How in the world will I tell when something works? | Arthritis Information

I don't have awful, awful RA. And the Mobic helps a TON. No prednisone needed now. I do have erosions that have taken place in the last year so I can't ignore this.

It has just been so long since I've had relief...well I never have since this started...that I don't know how I will tell when the Arava is "working". I mean my wrist is permanetly messed up in terms of ROM, but, if the Arava starts working, will I be able to hold my 22 pound son in that arm for a long period of time? Or is that too much to ask? Some of the pain is when I do things that stretch my ROM too far.

I haven't had as much burning pain after writing or typing a lot recently, but that is still there. My jaw pain is gone mostly, but it's still inflammed. I still get costo a lot. My right foot is a huge mess but that might be something different. I ache in the morning but I've had a cold recently. I still have a ton of shoulder pain in one spot, like a bruise. My elbows still hurt sometimes but they had gotten better before I went on Arava. My left wrist hurts still.

I've just reached the point of disbelief in feeling pain free. I can definitely handle my pain so when people ask me if the Arava is working yet, I'm like...no? Maybe it's worked a little little bit? I would really love to be able to run again one day but I had to stop that years ago because of inflammatory foot pain.

I am going to be in shock when something actually works. I've been on the Arava about a month though, and my appointment isn't for another month, so I guess there's some time. I switched from MTX to Arava without noticing any change. I really don't think the MTX was doing anything at all.

I can't even communicate how I feel...disbelief in feeling better, which isn't too depressing because I manage, but I know I'm getting erosions and I'm young.

Does anyone else have a lot of tailbone pain? I am trying to get back into shape and I realized that for years and years, my tailbone has hurt during situps more than those around me. It just hurts to put pressure on it. And I get a lot of lower back pain but I am still super flexible in my back so it doesn't seem like it could be RA related.

Thanks for listening to my ramble. :)

Katie.. You certainly have alot going on. The times I felt relief it was an Aha! moment. Suddenly I realized this or that didnt' bother me as much.. or wasn't as swollen.. or I could now do this when I hadn't been able for a long time.... I didn't gain back any ROM..but I did gain the capacity to do things that I hadn't been able to do.. and some endurance... but I am not in remission... still struggling to reach that goal.

tailbone pain..no... my discomfort is in my cervical and thoracic spine.. my lower spine has good ROM and minimal pain if I do my exercises for the herniation which isn't RA related..

Good luck to you..

Goodness, chicky! I feel for you!! You certainly to have a lot going on. Make sure you tell your RD *everything* no matter now small you think it is. There has got to be something they can do to alleviate some of this pain and discomfort. Do you have wrist braces? Even if you just use them at night, keeping the wrist immobile may help a little.

How long have you been taking the Arava? I'm not sure how long that is supposed to take kicking in. I've been using Naproxen 500mgs 3x daily (and vicodin prn for breakthrough pain) and it seems to help. I also recently started Imuran, so it may be the combo.

My aha! moment was when I was able to put my arms up over my husband's shoulders for a hug instead of having to go underneath. That's when I knew the drugs were being helpful. I still have morning stiffness and pain, but life is much more liveable.

I hope you're able to find something that works for you soon, as none of us should have to live with "tolerable pain." Just don't give up and keep researching and asking questions. And remember we are all here for you so ramble away! Different day different body part. I have some parts that bother me on a daily bases. Other problems may not bother me as often. RA is a head to toe problem. Your tailbone being one of them.

I thought you were going to take Arava and MTX? That is duel therapy is supposed to work well for most people.

It is very frustrating. I have not gotten off of the pain pills yet. I have cut down on my prednisone. Some day you will feel better. Usually it takes more than a month for Arava to totally kick in. I have in the past taken my tailbone to the chiropracter. I can not remember if that offered me much relief or not. I have always put thick blankets or matts down when doing sit ups. I hope you feel better soon.

How is the thyroid medicine working?