ANOTHER ? about meds | Arthritis Information

 

OK, I'm confused because I thought when you are diagnosed with RA, you MUST take something to slow down the progression of the disease? Yet, I have a friend who says her sister has it and doesn't take anything because they make her sick...wouldn't the Dr. keep try until they found something she can tolerate? I mean not taking anything for pain is one thing, but with this particular illness I "thought" if you don't take anything to slow it down it will progress into something much worse??? Is it possible to be diagnosed with Rhuematoid Arthritis and NOT be given medication to treat it?? Thanks again....

As Karen said, your sisters friend should see a rheumy and get on some kind of treatment ASAP.  If her meds were making her sick, she was simply on the wrong kind for her.  She does have options.  Most arthritis meds do have side effects and ingoring the disease because of this is not an option.  Finding the right "mix" can take time and requires patience on her part.  This disease can progress very rapidly and should not be taken lightly!

Allen

Staci,

When I was dx with RA 30 years ago, they often treated mild to medium cases with just pain killers. This has been proven to lead to permanant damage. Do encourage her to seek real treatment that prevents damage.

I know it is a struggle to find the right mix of meds, requiring both bravery and patience.  

I am learning also.  I had thought if the symptoms were not aggressive, you did not have to be on the meds because it is not worth the trade off for the side effects.  My rd has never given me this option, he told me I will be in a wheelchair within five years if I do not treat my ra aggressively. 
When I retired and moved out West, I had no medical insurance and had to forego the medical profession.  I simply couldn't afford the office visists and labs, to say nothing of the medications.  After four years of non treatment, I have some serious joint damage plus my hands are all but useless due to ruptured flexor tendons.  It is only recently, since I qualified for Medicare, that I am seeing a doctor again.

KarenNTx is correct when she says that most GP's know next to nothing about RA but if you can find one who will work with you, download info from the 'Net and discuss your options with him.  Or better yet, find a rheumy!

Kidlet

Roxy

There is a lot of truth in what you say too. But even a mild case of RA causes damage over time. That damage is permanent. Plaquenil doesn't have a whole lot of side effects (eye thing is rare, and can be watched for).

I wish my mostly moderate RA had been treated earlier. Lots of damage over time. Surgery next week....

It's a nasty disease - fight back! 

Best to get on one of the DMARD's asap...you can go downhill in a hurry. Mine was agressive too and I got the wheelchair talk..it scared the heck outta me. My RA isn't really bothering me much now,  I'm just sleepy.
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