Giving up hope

[Channelle]

Hi everyone im new to all of this was told 6 months ago i had ra have tried metotrexate dident help im now on hydroxychloroquine salazopyrine .arcoxia tablets also have had 3 steroid injections still in agony in my hands and feet anyone know how long it takes of these tablets to kick in many thanks

[marie66]

Hi I was diagnosed in march also on methotrexate and steroids and pain meds too! The hands and feet are the worst of it al!

I'm using wrist splints -they really help and I'm using foot splints made by podiatrist (NHS) they're helping too and Ive changed my diet -I cut dairy and meat, this seems to have worked but the jury is out on if the diet changes helped or the methotrexate started to work or if it's a combination! M x

[Moomin8]

Hi

It's early days- and....we don't have a choice but to not give up! As for how long: how long is a piece of string?

I know, this doesn't sound helpful but different meds affect us all on here in different ways.

I take mtx (via a metoject pen) 20ml weekly and have been taking mtx for about 10 months. I've also been taking sulfasalazine (800mg a day) since August. I was diagnosed just under a year ago. Unfortunately for me I'm still flaring! I've also had many steroid injections (which don't work for me) and a number of courses of steroid tablets (which work better.) I'm about to apply for biologics, I hope.

It takes time to get use to the pain and inflammation etc. I've had to adapt my lifestyle to suit. But I haven't given in. Having a positive outlook definitely gets me through the tough days. Keep yourself busy and keep a diary. I find keeping a diary helps two-fold. Firstly it keeps things in perspective and secondly, my memory has definitely got worse so I can refer to it lol.

☺