Rhumatoid

[annie2121k]

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum. I have seronegative rhumatoid. I was on methotrexate chloroquine and many other medicines. But since a year and a half I have knee pain first in one now in both also my heels pain. The doctor today gave me 8 methotrexate weekly, Arava twice every day and prednisolone 2.5 every day. I'm so worried where it'll take me. Will all this work for my knee? I also have back pain since 3 days. My knees get inflamed with fluid. I need to remove the fluid every 2 or 3 months.

Have anyone experienced like this?

Please share.

[Hessie5]

Hi Annie, sorry to hear about your pain, it will get better. The prednisone should help. I was on all of the above, the prednisone for only a month for my pain in both feet and it did help me. I would also eat and drink lots of anti inflammatory foods (ginger, turmeric, green tea) to ease the pain. Massage with pain relief oils. Do check with your consultant. Wishing you all the best. Hessie5.

[annie2121k in reply to Hessie5]

Thank you Hessie!

[oldtimer]

Sorry to hear you are having such a lot of problems at present. But the treatment you have given sounds a likely combination to have effects on inflammation in your joints including your knee - but it will take time as Disease Modifying Anti-arthritis Drugs (DMARDs) take several weeks/months to take full effect. The steroid at this low dose is not likely to cause any problems and may be enough to reduce your pain and swelling at present - but it is a low dose.

[annie2121k in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you oldtimer

[allanah]

Yes ! Exactly the same as you...it does get better. You need a bit of patience initially until they find a combination or drug that suits you.

Call the helpline at the hospital if it's not improving or see gp is your pain killers aren't enough.

I found hot and cold packs brilliant !

Also the NRAS helpline as so lovely if you are having a bad time...so supportive ! And the folks here of course. Hang on in there... all should improve!

[annie2121k in reply to allanah]

Thank you Allan!

[Uzor]

Hi Annie, sorry you are going through a rough time. Sadly, that's the pattern of this awful illness, but it can be too much at times. I have been on the combination tablets as well, and it did help me through a rough period. If you have any concerns, get in touch with the nurse practitioner- I've always found them to be very helpful, but know that we are here also.

I've had rheumatoid for many years and have also had a few operations.

Hope you have a restful,pain free night.

[annie2121k in reply to Uzor]

So nice of you. Thanks Uzor

[ROBERT_CARMICHAEL]

I have been taking methotrexate(15mg weekly) for many years also prednisolone with a dose of 2 t0 6 mg daily, varied by myself, being a doctor, depending on my rheumatoid/sjogrens symptoms on that day. I did take hydroxychloroquine for several years but have now stopped this as it can be a risk to vision. But otherwise at 85 I seem to be getting on alright.