Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis this past October and the rheumatologist tried to put me on Methotroxate and I kindly declined after seeing all the negative reviews about it. I’m only 31 years old and have to get fluid drained off of my knee at least 1-2 times a year. Has anyone ever tried red light therapy and if so how does it work? Looking to find my natural ways of controlling the arthritis without taking medicines that will destroy your immune system. I also have an asphalt company and work outside in the heat (doing asphalt work here in Alabama) and one of the side effects with the methotrexate was being sensitive to the sun. Any advice helps.
Thanks,
Miller
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rms3377
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Sadly …. No natural way to control Rheumatoid Arthritis of any sort has yet been discovered. You have developed the disease…so for now your immune system is well on the way to winning.
Eat well of course, definitely don’t smoke and definitely do take any exercises recommended by your Rheumy team.
So therefore may I also respectfully suggest , if your Rheumatologist suggests you do try Mtx again ….it will be with the aim of helping you - using his or her years of experience of helping people get this rotten disease under control, and be able to lead as near a normal life as you lead before you were diagnosed.
Thousands of people around the world live very good lives taking Mtx….so as they say…don’t knock it until you have tried it..you could be very pleasantly surprised.
Couldn’t agree more with AgedCrone’s summing up. She’s spot on - there is no natural therapy that will cure an auto-immune disease like RA which will mess up your joints and cause you pain and immobility in the future unless it’s checked as soon as it’s diagnosed and effectively treated.
Your immune system will be controlled on effective medication rather than being destroyed. It’s attacking itself - the very nature of an auto-immune condition and won’t stop doing so.
You’ll always see negative reviews about one drug or another as no size fits all and we all react differently as we’re unique so please don’t put yourself through hell - have a re-think and try Methotrexate and if that really doesn’t suit you there are now many other medications for RA which are very effective. Have a partnership with your rheumatology team, talk over your fears and try not to read reviews until you’re settled on a drug which suits you. All the very best to you.
Hi Miller, I've only been on mtx about 6 weeks now, metoject, but my side effects are only slight nausea and additional fatigue. I am sensitive to the sun anyway but since starting the meds I use factor 50 on exposed body parts, especially my face even on a cloudy day. ( everyone should use good sun protection anyway )
For me, I dont like taking any meds but for this inflammatory arthritis recently diagnosed, I just want to hold off from further damage as best I can. I'm still in a lot of pain, but it's early days yet and I have other stuff that is definitely adding to my pain.
It's a hard decision to make. I know two people in ' real life ' on methotrexate and It's been a positive game changer for them. I'm willing to give it a good go, but know there are other options to their need be. It's just hard because we all want ( and deserve ) a quick fix, but this condition doesn't play nice like that.
Be aware that if you refused MTX then you probably won’t get offered anything else as it’s one that has to be tried before moving on. Frankly all RA meds can have side effects but it doesn’t mean you’ll get them. It’s easy to apply sun protection and I hope that you discussed this with your doctor. It might be that you could get something else but LEF and AZA are the same. It’s hard but no one wants to take medications but sometimes we simply have to if we don’t want to be crippled or in intense pain and with swollen joints. I know it’s partly shock but you should discuss your concerns with your doctor and please don’t forget that whilst it’s good to keep an open mind, if the nhs could save a fortune in drug costs they probably would. RA meds are well researched and it’s true have some risk but without them life might be very difficult and painful. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh but it’s true so I wish you well but I’d say that nothing works as well as targeted drugs.
Unfortunately there are no natural therapies or treatments. You run the danger of having uncontrolled inflammation, which itself comes with risks. These risks include higher risk of cancer, damage to other organs from the inflammation. At the moment your immune system is very overactive, the majority of the immunosuppressants just bring your immune system back to a fairly normal level.
Unfortunately I was delayed in being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, I had it for 25yrs before starting treatment. As a result I have pulmonary fibrosis, from the uncontrolled inflammation, and an enlarged heart that makes every activity an effort.
The stories you read on here do not represent everyone’s experience, because those not having issues are getting on with their life’s and not using forums. I personally use methotrexate as well as a biologic, and have no side effects at all. I’m on steroids in addition to the biologic and MTX, but I still rarely get infections, and worked as a nurse on a busy ward with lots of infections. I got more infections prior to these meds, because my body was too busy fighting inflammation, that it missed infections sneaking in.
I really would urge you to reconsider, your rheumatologist only has your interests at heart. You risk irreversible damage to organs in your body, if you continue to refuse medications. If your planning on starting a family, then let your rheumatologist know, and they will find an alternative.
Yes my blood clots were put down as unexplained but a well known risk associated with RA. And in a strange way as it was a Rhumatologist Registrar who found the AKI, I’ve always been grateful to get the regular blood tests. Had I been taking that medication without blood tests I’d have died as an AKI is a silent killer. So I count my blessings. I’d rather not have RA but having medications to treat it is something that my mum would have benefited from. We are lucky really.
I was diagnosed 15 years ago and like you I was determined to manage it without medication. I succeeded only in loosing a lot of weight ( which I could Ill afford) and living with a lot of pain. I’ve been on Mtx and lately a biologic for about 10 years and am almost completely pain free apart from the permanent damage I did to my knees from uncontrolled RA.
Just my experience…. It’s difficult that you work outside in a sunny climate.
I sure wish I had all this lovely experience and advice when I was diagnosed. I held off meds for two years and boy do I regret that lost time. I'm on methotrexate and 12.5 mg has kept me well and mobile. My bloods were tested monthly for the first year and now three monthly...this makes sure our immune system is where it should be. I'm a gardener and sun lover and I've been fine. I also never took drugs of any kind and the thought terrified me but inflammation will damage our bodies more than the meds if left to rampage. It's a bugger but I took the bull by the horns and don't regret it. Good luck and thanks for all the wonderful advice folks xxx
Hi, The person who was asking about the treatment is from is Alabama so likely they have different therapies used more frequently the USA. I’ve heard before re red light therapy reducing inflammation so you’ll get less (RA) pain. However, I’m not sure it’s safe re skin burning/sensitivity. Most important is that it is only going to provide relief from symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but not hold it back in medical remission, as such.
To Miller: I’d think any rheumatologist would want their patient to try a long established rheumatoid medication rather then try pain relieving methods as their main way of dealing with RA, which isn’t going to protect your joints. I echo what everyone else says re you need to protect your joints and body from RA with medication prescribed by your rheumy. It is a systemic disease and left uncontrolled can make you feel very unwell and no-one wants their body full of inflammation. You run the risk of the rheumatoid destroying your joints and getting osteo arthritis if you don’t control the disease activity of the rheumatoid. Many people think that osteo arthritis only affects the joints of senior people. Very wrong. You don’t want to be immobile at 31 because you’ve declined a medication that could save your joints. Please talk to your rheumy/medical practitioner again. It’s natural to be concerned and you can read all sorts of stories about every medication and it’s unlikely anything will happen to you. You’ll be monitored regularly with blood tests to ensure you are alright.
Mtx didn’t give me sunburn/allergic skin reactions. I was advised it could make your skin burn easier but I’m not a sunbather as such and wore/wear a factor 50 clear spray sunscreen which is easy to apply. I didn’t stop walking in the sun or doing some gardening with my SPF50 on. Mtx didn’t make me prone to any infections either. It slows/calm/your immune and stops inflammation but does not destroy your immune. Sorry this is long (I type fast!) but wanted to try reassure you too, as others have.
The rheumatologist is the person we listen to or should! On here it’s about support and encouragement, and it’s not medical advice, but it’s common sense to say … protect your joints and self with carefully monitored medication prescribed and approved by your rheumy.
I agree the rumatologist is the person we listen too and and I said on lots of occasions more than several occasions The rumatologist will decide and discuss with rumatologist
Interesting as we should respect others views
Your not replying to rms3377 and another person's view
Don’t understand you sorry, but it doesn’t matter as I’ve nothing to add so no worries, but people often just want reassurance on here, in addition to the official rheumatologist decisions and opinions.
Yes I know nearly every reply was I added ask rumatologist about this treatment 9 times I said see or ask rumatologist aa rumatologist would no best can't see wot was wrong with my views that's all
Nothing was wrong. Don’t understand why you thought it was! It’s just some people simply also want some peer contact as such and to hear personal experiences and reassurance on here. 🩷
Actually now I’ve looked I can see many devices for purchase and centres who offer it in the UK and worldwide, but I’d not want to do it unless given the approval of my rheumy. Not that I’m wanting the red light therapy. A Have a good rest of day too.
I maybe in long term coukd be an alternative to inflammatory drugs I.e Naproxen ibuprofen etcCertainly not Methotrexate etcRumatologist would have heard of this more so as you say Alabama American etc
Had problems with my phone so it took ages to send the paragraphs for Miller I added under my reply to you. I too think something like the red light therapy could be used for pain relief if approved by the rheumy, but a rheumatoid med is needed.
i had methotrexate as injections on a trial for 5 years then 5 years by mouth. Eventually i needed something different but it meant i could walk and work. You can always try it for a time.
I was diagnosed with RA in December based on blood markers, though I lack joint problems and my symptoms match psoriatic arthritis much better than RA. I started methotrexate (25mg once a week) back in January. After 5 months, though my blood markers improved somewhat, my symptoms were no better (worse, actually). The methotrexate was judged to not be working for me. Having tried MTX without success, I was prescribed a biologic (Enbrel while continuing with MTX at 20 mg once a week); I take the Enbrel as a self-administered shot once a week, and have just now taken my 3rd shot. I can report no improvement yet, but I was told not to expect to know whether it works for me until I've been on it for 3 months.
My point in sharing my saga is that treating RA is a journey; you start a therapy, give it some time to see if it works; if it does, continue; otherwise try a different therapy. I find that part to be a bit disappointing, but there is no way around it. There are generally no magic bullets that are guaranteed to work.
I hope you find a therapy that works for you and that has few or no negative side effects.
Please do try Methotrexate! A lot of meds not just RA ones just don't agree with me. I've had to try many RA drugs until they finally found something that works and takes the pain away a lot. It's not gone completely but it's improved. But more importantly it's calmed my immune system from further attacking my joints! While I had episodes of waiting for new meds I have ended up not being able to walk and in a wheelchair. I couldn't use my hands at all, I couldn't get dressed or shower myself. It was the lowest, longest, horrible time of my life.
I still can't do a lot as the damage is done to my joints but I'm a lot better than I was at those times.
Like any new meds for anything some people have no problems others do. But keeping trying is the key.
Ok you may have to slap the sunscreen on everyday but that's not as hard as loosing the ability to do anything that involves your body
Re red light therapy yes I do have it periodically but not for RA. I have a compression fracture in my spine and it causes pain still after 18 months and I have it for that when it really starts to affect me. But for RA...nope it just won't do anything to stop the deterioration of your joints.
I was also diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis and my diagnosis wad then changed to RA.I shut myself off from the pain and knowing something was wrong. My untreated RA caused damaged to my hands and lungs ( although mild).I would definitely say a healthy diet helps and keeping active. MXT is used my millions of people and some people find it will control their symptoms.It doesn’t destroy your immune system it brings it down to normal levels. What ever your decision please make sure you are still having a regular checks and your joints and internal organs.
That's how my rheamy started 2 knees like football and agonizing pain,saw my consultant she drained my knees and put me on a fairly low dose of mtx,I'm 72 and still walking being active diy garden and a classic car, so to summarize listen to the consultant plenty of factor 50 you'll be fine.
if you can definitely take the medication offered - I was diagnosed in April this year and have been taking methotrexate and it has helped immensely!I saw the rheumatology nurse last week and I still do have inflammation so she has increased the dose to ten tablets on the one day and folic acid on the other six! Having a little flare up at the moment but believe you me if I didn’t have the meds it would be a lot worse !
Uncontrolled arthritis is always going to be worse than anything methotrexate can do to you says someone who had to stop it because it was damaging my liver so now I'm not allowed it. Unfortunately as a nurse for 43 years having worked in a rheumatology ward I seen the damage it did to people prior to these medications being available life was so hard for them so unfortunately most of us on here are going to be pro meds it's not the end of the world being on treatment, most of us would rather not but it's there in your body doing untold damage go see your doctor again tell him your fears we all have them but until the damage is done we live fairly normal lives with our drugs.
I've been on oral methotrexate since 2019. I had a few side effects at first, but they went, and more to the point, so did my RA swellings and pain. I'm currently in remission.
I don't find myself more sensitive to sun, and I'm outdoors a lot.
What a fantastic site this is. Here I am, in a rainy damp Sheffield in England, communicating with someone in Alabama (sounds so cool) (not literally).
I don’t find myself more sensitive to the sun, but many do. Methotrexate doesn’t destroy your immune system, it stops it destroying you. It does sound as though you’ve argued yourself out of it before trying it. I know why, it’s rotten having to accept your in need, but I do think you are.
You could try an extremely low carb diet and avoid all sugar. I eat mostly meat these days as I have had nasty allergic responses to most of the medicines I tried. A dietary change may work for you. Doesn't work for everyone, but I had no choice but to try.
Definitely think my diet has a lot to do with it. For the most part I eat good but let myself slip up this weekend and had inflammation/swelling in the knee because of it. Sugar and greasy foods such as pizza always tend to do it. Some of these people on here responding have way more chronic issues than swelling a couple times of the year. I’m in pretty decent shape, running this asphalt company, doing manual labor in 110 degree weather in the Deep South, sweating all the time. Some of these people sound like they have trouble brushing their teeth. Maybe one day it will develop into RA but as of now it’s mainly inflammation 1-2 times a year and diet definitely has a lot to do with it.
Agree whole heartedley with AgedCrone. All prescribed meds for RA affect everyone differently. Because it doesn't suit one doesn't mean it won't suit another. Rheum Teams do their best to help with pain. All meds and biologics are trial and error and there will be something to help your pain but you have to try if they are giving you the chance. There is no cure for RA and sometimes it is very difficult living with and managing pain but there is always a listening ear and advice, especially here. So only you can make a decision to take the help offered. xx
I always go 😱 when someone says they declined medication due to hearing about side effects, I'd have drank bleach if my rheumatologist said it would help with the pain! I have had great results so far from MTX, from being unable to do most things (walk, dress myself, open a bottle, sleep) to mainly fully functioning. Long may it continue 🤞
I think whatever you have going on is a lot worse than what I have going on. I work manual labor, running an asphalt company. I don’t have trouble dressing myself. If it ever got that bad I would chew glass if they said it would work if I were having those issues.
OK, but I believe the earlier you start treatment the less damage is done and the more chance of remission. Maybe have a chat with your Dr about the diagnosis. Mine got really bad really quickly, from being fine in August to almost crippled by October but I think it must have been rumbling on for a while before that just with no or very little symptoms, just minor joint pain every now and again.
You already decided you don’ t need to take the medication your doctor has advised …& now it seems you are ignoring all the genuine experiences & advice offered here - even that given by those who did resist disease modifying drugs who now seem to 100% regret that move.
Think about it or I fear you could be back here joining that group…wishing you had taken something to halt the symptoms that made you write in the first place. Doctors don’t offer Methotrexate unless they feel it will help…because as you fear, some people do react badly to it. However, there are plenty of other drugs to help you…or you might be the one who can’t clean any teeth you might have left if your immune system really is on the blink.
Sorry to pour cold water on your wait & see approach…but do remember you don’t need to wait until you are screaming in agony before you accept help.
Same here until I hit pneumonia in November. Been miserable ever since. Increased methotrexate and added sulphazalazine. Hot a little better but not like before
having RA is a serious disease which not only causes inflammation & swollen joints but its the things you don’t see that RA impacts on .. the heart eyes & a plethora of other health issues .. blood clots.. I was eventually diagnosed with anti phospholipid syndrome along with issues with my immune system which can have varying degrees of problems high cholesterol anemia plus associated diseases like sjogren & so if offered do try anything the rheumatologist gives you as what might not work for one person might be of benefit to you . .. I’ve had many treatments trials & had RA for 50 plus years so keep going .. & all the best
Hello Miller, I got diagnosed with RA at 29. And I too went on the "natural path" for about 4 years. Tried everything from alkaline diets, keto diets, anti-inflammatory diets and about a 100 different others, even did hardcore ayurvedic treatments, extreme detoxes, red light, sauna, ice therapy etc etc. Nothing helped. I had good days and bad days. And steadily worsening bad days. Life came to a stand still. And the worst part is, chronic inflammation continued to damage my joints.
Finally at 35, one morning a noticed a bent finger which wouldn't straighten. I freaked out. I mean, I really freaked out. Called the hospital for a reumy appointment, ugly cried in front of the secretary, begged her to not make me wait for 3 months (standard waiting times), and finally got a emergency appointment.
A huge slew of tests and the doctor sadly shaking his head saying "you are too young to destroy your joints. At this rate, you will be fully disabled by the time you are 45." And I swore to take anything he would give me.
18 months later, no more inflammation. I am able to resume my life to some degree. No more constant crippling tiredness. No more constant pain. I still have regular flares but also many periods of feeling very healthy. I carry the damage and the consequences of my "natural path" experiment. A bent finger. A damaged ankle and a wrist with a tendency towards carpal tunnel syndrome. But no new damage.
So, my sincere advise. Follow your reumy's advise. If you dont like this doctor find another reumy, get a second opinion. But don't experiment. This disease is unrelenting and vicious.
Good luck.
(I am currently on a biological called Baricitinib. Very happy with it. As others have pointed out, the treatment often starts with Mtx and can be changed to other drugs )
Hi I have Inflamatory Arthritis (sero negative Rhumatoid Arthritis. I am also a nurse who has looked after lots of older people with the same. I started on hydroxychloriquine about 16 years ago. Then progressed onto Sulphasalazine as well as although mostly well and controlled inflammation had multiple flare ups requiring steroid injections. I am fully aware of the damage that untreated RA can cause and do not ever want to be in the condition that my body becomes deformed or my organs and heart become inflamed. Therefore after refusing Methotrexate for years eventually gave into my consultant and am now also taking 20mg per week of Methotrexate will very good results! I now wish I had started this earlier and am trying to wean off some of my other drugs. That being said despite my RA which is controlled mainly with little hiccups I am well. I'm 66 years old, ride my bike and was Snowboarding last year and plan the same this winter. I am vaccinated well to cover all infections possible.
As a stubborn nervous nurse still working full time hours, I am fully aware of all of the possible side effects but take precautions like wearing sun cream and don't drink too much. I do enjoy a gin and some red wine with my dinner which has not harmed me yet!
Please think of the long term damage this can do and protect yourself. All drugs have side effects but there is also a lot of damage that can occur if things are not treated. It's your decision and responsibility for your health. All anyone can do is give advice but try Google to see the pictures of people who were not treated before these medications were discovered and adjusted over the years.
I hope whatever you decide that it works for you. Good luck.
Wise words of encouragement.. I must say a positive attitude & open mind to the advancement of science & medicine is key to success.. all meds have side effects sadly I know that well especially for RA I was on hydro chloroquine but had to come off it due to a possible eye issue it produced same with cellebrax Brufen retard with concerns that it could lead to heart failure but was on both for years sometimes it’s not a case of one med fits all so trial & perhaps error is a probability but hey atleast we give it a go as the alternative is not so pleasant a prospect .. eat healthy stay healthy & life the best life with a positive mindset is best way to look at & attack RA
Hi! I have inflamitory arthritis. It is very different from rheumatoid arthritis. For a time I was on Methotrexate. I had flareups on methotrexate, and my hair started falling out after 3 months. I stopped it and fired my rheumatologist. After going off MTX I had a very painful flare. I went on a dose pack of steroids and it took care of it. My Primary care doc put me on Hydroxychloroquine 300 mg to take care of inflammation. It is working. I have also eliminated gluten and dairy. If I overdo any kind of repetitive, strenuous activity, I am vulnerable to a flare. I try to manage.
I have scoured the internet and consulted with doctors. There is no treatment for inflammatory arthritis. I have learned what triggers it and how to deal with a flare. I also know that exercise and movement is important. Whatever is released and causes inflammation needs to be removed from the tissue, and exercise helps this. I learned from my physical therapist to move whatever does not hurt. Red light therapy improves circulation so that will help. Inflammatory arthritis is also called pseudo gout, and CPPD. if you do research you will learn about your diagnosis. I wish you much success!
Thank you, I have found this reply to be very helpful. I’m 31 so I definitely don’t want to be losing any of my hair, I also plan to have children as well. I think a lot of these people are misreading me saying I have Inflammatory Arthritis (NOT RA) the tests came back negative for RA both times. Big difference in the two from what I have researched. Some of these people can’t even brush their teeth, luckily that is not my case for now. God bless and thanks.
Not everyone who takes Mtx notices hair thinning (not total loss) but once the body because used to the medication hair thinning does reduce. We have some information on on website regarding planning for a family
So far so good and I hope it continues. Biological treatment will help the disease from attacking your body by suppressing your immune system. I'm talking Rheumatoid arthritis but inflammatory arthritis is a general allergy term or may be it's not? Any way don't be scared as these treatments are to help you in the long term. For example 2 years ago when I went out I was in a wheelchair and now I'm not. Be positive and good luck
not sure exactly what you were diagnosed (maybe ankylosing spondylitis)? If so, get yourself on a biologic as soon as possible, the disease progresses. There is no natural way, I learned the hard way
RA is a form of inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is an umbrella term and tends to be diagnosed when the specific form(s) are not yet clear.
CPPD (pseudo-gout) and gout are both types of Inflammatory Arthritis. Pseudogout and gout are inflammatory arthritic conditions caused by a buildup of crystal deposits in a joint.
Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, occurs when calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals build up in one or more joint cavities, typically inTrusted Source the hips, knees, or shoulders.
In contrast, gout results from the buildup of monosodium urate monohydrate (uric acid) crystals and usually affects only one joint at a timeTrusted Source, most commonly in a big toe or a lower limb.
Both conditions can cause painful joint swelling. Laboratory tests are necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.
I was on methotrexate for about 6 years. Worked great still had to have knee drain occasionally. But then had to come off it for cancer treatment. Finished that 2 yrs ago and have to wait 10 yrs before I can go back on methotrexate. And will definitely go back on it when I can
Yes, red light treatment took the swelling down- had it on my feet & ankles- but it returned in a few days. Only had one treatment- very expensive in USA, not covered by insurance.
im not familiar with red light therapy, so sorry to hear you re going through this at such a young age, can you please tell me how they diagnosed inflammatory arthritis for you
With RA we have too much protein called Tnf, yes metho lowers immune system as ours needs to be lowered,biologics ( anti Tnf) can then destroy the abundance of Tnf proteins .With Rheumatoid it's about finding the drug that works for you ,youay wish to go natural but the proteins with continue to effect you and destroy cartilage
Don't think you are going to be able to avoid the meds. RA is a very difficult and painful disease. Methexate worked well for me over 20 years until I got pneumonia . Trying some additional meds. I am miserable They test your blood to ensure no damage to your liver etc
Hi There from California - I was diagnosed with RA about one and half years ago. Been through prednisone, Plaquenil, Methotrexate and 2 TNF inhibitors- finally on Rinvoq. (It has crazy black box warnings and $$$), so I'm all in for any natural type assistance with this horrible condition.
I have tried red light therapy, (good for wrinkles too It didn't make a huge difference in my most affected parts, (wrist) but I did notice a difference in foot and ankle - maybe it was red light maybe not - but I don't trust doctors to explore alternative medicine - try it! Couldn't hurt, units on Amazon are pretty cheap. Research the light config tho - I think its 680 plus 880nm .
From my experience, the Dr.s don't like to go off script and discuss natural alternatives. Turmeric and ginger help with overall swelling for sure. Look on facebook groups too. We are all different; what works for one, may not work for another.
Good luck - oh and sugar and carbs trigger flairs for me - might look into that as well.
Guys and Lady’s, a lot of you keep saying RA RA RA. I have an inflammation issue a couple times a year (mainly in my knee) was diagnosed with “Inflammatory Arthritis” not Rheumatoid. She originally thought I had psoriatic Arthritis but tests were negative for both RA and PA. Yea I’m sore/hurt every now and then from working hard in the heat, doing labor, and sports when I was younger but I don’t have problems brushing my teeth, getting myself dressed, ext. I pray I never have those issues and hate some of you go through that, can’t imagine. I’m sorry if I didn’t make it clear in my original post. If I were having those issues I would cut my arm off if they said it would fix it. Also, I plan on having kids, ext. Some of you are in your 60’s saying take take take and may forget I’m 31. The main issue with me is inflammation, from my understanding red light therapy helps with that, along with a good diet and avoiding sugary foods, dairy, red meats, and greasy foods. I wasn’t ever bashing Methotroxate or anyone taking it, just getting other opinions. Again, as of now I don’t have RA if I did and were going through what you guys are maybe I wouldn’t be so hesitant to take it.
Hi Miller, it's good to hear that you're mainly experiencing inflammation issues a couple of times a year in a limited area, long may it stay that way! This forum is quite RA-focused because it's organised by NRAS, the national rheumatoid arthritis society. So we do tend to be the majority in here! Hopefully in amongst the posts less relevant to your circumstances there were a few helpful replies all the same. Wishing you all the very best and hope whatever anti-inflammatory measures you decide to try prove effective.
Gotcha gotcha. Thanks for the reply and completely understand. I’ll keep everyone updated through the years and keep all of you in my prayers as well. Thank you all for the help and kind words.
I miss understood about this being an only RA site, apologies. I just figured I would ask to see if it had helped anyone with the same issues I’m experiencing, didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I thought I made my own title “Inflammatory Arthritis” at the top and just assumed people with the same issues would have commented but enjoy reading all. Cheer up Medway and God bless.
I too have been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis after initial diagnosis of RA. I thought all inflammatory arthritis sufferers were seen by a rheumatologist I’m certainly taking the same drugs as RA sufferers. Many inflammatory arthritis suffered on this site may not realise it was exclusively forRA.
Read the thread please, I replied originally about the medications not the condition. So the OP asked question about an RA one so it follows that wether it’s RA or as far as I’m aware the interchangeable term IA the people who responded tried to help. His remark then was offensive, I’m sure that you jumping in so swiftly has been helpful though.
Hi this site does welcomes inflammatory arthritis as well and jia And families with ra and people not diagnosed yet says it at top of page where it says about
National Rhumatoid Arthritus Society ? And you referred to your Rheumatologist so it wasn't actually clear at all. Hence the replies from people who tried to be helpful. I’m not upset just wondering you think it’s ok to be so judgemental as no one on here has been anything other than helpful to you. No one has said it’s exclusively for patients with RA but your misleading post caused the issue. I sincerely hope you don’t go on to be diagnosed with RA be that positive or negative but the replies you’ve had are not from people unable to brush their teeth. That remark was offensive.
Ok Medway, maybe you’re right. I shouldn’t have said that but after reading your comment I couldn’t help myself. I hope you have a great rest of your day. By the way, I made it very clear in the original post “inflammatory arthritis”. Have a good day Medway
Actually a good week as off to Paris at 7am. Driving to Dover through the tunnel thenCalais then going to revisit a few places whilst I’ve still got teeth. And that was offensive because some with RA have gum issues and loose them. It might have been throw away to you but to someone else it really isn’t funny.
I have to agree, I found the remark offensive too. “Inflammatory arthritis”, itself is not a condition, but an umbrella term that covers many conditions. So it’s far from just a little inflammation and needs taking seriously, as it can affect organs as well as joints. All “inflammatory arthritis” needs treating with the same groups of meds, and it’s sad to see such judgement when all your doing is trying to help.
I was diagnosed aged 17 with adult onset stills disease which a form inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis. Back in 1979 it took a year to get diagnosed so much damage was done to my joints before treatment started. I’m 62 now and have pain and immobility everyday as a result. Why wait until the damage makes it worse. Wishing you well soon
Sounds like you’deityer juvenile RA or the onset of Sero negative RA both present themselves at a younger age group .
Have an auto immune disorder which is a flag up on what is not seen & potentially could harm you thankfully it shows up in the blood.. but can impact the internal organs plus eyes for example so if discovered early the prognosis & the effects can be treated relatively quickly.. but more often the longer the delay or dismissal is more likely by doctors the worse it gets & RA can run in families so I also say worth seeking out any family members with it as you will be surprised that so many heart patients have RA
Go back speak to another rheumatologist 2nd opinion ensure that this "inflammatory arthritis" is just a bit of inflammation and not going to cause you major issues in the future if there is no requirement for strong drugs maybe generally anti inflammatory drugs like naproxen might help but don't leave it to chance where sometime in the future you have so much damage it stops you playing with those kids your going to have. Be very well informed leave nothing to chance. All meant to be kind and I remember my nurse specialist saying don't leave things because the issues caused by repeated inflammation especially to joints causes more than a little damage. Remember this is the rest of your life we all remember being young and never imagined we'd be here.
Hey, I have never heard of anyone having anything but a baker’s cyst drained. I will have to look that up! If you are feeling well other than you have a sore knee I’d be wondering what is going on. Inflammatory arthritis isn’t easy to diagnose. Do you think you have inflammatory arthritis? For me I feel a deep ache and fatigue without medicine. No way I could run an Asphalt company when my disease is uncontrolled.
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It didn't make a huge difference in my most affected parts, (wrist) but I did notice a difference in foot and ankle - maybe it was red light maybe not - but I don't trust doctors to explore alternative medicine - try it! Couldn't hurt, units on Amazon are pretty cheap. Research the light config tho - I think its 680 plus 880nm . 
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