rheumatoid arthritis

[Elainecity]

Got diagnosed in September 24, I’ve been on steroids and methotrexate, now only on 6 tablets of methotrexate per week, I feel like there not working any more started with pain back in my hands and feet, can’t bend my index fingers, swollen ankles too, only been on them for 13 weeks, any help appreciated please

[pammi2]

call your rheumy, tell them you are still in pain... how much steriods you taking

[Elainecity in reply to pammi2]

My steroids finished in December. I wasn’t issued any more

[Madmusiclover in reply to Elainecity]

Let rheumy know. They can’t see your suffering. You have to rattle the cages. Good luck.

[pammi2 in reply to Elainecity]

so did mine you have to tell the GP go in or callthe rhuemy

[Womble57]

HelloI had a similar experience after diagnosis in Jan24. Keeping in touch with rheumatology dept about symptoms let them move me on to different combinations of meds. It was a bit of a roller coaster but their willingness to change meds helped me cope more positively... even when I ended up in hospital for 4 days in June ... I didn't know how unwell I was!! CRP was 300!

Even when I moved to a biologic in Aug the first one wasn't helping and so I am now on weekly Methotrexate, daily sulfasalazine and weekly tocilizumab injection. So far , so good!

Hang in there and let rheumatology know that you are prepared to try different options .

I'm a science teacher and am now back at work 😷 but moving nearly as well as I did.

Best wishes for your RA 🎢

[bpeal1]

You need to contact your rheumatology department and let them know you are struggling and in pain. If they don’t hear anything from you they’ll assume everything is ok. There are plenty of options. In the short term they may be willing to give you a steroid injection or a short course of steroid tablets. Longer term there are plenty of other options, they could increase the methotrexate and/or add other DMARD drugs.

In the meantime take a look at this booklet from NRAS so that when you speak to the rheumatology department you’ll have some information about the various options. nras.org.uk/product/medicin...

[Pepsimax72]

Definitely get back onto rheumy. It takes time and (in my experience) a lot of effort to get them to do stuff but you have to persevere. I was diagnosed in July 2020. By Jan 2021 I was on hydroxychloroquine. Fine until August 24. I am 52 and feel 82. Since then I have been ringing and fighting for something to be done. Finally they have gave me an appointment 8 days ago and without me even saying anything they took one look at my wrists and decided to up my meds. Gave me two steroid injections one week apart and now I’m waiting for an appointment to get methotrexate. If you don’t tell them they don’t know and can’t help. Keep ringing if you’re in pain. Hope you get sorted out soon xx

[Happy5]

Early days, the first year is a roller coaster , while medications are sorted, see if they work etc. The pain is awful so as others have said contact your RA team ask for pain relief meds to be prescribed via your GP.

Methotrexate takes about 3 months to kick in. Dosage, method i.e. tablets or injections, other health conditions all contribute to what works. My friend didn't respond to MTX but they found a medication that did work for him.

So contact RA team about your symptoms , pain and concerns. All the best.

[welsh12]

Early days for methotrexate took me almost six months to feel benefits you may need dual therapy's something added mine was high dose of hydroxy lowered after a year.

[Pjf0265]

I have been on methotrexate and folic acid for nearly a year now - was on steroids on initial diagnosis Rang rheumy nurse last week as hands been flaring up - she is seeing me today and going to put me on an additional tablet - hydroxychloquin - as flares been happening frequently !

Best to speak to your rheumy nurse - they are brilliant x

[lovemydoggy]

My rheumatologist told me that it might take up to six months. I’ve been on methotrexate injections for 5 weeks at 15mg. At first I thought it was making me worse, but now I think it’s a coincidence and it might be working-sporadically. You should let your doctor know and discuss whether it’s appropriate to continue or change to something else. I think they go up to 25mg. I’ve also been told the injections work a bit better and help with side effects. Good luck!