I've had RA for 18 years, on MTX for 16 and last Dec. had my first blow out flair. My GP started me on Enbrel with no results. The Naproxen and pain medication kept me sane for 3 months, then he sent me to a new Dr., internist, who put me on Remicade, had my second infusion last Mon., it's not working yet, the Naproxen, MTX and Vicodin, have given me enough relief to return to work. I read through all your posts to answer some of my questions, about Remicade, MTX, the extreme pain. Started Folic Acid, didn't know that was where the occasional mouth sores were coming from, the MTX was bumped to 20 mg/week and my mouth was raw, so thank you, thank you. I've been becoming anemic for 2 years, GP didn't say I should do anything about it, but the new Dr. is sure something other than RA and all the medication I'm on is causing it, have to go in for more blood work to see if it's gotten worse. Do you try to do anything about your anemia on your own, diet or vitamins? I read just having RA can make me anemic and diet or vitamins won't stop it. Glad I found the link to your site on WebMD. I have lots of compassionate friends and family, who don't have a clue as to what this has really done to me, saying how sorry they are makes me feel worse. I don't feel sorry for myself and having to publicly admit to everyone how the RA has compromised my life since Dec. has been tough, they are all so overly helpful and wary. I come here nearly everyday to just connect with people in the same boat.
Deidre
Hi Deidre....welcome! Glad you found us
I'm not anemic, so I don't have any suggestions for you, sorry. I'm sure someone will be along who might be able to help. Just wanted to say hi and glad you decided to post
Kelly
Welcome.
I have Anemia and basicly take iron pills each day. It doesn't stop it, but helps get more iron into my system.
I take prednisone and my doc said that also makes it worse, so they are trying to get me off it starting this coming week.
I also take a multi vitamin every day. That's about all I can do.
I always wondered why i was tired all the time, i don't seem to be as tired when i am on iron pills.
Welcome Deidre,
Yes, I was very anemic last year after a long bout with methotrexate and alot of prednisone. Women's hemoglobin should be around 12. I was 7.6 and almost landed in the hospital. My Rheumy sent me to a hemotologist and he put me on Hymocyte Plus (prescription), which slowly brought me back to normal. Also, the arthritis does cause anemia. Be sure that your dr's keep a close watch on your blood work. I have learned to listen to my body and I've taken control of my care. I don't just accept what the doctors tell me to do. If it doesn't feel right I question. If it doesn't help soon enough I ask why!!! My Rheumy and I have learned to work well with each other. I had RA as a child...then it went into remission for 30 years and came back as an adult 15 years ago. My suggestion is see a hemotologist and don't do anything extreme till you've been on prescription iron for awhile. That is if your levels are as low as mine were.