Seropositive RA

[Raven15]

Hi, I was diagnosed with RA 9yrs ago and over the years it is gradually affecting more of my life. I inject MTX weekly & take Folic acid. I have been using Paracetamol on a daily basis but worry about taking it so regularly. More recently I am having lots of pain/swelling in my wrists & fingers to the point where I can’t use my hands. I’m shocked at the level of pain it causes. Paracetamol do not seem to help, so my GP has prescribed Naproxen & Omeprezole. Although this is helping i’m worried about side effects and how long I should take it. Can you just take it in the short term? I haven’t heard about Magnesium Oil before, can someone enlighten me as to how it may help?

[Biofreak]

Hi Raven15. It sounds to me like the methotrexate isn't working very well anymore and perhaps you may need another treatment adding to it. I would discuss this with your rheumatology doctor at your next appointment or sooner if you can. I have used Naproxen in the past and still do on an occasional basis but I don't think its a drug that is recommended for long term use because it can affect your stomach, which is why your gp has also given you omeprazole to protect it. Methotrexate was my first treatment but it didn't work for me and I couldn't tolerate it. Paracetamol is only a mild painkiller and doesn't have any effect on inflammation. I really don't know anything about magnesium oil but maybe someone else does? In the short term I think Naproxen can be partially effective but not in the long term. Hope you feel better soon x

[Simba1992 in reply to Biofreak]

I agree with Biofreak that mtx alone may no longer be enough. I see that your doctor is reluctant in adding other DMARDs. You could ask him/her about adding low dose predisone (not more than 10mg) to your Mtx.This could help with calming the inflammation and pain better than Naproxen and Paracytamol and has very little side effects, short term.Just an idea.

[Raven15 in reply to Simba1992]

Yes thanks, need to try and bring my hosp appt forward I think

[AgedCrone in reply to Raven15]

Your Rheumy nurse is able to tweak your meds....give her a call. I find the nurses know all the little manoeuvres to help.

[helixhelix]

Agree with the others that you need a good talk to your rheumy. It really sounds like monotherapy isn't enough for you any more and something else needs adding or changing. Are you already on a good dose of MTX, as maybe that could be increased. Or something else added like a steroid as Simba says or another DMARD like hydroxy and/or sulphasalazine.

I use an anti-inflammatory when I need it, but try not to exceed 5 days at a time. Some people end up on a NSAID or low dose steroids long term, but that should be a last resort. Push your rheumy and make sure you emphasis how awful it is for you right now. When asked how you are don't say "I'm fine" or "could be better" but say it exactly how it is - shocking pain and disability.

[Raven15 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you for your reply, I had to stop Hydroxy because it was affecting my eyes & didn’t get on with Sulfasalazine. Steroids can help temporarily. Like you say a chat with the Rheumatologist is needed sooner. I’m not due to see him till Dec but will try and bring it forward