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Does anyone have sero negative rheumatoid arthritis?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Jun 13 9:44pm | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
I was diagnosed with PMR 2.5 years ago. Rheumatologist started me on Prednisone. I tapered down to 0 in 14 months and my hands swelled up and hurt so bad I couldn't make a fist. My grip strength was down to 15 pounds. Blood test were all normal. Rheumatologist said I was having a relapse and put me back on Prednisone. Grip strength up to 60 lbs. Tapered down to zero and hands reacted the same way. Doc said she thinks I have sero negative rheumatoid arthritis and put me on Methotrexate and Naproxen. After six weeks hands still swollen, but a little less pain. I also developed a rash on my wrist. Have had skin problems approx 10 years ago and not much since. Not doc is testing for psoriatiac arthritis and added hydroxychloroquine. I'm a 62 year old female retired police officer.
Replies to "I was diagnosed with PMR 2.5 years ago. Rheumatologist started me on Prednisone. I tapered down..."
I also had skin rash all over my body in response to methotrexate in addition to brain fog and fatigue. More advanced biologics like adalimumab (Humira), tocilizumab (Actemra), and Rituximab may work better. You may want to check with your doctor. Now cheaper biosimilars for these drugs are also available and are covered by insurances.
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@chpfireball Perhaps you need to go on a biologic as well as methotrexate. BTW, it was discovered when I was taking methotrexate pills that it was not absorbing properly into my bloodstream. I was changed to injections and it works much better. Good luck!