Diagnosis changed after meeting with consultant

[Firefighter1962]

Hi everyone

I was originally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis but after 8 months and a meeting today with the consultant I have now been told that I have got Osteoarthritis.

The issue I have is that having been on steroids and Methetrexate for the last 5 months , I have now been told that my treatment plan and medication is going to change.

Anyone got any advice ref how I should proceed

[DorsetLady]

You should be given tapering plans for both drugs -steroids probably the most difficult-your adrenals glands will have gone to sleep - and need to be nudged back into working.

Not sure what dose of steroids you are on… but maybe have a look at this post.. it’s on another forum but you should be able to read okay. We have a lot of experience with steroids, reducing them and adrenals -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Runrig01]

Yes, I’d expect them to taper you off your steroids, depending how long you’ve taken them, as to how quickly you can taper. Methotrexate you can just stop, there is no need to taper that.

On what basis did they diagnose RA, did you have a positive rheumatoid factor and raised inflammatory markers, or imaging to confirm diagnosis? . You are entitled to a second opinion if your uncertain re the change in diagnosis. OA is normally managed with regular painkillers.

[Firefighter1962 in reply to Runrig01]

No imaging , l have now had x-rays on affected joints, plan is to have MRI in 3 months. All bloods in last 5 months showed no indicators for RA.

A

[Reeceregan]

I have the same issue…kind of… PMR to RA to OA over the last 7 years but I slowly weaned off the pred using the DSNS method and stopped the MTX cold turkey. I was also on Plaquenil after that but have weaned off that as well. Now on nothing. I’d be interested to know what your dr’s treatment plan and medication change will be as I haven’t got that far yet. I see my rheumatologist next week to discuss whether he thinks I really do have RA and need to go back on ….something. 🤷‍♀️

[lowraind]

I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, then the Dr. left town. I found another Dr. who insisted that I did not have Rheumathoid Arthritis. After an episode where I was unable to move without intense pain, I saw a third Dr. who diagnosed me with both Rheumathoid Arthritis and Lupus. Get a 2nd opinion.

[Batty1]

How did he come to his new diagnosis and who originally diagnosed you with rheumatoid arthritis?

I was told by 2 different rheumatologists that my pains were nothing more than OA and working out too much even though when I came to see these 2 clowns I couldn’t even walk I dragged my feet and held onto everything I could it was a horrible time for me eventually I went to a University Rheumatologist after she reviewed my health history and multiple Xrays and bloodwork I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (had psoriasis my entire life) … I was super mad because of the damage the first 2 Rheumatologist did by dismissing my issues as OA and working out too much .

Get a second or even 3rd opinion.

[Firefighter1962 in reply to Batty1]

Sorry to hear that 😕

[anna4969 in reply to Firefighter1962]

Firefighter I do not have RA factor however inflammatory markers are raised but I am to understand not everyone with RA has a positive RA factor blood test. I am virtuous as you were on Methotrexate, did it help?