I have been on enbreal and arava for over 4 months no results I went to the RA doc today and she said after the test results *they did major testing for liver functions and other"muscle disorders". that they want to put me on humeria and plaquenel...so that will mean humeria plaquenil and arava....they also started me with one of those quick fix six day steriod packs....I refuse to take steriods on a daily basis....anyway anyone out there seen the above combination...Please God let it work nothing has so far and it is getting me really down......she also did xrays of my knees....I have Bakers cysts behind both of them and she thinks I have osteo and rheumatoid arthrits....who the heck cares I just want it to be easier pain wise.
I would ask to see an Ortho regarding your knees though. The baker's cysts (I believe) can be operated on. The RA and OA can be cleaned up arthoscopically. My ortho says he can do it 15 min per knee, both knees same day. I guess their techniques have improved greatly in the last 4-5 years. He said that he thinks that this will reduce my pain a great deal.
If that is not an option, then PT, cortisone shots or Synvisc shots could be options.
I know if I can get the pain of just one area under control, it really helps me deal with the overall pain. Also ask about Mobic or Celebrex which are anti-inflammatories. I take the Mobic and it really helps with my pain. I am also taking Vicodin and in between that I can take Tylenol. But there are pain meds that you can use temporarily to help you through until these meds get you feeling better.
Hope this helps.
Thank you Deanna.....
I always have refused to take steroids on a daily basis too, but I got my doc to call in a script for prednisone yesterday, cuz I've been almost unable to function all week and I know that prednisone will allow me to get through the holidays with my sis coming to town, without me having to be flat on the couch the entire time. It sucks, but I threw in the towel. I'm just taking the taper for 12 days, though.
As far as your meds, I can't get my doc to go past the MTX. I guess I understand his point, but it's not working and it's turned me into a raging bitch (the MTX - I get very easily EXTREMELY irritated.)
Good luck with the combo, I hope you get the relief you need!