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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 6/25/2013 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi does any one know how often you should have bloodwork done? Was dx in Oct. for ra. On rayos, methatextrate, Enbrel, pain patch along with high blood pressure meds. Have not had bloodwork since April and was just wondering cause I thought I read some where that you should be checked every month. So glad I found this site it feels good to know i'am not alone. Been reading different post and glad that some one understands about all the pain I have its hard to try and explain it to people that have no idea what ra is. Have found out a lot about it from reading different posts.
Posted 6/26/2013 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
When I was on Enbril I was having blood work done every 6 months. I was not taking anything else however. -Don
Posted 6/26/2013 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome!! :) Sorry about your diagnosis. We feel your pain. :o[

I was told that I'd need blood work done every 6 - 8 weeks when I was dxd. since these drugs "may" cause damage to the organs, eyes, etc.

Through the years, I became weary of these frequent appointments and asked if I could have them every 3 months, since I was doing okay on them and my tests were favourable. He said okay but when I started on a new drug or had an increase in a drug dose, he wanted to see me monthly for a bit like recently when I was double dosed on Pred.

May I ask what patch you are using, dose and is it helping you, if you don't mind?? A patch could be my next step or medical marijuana. That's why I ask.
Posted 6/26/2013 5:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I have blood work done every 3 months.
Posted 6/26/2013 8:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there

i have mine done Monthly now but when i started MTX it was done every 2 weeks for about a month or so then went monthly

Posted 6/26/2013 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
I guess the bloodwork depends on how often your Rheumy doctor thinks it should be done, but you can always ask your rheumy doctor at your next appointment...Many well wishes and keep us posted...
Posted 6/26/2013 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everybody I guess i'll ask my rheumy. @MsOuchie the patch is butrans i'am up to 20mg once a week it seems to help some but still have to take break trough pain every now and then.
Posted 7/2/2013 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
My rheumy says blood work needs to be done every 3 months if you are taking MTX, and every six months if you are not. Hope that helps!
Posted 7/7/2013 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, a few questions. Has anybody have swellen in one hand that does not go away? My right hand is so swollen going up into my wrist went to the er and was told it was arthritis. But I thought when you have ra it effects both side of body the same, but its just in my right hand. Dx with ra in October osteo  in my knees, now was told that I have degenerative joint disease in my back. Is it normal to have so many different kinds of arthritis and do you know if stress can bring ra on? It just seems like everything is coming at me all at once and its over powering and very depressing. So glad I can come on here to vent cause people don't understand all the pain we go through with ra. Try not to talk about it to much with my family cause we have been through so much already, 3 years ago lost my daughter and 8 months after her lost my husband so I try not to burden my family to much. Thank you for letting me vent. Meds I take is Enbrel, methotrexate, butran,rayos, tramadol, Norvasc, Lopressor, Zocor, protonix, singulair, and flexeril and even with all the meds I still have pain and sometines cramping. SORRY SO LONG.
Posted 7/9/2013 7:18 AM (GMT 0)
I think you're suppose to have regular bloods on mtx because it can potentially damage your liver. Plus they check your white blood cell count to check they're not wiping out your immunity too much.
I'd definately ask.

As for one sided swelling, I sometimes get it more on one side than another, like if I'm mainly using one wrist at work it can swell even though my left is a bit swollen, its not as bad as the right. But then other times its both. We tend to be symmetrical though with most of our swelling or symtoms its usually both knees or both elbows both hands. both hips... I'm amazed how one foot may hurt but both swell like a mirror image or something.
Stress can make RA worse or bring on a flare.
Yup you can have osteo and RA at the same time, one is caused by aging and normal degeneration of the joint from over use the other from disease and over inflammatory response.
Vent all you like we love it here makes us feel not alone in our complaints or our woes. We're sharing them with all of you and you with us.
Best wishes, golitho
Posted 7/9/2013 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I have been treated for RA for nearly five years. On MTX and Orencia, prednisone . Dr wants to see me every 90 days, with blood work.
Posted 7/12/2013 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
To golitho, thank you so much for your in put. I guess my hands is swollen more so like you said due to using one more than the other. This disease is no joke never had so much pain in my body before. Love this forum so glad I found it really appreciate all the information that I receive from everyone. God Bless
Posted 8/4/2013 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
I am MTX and Sulfasalazine and go I for bloodwork every two months.
I have the swelling and pain only in my right wrist and I have questioned that also as to why I only have this one area problem but really haven't gotten a good answer! Every other painful joint I have I am told is osteoarthritis? It is all a bit confusing!
Posted 8/18/2013 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
@Grammyjan I still have got no answers yet either its been a couple of momths already and the hand is still swollen and now its getting harder to use it and I'am right handed. It is so confusing I totally agree.
Posted 8/18/2013 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
@Grammyjan I still have got no answers yet either its been a couple of momths already and the hand is still swollen and now its getting harder to use it and I'am right handed. It is so confusing I totally agree.
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