Rheu-pus?!

[NanaFifi]

Does anyone out there have both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus or "Rheu-pus" as my consultant refers to it?

[earthwitch]

My mum does. She was on hydroxychloroquine which seemed to help both things, though to be honest, I think it was the RA that was the worst problem and the one her rheumatologist was concentrating on getting under control.

[NanaFifi in reply to earthwitch]

It's the RA that has caused me the most problems, I take methotrexate (about 5 yrs); prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine for over 30 years. I'm led to bueve that having both is quite uncommon?

[smithfield]

I do, I have had SLE for about 25 years managed by prednisolone and apart from the occasional flare, extreme tiredness and risk of infections it was maintained well. A few years ago I was also diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and while there are similar characteristics between the two. lupus as you know, does not cause the joint damage. Of the two it is the Rhuemy that is the most troublesome and at the moment not under control. I take Hydrxychloroquine waiting to start Cimzia when chest is given the all clear.

I also have a coeliac disease and there is apparently some linkage between that and the arthritis.

[NanaFifi in reply to smithfield]

Good morning Smithfield, interesting to hear that Coeliac may have a link to arthritis.

Rheumatoid factor didn't show in my bloods until about 5 years ago although it was obvious that I had it because of all the joint distortion and damage. Ive had a lot of surgeries on my hands and feet, also a spinal surgery and unfortunately my age is coming into play now and I have wear and tear problems in knees and shoulders!

I am working through a flare up of both conditions at the moment which was triggered by losing my mum back in September - getting there slow but sure.

I hope your chest clears soon and you have success with the Cimzia (which I have never heard of!)

Have a good day!

[smithfield]

Thank you, full name is certolizumab pegol.!!!!

Hope your flare gets easier.And so sorry to here of your Mam's death you must miss her terribly.

[NanaFifi in reply to smithfield]

Thank you, I do miss her terribly. My flare ups are usually emotionally linked my Lupus started the day after we buried my brother. He was lost at sea Jan 1980 and his body was found in the June. I was physically fine during those months but its like once the crisis is over and the adrenalin stops pumping that I flare up. Is it the same for you?

[smithfield]

Yes it is my lupus started after the complicated birth of my daughter completely different to the stress you went through with your brothers tragic death.

But it was a stressful period the first few years of lupus where the worst then the prednisone started to have some effect , I am not saying I was pain free but it was manageable.

My son died 8 years ago and I spiralled as you say once the shock and all the arrangements were made and the funeral was over I went down rapidly.

Now it is back to a manageable state but the rh. Arthritis kicked in and I have had no remission since diagnosis.

Some days it is difficult to tell what is causing the awful tiredness lupus or arthritis But my joints are swollen inflamed and not exactly the shape they should be.

I read somewhere about only 1% of people get both.

Great!!!

Take Care.

[NanaFifi in reply to smithfield]

Aren't we the lucky ones!!

So sorry to hear you lost your son, I can't imagine anything worse.

Hopefully your Rheumatologist will come up with some sort of drug regime that will give you some relief.

Stay strong and keep smiling! X

[smithfield in reply to NanaFifi]

Thank you.X