Confused about the meds I'm taking..: I'm on... - NRAS

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Confused about the meds I'm taking..

Lillibet profile image
3 Replies

I'm on methotrexate and infliximab and feeling so much better than I did this time last year. However, I am still in pain with stiff joints but no swelling. Am I right in thinking the meds are there to control the long-term damage and I just have to put up with the pain. Why are we all in so much pain still if we're on all these drugs?

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Lillibet profile image
Lillibet
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kizzy12 profile image
kizzy12

hi, i have just had this explained to me by my doctor...you are right the meds slow down the disease but the pain is from damage already done so can only be controlled by painkillers.....so frustrating as its the pain we live with everyday that need controlling x

Dogrose profile image
Dogrose

I'm on the same combo, had two infusions so far and I'm coming off steroids. Normally by now (at this stage of coming off steroids) I'd be in a lot more pain so the new drugs must be helping but I do still have some inflammation plus pain from damage. I don't think treatments necessarily get rid of all the symptoms for everyone, you can still have flare ups on the most successful treatments and any treatment can stop working. xx

I've been puzzling over your post for some time. I'm 'only' on DMARDs & while there are some indicators that they are working - low ESR is probably the one I'm most pleased about - I expect more from them than I get. If I was on anti-tnf my expectations would be that much higher, I think.

What gets me is that these drugs we take are strong stuff so you'd think there would be more of a pay off for taking them.

As Kizzy says, pre-existing damage might explain the pain but surely if the disease activity is slowed right down then sound joints shouldn't be too stiff or painful? I wonder whether you will see a better and better result over time?

Luce x

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