Steroids and hydro effect the eyes and in fact I have just had a cataract removed
My hips are 30 years old my wrists are fused as are my toes and I have a reverse shoulder so for me it’s all about balance the risks against relative comfort and all round mobility.
