New | Arthritis Information

Hi everyone - have been reading forum but decided to join and have some input. I think I was hoping everything would go away but am now accepting this is probably going to be a life long condition. Started having problems with pain in joints 3 years ago - probably Palindromic arthritis which has since developed 12 months ago to positive RA factor and anti- CCP although it has taken another 12 months for rheumatologists to be convinced it is inflammatory as blood tests have not shown any inflammation. Started on Prednisolone 4 weeks ago and despite many saying it is a terrible drug I have been feeling fantastic on it - no pain, return of energy and getting some sleep although am now having to taper off it and the pain is returning. Have been on plaquenil 9 months with no effect and started on methotrexate last week and no side effects so far so hoping it will start working soon. I also take 15mls of fish oil daily and surprised how few of you take it - they really push it in Australia as it has been proven to have a beneficial effect and reduce the need for anti-inflammatories. Welcome aboard the good ship RA..

I see you mention fish oil and how it is pushed, none of my docs have said a thing.
I might look into this myself.

The old Pred is a wonder drug alright, makes you feel great and then down the track all the problems fire up.
The more experienced can fill you in on that.
If you can keep to 5mg or less, they say is alright.
Bodak2008-05-13 02:35:25Hi Sal, welcome to AI, regarding the fish oil, yes it is very popular among the Aussie medicos, I saw my dietician last week, and he told me that the three capsules a day that I take aren't doing any good as the therapeutic dose is now 10mg daily, so he suggests buying a bottle of fish oil and taking two teaspoons a day. So try that now, I am about to start on that dose, he said we can buy it in supermarkets in the vitamins aisle. Best of luck with the board, you will get tonnes of good info on here, Janie. Welcome aboard Sal, and glad you are getting relief so quickly. Take care ~~ CathyWelcome!

Prednisone is the drug you love to hate. Makes you feel great but bad for you long term! I too am starting to feel not so good as I taper. The Methotrexate keeps it pretty much at bay though. Hope it works for you as well.

I haven't tried fish oil- just the name alone turns my stomach. I'm not a fish eater either.

WTB - Carlson's and Metagenics both make fish oils with absolutely no smell and a just a slight lemony taste. I hear Nordic Naturals does, too. It is just the ...feel...that bugs me, but eat a cracker immediately and you don't notice. (I pretest everything for my daughter, LOL; she didn't mind it, either, but we had to stop when she started smelling like raw oysters).

Hubby takes capsules everyday (he never smells LOL, it was too much for a little one).

Some people use the bottled kind on salads, too. Welcome Sal, Sal,

I felt the same when I took prednisone. I had no pain, had more energy, slept better, and I always lost weight during those "burst-and-tapers" as well. I told my RD it was like magic in a little white pill!