Re: , thanks for the welcome!

May 31, 2004

, in general and in the early stages, it's a good idea to keep an

open mind and make sure that one's diagnosis makes sense and continues

to as time passes. With a negative RF and no imaging studies done, there

is some room for error.

Sulfasalazine is a very good DMARD with a long history behind it. As Pat

said, the older drugs can be very effective and have the advantage of

being well-understood. Hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate are also

solid choices.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

Re: hello, new here

>

> Welcome, ! Many of us can relate to your story and to what you

are

> feeling.

>

> In the beginning, it is difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. The

> blood tests don't mean as much as your history and clinical

> presentation. Did you have any x-rays done?

>

> Taking care of yourself would include the things most everyone does

for

> being as healthy as they can be - no smoking, reaching or maintaining

a

> normal weight, eating a balanced, healthy diet, and exercising

> regularly.

>

> If it is indeed RA, being on a DMARD is essential to control the

> inflammation and slow or stop the progression of the disease. It

doesn't

> have to be a biologic. If you do wish to use DMARDs you can't afford,

> there are many patient assistance programs available that you may

> qualify for:

>

> HelpingPatients.org

>

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