Rheumatoid arthritis

[remission]

I had PMR for two years and when I finally got off of prednisone I was so grateful, thinking I. Now have my life back and then yesterday visit with my rheumatologist for the results of my MRI and she informs me I have rheumatoid arthritis and shocked that I am not in more pain as she can see from the MRI the damage that is already done to the. Joint, she said that I must have a high tolerance for pain due to having. Lived with PMR for two years. she hs put me in hrydrogychloroquine, but from what I can understand of the drug it really only slows down the progression of the disease.

Anyone out there with more knowledge or suggestions on things I can do to help myself.

thanks

[MrsNails]

So sorry to hear you have RA - there is a Support Group here on HU so you’ll find more information on your Medication. NRAS is the group & you can be in both groups

Hope you’ll find that helpful

[remission in reply to MrsNails]

thank you so much

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry to hear that - but at a guess, it wasn't "just" PMR you had but LORA with a polymyalgic onset which isn't uncommon. Unfortunately, at onset there is no way to differentiate between the two and when you have no joint symptoms it can remain undiscovered. Why did she do an MRI now?

There is no cure for any autoimmune disease - not even the biologics cure - and the role of the DMARDs (Disease Modifying AntiRheumatic drugs) is to slow down the disease activity in the joints to reduce the long term damage.

There isn't really a lot you can do to help yourself beyond good diet and keeping moving - aquafit is very good for that if you can find a group. There was a small study some years ago that found that a strict vegan diet provided relief from joint pain in half of RA patients but as soon as even a small amount of animal protein was reintroduced the effect was lost. People on the RA forum will know things that help them

[remission in reply to PMRpro]

thankyou for the info…. Very helpful

[remission]

thanks for your reply, it is so frustrating trying to get the right diagnosis and then to be on the right medication, I'm always concerned the meds are doing more damage than the disease

[DrRon]

I'm pleased for you re: remission..fantastic. My similar story: Me too. PMR diagnosis 3 yrs ago. On Pred immediately. Tried paring down 4 times. Gone thru the severe levels of pain. Have wanted to die at times. Then hands became crippled with pain. I'm an artist. Told it was RA. Bone on bone. In Sept I accepted Methotrexate as well. Currently 5mg Pred., & 17.5mg MTX. This combo has worked. I think God has something to do with it too. Almost pain free for 2 months. Elated. Nervous what Rheumy will reduce in early Nov.

'Stopped to Walk the Shore,' 11x14" oil on canvas.