Hi All,
I have not posted in some time because of a computer viris. Anyway I think I am now starting to have real symptoms of RA. I have been testing high pos for RF and Anti-CCP for some time now but no real sypmtoms of RA. I do have autoimune eye disease and episcleritis now twice a month. They thought I might have psoratic arthritis but I think it will be RA if this continues. I am having slight swelling in some toes and feet .
What were Your first symptoms like in regards to Your feet? how swollen were they and how fast or sow did it progess to other joints.I do not understand the morning stiffness for an hour or more. I have pain not stiffness mostly all day.
I may be starting Enbrel or Humira soon. I am on 7.5 Mtx now. What are these med's like?
Any input will be appreciated
Thanks Kat
For me and entire toe or finger might swell (looking like a hotdog), or just the area around the joint. The entire swollen area is red and warm to the touch. In both cases there is pain to touch it or move the joint. I find alternating heat and ice helpful. (you might try ice unless you suspect you also have Reynauds). I too had the RD going between a PA and RA diagnosis. The GOOD thing is the treatments are basically the same. If given a choice, stick with the RA diagnosis for insurance purposes. Some meds (like Orencia) are only approved for treating RA. I had many unsavory side effects with Mtrx. I eventually had a full blown allergic reation---however, that's just me. Many people have had good results with this med. If you can take it at night an a day you are not busy the next day you will do fine. You can sleep through any upset stomach or dizziness you might get. Stay on top of the inflamation. Talk to your RD about a "flare plan". Discuss how much prednisone you should take and for how long to get on top of your swelling.
Take care,
K-Lynn
K-Lynn Thank You for Your response
Kat
Mine started in my ankles, knees and hands with pain and redness. Swelling didn't come until about a year later. Now I have synovial cysts on ankles and knees. MTX helped swelling some but am going on Enbrel the end of January. Doc dx'd RA but is still watching for PA. I do have small red/sore like spots in many areas but as the meds are the same I agree with keeping the RA dx.
Take care and hope the meds work for you.
[QUOTE=kat341]Hi All,
I have not posted in some time because of a computer viris. Anyway I think I am now starting to have real symptoms of RA. I have been testing high pos for RF and Anti-CCP for some time now but no real sypmtoms of RA. I do have autoimune eye disease and episcleritis now twice a month. They thought I might have psoratic arthritis but I think it will be RA if this continues. I am having slight swelling in some toes and feet .
What were Your first symptoms like in regards to Your feet? how swollen were they and how fast or sow did it progess to other joints.I do not understand the morning stiffness for an hour or more. I have pain not stiffness mostly all day.
I may be starting Enbrel or Humira soon. I am on 7.5 Mtx now. What are these med's like?
Any input will be appreciated
Thanks Kat
[/QUOTE]