Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Mar 30, 2017

Let's talk about living with rheumatoid arthritis.
As moderator of the Autoimmune Diseases group, I noticed that several people were talking about RA, but those conversations were scattered throughout the community. I thought I would start this discussion to bring us all together in one place.

Let’s grab a cup of tea, or beverage of choice, and let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Bob | @nmalsb4316 | Oct 11, 2019

In reply to @boomerexpert "Never heard of it... and sounds to me like a bit of over-medicating" + (show)

New to MC Connect so, we're you answering my post about Humira and lefludomide?

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 11, 2019

In reply to @nmalsb4316 "I am Bob, father of a daughter with RA. She was just prescribed a combination of..." + (show)

@nmalsb4316 Hello and welcome to MayoClinicConnect. I hope that someone can answer your question specifically. You mentioned that ‘the side effects coincide with some pre-existing or genetically predisposed.’ Can you explain more about the side effects that you’re concerned about?

Bob | @nmalsb4316 | Oct 12, 2019

In reply to @becsbuddy "@nmalsb4316 Hello and welcome to MayoClinicConnect. I hope that someone can answer your question specifically. You..." + (show)

Breast cancer runs in the family as well as skin cancer. My daughter had seizures when she was a child and diagnosed epileptic but seemed to have grown out of it. Stomach issues prevail. And heart arrhythmia runs in family.

leacy | @leacy | Oct 19, 2019

I see there’s an RA group, I’d like to hear other’s stories and learn from the group.

odockbarbie | @odockbarbie | Oct 21, 2019

II am a 68 year old woman who tested positive for RA and Lupus. I am currently on Prednisone 8mg., Rituxan , Methotrexate , and Gabapentin. My symptoms are well under control. Believe it or not I play tennis twice a week. However I am trying to titrate down from Prednisone. Having problems going from 8-7. Any suggestions? BTW I have been sick since I was 22 and wasn't given a Autoimmune test until 10 years ago. Until then all my problems were all in my head. WTH

boomerexpert | @boomerexpert | Oct 21, 2019

Don't understand the Gabapentin as it's an anti-convulsive...as for the steroid, 8mgs is a very low dose, so not surprised that you can't go lower...perhaps as you continue the Rituxan if you've been on it for just a few months...

janett18 | @janett18 | Oct 21, 2019

In reply to @boomerexpert "Don't understand the Gabapentin as it's an anti-convulsive...as for the steroid, 8mgs is a very low..." + (show)

Hi, I have RAD Fibromyalgia and Lupus. I am on Gabapentin for burning in my legs. It really helps. I am also on a very low dose of prednisone 2mg and Rituxan. My Lupus is in remission, at least the lab numbers say so. I think the Rituxan is to thank for that. I was bedridden for a while until I started the Rituxan. Now I am up and can go to lunch or take care of my grandkids. I feel like I have some quality of life.

janett18 | @janett18 | Oct 21, 2019

In reply to @odockbarbie "II am a 68 year old woman who tested positive for RA and Lupus. I am..." + (show)

I Was able to go down from 7 mg of prednisone to 2mg. It was a slow process. My Dr had me go down to 6 mg for a month and then down 1 mg each month. It is a process, but it is possible. I realize we are all different so it may not work for you. I hope it does!

gma12346 | @gma12346 | Oct 27, 2019

Good day and thank you for allowing me to join this group, I have been diagnosed with RA, Fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, and a heart attack (vascular spasms) as well. I’m looking forward to receive and participate in these discussions. Thank you