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I'm new to here. I had JRA since 5 lasted 2 maybe three years went into remission. Recently been having problems. I was wondering how many of you already have bone erosion and ostepenia (low bone density). Just wondering because I have these problems as well as other problems. If so how old are you and what medications are you on? 

                             Need some info.         & nbsp; 

I am 31 and have RA and osteopenia. I have had problems for years but just finally went to the doctor b/c I had a really bad flare so my official dx is new. I am on Methotrexate and folic acid and then Fosamax for the osteopenia. I was on Prednisone for a few weeks but my RD wanted me off of it pretty quick due to the osteo.

Welcome to the AI boards, hope we can help you!but the longer it stays good the better.Hi Phxgirl, I am from the Phoenix area too.  
I don't have answers for your questions being newly diagnosed.  I do take citrical twice a day.  It is a calcium supplement that has vitamin d with it for absorption.

My mom also has RA and takes fossamax and has had great results with it.

Welcome to the forum.

Since your newly diagnosed didnt you have MRI to determine if you have any bone erosion and also it helps to find out if your medication is slowing down the progression. I just recently starting having problems again my doctor did X-rays, MRIs,bone density, and blood work.

Also have a question as to why alot of you take MTX and prednisone?How long have y'all been on MTX? How long until you notice side effects and how long until you start feeling better?

Well, I have been on pred for three weeks and MTX for two.  I don't have insurance and am paying cash for my treatment, so I don't have the money for an MRI or x-rays as of yet.  I am working on insurance, but for now, I have to take what I can get.  It is very expensive to pay for it yourself. 

My mom has been on MTX for like 8 years and has little to no side effects.  Every person is different.  I don't intend on staying on pred for very long.  I have felt like the MTX is already working, but I won't know for sure until I get down on the prednisone. 

Hi phxgirl, I'm 59 and had arthritis problems for many years. Got diagnosed with OA and fibromyalgia about 8 years ago, then was diagnosed in addition with RA and Sjogren's about a year and a half ago. I had joint problems for years starting in childhood with out any formal diagnosis and major back problems starting at about 30.

I'm currently on prednisone, plaquanil, methetrexate, folic acid, and enbrel as wel as other medications for roseacia and allergies including asthma.  You might say I'm a walking medicine cabinet. I have the beginings of osteopenia although I'm not on medication for it.  I don't have bone erosions that I know of but I have bone spurs and disc degeneration from OA.

I'm on prednisone & this week, MTX. I'll let you know how that goes. My doctor said to go ahead & start the folic acid & then pick a day for the MTX. Prednisone is like candy - it feels so good & is so bad. Hi Phxgirl,  Just got back from Sedona

Arizonara skip the x-rays the a waste of money get the MRI's are better at seeing erosion of the bone compared to the x-rays.

Also are you all being treated with a primary care doctor or a rhuematologist?

I am seeing a rheumatologist.  She is really good from what I can tell and have heard so far.  Her patients in the waiting area raved about her, and so did her nurse.  Do you go to the cancer and arthritis center here in Phoenix? Rheumy and internal med. doc.  I feel lucky.  I have a good rappport with both.

The reason why alot of us are on Prednisone and MTX is because MTX is considered to be kind of the standard first line med for slowing the progression of RA. In theory it is supposed to control the symptoms as well. The prednisone is a faster acting med for the inflammation and is used untill the MTX has time to start working which is around 2-3 mos. Most people need the dose  of MTX adjusted, and often another med with or in place of it. Untill that process is complete and the right combination in found for an individuals needs, they often have to continue on the Prednisone. Also because some people have a change in the effectiveness of a drug or drug combo, they may again need to be on Prednisone after having been off of it for a while.

If you have had children you probably heard "every pregnancy is different, every child is different"---well, RA is like your baby and every persons RA is different. So the treatments are pretty much the same, but a little different too. [QUOTE=phxgirl 1]Do you go to the cancer and arthritis center here in Phoenix? [/QUOTE]

I go to a doctor in the East Valley.  I am going to do the arthritis walk in May 7th at the Phoenix Zoo. 
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