Reactive arthritus

[Hannah00]

Hi, has anyone suffered or is suffering from reactive arthritus? From a tiny cut on my foot, I got a fungal streptococcal infection which triggered reactive arthritus. I had no idea what this was and traveled around a number of consultants to finally get an answer. I was injected with steroids which numbed the pain in my knee and hip (I am only impacted in my right knee and hip), and I assumed I was on the mend, so resumed my usual running regime. I now find myself 4 months later in the worse pain of my life with my knee, hip and back. I have been prescribed 10mg of prednislone per day which I started today. Does anyone have any experience of this drug, whether it works and how long until it takes effect? I can barely walk and am trying to manage three gorgeous young kiddies, a full time job and help my hubby manage my pain. Help - any experiences welcome.

[SheffieldJane]

This site is for people suffering with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and or Giant Cell Arteritis. Prednisalone is the specific medication to deal with the inflammation. These diseases, I believe are a type of Vasculitis. Prednisone is amazingly and quickly effective in relieving the pain and stiffness. You may find more commonality on an Arthritis site. I am not sure whether the condition you have would respond so positively. Good luck!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I doubt anyone here has reactive arthritis - we all have either polymyalgia rheumatica and/or giant cell arteritis which are forms of vasculitis and as SheffieldJane has explained pred is about the only medication we can use, other stuff doesn't work.

Pred is an antiinflammatory drug and should reduce your acute pain quite well and quickly in that it is used a lot in arthritic flares until the usual medication kicks in again. But more than that I really can't say.

I do hope it improves quickly for you - but next time, discuss going back to running with your doctor! Exercise is good for arthritis but in moderation and some things aren't advised.