Update on my RA

[Tia53]

I was diagnosed with seropositive RA in 2014. I was initially on Hydroxychloroquine for 4 years but after suffering several flares and carpal tunnel problems in Dec 2018 changed to Methotrexate (metoject) 10mg with Folic Acid twice a week.

It has worked well for me as I've not had any flares since starting it and not had any carpal tunnel problems for 5 years. I still have my bloods checked every 3 months. I occasionally get nausea or fatigue the day after the injection

In general I'm fit and healthy. I still go to the gym at least twice a week.

I still visit my local pond every day to check on my swan family 🥰🦢🦢

I used to see my RA consultant annually. However I hadn't seen him for over 2 years until an appointment suddenly appeared earlier this month.

After a chat it was agreed that I'm in remission and discussed reducing my MTX to 5mg for 3 months then stopping.

I'm willing to give this a try.

If I start to flare I can be given a steroid injection or go back on MTX.

I'm looking forward to having a break from the medication. How long for - who knows?

Has anyone else had a total break from medication and been okay?

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄🎁🥰

[HeadInASpin]

How nice to hear a good news story. I can’t answer your question as my disease still isn’t under control, but I’m very pleased for you and wish you a merry Christmas x

[3LittleBirds2]

Hi Tia, Fantastic to read a good news story and a post about actually having medication reduced. I can’t answer your question either as not in your position, but really happy for you and long may it continue ! X

[wilbertjellyfish]

That's amazing. So delighted for you. Diagnosed in 2017... haven't even got close to remission so can't advise. Still brilliant

[Gnarli]

I'm so thrilled for you. It's a situation that all here would applaud. I wish you all the very best for you and yours for Christmas and the New Year.

Ps I really appreciate your beautiful picture of the Swan family. They look majestic

[Tia53 in reply to Gnarli]

Thank you 😊 I love my swan family ❤️🦢🦢 I've photographed them for many years and I'm now a wildlife rescue volunteer so I help out when any wildlife are injured or sadly killed 💓

[oldtimer2]

It's good to hear some 'good news' stories. Most of us only remember to post when we have problems. I really do hope that it goes well for you.

I just wanted to say - be cautious and reduce your medication very slowly.

I was told, in my fifties, that I was 'burnt out' and no linger needed medication (after 30 years on DMARDs) and I did come off - only to find that I kept getting flares which settled with a course of steroids. These were dismissed as 'blips' and no longer term plan proposed. Then a few years later I had a massive flare which anyone could have diagnosed as Rheumatoid Disease. I've had 20 years of struggling to control it since, but currently I'm feeling optimistic again.

[Tia53 in reply to oldtimer2]

I get my MTX jabs in packs of 12 so my next pack in Feb will be the lower dose - which I've just been informed is 7.5mg as that's the lowest dose by injection. I'll take that for 12 weeks then stop.I've got mild RA and haven't had a flare or any pains for over 5 years so I'm willing to give it a try and see how I get on 😊

[GinnyE]

I've had RA for six years and take 20 mg of methotexate. I've been in remission for two years or more but whenever I suggest dropping the dose, they say No, leave well enough alone. I was diagnosed as Strongly Positive, so maybe that makes a difference. Guess different doctors have different views.

[Tia53 in reply to GinnyE]

My consultant said I've got mild RA so I'm thankful that's the case. He suggested I could come off medication when I last saw him over 2 years ago and I said I would wait a while longer. I'm willing to see how it goes as I've not had any flares or pains for over 5 years now 😊

[GinnyE in reply to Tia53]

Yes, I’d have a go too if I were you.