Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

Methotrexate comes in both pill form and liquid for injection. My present rheumatologist started me on pills but they weren't doing much yet and he increased my dose and then mentioned that it seems to work better when it's injected. I said that I could do that. I too am sorry that Arthritis Today quit being published. Anyway, the syringes I use are the tiny ones used for insulin and they don't hurt at all if you can grab a little roll of fat to poke.

I appreciate the clarification. I am glad you get relief. Some day, I am sure, we will find treatments that are not a health risk with side effects!😊

I'm afraid I'm not getting much relief yet but my Dr said it would probably take a few weeks to a couple of months. It would be nice to get treatments that are harmless and won't empty the pocketbook. At least methotrexate isn't very expensive.

I have had RA since age 36 years old diagnosed at age 45 now age 79 my hands are ravaged and feet are causing me problems ( nodules cross over toe etc. I have had tons of medication over the years. Eventually all drugs cause some side effects. Good luck.

I live in South Australia, I have RA and Polymyalgia. I'm down to 1mg of prednisone and take 400mg of plaquenil in the morning, memory/brain fog is sad, I forget so much and then I get annoyed with myself. I was on a trial drug in 1998 called Interferon, they have now said the long term side effect was rheumatoid arthritis, I think that's possibly how this disease started with me. After 2 rhuematologist I have finally found a good one, I also see a naturopath. 🧡

@josie1, what if any medications are you taking now at 79 to manage pain or other problems?

@hilary62, brain fog is so tough. Do you find some days are better than others?

The Dr. said I have osteoarthritis by taking blood test. My question is what test to ask for to make sure it isn't RA? My hands and feet have become stiff and hurt, sometime my feet feel like cement blocks when I walk. I need more information about arthritis and how other people are managing there problems. Thank for any help.

Hello: I am newly diagnosed with RA after a breakthrough case of Covid; I don't see the "Discuss" option on my tab. I would like to join this group, please.

Hi Bridget (@mdmont3zuma). Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are actually in the group already. ☺️
If you see a conversation you’d like to join, just ‘click’ the Reply button in the conversation and write your question or comment in the box and hit reply. A notification will be sent to the person who posted that particular reply.

If you’d like to ask a question or make a comment in the general group, towards the bottom of the page where it says Post Comment, feel free write to the group in there. It won’t be directed to anyone in particular but it will be read and responded to by anyone with common interests.

Here are some tips to get started. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/

I’m sorry to hear you’re having RA issues after having Covid. You’re certainly not alone so I hope you’ll be able to connect with other members going through the same situation. This virus is very troubling and sure causing a lot of long term issues.

In your bio you mentioned having a lot of questions. Do you have any particular concerns?

Thanks so much for your reply and for clarification. For the past two months, I've been sleeping A LOT, like 12+ hours a day. Pain and swelling have largely immobilized me, and today is my second day on Prednisone. I'm normally a very "busy" and active person, and I am hoping the last 2 months feeling like I'm 80 can be treated with medicine, diet, and exercise. I'm 57 and hope this is not the beginning of the end.