Re: Seronegative RA - and Penny

[Guest guest]

:

You are in good company. Like Penny, I am seronegative and was diagnosed on

symptoms

and how I responded to prednisone. My rheumatologist, who has treated me for 3

years

for Fibromyalgia, was familiar enough with my medical history to know that

something

had gone wrong when I went to see her in November 2006. My knuckles were

swollen, my

hands were red and warm, I was exhausted and could barely climb the stairs in

our home

(due to my knees).

I take methotrexate by injection. Because I'm not responding as well as I would

like, my

doctor increased me to 20 mg of MTX per week. I am tapering my prednisone

because

honestly, I'm gaining weight and getting that " moon face " look.

There are side effects to all medications. Regular doctors visits and blood

monitoring is

important.

Feel better, dear....