RA AND SO MANY QUESTIONS

[Chances26]

Hi I have been taking Methotrexate for 8 weeks, I feel better than I did when I started but not great.

Have foot problems now and a chronic ear problem.

I have to stop MTX this week to take antibiotics, worried about pain to come

[kevg]

Try to avoid stress sleep more and avoid sugar

[Robinr805]

I had chronic ear problem when I started humira and continued when the switched me to orencia...come to find out I had shingles in my ear I have since then stopped all RA medication and am dealing with it naturally. My ear problems are gone now. Wishing you strength on your journey, I know it get frustrating at times.

[Chances26 in reply to Robinr805]

Wow that is interesting, thankyou 😊

[Preacherman in reply to Robinr805]

Wow Robinr805.....Shingles in your ear??? That must of really hurt!!! Did you lose your hearing? I had Shingles this past Spring due to my weakened immune system and I don't wish that on any one. You have my prayers. Hope your R/A stays under control since stopping all medications. I think my weakened immune system was really due to me taking too many antibiotics, that lowers ones immune system as well.

Blessings,

Brian

[Robinr805 in reply to Preacherman]

It was awful! My ear and throat. They were afraid of permanent nerve damage but seems ok. I've been taking a ton of supplements to get my immune system up and running again. The shots suppress your immune system and wreaked havoc on my body. I just have to stay committed to good health!! Been 6 months and doing pretty good actually

[Preacherman in reply to Robinr805]

Great, glad to hear that. May it continue in that direction.

[Kovalsm in reply to Robinr805]

What are you foing to treat your RD naturally?

[Robinr805 in reply to Kovalsm]

Yes I have been since February. I have actually been doing better and even less pain meds on my natural protocol. Always take it one day at a time!!

[Chances26 in reply to Kovalsm]

Probiotics

Multi vitamins,trying to make a habit of only eating food me and my husband cook, although we do eat out sometimes.

I do take folic acid.

Doc told me to start taking Biotin

[SherryKayB]

I have been on antibiotics many times and am always on Methotrexate. I have never been advised to stop taking Methotrexate while on antibiotics. Did this recommendation come from your doctor, pharmacist, other? Curious about this. Hope your pain does not return.

[Preacherman in reply to SherryKayB]

SherryKayB, I don't know to whom your question was addressed too?..I think Robin, but that's ok. I've been on and off Methotrexate for more than 20 years now and whenever I get sick I always skip my next dose of Methotrexate. When you do this it allows your immune system to catch up a little because Methotrexate suppresses your immune system as many arthritic medications do. My Rheumatoligist told me that and also that's why we all get colds more often and easier too. Blessings.

[Chances26 in reply to Preacherman]

Thankyou 😊

[Chances26 in reply to SherryKayB]

Yes SherrykB

My Rhuematologist told me too stop, on the other hand my GP doc said it was ok.

So who to listen to ?

But my Rhuem gave me the MTX so I chose to listen to her

[SherryKayB]

Thanks!

[tselph]

Before I was diagnosed I thought I was having TMJ problems along with female problems & joint pain. Turns out it wasn't TMJ & the female problems were all related to RA & Sjögren's. The glands in front of my ear were the culprit & when I would chew I got sharp pain right in front of my right ear. I also went to a gyn. & she put me on hormones for extreme dryness. Once I started on MTX these symptoms started getting better. I hope your symptoms get better.

I was wondering if your ear problem could be the same as mine. Check out the symptoms for Sjögren's.

[Chances26]

Thankyou tselph

I was tested for it and it came back negative, I know this is an issue that is not normal

[tselph in reply to Chances26]

My tests came back negative but I had every symptom of it. I was also negative on my RA bloodwork but was diagnosed by MRI. So who knows how accurate these things are.

[Ambertabbycat]

Hello Chances26, I was on Methotrexate for 8 years and on antibiotics a few times. Neither my GP nor my RA doc ever told me I should skip a dose of Methotrexate. I did not have any issues with taking both at the same time. They both continued working. Though I know my GP was very selective on which antibiotic to prescribe.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery from your foot and ear problems.

Love the kitty picture. Is it your kitty?

Karen

[Chances26 in reply to Ambertabbycat]

AmberTabbycat

Thankyou, This is my cat Max