Date: 29.04.2014
From: Dani
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Subject: New to ra.
Hi I've recently been diagnosed with ra. I'm currently on steriods. Had it it under control, then specialist is reducing them to out me on other more permanent drugs. Only problem is that up whilst I'm reducing the steroids I'm getting flares ups. A couple a week at the moment. Is this normal.
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Date: 29.04.2014
From: Colin W
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Subject: Re: New to ra.
hi Dani , steriod at higher dose is not the answers but sometimes we need it , drugs like methotrexate take time to work & they may even need to give you one of the biologics at some point it will take time to get RA under control but it is a lot better now & hopefully you wont end up with joint damage in the link section above , you will find National Rheumatiod Arthritis Society , Arthritis Care & Arthritis Research UK which is the main Arthritis charities in the UK , the first two have free helplines if you need it
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Date: 29.04.2014
From: Dani
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Subject: Re: New to ra.
Lovely. Thank you Colin. Thought it was me be paranoid and wanting it to happen more quickly. Suppose I will wait it out to start new medication and hope it works. Many thanks for your help.
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Date: 29.04.2014
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: New to ra.
Steroids mask the symptoms rather than cure it so you might well get flare ups when you reduce. It's interesting that you say you are getting 'a couple a week' as I associate a flare up with a much longer period of time, several days or more, sometimes weeks. The national protocol is to get people on dmards within 3 months of diagnosis. I'm surprised you are reducing the steroids but not starting another drug. Hope they get you on something soon.
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Date: 29.04.2014
From: Dani
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Subject: Re: New to ra.
My flare ups last a day usually. I'm always in constant pain with stiff joints. The steroids have helped reduce this so I'm able to do everyday activities now like climbing stairs getting dressed etc without help. I am starting other drugs. The consultant wants me off steroids before putting me on the others.
Everyone's different I suppose and I came here for advice and any ideas on how people cope with their athritis. And would like to thank in advance to those who do.
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Date: 01.05.2014
From: Ken
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Subject: Re: New to ra.
You need to get on biological just as soon as possible. I spent 3 years the cheap drugs that NICE say you have to take first as the biologicals, eg Humira vey expensive. You need to keep the pressure on you rheumatoid department. In three years I experienced every joint flaring up, and most deforming. Also was on huge amounts of pain killers. I got on Humira and hey presto, no pain, no swelling, joints are still deformed but when they have gone they are gone. I had a friend who contracted RA around a year ago and with pressure and a bit of coaching from me she manged to get onto a Humira type drug within 6 months of first consultant visit. Everyone is different I know but if you are in pain, have constant flare ups, don't just sit back as there a drugs that just might be the answer as they were for me.
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Date: 07.05.2014
From: Mgt
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Subject: Re: New to ra.
Hi- you definitely need to be on biological or MTX as soon as possible- hope all goes well for you
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