I was officially diagnosed on Wednesday and it has taken a long time to get there. I am unsure of what the future holds and am keen to speak with others going through the same as me. I have been started on methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone and am keen to hear from others who are on the same medication.

Hi

I'm on the pred but not the other 2.
The other 2 are dmards
They didn't work on me. But they are the gold standard ra treatments
They are very good indeed at controlling the disease
Normally takes about 12-16 wks before things start to really improve on the dmards so my guess is your very wise rheummy started you on steroids to help kick start the getting to feeling better process.

Jenni

How are you doing Lisa? Are te steroids working for you and hpw are you getting along with the 2 disease modifiers? Naomi, xxx

Hi Lisa - I've just replied on your other thread - good luck when you see your rheumy nurse. Take a list of questions, as it's so easy to forget.

Have you been given a little blue book or something similar to keep a record of your appointments and meds? It's easiest if you get into the habit of keeping your own notes, because one of the biggest adjustments is having to keep track of all your appointments with all sorts of different health care professionals - so far I've seen - GP, rheumalogist, rheumy nurse, phlebotomist (bllods nurse), research nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist (plus another one at hydrotherapy), and podiatrist! Phew - and that's just with the NHS!! It can seem a bit overwhelming at first but it does form a nice pattern over time, and it's easier if I keep good record of when I was told this or that, and when certain meds were started, because it's easy to forget the details and they often ask the patient as their records are not joined up at all! It must be even more confusing if you ever change hospitals!

Best wishes - Sylvia