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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Sep 24 3:33pm | Replies (878)
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@dinym

I have been diagnosed with RA in the last fortnight after thinking I had PMR over the last 16 months. Couldn't get the prednisolone meds down below 7.5 mg and wasn't holding the pain. Then 8 weeks ago after my index finger was swollen, suddenly had extreme pain in both hands and wrists. Couldn't drive, which is rather essential where I live. Now being weaned of Prednisolone and taking 10 mg once a week of methotrexate with a folic acid tablet each day after the Methotrexate for 2 days to counter any side effects. So far so good.
Have read a paper that says there is evidence RA is " likely caused by Proteus asymptomatic urinary tract infections". ( 2011 Rashid and Ebringer Autoimmunity in Rheumatic Diseases is induced by Microbial Infections via Crossreactivity or Molecular Mimicry) . Does anyone know more about this and if any treatments have been tried for this Microbe? I will bring this up with my rheumatologist at my next visit in June. Also can RA go into remission or is there always pain somewhere? Thanks for this Forum! Got a lot of learning about RA to do.

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Replies to "I have been diagnosed with RA in the last fortnight after thinking I had PMR over..."
guzmanbarb | @guzmanbarb | Apr 8, 2017

So glad you're not having side effects I was on methotrexate for a month along with rayon and I was so tired I couldn't function I took myself off of everything except plaquenil 1time a day and besides the morning headache thank god I feel better than I have in weeks

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kozlo52 | @kozlo52 | Apr 9, 2017

If you are on plaquinil remember to have your eyes checked per the rheumatologist's recommendation. it can create eye problems....kozlo52

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Apr 9, 2017

Welcome to Connect, @dinym, and thank you for joining this group with all the information.

Here's what I found out from Mayo Clinic: "Septic arthritis can develop when an infection, such as a skin infection or urinary tract infection, spreads through your bloodstream to a joint. Less commonly, a puncture wound, drug injection, or surgery in or near a joint can give the germs entry into the joint space."
If you wish to read more, you can do so here: http://mayocl.in/2oPTocs

While researching the link between UTI and rheumatoid arthritis, I came across this Mayo Clinic page about "Living Better With Rheumatoid Arthritis" that might interest you, and the other members in this discussion: http://mayocl.in/2ofwhVB

We're glad to have you here, @dinym. Let us know if you have any other questions or updates; we're listening.

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clpd13 | @clpd13 | Oct 25, 2020

I have had great luck with a combo of humira and methotrexate. I’ve been in remission for a couple of years now so hang in there! Hopefully you’ll find the right drugs for you. I was excited to see the study you shared. I’m always looking for new research but must have missed that one. I’d also love to know if anyone is being treated. Thanks!

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