Morning all,

I am almost definitely ever so slightly, feeling a itsy bitsy bit better..... it comes and goes, but the fingers and wrist swelling has reduced and stiffness is improving... but I do feel very very tired but (lots of buts) I am just beginning to learn to live with it. I know I probably have a long way to go and everyone recognises the ups and downs... I think by the time the next dose of MTX is due I shall probably be down again but......

Best advice - the piece on Flare Ups posted by Jenni made me look at myself and recognise what is going on instead of trying to carry on in all the fog and confusion.

Best support - everyone who has replied to my postings

Hey ho it's off to work we go....


Have good day everyone - Julie x

Hi Julie

Great to hear that there is some progress and you feel a little bit better. It takes time to get to know your body and its response to RA, it does come, with time, so do be patient. Remember not to over do things when you are feeling better ... the 'wellness' can quickly disappear!

You might be interested to read the article on patient.co.uk which gives lots of information about how our joints affected and lots of other useful bits!

Good luck, hope things continue well

Lyn x

hi Julie,

glad to hear things are improving slightly for you.

the full realisation of this disease has hit me this week ... as i have to face changing Drugs as unfortunately the Methotrexate and Hydroxy haven't worked for me, been on Methotrexate since last June.

i think tiredness is part and parcel of this condition.

hope things improve for you week by week,

Suzanne x

Hi Julie

Phoning Rheumatology may be the way forward for advice but your pharmacist should be able to help with what you can or can't take with methotrexate.

Paracetamol (both as cocodamol/codydramol) can be safely taken with methotrexate, I have been on constant prescription for the two for about 7 years with dihidrocodeine thrown into the mix for night time! I think, often NHS Direct cover themselves and will be reluctant to give any advice where Methotrexate is concerned. Often warnings about possible interaction relate to the higher doses of Methotrexate used by cancer patients and the risk is rare with the lower doses used by RA patients.

However, always best to obtain advice specific to your needs from Rheumatology. Are you already on pain relief medication for RA? This will often see off any headaches or minor aches and pains!

Lyn x

Thanks Paula and Lynn

One thing is predictable with this RA, nothing can be predicted! It really is a case of individuality. It was such a banging headache and it was Sunday so I rang NHS Direct rather than the local doctor who is always busy or go to A & E. I ended up taking paracetamol which later on that day NHS direct said I couldn't take. I have had a another blood test since and all is ok with that so my fear it may be raised blood pressure was disspelled. It;s also good to see there are lots of alternatives too which I have never heard of before - like to slow release Ibuprofen. I shall see my doctor.

Thanks for your advice it all helps .

Good news is I feel even better limbwise today and I have to up the MTX to its max today (15mg) although originally the consultant said he was going to get me on 20 mg. So I am hopeful with the good progress on the present dose I shall stay there for a while, as I seem to be adjusting to it.

Still a bit foggy memorywise but it is better.

Its good to be able to talk to someone about how I feel as family all seem to be busy elsewhere and just want the old me back I think.

Have a good day everyone

Love Julie x

All is well on cold comfort farm, thanks Julia But they were looking decidedly soggy this afternoon, bless...

Hello Julie

The slow release pain killer that I mentioned is called Bruffen Retard. If you read the info with them it does say take two in a morning but my consultant told me to take one in a morning and then one in the evening so I would have a constant top up of pain relief in me. He did say when I was first diagnosed with that I would eventually not need them once the disease was under control, that was in May 08 and I am still taking them. I have tried to stop them on several occasions but the pain starts to come back. I often wonder what is controlling my RA, the DMARDS or the pain killers.

I once enquired at my pharmacist about pain relief for my daughter and he explained to me that normal over the counter pain relief built up to a peak and then started to dwindle, he compared it with a labour contraction, the slow release ones that I take mean that the level of pain relief in my system stays at a consistent level.

Paula