Hi, my names Bec & i suffered from juvinelle arthritis from 9-14yrs of age. I'm now 31 & have what i'm told is a rheumatoid, juvinille onset situation. My ankles, knees, spine & shoulder are the most problematic. Ive found that Plaquinil decreases swelling but helps little with the pain. i worry about side effects (eyesight for one). I hear about Methotrexate but have other health problems such as an extremely unhappy liver. i try gentle execise/yoga but feel it aggravates the pain. i never know whether it's better to rest or move. Anyone got any other ideas for me? Cheers.
Hi and welcome Bec!
If you mean side effects from the plaquenil, don't let that worry you too much. It rarely happens, but still it can so that's why you should be having your eyes checked by a doctor who is familiar with the effects from plaquenil. My doctor has also given me what is called a Amsler grid (piece of paper with lines) to look at once in a while to see if I notice any changes in my vision...like if the lines get wavy..or parts of the lines look like they're missing...etc. You should also have regular visual field tests done.
Good Luck,
Kelly
Beccy...Just wanted to add on...MTX has it benefits. Now that I am on it...and I have been since my dx's in 2002, it has helped my physical body. Where I was unable to walk, comb my hair or dress without assistance...I am able to do that now.
You may find that MTX or another DMARD may help you.
But...of course this is with a cocktail of other meds as well.
I take...plaquenil, Sulpasalizine, mobic, Folic Acid for the MTX side effects, MTX-injectables .6 mgs, Calcium and ACETONEL for bone repair and loss and just restarted Predisone Tuesday after being off for 10 months...in a flare right now...so back on prednisone.
Check with your Rheumy to see if adding another med may help...
Believe me...the benefits out way the negative stigmas that are on the meds.
Heres to better and painless days...
Robyn
I have osteoarthristis and possibly RA (getting tests) and my doctor told me to exercise even if you're in pain, but don't do anything that causes pain. Exercise helps relieve inflamation, but listen to your body. I have chronic low back pain, and I have always been active. Lately though I found that aerobics classes or kick-boxing hurt my back, while biking helps. You just need to find what works for you. I hope you get some help with the pain through good medicine. From this forum, I've learned that every body is different and each person responds to medicine differently. Good luck and welcome!
Welcome! You'll find a bunch of smart folks here to help us deal with this dreaded RA.Newcomer Beccy here. So wonderful to see responses and not feel alone. Will take all on board and keep in touch. Thankyou for your time and advice.Welcome Bec!The liver problems with methotrexate will be found early in time and only 4% of the people even have the problem.
You take blood tests about once every 2 months, the doctors see the lvl in your test high then you stop the metho for a while and then get back on when everything is normal or change your meds.
Average time, so i read, was 3years - 10years after you start using it that the liver problems show (some may be sooner). Depending on how much has been put into your system.
I hopet his helps. I will be adding plaq to my metho later this month.
Hey Bec, Welcome!