Can methotrexate and/or hydroxychloroquine make RA worse?

I'm so happy this worked for you! I know what a miracle prednisone can be. I will say that after 3 years of prednisone I developed cataracts, nearly overnight, and have had 4 corrective surgeries so far. I also have a leak behind my retna that causes fluid to build up and make my vision appear as if I am looking through a fun house mirror. I finally had to give up steroids and that choice landed me in bed for the better part of 10 weeks. Eight months later and I am still not fully okay and my vision isn't great. I miss prednisone every time I have to move my body, but I had to choose between sight and lowered mobility. I hope this is helpful. My suggestion is, don't stay on it too long and have your optometrist check for the beginning of cataracts, so many don't know to look.

My spelling is awful! My apologies! I don't know how to edit this once it's posted.

Hi @psa44 I promise you, there are no grammar police or your 3rd grade spelling teacher here to smack you with a ruler. Can you tell I was brought up in a parochial school? 😂
However, you have an option to edit your post within 30 minutes of hitting that reply button. When you look at the posting, under the final sentence, you’ll see a heart on the left side and 3 dots … on the right side. Click those 3 dots and a menu will appear. Look to the bottom of that menu and it will say Edit. Click there and you’ll be in edit mode to correct what you wish, then hit reply again. Does that help?

@sheilaray I’m glad you’re going to try a new doctor, but might i suggest you do a little research first. You can look them up on Baylor University’s website or the medical association in the town where they are located. You want to see 1. If they have a good reputation, 2. Have RA as a sub specialty, 3. Are Board Certified in rheumatology.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
My sister had to do this. When she met the doctor, she said how much she appreciated his seeing her and trying to help her. She felt he was so helpful.
When you get your appointment, be sure to let us know!

Methatrexate really did the same for me. I changed to injectable and it made the days easier. However, changing my diet to non processed, avoiding sugar, potatoes, tomato and moderating dairy and whole wheat as well as adding a daily walk to my lifestyle worked well with it. PT referral for chronic joint ills is great. At retirement I was able to go off of MTX. I have been on Plaquenil for years; going to half dose this year to see if that will do. Apparently, I am elderly now. Of course, I have to pace myself and do the ice/heat, lidocaine patches, epsom salt baths etc, but resting without daily movement is toxic.

Not to worry or apologize, once it’s sent it is set in stone, everyone sends mistakes this is understood and acceptable.
Be easy on yourself, compassion begins at home.❤️

Hi Good Day ,
In reading your issue regarding prednisone I also had been taking it for over a year and half. I have had thinning of my skin, weight gain while taking with moon face and the beginning of a hump on my back. I was treated for RA but it took awhile to diagnose. My Dr is a very good communicated as I found a new one closer to where I live. I trust her. She did change my methotrexate RX to another one and on Simponi infusions. It helps a bit but just restarted the biologics 2 month ago and takes awhile to build up . I am a painter , this disease has made it very difficult to paint as it has affected my hands, wrists and elbow which I wrap daily and have had OT which has helped me with splints and exercise but try not to use my hands to much except painting and cooking.
Wish you better health and blessings.
Glynnis

Good morning @jilliemo12345 Your message for @psa44 is so warm and encouraging. I think it’s a wonderful reminder to be kind to ourselves; compassion does begin at home. Your message is also an example of what makes Connect such a supportive and welcoming community. ☺️

But for the times you’ve posted something in Connect that really gnaws at you and if, for any reason, you want it changed or deleted, you have options! 🙃

You can edit your post within 30 minutes of hitting that reply button. When you look at the posting, under the final sentence, you’ll see a heart on the left side and 3 dots … on the right side. Click those 3 dots and a menu will appear. Look to the bottom of that menu and it will say Edit. Click there and you’ll be in edit mode to correct what you wish, then hit reply again.

If you discover your error after 30 minutes, use that same direction for the 3 dots … and in that menu you’ll see Report Comment. Tell the moderator what you wanted changed and they’ll do that for you. Does this help ease your mind?

Yes. Thank you. This is super helpful.

Thank you