Difference between a flare and just usual symptoms??

[Melarky]

Diagnosed loosely with MCTD in august on MTx and Loasartin for 10 weeks. How long does a flare last as mine seems to have been since June but how do you know the difference and what would symptoms be like out of a flare?? Sorry may be a daft question but I have no comparison. My swelling in hands has not stopped since June and now my knees are really tight and problems bending so stairs are a nightmare! Do I push through the tightness and pain?? I feel so alone with this bloody disease and just don't know what I should do for the best. I'm aware I'm protecting myself from feeling uncomfortable but winder if this is counter productive?? Any advice would be great. Thanks guys x

[oldtimer]

If you are still having that amount of symptoms and signs, you should be reporting that to your medical team and saying firmly that it is not good enough control. Does the does of methotrexate need increasing ? Should you have it by injection (if not already?) Should you be on other medication as well? If you just put up with it they will think all is well!

[Melarky in reply to oldtimer]

I'm on 15mg mtx (now on the max they prescribed) and have been on mtx for 10weeks only and nurse specialist said by 12 weeks there should be a dramatic improvement. Also on naproxen for inflammation but naproxen doing nothing. Had depot steroid injection about 6 weeks ago but felt like it did v little. Its tricky as want to follow the plan but feeling uncomfortable and impatient!! Losartin for my raynauds symptoms too.

What symptoms do u still experience when out of a "flare" or does it all just go away??? 🤞🏻🤞🏻🙃

Thanks so much for your advice and support xx

[oldtimer in reply to Melarky]

You should aim to be almost symptom free when not in a flare. Don't accept the answer that your blood results are doing well. It's how YOU feel that matters. That dose of methotrexate may be OK for one person but not another or may not work for you.

[Troygirl]

My wrists are STILL flaring after 11 months of Prednisone and biologicals!

That was always my question too...how long is a flare supposed to go on for?

The standard DMARD's and biologicals since late 2017 have not done anything to reduce the wrist and hand inflammation!

Therefore, after all the prednisone & biologicals being pumped in to my body which destroyed who I even once looked like, RA Dr is going back to the beginning!

Started Antibiotic treatment, real CBD oil prescribed by a medical doctor and Motrin!

Finally, I am able to reduce the freaking prednisone! It is a miracle!!!!

[KittyJ in reply to Troygirl]

So have you stopped flaring now Troygirl? I'm glad you have now found something that works for you. It can take a long time but is so good when we get results. Long may it continue 😊

[Troygirl in reply to KittyJ]

No not yet! Still on the nasty prednisone but got it down to 8.75! (from 20mg for months and month)

[KittyJ in reply to Troygirl]

That’s an achievement 😊, slowly but surely, After nearly 30 years on pred it took me 9 months to get off them. Good luck with the rest of your tapering.

[Melarky in reply to Troygirl]

I feel your frustration but so glad things are improving for you xx