What to do? Please help | Arthritis Information
Hello,
As i had written before my girlfriend was diagnosed about 6 months ago with severe RA. Since than the RA is very active and it cannot be controled. She had steroid injections (either to her knee or her arm) every 3-4 weeks but it stopped working. Her last injection was last Monday (10.03) and it hasn't helped at all Nothing.
She has been on MTX 20mg weekly for the last 8 weeks. Besides she takes 12mg of Metypred daily. The MTX doesn't seem to help at all. I know it's only 8 months seh has been on 20mg dose, but up to now it doesn't help.
She can hardly walk, her feet are swollen and in pain, the same her knee and arm. She is only 27 and she wants to keep her current job and continue to work.
What to do now? Go for biologics? The only way to get them in Poland is to pay for them.
If biologics are the way to go, which one to choose? I know different meds work for different people, but is there a way to make the best educated guess?
Please help.
Regards,
M
Hi M, so sorry to hear about your girlfriend, I understand your concern and worry about your girlfriend, this disease is so controlling and overwhelming at times. As she is so young, its an even bigger shock. Each rheumatologist usually has their own pattern of prescribing drugs, you really would be better off getting a couple of professional opinions, because what might work for some doesn't work for others, it really is impossible to tell. As for me Arava was the best one after MTX, but it became intolerable, I was living in the toilet, either with gastro or vomiting, and then developed peripheral neuropathy, so it didn't last too long. I would try the non-biologics first such as Arava and IMURAN, they may be the better option, you never know and they are not biologics so you may save yourself some money too. Best of luck and welcome to AI. Regards Janie.
Antibiotics are cheap.
Pip
Good on you Pip, sorry I forgot to mention it, hugs Janie.
I don't know anything about your govt system, but even tho this is the last thing, she migh want to do.. she should do.. if you have Social Security.. something like, that, where she can get aid and not have to work.. APPLY ASAP!!!!!!
If she doesn't need it great, but IF she does, its better to start the process, bc w/ anything govt, it can take a looooooong time... to get the help she needs..
Whats your healthcare system like? curious..
I know what the systems can be like.. and she's flaring bad..shes soo lucky she has an understanding bf!! lucky her..
but i do urge you to apply for benefits, IMMEDIATELY!!!
she's young, and one of the hardest things, is learnign not to overdo, its hard for all of us.. but you tend to become a planner w/ this illness.. just how it is..
good luck to y'all and keep us posted
hugs and blessings Whispered~
and ohh keep her legs ELEVATED, that helps a lot.. i can't believe the steroids aren't working.. good grief.. :(
I was like that before Remicade. Afterwards, I was a whole new person. If you can get it, or Humira, try it. It very likely could help when all else fails.Has your girlfriend called her doctor to let them know how bad off she is? It sounds like a Medrol pack would really help her out. I agree that the docs all have their pattern of drugs, so as to what is next for your girlfriend I can't really help. What I can offer is some advice to try and make her more comfortable while she's waiting for MTX to take effect or start a new med. 30 minute hot Epsom salt baths are wonderful. Also, an electric blanket, heating pad or those rice packs that heat up in the microwave are great while resting in bed or on the couch. (She may be one of those people that responds better to cold, so please try both.) Was she prescribed any pain killers? Taking those every 4-6hrs can help take some of the edge off. I really hope she's able to get some relief soon and I applaud you for looking for help on her behalf. Having your support through this rough time is priceless.
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