I’m new, too. | Arthritis Information

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Greetings! 

I was technically diagnosed with RA in May of 2006 but am now actively getting treatment (I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks after my diagnosis and the RD I was seeing said there wasn't anything he could do until I was done being pregnant and nursing... then it took me a long time to get an appointment with a new RD after I was done nursing).

I had an appointment on Wednesday with a new rheumatologist, this time at the University of Minnesota.  She confirmed the diagnosis of RA and indicated that it seemed pretty progressed.  However, I didn't get too much detail on that part.  After an intake interview and a physical exam, I was sent down for 22 (!!) x-rays and tons of blood tests.   I was also given a long list of medications.

Truth be told, I'm a bit freaked out.  The medications seem overwhelming!! Plus, she was explaining the side effects and they are terrifying!! I haven't started taking them yet but plan to this weekend. This is a list of what she gave me:

I'm already on Zoloft 150 mg and Adderall 20 mg per day.  It's just so overwhelming!  She also told me to research both Enbrel and Humira and for me to let her know next month which of these two I'd prefer to try first.

Please tell me that this gets less overwhelming! I'm not sure if this whole regimen will be life-long or is just temporary!

Hi Trina...welcome!

It sure seems overwhelming in the beginning, doesn't it?   It does get better though.

In the beginning I was also terrified to take all these meds.  I'm on all that you have listed (off the prednisone now though) and have never had any problems with them. 

Good luck!

Kelly

Oh...forgot to mention...I've been on these for almost 16 years.

Hi Trina~  Welcome

I haven't heard of that first med you listed, but that's quite a list especially when you add either Humira or Enbrel.  I'm surprized your doc would put you on so many to start with.  I started out with just methotrexate and when that didn't quite do the trick, Enbrel was added.  And when RA hit me just under a year ago, it hit very hard.  Pretty much all my joints.  I could hardly move.

But, it's not like I'm a doctor.  I know others will have more to say. I'm glad you found us.  Sorry you got stuck with this disease.

Linda

Trina,

Yes, that list does seem very extensive for someone newly diagnosed. It's common to start with one or two medications and add from there.

There is a link to my blog at the bottom of my posts. I discuss dietary therapies that have been proven to help RA, if that is something you would like to pursue. I have been able to decrease necessary medication that way. One of the medications that you will be taking, sulfasalazine, is used to treat gut dysfunction. It also works for RA and many people feel that gut dysfunction and autoimmune dysfunction go hand in hand.

Most people do start out on Methotrexate. Be sure to take folic acid to minimize hair loss. You can take three 400 mcg tablets once a day. You can get them at the drug store.

EDIT: Nevermind, I see folic acid on your list now. LOL.
slbridges39444.6470023148the omeprezole is nexium. its to help with reflux and protects the stomach from getting ulcers. I am on enbrel and have found it to be my miracle drug but there are others here that say the same for humira. Best of luck with it all and know youre not alone with plenty of people here to give advice or support.

I, too, thought it was quite a bit to start with... but she did seem rather concerned with some joint damage so I'm wondering if the # of meds may be an indication of where she feels I am at damage-wise.  I don't know.  It's on my list of questions for next month!

HI Trina, so sorry you have had to come and find us, but a very warm welcome to you, there is always someone here when you are feeling overwhelmed, when you can't get answers anywhere else, and when you just need a shoulder to cry on or even to share a laugh!  Try some relaxation techniques as you may need them on your disease course.  Best of luck, hope it doesn't take too long to sort out your meds, hugs Janie.

Welcome TrinaH.  Sorry you have RA.  I was a little freaked out too, and I wasn't started on all the medicines your doctor gave you.  I started on Plaquenil, then tried to add Sulfasalazine.  I couldn't tolerate that, so my RD added methotrexate.  I continued to get worse so this week, I started on Enbrel.  I've got "high hopes" for this drug.

You'll find a lot of very knowledgeable and friendly people at this site.  They are all great!

Welcome TrinaH!!

Hi TrinaH and welcome.  I'm sorry that you had to find us but am glad that you did.  If your RD feels that you have joint damage and have progressed rapidly then the drug list your RD gave you is reasonable.  She's starting you on the low dosage side of all of the meds and will add more dosage if you don't respond.  She wants to hit it hard from the very start.  If I could do it over, I would want a RD who treated me agressively.  I didn't have that, and I have multi damaged joints.  The one thing you need to remember, these meds may not start helping for about 3 months.  The Prenisone will help within a few days but the DMARDS will take much longer.  You'll have to have patience.

I've used Enbrel and Humira and for some reason I've responded much better to Humira.  Don't know why.  Keep us posted on how you're doing.  Lindy

I can not give you much advise on the meds. I do not see RD till the 15th of Jan. I did want to say welcome. We are here for you if you need help. Everyone responds differently to medicines. Some work for one person and another person will do better on a different medicine. Side effects are pretty individually based also. Welcome. Hi TrinaH and welcome. This is a great place for support and advice.

 On diagnosis (around 5 yrs ago) I was prescribed Prednisone 20mg daily, Methotrexate 17.5 mg per week, 5mg Folic Acid Daily (except Mtx day).  Later on, as I began coming down on the Prednisone, 2 Placquenil - 5 days per week was added.

So we are all different, but seem to be following similar pathways medication wise.  Fortunately I haven't needed any of the big guns, and have not suffered any side effects that were uncontrollable.

I'm now down to 8mg Prednisone, along with the other original doses of the MTX, Plac & Folic Acid.  I'm currently pretty well under control in terms of pain etc., but have had two painful goes at coming down from 8 mg Predn.  Just not a happening thing for me, although I would love to get off it.  I'm not giving up though, and trying another reduction next month, all going well.

It seems to be pretty standard practice to treat this stuff agressively right from the beginning, to try and get in under control and to reduce possible damage.   Good luck in your RA journey!!

Again, welcome!!


Kiwilass239444.8994212963

Hi Trina, welcome from me and also sorry you have ra. Best advice I can give is to read up on it. There are lots of books and websites on it. I think your dr is starting you out on the right stuff because like he and you both said, your ra is aggressive, so you need to treat it that way. It's a good thing to keep a journal about your aches/pains/swelling etc., and also something else, write down all your questions and take it with you to your next appt to help you remember. I wish you well, hang in there, come here often to ask questions, rant or whatever. There's lots of people going through the same thing.

take care

Hope you have a superfantastic and extra comfortable day!

Thank you so much!! I needed it  so much! I've read up on all the meds so far and the only one that strikes fear is reading about the methotrexate
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