I need advise. I've been seeing a rheumatologist because I tested positive for rheumatoid factor. I was tested because my wrists and hands got really sore (and numb) after doing some weeding. The back of my left hand became red and swollen and was really sore for a couple of days, then the pain disapppeared. Since then, I have had only mild soreness in my wrists and ankles, especially early in the day. They feel slightly sprained. The pain is quite tolerable and I haven't even needed non-steroidial anti-inflammatories for it. I also have fatigue and headaches--both of which are much worse than the joint pain. There is absolutely no joint damage on xray. I do, however, get a lot of numbness in my hands and even in my arms, especially when I bike, and I have just tested positive for anti-reticulin antibodies, which could indicate celiac disease. My doctor seems unsure whether I have RA, yet she wants me to start on Medrol (12 mgs daily). I have read some of the posts on people's reactions to Medrol and am hesitant to take it, especially since my RA symptoms are so mild.
What do you all think? Should I take the Medrol as my doctor advices?
Medrol pack is not as strong as prednisone. I have had to take them many times during RA flares and never had a reaction of any kind. By day 2, your pain is usually gone. This is just a short term anti-inflammatory.....don't worry. You may be in early stages of RA that over time will show up in your blood work or MRI's of your hands. Go ahead and take your meds....you'll be glad you did.Thanks Karen, for the reply. Did you notice any problems going off the Medrol? A friend was on Medrol for RA and had really bad itching when she went off. I am concerned about the decrease in the body's own production of cortizol after going off, but maybe that only happens when you are on the drug for a longer period of time?I'm not real sure about what you guys are referring to as Medrol. This the same thing I heard you guys saying a "Meddrol Pack'?
As for predisone...now I've had my share of that experience...in fact I'm taking it right now to get me through an infection, and it does ease your RA symptoms if you do indeed have that.
I'm like Karen...it's not going to hurt ya; you're likely to be quite pleased with the results.
I remember my first coarse on predisone. It was my first visit to the RA. I was in horrible shape. My hands were a crippled mess until at least lunchtime...I could barely lift my arms to get my shirt on in the mornings and I hobbled in there with sore hips and knees. My doctor gave me two shots of cortisone and a precription for predisone and an antimflamatory. With in two days my doctor called me to see how I was feeling. I told her I could not believe the difference. She was quite pleased with herself at the time. Over a short period of time we tapered off the predisone and started Sulfersalazine and the antimflamatory. That worked for me for years.
Long story short....go for it!!
Never take prednisone for very long, the side effects are not good. Besides the immediate weight gain it is better to discontinue in a short time.
I may be totally wrong here, but isn't Medrol pack the same as Prednisone?Prednisone is usually given for long periods of time. Both are effective means of reducing pain and swelling of flares. But I personally do not like to take it for long periods of time as it makes me really crabby and so I use it only when I am having really bad flares.
Taking the other drugs like mtx, sulphasalazine and biologics helps to keep the RA from causing further damage to your joints. They can also give good releif from pain and stiffness. I know for me the Enbrel gives me alot more energy.
Hope this helps and remember this is only my perception of what my doctors told me.......
Medrol is also referred to as Medrol dose-pack as it comes on a card with each day's dosage lined up for you. It is a steroid--methylprednisolone if I recall correctly.
Sorry I'm absent so much lately. New job has me going from early till late....am exhausted most days. Am fearful it'll throw me into a flare! Molly Bee Good to see ya Molly Bee....We've missed you. Hope things are going well; try to get some rest when you can. Thanks for all the response. I haven't taken the Medrol yet because my doctor had given me some Mobic (non-steroidial anti-inflammatory) to try first and it made me really sick. I had been having nausea for two months which may have made me more sensitive to the Mobic. After taking the Mobic, I felt like I had food poisoning and the flu all at the same time. I don't know what is causing the nausea and am wondering if it is a symptom of RA or if something else is going on. I am also wondering if anyone has had any experience with Medrol either relieving or causing nausea. I am concerned that with the nausea, the Medrol could make things worse and then I won't be able to continue it long enough to give it a fair trial. Any suggestions? Megan Hi Lovie, Thanks! I've missed all of you, too! The new job is great but very demanding. Not sure about the nausea, Megan. I have not had nausea as a feature of RA. Only pain and fatigue. And I say "only" with my tongue in my cheek. Believe me, pain and fatigue are enough! I don't think Medrol has any effect on nausea. It is dealing with inflammation and the pain it causes. When the inflammation is tamped down with Medrol, the pain is lessened. Maybe something else is going on...try asking your rheum doc. Molly Bee
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