Hi, everyone. I'm brand new to this discussion board and I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Susan and I'm a wife and mother of two grown daughters. I used to teach communications courses at a community college, but resigned last year.
When I was a very young woman, I had Cushings Disease, which may have led me to all this joint pain. I really don't know if one causes the other, but I remember my endocrinologist telling me once, "That Cushings did a number on your bones." I figured the achy joints were just a bi-product of my illness and something I'd just have to live with. Nobody ever indicated it could be anything else, and since it was not debilitating or interfering with my lifestyle (I just ached), I didn't know to pursue anything.
Then in February, it started. At the worst, I couldn't get up out of a chair or off the toilet without help from my husband! My doctor said to see a rheumatologist. He took two very large vials of fluid out of each knee and put me on Prednizone, Mobic, Sulfasalazin, and Hydroxychlor. After 6 weeks, I took myself off the Prednizone. I already had way too much of that after the Cushings. Now he wants me to take 20 mg of Methotrexate and I'm so nervous about it. That's why I joined this discussion board...so I could find out more about all these various treatments and to learn about your experiences. Right now, my feet are swelling so badly, I can't put on shoes. I wear flip-flops, so thank goodness, it's summer! My hands also hurt and swell a lot. I currently visit an acupuncturist. I've had my 3rd treatment there, so not much change yet.
Now that I'm registered, I don't like my user name. How can I change it?
I'm looking forward to meeting all of you and sharing in your experiences. I have a lot to learn!
Thanks,
Susan
Welcome to the boards. Go to settings at the top of the page and then edit your profile.
Don't want to add to your worries but I am one of the ones who cannot take MTX so I am afraid I can't help you with that one. Most of the posts here mention MTX so you could start there by reading all the past posts.
Go to the RA section. That's where most everyone hangs out. Most o us don't have too much problem with the MTX and it has been a mainstay treatment for RA for a long time. It's worth a try but takes awhile to work. There has been a lot of discussion on it so follow Deena's advice and look at back posts.
Also, check and see if any of your swelling in your feet could be from retaining fluids or circulation problems.
Welcome to our cozy little home where we get to be ourselves.