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Deformities of R.A. ?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 9/3/2011 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
I've had R.A. since 2006 and in those five years I have developed permanent
thickening both hands, 1st two knuckles and permanent deformities of both thumbs. I still feel so blessed that is all I have so far.

But, I wonder what other peoples experiences are like? And what meds. you're
on ? I have been on Mtx. and Enbrel at first. Prednisone from time to time.
Now I'm on Mtx. and Arava.
Posted 9/4/2011 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
I have deformities in my hands, but I was undiagnosed for a long time...I am seronegative. I was taking MTX, NSAIDs and prednisone and Tramadol for pain. I am adding Humira now. First shot of Humira will be this coming Tuesday.

V
Posted 9/5/2011 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Are you still on the prednisone? When did you first start to have symptoms?
When did they tell you that you were seronegative? God bless! I've read some of your posts I think.
Posted 9/5/2011 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Well, about 12 years ago a rheumy told me I either had a virus or RA. He was such a jerk, I never went back. He had me on such a high dosage of Iburprofen that I still have chronic gastritis. I was on 20 mg of prednisone. I have tapered down to 3 mg at present and am trying to get down to no prednisone. I am hoping to just take it when I have flares. I was Dx with Seronegative RA on May 10th of this year. My current rheumy just shook her head at the treament I had received. The rheumy I saw before her said I had Erosive Inflammatory Osteoarthtis. Uh........not so much! He Dx me with that and didn't even order hand xrays. My current rheumy ordered hand and feet xrays. I have some erosions in my hands and my knees are pretty much shot from RA. I have the most trouble w/wrists, hands, knees, ankles, feet and hips. Oh, my! I just realized I have trouble with almost every joint. I found out thru this process that I have hip dysplasia, too, and a reulting cartilage tear in my left hip. My rheumy started me out on MTX, Celebrex, Prednisone and Tramadol for pain. I am functioning, but not very well. I go to work and come home exhausted and sleep most of my weekends away. My swelling hasn't gone down, either, so that is why I am starting Humira tomorrow.

Blessings,
V
Posted 9/6/2011 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Spicey,
Nice to meet you...it's good your on medicines that'll slow the RA down...
I'm just on MTX for now but can only tolerate it every third week, the last few months
have been heck for me trying to get the reactions down...Many many well wishes to you.
keep us posted on how your doing, okay.
Posted 9/6/2011 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, Chartreux!

I hope you are doing better than you were a few weeks ago!  Is your doctor thinking of changing your MTX to something else, like Arava?  Tomorrow is my big day.  I will give myself my first shot of Humira.  Take care, Chartreux.

V

Posted 9/6/2011 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Vannie,

Good luck with Humira! I am on it for one year now and it is really great medication! Fingers crossed it will workfor you! Best wishes!

Posted 9/6/2011 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Bstrong!

I just gave myself my first Humira shot. That stuff stings, but at least the sting doesn't last long. Now...how long til it starts working? LOL

V
Posted 9/6/2011 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
I think I saw first good effects after around 3-4 weeks, but I have heard that some of the people felt better even after first injection. I had headaches next day for few fist months but they went away. I don't like the injections either, but well once a 2 weeks is not bad.. at least is not every day :) I could taper to 2,5 mg a day of Prednisone but can't go any lower... I feel really good, can't complain. Just have had "a stumble on my way" as my doctor called it :) needed injections in my knees - I flared a little, but it is normal from time to time. Comparing to the pain I had, even that I have small problems with the elbows now - it is really nothing... :)

Really wish you best with your injections!!! I remember when I was at the same point as you :) one year ago...
Posted 9/7/2011 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
My hope is that I will be able to back off the Celebrex and pain meds. That would be awesome! I have tapered down to 2 mg of prednisone...trying to get down to zero. I do have increased pain in my elbows, knees and hip, that I think is due to the taper. Hopefully, the Humira will take up the slack!

Blessings, V
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