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recent RA diagnosis

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/2/2014 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hello. My symptoms began in dec. when it felt like an ice pick was being pushed between the web of my fingers. This happened about every 10 days. Then I got a baker's cyst behind my left knee in mid feb. I requested lab tests from my primary care physican which tested for RA in mid april. The test results showed my Rheumatoid factor was at 121 (normal is less than 20) and my CYC CITRU was 237 (normal 20). I was referred to a Rheumatologist in May & he confirmed I was likely to get RA, but no apparent symptoms at that time. By mid June I have swelling in both my index fingers & right knee did not respond to a cortisone shot so back to the RA doc. I am 2 1/2 weeks into taking MTX; Doc says it takes up to 4 weeks to kick in. So, when it kick in, what happens? Pain goes away, swelling is gone???

Frankly I quite scared....this disease is killing me
Posted 7/3/2014 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry you're going through this and that you're scared. MTX and other RA meds can take a while to start working - it sucks but that's just the way it is. By the way, the low doses of mtx that we take for RA don't usually have nearly as many side effects as "Dr. Google" would have you believe.

For me, having the meds work means the inflammation (mostly) goes away as does the pain. Everyone's immune systems are different, so we all have different responses to the meds. I know that's not much solace, but know that on this board you've found a place where we understand what you're going through.

If you want some internet hugs from a stranger, here they are: ((hugs))

Take care and let us know how you're doing.
Posted 7/3/2014 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
When it kicks in your swelling will go down, that's what I noticed was the swelling had gone down in my knee's, I had skinny knees for like the first time in a long time!

So, give the medication a few more weeks and at your next appointment you can decide with your doctor if another medication should be tried.

I wanted to also say hello and to offer up some gentle healing ((hugs))
Posted 7/3/2014 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
thank you for the hugs & quick replies. I will try to be patient
Posted 7/3/2014 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Patience is hard. In the meantime you can hang out with us. :-)
Posted 7/5/2014 7:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome!

In my experience I would say that 4 weeks is pretty optimistic when it comes to MTX kicking in but YMMV. It took about 4 months for me and it was a gradual thing. I started seeing less swelling and inflammation as well as more "good" days. It has been worthwhile overall to be sure. I had some fatigue for the next 2 days after I would take it and I was advised to take folic acid after my injection day. My doctor wrote me a prescription for it since the over the counter supplements are not regulated like RX and your dosage can vary. It helped and now I rarely feel the fatigue I once did after my injection day.

As others have said give it time, if the pill form is upsetting to your stomach ask for the injectable. Your body absorbs it better with injections anyway and its really not a big deal.

I hope that you find some relief soon. Hang in there!
Posted 7/9/2014 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Don. I too experience fatigue a couple of days after I take the pills.
signed,
desperately seeking some relief
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