Is it better or not?

Hi, this is sort of an update but I also might throw a question or two in.  I took my third shot of enbrel Monday and am still on 25mg of Methotrexate.  Finished medrol dose pack on Sunday.  I had a really good weekend.  Was thinking I must be improving as the morning stiffness barely lasted 30 minutes and I was able to go for a walk and start light exercise.  I was actually excited about this.  Monday and Tuesday were good.  Into Wednesday and not as bad as I have been but I am starting to feel like it is coming back.  Stiffness and pain lasting longer.  Pain most of the day.  But I am walking with a barely noticeable limp.  Was it just the pred again that made me feel so good.  Are my other meds still not working?  When will I know.  I don't really want to take things that could be harmful if they aren't helping.  Another issue is I want to quit my job which would mean losing my current insurance... how long can one stay on pred?  This is the only thing so far that seems to have helped anyway.  I can't afford to keep paying for drugs that aren't helping... blah blah... sorry I just want this to be gone.  Been there done that....

Theresa

It's unlikely I was overdoing it as I really didn't go anywhere like I ususally do, weather didn't permit it this time. Actually, where I think I am right now is in Limbo. I do think I am getting better... The stiffness isn't as long and the pain is down... Going to call doc tomorrow to see if I can increase the relafen to 3 times a day instead of just two as I feel for now this will do the trick. Today was another good day... woke up to little pain and stiffness and was able to walk with little problem... I may be coming down with illness as my throat is a bit scratchy and yesterday could have been the start of it. My boy had strep C and then went back today and has Strep A lovely isn't it. I avoided one but have a feeling I am not going to able to avoid it twice.

I really do think I am seeing positive effects from the meds. Here is my question. I know when I go back they will want to decrease MTX, but if I am only starting to see results should I ask to stay at the same dose a little bit longer before tryiing a decrease just yet?

Theresa

I live in Kentucky so the weather varies. But we are getting on the warmer side spring weather. For me my RA doesn't seem to be affected one way or another by weather. I was actually diagnosed in the summer with the worst pain and started to feel better when it got cooler, but this fluctuates as well. I usually am peeved because when i feel good the weather is bad and when I feel bad the weather is good and I can't get out and do anything.... LOL... but right now I am good, its 32 degrees and clear. I might keep a log again just to see if there is any relationship somewhere to anything... but it looks like I might be on an upswing and I really don't want to change anything yet.... except for the additional antiinflammatory midday.
Theresa

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with RA when I was around 30 years old. I am currently experiencing pain in my right ankle and it is really swollen to where I can't walk except if I have an air cast on my foot. I'm afraid to take enbril and now I really don't want to take it after reading the side effects that alot of you are experiencing. Does anyone know of anything that isn't so invasive and maybe helped them?

Hi Theresa.  I am happy to hear that you are seeing some results from the Enbrel.  I have taken 4 injections with no change yet and Dr. wants me to change my MTX tabs to injectable.

I grew up in KY near Ownesboro and moved to WY 30 yrs ago.  My family goes way back there but I just couldn't take the humidity and at that time the only decent paying job was coal mining.

You take care and hope you see more improvement.