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Introduction to my RA

Kreitzsi profile image
6 Replies

I have had RA for 6 years. Initially, my symptoms were quite problematic. I had fatigue low grade fevers, achy swollen hands and quickly some joint damage and deformity. When a rheumatologist was suggested, I finally got lucky. I was put on methotrexate and folic acid as well as lots and lots of Advil. I began to feel much better after 2 months. My rheumatologist was still not happy with how my hands looked so Embrel was added. I then went off Enbril and added Humira. I did well for several years on this protocol. Last winter I had a sinus infection that just would not quit even with two rounds of antibiotic. I took no medication for 2 months. Once the infection cleared I went back to Humira only. My rheumatologist said I could stop the Methotrexate, which I did. Soon I got a little flare with soreness in my legs feet and sometimes hands. I guess that 5 months off Methotrexate is all I can do. I have now gone back on a very low dose of Methotrexate which I hate due to side effects of hives and night sweats. Despite my recent problems I am still able to work part time and volunteer in our community. I am probably one of the luckier ones with RA.

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Kreitzsi
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jewel8888 profile image
jewel8888

Hi, I am new here, we have similar stories it sounds like. I just restarted my Humira after bladder inflection, and had to stop few months earlier from pharyngitis. I've only been on Humira since last year and it does make me feel a bit better but I've learned I must stay on methotrexate. I'm 45 and started methotrexate when I was 30 for psoriatic arthritis and now they tell me I have RA too. I have to see ear nose throat doc soon and worried they have to take my tonsils cause I have a lesion on my lung from something and my tonsils are enlarged often. Gave you found your teeth brittle from methotrexate?

ctwest53 profile image
ctwest53 in reply to jewel8888

Yes between the Methotrexate, plaquenil, and Remicaid infusion I have been losing my hair and my teeth are starting to crumble 1-2 at a time, I've had RA since 2009 and been taking all these Meds since, this just started over the past year. Cat

jewel8888 profile image
jewel8888 in reply to ctwest53

I'm sorry you are also having teeth problems. I gave a lesion on my lung that could be from the bacteria, ughh I don't have dental insurance.

zipper5321 profile image
zipper5321

Did your hands return to normal or stayed deformed?

jewel8888 profile image
jewel8888 in reply to zipper5321

My hands are better since stopping work and staying on methotrexate. My wrists get stiff once in a while but the medication has really improved my hands. I wish I could say the same for my spine.

jewel8888 profile image
jewel8888 in reply to zipper5321

Sorry it took me so long to reply, I gave been sick with some time of a bfection in my body they are still figuring out.

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