Questions - Just starting the RA journey

My4Joys

New Member

Joined : Aug 2014

Posts : 2

Posted 8/7/2014 4:17 PM (GMT 0)

Hello all! It's great to find a forum to ask questions. I was just diagnosed on June 3rd with RA. The markers out of the normal ranges were RF 75, anti-CCP>250, CRP 6.9 Started on Prednisone at 10mg daily, Methotrexate 15mg weekly, Folic acid, and Vit D 5000IU. The prednisone has been tapered down to 5mg now with Sulindac if needed. My rheumy wanted to increase the mtx last visit, but couldn't because my liver tests were slightly elevated. I have a few questions for those with experience.

1. What is my ultimate goal? (Besides total remission) The pain and swelling is much better. In fact I really didn't realize how bad it had gotten until it improved. But - I still have joints that ache. I can't really exercise like I would like, or even be on my feet all day, without feeling like I need to ice my knees or ankle. I'm thinking I still have some tweaking to do with meds. I hope this won't be the normal I'm looking for.

2. Does anyone have "slightly" elevated liver tests all the time? My testing started at the end of April. Since then I've only had one liver test (out of 4) that has been what my dr considered normal levels. (Before the actual diagnosis I was taking various NSAIDs and tylenol without much relief.) If this continues does that usually mean the mtx won't be an option for me?

Thanks for any input. I'm learning a lot and plan to take more questions to my rheumy next visit. She's been great so far. I just think I haven't really known what to ask.

BadDay

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2011

Posts : 1087

Posted 8/8/2014 1:49 AM (GMT 0)

Hi & Welcome
well good & Bad News Good You got it Early Bad You Got it

as for Exercise Don't Push it if it hurts Stop there is No Working thru it with RA and ignore the no pain no gain stupidity pain tells you to Stop
However a Very Good way to exercise is Water as it supports your joints takes the weight off and allows you to do more and warm water is better if you can

so Swimming or even what I used to do in rehab - Walk Yes I had a floaty Device and I would simply walk a few steps in the water then next time a few more until I eventually walked about 12 feet across the pool (this was a lot for me)

then I went on to swimming and even holding the wall of the pool and lifting one leg slightly or doing like a baby with a kick board and paddling both feet But its All about Slowly Gently Easy Dose it

or if you are lucky a Hot Tub you can lay in at home and just wiggle your toes & Hands

or out of water a soft baby toy to squeeze in your hands or a soft stress ball etc this keeps fingers active

there are many SOFT Exercises that wont hurt you

You Need to keep a close watch on All your Blood test Results - let your Rheumatologist Know even if you ring him the MTX can raise liver enzymes it could be you need to drop back a bit and work up slowly or it could be something else
just because you have a poor blood result this may not mean you cant take the particular medication it may just mean you need to vary the dose or divide it between 2 days or drop down low then increase Slowly this is why your Rheumy should always know what's happening,

Do Take Care and keep us informed

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