Connect
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others
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?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.
Connect
Psst...don't answer the door if it knocks!! Stay safe. There are a lot of discussions you may find helpful in the COVID-19 group here:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi. My name is Fran and I
was diagnosed with imflamatory Arthritis anout 3 years ago. Other than steroids, I have not been on medication until 6 months ago when I was put on Cimzia, an injection in my stomach muscle along with one injection of a chemotherapy drug. I am wondering if anyone else is on the drug Cimzia. Thanks, Fran
Hi Fran @frane1939, I don't have any experience with Cimzia but I'm tagging @emt1954, @sherw, @slbeall, @djfd, and @marylou705 who have discussed Cimzia in a post and may be able to share their experience with you.
Does the Cimzia injection seem to be helping you?
Hi my name is cyndy,I’m new to the group. I started lefluminide in December 2019 and I am now experiencing hair loss does anyone have advice to reverse the hair loss.
Hello candy,
Sorry you are experiencing hair loss. The easiest thing to do is tell your doctor. The Rx maybe too strong for you? Maybe the doctor can change your medicine.
It’s unfortunate but hair loss is a side affect of many medicines.
Like anything else it’s trial and error.
Wish you well.
Funcountess
Hello @cyndyabq, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @funcountess and other members. Unfortunately hair loss is one of the less common side effects of many arthritis drugs according to the Arthritis Foundation. You can find more information below but I also think it would be a good idea to discuss it with your doctor.
Arthritis Medications and Hair Loss: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/arthritis-medication-hair-loss
Medical News Today tips for treating hair loss due to Rheumatoid Arthritis: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325569#treating-hair-loss
Is the Leflunomide (Arava) helping your RA?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have had RA for 38 years and have been on a “boatload” of meds. I have never experienced hair loss. Since there are many choices of RA drugs today, please talk to your Dr and try another one.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionOh, my. You are not alone. 38 years with RA and I have been categorized as severe. I wish you would have seen a rheumatologist earlier. They have a treasure chest of medicines to try. You are doing the right thing by educating yourself. Remember you are in charge. Education is key!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am Susie. The summer I turned 30, I developed RA. I am now 68. My 1st rheumatologist was wonderful. He educated me before anything else. The only other time I experienced that was my visit to Mayo in Rochester. Start with education. Know thy enemy.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi, Cyndy,
I, too had alot of hair loss on lefluonmide. I stopped it, and went back to methotrexate. Up to 50% of people on lefluonmide have hair loss. I also had lost 15 pounds in a short period of time. I went and saw a dermatologist, Antonella Tosti, at the University of Miami that specializes in hair & nails. She's written textbooks on hair and nails. She told me I had chronic telogen effluvium because of rapid weight loss and then gave me the statistic on lefluonmide. She told me to take 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime, and come back in 6 mos. When I went back my hair had grown (remember I had 2 things going on). I experience hair loss from RA, but not methotrexate.