Hi all:
Was off the boards last week. Had a nasty reaction to the medrol dosepak. Anyway, last Monday the Rheumy told me I had RA, and you all were so welcoming.
I got my bloodwork back and tested seropositive for the rheumatoid factor. My C reactive protein was within normal range. So were most of my other results, with the exception of something called a d string. Don't know what that is (other than NOT a g-string!! LOL)
Two questions then:
Has anyone else tested positive only for the RF and nothing else? Can it possibly be a misdiagnosis?
And, the doctor gave me a Rx for MTX, 7.5 mg weekly pills, folic acid and 5 mg. of prednisone. How does this look to you? I'm scared to start the MTX, afraid of all of the crazy warnings and side-effects listed. If the number values for the RF can point to something else, since the only other elevation was the d-string thing, I'm wondering what to do.
Thanks in advance.
Lisa
< =text/>_popupControl(); Lisa...welcome to the board. I am sorry I missed you last week when you first started posting...but I was in the hospital.
Hopefully I can help you not so worry too much about the mtx and your diagnosis. First of all...it is not just the lab work that the docs look at...or should be looking at. It is more of a taking a look at the whole picture type of thing. Like are your joints tender...swollen...painful...hard to move...do you have morning stiffness etc. I really feel that most everyone questions their diagnosis when they are first diagnosed. What you are thinking and feeling is perfectly normal. It is probably a very slim chance that you have been misdiagnosed with RA. It does happen but with the meds your doc has put you on right off the bat...I doubt it.
As far as the mtx goes....many people here have been on mtx for many many years and have had no long term problems with it. It is perfectly natural and normal to look at the warnings and go OMG what do they want me to put in my body??? Are they crazy??? However, those long term warnings etc....very RARELY happen if at all. Yes, there are the side effects from the mtx that are really a pain and can be uncomfortable. But you can do some things to make them not as bad or sometimes...not even have any side effects at all. If the mtx makes you nauesous...ask your doc for anti nausea meds...personally I inject my mtx to avoid all together any tummy issues with it....you amy feel very tired the day after you take your mtx. Try to set up the day you take so that the following day you can rest. Many people take their mtx at night before going to bed and practically sleep thru all the side effects. Make sure you are taking folic acid also. Mtx causes a nasty folic acid deficiency. Call and ask your doc about how much you should be taking every day.
My bloodwork is almost always normal. Some people are just like that. Some people have very elevated blood work. I am sero-negative RA...which is I do not show a postive Rh factor...but I sure do have a raging case of RA!! There are many other people here that are also sero negative RA.
Hope I was able to answer some questions for you. Please ask any and all the questions you want. Look forward to hearing more from you!
Hi LisaHi Lisa!
I am sero-neg RA also but have been on MTX for 2 years with the only side effect was losing a little hair. So, try not to worry about taking it.....you'll be fine.dordale
Hi Lisa. I've been taking mtx for 15 years now without any problems, but I know the feelings you're having regarding the mtx. I was terrified to take mtx and put it off for a while. Things got so bad that it was difficult to do anything and I was just staying in bed. I knew I had to try the mtx. I'm so glad I did...it's worked very well for me.
You'll have regular bloodwork done so your doctor can keep an eye on things and let you know if there are problems.
Good luck with the mtx and try not to worry too much about it.
Kelly
I was TERRIFIED to start MTX. Now after almost 1 year and up to 20 mgs. I will tell you to take the MTX and skip the prednisone. That stuff is the WORSE. NEVER take it!! I am also sero-neg RA. I have been on MTX for 8 months, the only downfall I find is the day after I am totally exhausted.