1. < Autoimmune Diseases

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.

brie | @brie | Oct 27, 2019
In reply to @odockbarbie "II am a 68 year old woman who tested positive for RA and Lupus. I am..." + (show)
@odockbarbie

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

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Did you have any trouble adjusting to the methotextrate?

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2 replies
gma12346 | @gma12346 | Oct 27, 2019
In reply to @brie "Did you have any trouble adjusting to the methotextrate?" + (show)
@brie

Did you have any trouble adjusting to the methotextrate?

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I was on it for two years and Dr. took me off of it they don’t like for you to have a long usage of the drug

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1 reply
gma12346 | @gma12346 | Oct 27, 2019
In reply to @gma12346 "I was on it for two years and Dr. took me off of it they don’t..." + (show)
@gma12346

I was on it for two years and Dr. took me off of it they don’t like for you to have a long usage of the drug

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My rheumatologist put me on Arava

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1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 27, 2019
In reply to @janett18 "Hi, I have RAD Fibromyalgia and Lupus. I am on Gabapentin for burning in my legs...." + (show)
@janett18

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.

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@janett18 Hi, I’m also taking rituxan and prednisone, but for Clippers disease. How long were you on rituxan before you started the prednisone taper? I’m trying to taper now, but I’m very nervous! Have an MRI on Wednesday so we’ll see. Becky

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1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Oct 27, 2019

@becsbuddy Good luck with your MRI are you claustrophobic?

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1 reply
janett18 | @janett18 | Oct 27, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "@janett18 Hi, I’m also taking rituxan and prednisone, but for Clippers disease. How long were you..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@janett18 Hi, I’m also taking rituxan and prednisone, but for Clippers disease. How long were you on rituxan before you started the prednisone taper? I’m trying to taper now, but I’m very nervous! Have an MRI on Wednesday so we’ll see. Becky

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Becky, I think I was on Rituxan for a couple of years before being able to taper down. Yes, I was a bit scared too, but I am really glad I was able to do it. Everybody is different so just listen to your body. Best of luck on your MRI.

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kozlo52 | @kozlo52 | Oct 28, 2019
In reply to @gma12346 "My rheumatologist put me on Arava" + (show)
@gma12346

My rheumatologist put me on Arava

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be very careful with arava. i was on it for 1 month and it gave me a rash so bad in my genitals that my dermatologist thought that i would need surgery. once she had me stop arava, the rash had gone away. i very first day i was on it i had a body rash. be very aware of any itching or developement of a rash.....god bless and good luck......kozlo52

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kozlo52 | @kozlo52 | Oct 28, 2019
In reply to @brie "Did you have any trouble adjusting to the methotextrate?" + (show)
@brie

Did you have any trouble adjusting to the methotextrate?

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my problem with methotrexate was that my liver enzymes went very high after one month. it had to be stopped. this drug was a chemo drug in the late 1940's.......kozlo52

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leacy | @leacy | Oct 28, 2019

Hi there! I’m Leacy. Diagnosed with RA a few months ago. I started with meloxicam, not much help, then added methotrexate.I’m only 3 in tomorrow on that. I had to stop meloxicam due to stomach issues, feel much better w/o it, using ALEVE instead. Seems the methotrexate is starting to kick in and work.
I’m interested in curcumin, anyone using it as an anti inflammatory supplement?

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 28, 2019
In reply to @lioness "@becsbuddy Good luck with your MRI are you claustrophobic?" + (show)
@lioness

@becsbuddy Good luck with your MRI are you claustrophobic?

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Hi, @lioness Yes, I’m claustrophobic but the Valium really helps!

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