Introduction---and question

[Guest guest]

Hi all--

I've been hanging around here for quite awhile, mostly lurking, but I

have posted a few times. I sincerely appreciate all of the

information I've learned here—you all are wonderful!

Anyway, I thought it was about time I got around to introducing myself…

I'm 40 years old, female, and work full time (luckily I'm an

accountant, so I don't have to be on my feet all day!). I began

having symptoms about a year and a half ago. First feet, then ankles,

then wrists/hands. My PCP sent me to a rheumatologist about year ago.

I received a diagnosis of sero-negative RA in October of last year.

At that time my Rheumy put me on MTX, Lecovourin (folinic acid), and

Trilisate (Asprin like NSAID).

I started with 10mg MTX/week, but have since increased to 15mg. I

consider myself very lucky in that I don't seem to suffer from any of

the usual MTX side effects—not even fatigue the next day. My rheumy

has me take the Lecovourin at the same time as I take the MTX. He

told me that a lot of doctors want you to wait a day to take the

Lecovourin, but in his experience he hasn't seen any difference.

Personally, I think that taking the Lecovourin at the same time as the

MTX may be responsible for my lack of side effects.

Anyway, now I consider myself to be doing quite well. I began going

back to the gym in May—I work out on the stair master and elliptical.

I also am doing some much needed light weight training for my arms.

I'm not back to 100%. I still can't make a closed fist with either of

my hands. I do have problems opening water bottles and my wedding

ring hasn't been off for over a year! (Luckily, I still like my

husband!! ;-) ) My ankles also give me problems if I've been walking

or standing for quite awhile (longer than one hour). Even with these

complaints, I am MUCH better than I was a year ago!

Now a request for advice from the group--last week when I saw my

rheumy, he suggested I think about going on one of the biologics

(probably Enbrel). I still have visible swelling in my hands, feet,

and ankles. He says that because there is still swelling in the

joints, joint damage is occurring, and that the Enbrel will help stop

the damage from continuing. I understand what he is saying, and

pretty much agree with him, but it's hard for me to add one of the

" big guns " when I feel like I'm doing pretty good. I'm pretty sure

I'll end up adding Enbrel, but I'm still wavering. Do any of you have

any advice/words of wisdom for me?

Thanks--

dordale