Newly Diagnosed | Arthritis Information

I have a positive ra titer 1:640 with ccp antibodies greater than 250.

Hand Xrays show nothing, Feet Xrays show erosions on/in little toes. Dr orginally said early RA but then later called with feet Xray news. Does this mean it is no longer Early RA?

And what does that mean when erosion is present? Should more XRays be done? Dr did say that all it means is that he may have to go at it more aggressively with the Methotrexate and possibly add another med.

Has started me on 15mg Prednisone- 4 days now, for 1 week - then down to 10mg for 1 week then going to add Methotrexate 7.5mg - then double to 15mg week after.

I orginally didn't want to start Prednisone for the issues I read people having a hard time getting off. It has helped with pain - I am still stiff and sore in the hands in the morning. Will this continue to improve? What happens when I begin to cut back? My energy has increased, mood is kind of flat, concentration a little off. Should I be completely without pain at this point?

I'm scared and but trying to be positive!

Hi and welcome, Bonnie. You'll be on Pred. for short term so don't worry too much about it and don't compare yourself to other Pred. users. Most of the stories that you read are from people that have been on Pred. longterm. It's more difficult to get off it when you've been on it for longterm. You're getting a burst of Pred. only. It's better if you can do without it but sometimes you can't.

If your xrays are showing some erosion your headed in the right direction with meds. You want to try and stop erosion and hopefully achieve clinical remission. You've started meds early in the process and your chance of remission is high. Your pain will come and go and there's no way to predict the amount of inflammation and swelling that you'll have. You'll probably continue with pain and inflammation until MXT starts to work.

My best advice for you is to get on some of the sites about RA and read them. Educate yourself about this disease and the medications that are prescribed. Do a search of this forum and read everything you can. Education is power and you'll need it on this journey. Take care and keep us posted on how you're progressing. Lindy

welcome.. sorry you need to be here.

Lindy is right.. read.. you're the best advocate for your health..

good luck!!