Recently diagnosed

[5halifax]

My RA symptoms came on quite suddenly about 6 weeks ago and have persisted ever since. I have hand pain and swelling every night and I feel like I have extra pads on the balls of my feet all the time. I've been on Vimovo (naproxen) twice a day for about three weeks and my symptoms have improved although I still have sore hands, wrists, feet and knees. At the time my symptoms appeared, I thought it was due to all the golf I was playing (I had just golfed 12 or if 15 days). I soon recognized the symptoms as being RA because my 22 year old daughter was diagnosed with it 3 years ago (I am 55). My blood work that was done 2-3 weeks after first symptoms gave Rheumatoid factor of 130 and anti-CCP of 57.3. I saw a rheumatologist on Sept 15 and she recommended that I stay on the Vimovo I had gotten from my GP and then see her in a month. Her reasoning was that we don't know the nature of my disease and perhaps if I can get thru this flare without a Dmard, then maybe I will be symptom free for a year or two which means I'd have a year of not taking Dmards. Now that I have had daily symptoms for about 6 weeks, I'm wondering if I should have started on a Dmard at the beginning. My daughter has had good success with methotrexate and plaquinel combined. I'm worried about having chronic inflammation for these 6 weeks (and on) and resulting damage. I really try to limit walking and time on my feet to be protective of them. Any thoughts??

[helixhelix]

That I'm not impressed with your rheumatologist!

There are lots of other approaches that might be more comfortable for you, such as a steroid short or short course of them. And have you been given a stomach protector alongside the naproxen, as 6 weeks is quite a while for your stomach lining.

Personally, if I'd experience no improvements I'd be queuing up outside the rheumy's office. Hope your next appointment is soon.

[5halifax in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you for the reply! To clarify, the Vimovo is a combined naproxen with a coating that protects stomach. I have gotten significant relief but I'm still symptomatic. My next appointment is in 2 weeks and I keep wondering if I should have started on a Dmard right away. I did have a full discussion with the doctor and the decision was to see if I could get through this flare as my symptoms are not debilitating like some peoples. The hope is that I can delay lifelong treatment for a year or more if I go into remission on my own. It remains to be seen. I have been reading that many people start immediately on Dmards with the goal of knocking the RA into remission. I'm hoping that we've made the right decision as it seems that early treatment is critical for future health. Thanks again for taking the time to give me your opinion

[MandiS in reply to 5halifax]

Hi I am surprised by what your Rheumy has said. I am in the UK and seen two different consultants both privately. Both advised that there is a very small window of between 6-18 months whereby you have to treat disease aggressively with DMard in fact one told me that if I didn't take them there would be nothing he could do for me because it has to be treated

aggressively . Are you seeing someone privately? I saw one consultant in Hertfordshire and another from greater London. I would go back and ask why your Rheumy thinks it may just go away is there some medical evidence he is basing his advise on? Good luck

[5halifax in reply to MandiS]

What a helpful response! Thank you so much. I'm 6 weeks into this and want to give myself every advantage now that might impact the future progression of this condition. I'm very grateful for your feedback. Thanks again!

[Hidden]

I don't know what to say. Please find a new rheumatologist, you deserve better treatment.

[5halifax in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I shall seek a second opinion