I was pleasantly surprised. My blood test results were CRP 3, ESR 7, Vit D 42, Hb 115. So, CRP and ESR are up slightly from the test that was taken after 7 days of Pred, Vit D is not great and neither is Hb. I have problems with swelling in my feet and some fingers on my right hand have gone pear shaped since I replaced my door handles - think the power tools were the issue here.
Anyways, I was determined to have a conversation about fixing my feet, because they’re limiting my physical activity. Didn’t need to have a “strong” conversation, because her recommendation was to try low dose Pred for 3 months and see how that goes - based on the effect this created over a period of 7 days. This was also partly due to my reluctance to try MTX, although, I did say I was prepared to give it a go.
So, 5mg daily of Pred and 10,000 units daily of Vit D, bone density scan for baseline - let’s see how it goes. Bonus is I no longer have to take the Plaquenil which has been driving me nuts 
Wasn’t doing anything anyway.
Just for information, I’ve done some research into the link between PTSD, RA and Cortisol levels. So ppl with PTSD/Strees/Anxiety tend to “exhaust” their natural cortisol levels => possible trigger for RA/AI disease. I’m interested to see if a small boost to Cortisol levels (low dose Pred) can get the immune system back in balance. Not a cure, but hopefully things can become easier. Strangely enough, the first Rheumy I saw in my rather weird trip through our Public Hospital, is researching exactly this.
I’m not an early diagnosis anyway, I’ve probably had RA since Jan 2017, it just wasn’t evident until I had what I now know to be a flare in Jan 2018, that the blood tests were done. So, I’m well past the “early window” opportunity.
If it fails, then MTX it is!
What is the criteria for Seronegative RA 
New meds from rheumy
Seronegative RA with No pain in hands or feet
MTX back on
New to this....
