Just a recap of my background. Fifteen yrs ago I was dx by my fam dr. that time, (we are military and move around) that i had RA but it has never been confirmed.I know my body and after reading the signs and symptoms it's either RA or PR(arthritis that mimics ra but does nOT cause joint damage) Since it was in remission for a long time, then popping in and out of my life for a week or so only to dissapear I never followed up on it.
Lately, for the past two weeks....On a scale of 1-10..the pain is probably a 1.5. No visible swelling, redness etc. I was wondering if and when i do get my final dx if it is wise to just take NSAIDS or start DMARDS right away?? It seems those are used for ppl w/ sever to moderate pain.
My fear is that i will take it, but the effects will wear off, when or if my ra progresses(20% of ppl w/ ra never progress) Also i don't want to take drugs unless ABSOLUTELY necessary, especially after reading all the side effects.
Your thoughts please.
BTW- My apt is monday, they will draw blood, I'll have them do some extrays then give me a referal to a rheumy.
DMARD's prevent the damage that can and will come, so I would say if it is an option then do that. You will never(by my understanding) go into a lengthy remission without them. NSAIDS just control the pain.
Write down all of the joints that are affected, and talk to your doctor about all of the treatments available, but all of your options should lead to less damage.
[QUOTE=Shelly41]DMARD's prevent the damage that can and will come, so I would say if it is an option then do that. You will never(by my understanding) go into a lengthy remission without them. NSAIDS just control the pain.
Write down all of the joints that are affected, and talk to your doctor about all of the treatments available, but all of your options should lead to less damage.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks shell. Do you think it will work if damages have been done already? If joint damage is seen on xray will it still be effective I guess is my question.
Also it is my understanding that it is the inflammation that causes joint damage or am I wrong?Hi newbb and welcome,
I would try and find a RD that you like and trust. Since every person is different, talk with dr about your concerns. The side effects from the meds can be pretty scarry but there are no "normally" we alll react so different.
Once joint damage is done, I do not believe it can be reversed but the key is to slow down or even prevent any further damage from being done. Good luck at your appt.
[QUOTE=newbb]Also it is my understanding that it is the inflammation that causes joint damage or am I wrong?[/QUOTE]
Yes, but the reason for the inflamation is what is important. The reason we have inflamation of the joints is because the naturally occuring fluid in the joints is messed up, and reading the immune system incorrectly. The immune system says there is a foreign body in the fluid, so it attacks it and it swells, but you have to fight the attack. The DMARDS fight off the attack by slowly turning down the immune system that is attacking itself.
Let me know if this does not make sense. I am a little hazy today...I think my daughter's oral surgery and lack of sleep is catching up.