New to this forum

Hello - back in 2010 I became a regular visitor to the UC forum as I had been battling repeated flares. I finally got this under control with humira and sulfasalizine but now are suffering repeat flares of trigger finger and tendonitis. My RA dr. Said it was all related to the autoimmune inflammation occurrence. I have received a couple cortisone shots in my left wrist for trigger thumb. Now I am suffering same in my right hand middle finger. I've had one cortisone shot and it was so painful I don't want another. The first shot lasted a while but now it has returned and progressively getting worse. I tried an overall increase in my sulfasalizine for a total of 4000 mg a day with an overall steroid shot. This did not help. Additionally I'm getting inflammation of my eye which is resulting in the need for steroid drops. I'm scheduled to see an orthopedic dr for my hand. Has anyone experienced this wide range of inflammation and found one method that helps everything. Im just turning 55 and when I get up I'm so stiff and sore I hate to think what I'll be like in 10 years.

By the way, welcome back to the forum! I forgot to say that humira eventually quit working for me and I switched to enbril and methotrexate which has me back on track. I had a cortisone once too in wrist...OUCH!!! The carpal tunnel surgery really did the trick though.

Just had two cortisone shots in my hips on Jan 19th because I'm walking like I'm 90 years old. My Dr. said you didn't even feel the shots? I didn't because the pain everywhere else was so bad. My RA is everywhere, every joint that I never knew was a joint. I hate this whole RA thing never felt so bad and have my life out of control ever. I was a young (I mean girls night out fun,going for walks with dogs and husband) 61 year old,looked like I was 50. Last Feb things started to change and in July was told I had RA and was told it had to have been here a long time . I was in a full flare up so my life feels over. No more lucky if I can climb into bed...ISH!!! Hate this where is a cure?!!! (hugs)
Much love to all...

Hi,

First of all I'm very sorry you have RA . It's a life changer for sure. Today there are many new drugs to treat RA. Our parents had very little to help treat the pain and the help suppress the damage to the joints.

I have had RA for many years and PSA, OA.. IT hurts period. Even with both hips replaced it's not always what one would expect. It is so much better than the alternative. It takes a lot of managing to deal with daily routines. I use a lot of helper products on the market for arthritis.To open things, shoes have Velcro. No cloths with buttons, that's just a recipe for frustration. Even jewelry has new magnet attachments for bracelets , necklaces and pull over watches. Some at really in style others well need a little help . Large snaps or pull overs. Elastic waists. Even have special tools for gardening for arthritis. My PT has given me many exercises to help stretch and manage the pain.

Have you asked about hip replacement it's better that the constant pain. It's bad in my back that has been helped with a bio injection.

There are many new drugs on the market. Ask your rheumy about the many new bio drugs & DEMARDS that help stop the damage and really help the pain.

See online the many new drugs for RA. Many types of DEMARDS and Biologics. Do a google search and find a specialist near you that can help manage with what might be best for you.