Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Hi, Jay. I've had RA since December 2001 and am now pretty well controlled with Methotrexate and Remicade. For the first year I would have been bed-ridden with pain and weakness except for Prednisone. Prednisone is a conticosteroid that has bad side effects when used for long periods but is pretty fast acting compared with the DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs). However, the untreated effects of RA are very bad also so often Prednisone is useful until the DMARDs kick in (several weeks to several months). When I started feeling better I reduced Prednisone to keep a pain level of about three so I wasn't overmedicated. Prednisone usually reduces pain if a day or so if it will work. (Forgive me if I'm talking down to an EMT but I wanted to make sure my message was clear.) Good luck and God bless. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jay Bishop Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2003 11:34 PM Subject: RA Symptoms and Treatment Options? My name is Jay, I own a small business and am an EMT serving on a volunteer ambulance service.I just joined this group tonight. I am 55 years old and apparently have developed rheumatioid arthritis.Two months ago I started having pain in my feet, them my shoulders. Next my knees, wrists and hands started hurting. Four weeks ago I went to the ER and found my RA Factor was 113. A week later it was 118. It is now 164. I was prescribed Vicadin and Motrin 800 Mg. A consult appointment with a Rhuemitologist is scheduled for Aug 27th. In the mean time my Dr. is going to start me on Methotrexate and Plaquenil.I hurt 24/7 and I am scared. I have a hundred questions, but will just let this be my introduction to all of you. I will read what you say and try to educate myself on this debilitating disease. No, I do need a question answered by someone. Does the pain ever stop?I hurt so much it even wakes me up. I haven't had a full nights sleep in 6 weeks. I get so stiff I need help getting dressed sometimes. I can hardly wash my own hair and feet, Sometimes I can't even scratch an itch.I've been told that these symptoms are worse at first and will get better. Is this true? and if so about how long before the pain lessens?Any answers and information will be greatly appreciated.Thanks, Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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