My first post... | Arthritis Information

 

I was diagnosed with RA spring of 2009 although I have had the pain for at least 10 years. For some reason my flair ups have been terrible this year and is making it increasingly more difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Its been real hard to come to terms with my diagnoses, but one day at a time I guess   My 'diet' consists of: Methotrexate (10mg) once a week Plaquanil (200mg) twice a day Mobic (15mg) once a day Folic Acid (1mg) once a day Ultram (100mg or more) once a day   I have taken this combination for about 2 months now and aside from the pain meds, I don't really feel any different. My bad days are almost unbearable and interferes with my ability to work. (which is a whole new fear for me now)   Is anyone else on a combo of these meds able to tell me approx how long it took to kick in for you.

Hi NemOsiris...welcome to the board!  I don't take your particular med combo so I can't comment on it.  I just wanted to say I'm glad you found us.  Hope you start feeling better really soon.

For me, some of the meds took about 3 months.  What about prednisone until everything kicks in?  Maybe your doctor will also suggest increasing the mtx.

Hope you're feeling better soon

Welcome!  When I started 7 yrs ago on MTX it didn't do anything for me until I got to 20mg per week.  10 mg/wk is a pretty low dose.  There are lots of other meds to try if your current "diet" doesn't work so hang in there and try to be patient. Hello! Welcome.. Forgive the C&P, but I am saving energy! And, I certainly wanted to great you here as well as in the intro section.

[QUOTE=Spelunker]Hello and welcome to the forum. While everyone responds to DMARDS differently, my personal experience with the combination of MTX and Plaquinel was that it took six months to be effective. Meanwhile, for periodic management of increased stiffness and joint pain my physician would prescribe a burst and taper of corticosteriods/prednisone. Has your physician discussed increasing the MTX dosage? Often, MTX is increased over the course of a few weeks until a dosage is reached where a degree of relief is felt.

I am pleased to meet you, but sorry about the conditions under which the meeting takes place.

Best wishes, Shug
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I agree with Alan that 20 mg is what sent me into a better day!! ah.. an NSAID.. and you're at the max dose....  I would venture an increase in MTX is coming your way...  Welcome, NemOsiris!  Your name is the name of my favorite cat combined with a really good friend's cat's name!  (I think I punctuated that right  Welcome to the board!  Sorry to hear you are not doing well. I am hoping for you that the meds kick in soon.