I would like to say hi to all of you . I have found this site really helpful the past 2 months while I was dealing with not knowing what was wrong with me. I went to see a Rhumetologist this week, and for right now she diagnosed me with Poly inflammitory arthritis. I did have a positive ANA but neg for the rest of the test my GP sent me for. I am awaiting the blood work from the Rhumetologist so we will see on that one. The doctor has started me on Naproxen 500 1 bid, folic acid 1mg daily and methotrexate 2.5 4 pills per week. I am exeriencing terrible pain in my fingers, feet and neck area. Its such a burning achy feeling. I know the methotrexate takes time to work, but how long before I cry uncle about the pain? The doctor says this mimics RA so she gave me info to read on the subject. Has anyone out there been diagnosed with this? I am a 40 year old mom of 3 boys and would love to hear from anyone ! Thanks for listening, Chris
Hi, welcome to the board! I'm afraid I don't know anything about poly inflammatory arthritis, but I have been dealing with RA for almost 4 years now. I'm not taking MTX now but I did for 2 years. For me, it took about 3 - 4 months to start working and only when the dose was around 7 pills per week (17.5 mg per week). Once it started working, however, it was very effective. The good news is that I feel a LOT better today than I did when it started 4 years ago. Good luck!
Alan
huh, I don't know. Poly means multiple and I always thought that inflammatory arthritis was a generic term used for when they (RD's) weren't sure just which disease this was going to turn into!?
Anybody have more info on this out there?
They gave me this diagnosis (I think) before finally calling it RA. That's because not all the medical facts are in like your bloodwork and a clear picture of how you are doing.
The good thing is that they are starting you on medicines to treat it. That's a real positive.
I definitely would go ahead and call about the pain. They might want to do a prednisone pack if it seems to be inflammation. Or they just might want to give you something stronger than Naproxen like adding Mobic or Celebrex. Biggest point is that they don't know it isn't working good enough for you unless you call and them.
You should research this on the Internet. Go to www.arthritis.org for starts. Also look it up on John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic and for a really in depth explanation, check out emedicine.com.
And welcome here. Post often so we can get to know you.
Thanks for your advice! I really appreciate it!