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?
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Paulandrew
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Hi Paul sorry to hear you have been unwell it took me a long time to accept my condition RA I was not diagnosed for 2 years so by then it had developed more hopefully you caught yours early just persevere with medication they give you I had to try a few before I found the right one now after 3 yrs I’m doing fine still can’t do things I used to but then I’m 67 good luck hope you get back to your old self soon 😊
Hi PaulGetting RA is a terrible shock no matter what triggers it. I was in my early 30’s and am now 74. It can take some time to find the right drug, for me pred was and still is one that works for me not only that there are so many new drugs these days.
Hopefully they will be able to manage the stiffness fairly quickly and at least that will improve the quality of your life
Thanks for the response. I didnt realize that its possible to have this disease as long as you have, I always thought it was something contracted in old age.I guess if the cause cannot be addressed and neutralized then management is the next best thing. My concern would then turn to the long term effects of the medication, as I dont take any drugs chronically and always held the idea that for a long active life chronic medication needs to be avoided. Obviously its not possible to avoid medication with such a painful debilitating sickness.
Maybe your experience, 44 years of managing it, may indicate I’m wrong on that score, Have you had issues with side effects from any of the drugs used to manage it?
Hi PaulI was lucky some people have had RA since they were children!.
So I don’t know how the health service works in the U.S. but over here it varies. In my case I am under a hospital rheumatologist but my GP does the monitoring. There is also a debate as to how RA starts, some say it is hereditary and others that it is just waiting for a trigger. In my case the rheumatologist was 99% certain that it was caused by a fall. I’m of an age when you didn’t know about ailments of ancestors.
RA also buggers up your immune system. You have to take care about which vaccines you have as live ones can have an adverse effect.
You will find that some drugs have side effects, not necessarily the same in all people. But these too can make the immune system worse. I’m currently on monthly blood tests but these should revert to 3 monthly. I have to have my eyes tested annually because of one drug and on top of that long term use of steroids can cause cataracts. In fact I have recently had one cataract removed - not a big issue. There are also risks involving the lungs and so at some stage you may need X-rays but again not everyone is affected in this way.
I have battled RA and that if how I have dealt with it. Yes it does cause limitations, I do have a bit of metal work but my biggest step was to use a walking stick but that meant it was easier to walk, I didn’t fall over and people tended not to bump into me.
I have other health issues now and these aren’t helped by the RA
Hi Paul I was concerned at first about the side effects of certain drugs I was taking but I got my life back no pain . Even taking paracetamol brings side effects so I take my chance they are always monitoring my bloods bone scans so I’m happy I love walking swimming biking playing with my grandchildren happy life it’s just unfortunate I got RA but I always think there is always worse off than me so I stay positive pick myself up and get on with my life good luck
Yes, that is a great attitude to have, PMA goes a long way :)If RA is hear to stay, then I’ll adapt and still find lots to enjoy in life as you have, thanks for your reply.
Hi Paul my daughter who was 21 had covid in the first wave got over it quickly as young and fit, but it triggered RA she is now on methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine but still getting lots of symptoms, I constantly worry and it seems like a battle field sometimes learning all about this, I hope your journey is a good one and we all get to feel like we did before diagnosis at least you and my daughter know what it is and can work to improve fingers crossed good luck to you x
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