Hello everyone,

My name is Monique, I am 58, married with 2 children aged 24 and 25. I have been diagnosed with seropositive R.A. since the end of August 2009 but it all started at the beginning of May when the pain and swelling of my joints started. My gp thought it was a virus and only referred me to a specialist 3 months later. I have been on a combination of Methotrexate + hydroxychloroquine sulphate + sulfasalazine which seemed to work well after the first 3 months but it is no longer working and I have been in terrible pain for the last 5 weeks. I also had 2 injections of steroid in between. I have an appointment with the reumatologist tomorrow and I am not too sure what to expect. The specialist nurse mentioned that I'll have to be on 2nd level medication. Does anyone know what it means ? Thanks !

Hello Monique, welcome to the forum but so sorry you have RA though and that you have been in pain,

Im not too sure im the best person to advise but there are several people here who are and hopefully they will be around very soon and able to give you good clear advice. What time is your appointment, Monique?

My advice is to jot down everything you wish to discuss ready for appointment - in my personal experience it all usually disappears when going in the room and then going home i remember what it was i needed to ask... so now i always write things down.

Also, have you had any advice and support from occupational therapist and physio and maybe podiatrist too? My OT helped me work out what it was i was struggling with and how she could help with adaptations and sometimes just simple hints and tips. My best tip in the early days was not to hold a cup by its handle - simple advice but so helpful when my hands were so sore as this is when damage is more likely. I wrote down what tasks were causing problems and she helped resolve them or make things a little easier - its surprising what is out there to make life a little more manageable.

There is also loads of auseful information on the NRAS website pages including about medication so hope this may be helpful,

Let us know how things go and wishing you some speedy relief from pain, love Liz xxxxx

& im pretty sure someone will be along very soon and able to answer your query,
Take care xx

Thank you for your reply Jenni ! sorry to hear you have severe RA. Monique x

will be thinking about you tomorrow Monique and hope it is a positive appointment for you xxx

Dear Monique,

Welcome!

I hope your appointment goes very well for you and you receive the help you deserve. Sometimes a large dose of steroid ( a depo jab) will bring quick relief and calm the inflammation right down.

There are a few options to consider- one is increasing the three meds you're already on (I take the same)...I don't know of your doses but there may be room increase..

If this wasn't suitable there are the Anti-tnf (biologics) meds which are newer and were specifically designed for RA.

I have had RA since girlhood and am now 37 and married to Mark with five lovely children and an ancient house!LOL

Much love,

Amanda

Hi Monique,

Welcome to the forum ... I'm sure you will find lots of answers to the many questions you'll have trying to get to grips with RA!

Good luck at your appointment today ... please do let us know how you get on.

Joanna (39 with two children 10 and 6, RA for six years)

Dear All, Many thanks for all your kind replies and support. Had some fluid taken out of both knees today and 3 injections of steroid (1 in each knee + one in the bum). Was told to stay in bed for 24 hours which is fine as I am very tired. Methotrexate to be increased to 10 tablets. Was told I would have to inject myself with methotrexate in future but not sure if I can cope with this - a bit worried.... For the time being, I can still take methotrexate in tablets form. I usually take half of the dose on Monday nights and the other half on Tuesday morning. I was wondering if most of you take all the tablets in one go and if it is likely to make a difference ? I am sorry to hear that some of you are young mums, it must be very difficult to cope with young children to look after. Looking forward to knowing you better. Best wishes, Monique xx

Hi Monique, welcome to the forum. I hope you are getting a lot of benefit from your bedrest this weekend! Speak to you soon, Franky

Hi Monique,
Glad you've got some help with the steroid injections.
Hope they work well for you.

Love, Doreen xx

Hi Monique
what a lovely name
welcome to the forum where you will have a lot of help
my name is Mary L I have had RA for 14 years and MS for 3 years one daughter who will be 14 tomorrow (tried it once and dident like it )
on mtx rtx this works for both the diseases
I was on humira it worked for 4 years which was great but sadly it stopped working right for me
look forward to getting to know you better
take care
Mary L