Hello all!
Linncn- I've been taking the MTX (7.5mg weekly) along with the Celebrex and Plaquenil(daily). She hasn't changed the MTX dosage since she started me on it in Oct "07. I've see the RD again in two months. I have been thinking about getting a second opinion it's just so hard to get in to see a RD these days.
Another thing the RD told me is that you can't have RA in the neck area. I have a lot of pain at the base of my skull and some days can't move my neck at all. It doesn't feel like the muscle pain I get from stress sometimes - this is completely different. Do you know if it is true that you can't have RA in the neck?
Thanks again for your replies.
hi newbie,
I am new to the board too. diagnosed in february with seroneg RA. I have done a lot of research and it is my understanding that yes you can get RA in the neck and it is serious but it is a rare joint to be involved. Usually it is in the vertebrae at the base of the skull from what I have read. You need to mention it to your rheumy because I read that in very rare cases the damage to the vertebrae can cause it to slip and compress the spinal cord which may result in paralysis. Some people have ended up quadraplegic from it. ITS SUPER RARE Though so dont freak out. Just mention it to the doc and have him evaluate. Its nice to meet you. Good luck with everything and take care.
Welcome Laura - While it's true that the meds can take awhile to start working, it seems odd that she wouldn't have increased the mtx yet if you've been taking it since October and you're having increased joint involvement and pain. I also agree that a baseline of xrays would be of benefit. If you're comfortable with your RD and satisfied with your care, mention your concerns at your next visit. If you're questioning your treatment and follow-up, then it may be worthwhile to have a 2nd opinion. You'll be with your RD for quite awhile, so you need to see someone you trust is doing the right thing for you.
KB~ what about the plaquenil? Did you start that at the same time you started the mtx? If no, how long before/after? Also, how long can it take to start working?
Welcome Winddancer and Eliseo. Winddancer, you're on a really low dose of MTX and I'm surprised it hasn't been increased since it wasn't helping at all. For some people, like me, it took about several months (I think, about seven, but I'm a bit foggy today) before I felt better and that was on MTX and Plaq. at 20 mg. Most doctors treat aggressively right after diagnosis to prevent damage. I'm wondering why she started with only pain killers if she's sure you have RA. Maybe you should get a second opinion, since there are a couple of things that may need some "tweaking" in your health care routine. Good luck and please, both of you, keep us posted on how you're doing.Hi Winddancer -
I'm voting for kicking the RD to the curb - but these guys are all nicer than I am and only suggest a second opinion. LOL
Yes, you need base line X-rays.
Yes, you should keep a journal.
How soon after your gum surgery did this come on? Mine was 2 - 3 weeks tops. IMHO that makes you infection driven. You might do so research on your own on dental work and 'autoimmune diseases'. You will get a nasty surprise - there is a definite link.
Also, check out www.roadback.org for treating AI diseases with antibiotics.
Hugs,
Pip
Pip-I've been curious about AP as I've done some reading about it. The RA symptoms started about 2 weeks after the gum surgery. Prior to that, I've had multiple miscarriages and frozen shoulder. When I was a kid I had mycoplasmic pneumonia (very rare in kids according to my mom) twice. I think I'll probably give regular meds a couple more months and then look more actively into AP. Intuitively I keep thinking AP may be the right answer for me, then I switch my thinking because RA runs in our family. This whole thing is so confusing.
As far as my current RD I know that she is considered the best in the area. I actually really like her personally. Perhaps she just doesn't feel like xrays are necessary at this time. She does see swelling when I don't so maybe I should have more faith in her expertise. I do think that a second opinion is never a bad thing.
Thanks again for all the info and welcomes.
They said mycoplasmic pneumonia? WOW. I don't think the gene thing is all that. The incidence in identical twins is something like 15% and 8% for sibs - so, to me that screams something more 'environmental'. Start researching now so you know what your options are at your next appointment. GoGo just brought up the AP thread and www.roadback.org is a wealth of knowledge and info (even tho when you first get there you think "Greek! They're speaking Greek!" LOL
All I know is that dental work was my trigger. If I only knew than what I know now....
Hugs,
Pip
KB~ what about the plaquenil? Did you start that at the same time you started the mtx? If no, how long before/after? Also, how long can it take to start working?
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