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.

suzcape | @suzcape | Sep 24, 2023

Update on my RA journey. Diagnosed June 2022. I was fortunate to find a rheumatologist, who has helped me. Since Aug 2022, I have received monthly infusions of Orencia. Fortunate my insurance covers it. It has worked to alleviate pain and can function. I had an episode of pain in Jan 2023 - did a 5 day regimen of prednisone that kicked it out - no other episodes yet.
I also have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Nov 2020.
Recent pulmonary visit, doctor stated he thinks Orencia may be stablizing my IPF. We shall see - thankful and blessed so far.
I am not vaxxed, nor ever had covid. Prayers for you and all of us.

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mariarx8 | @mariarx8 | Sep 24, 2023

My name is Maria I am 69 years old and diagnosed with RA two weeks ago. I have been treated for fibromyalgia and chronic pain for the last 17 years. My father was only 49 when he got his diagnosis so I am familiar with RA. My family doctor gave me celebrex but I can't bring myself to take it because of what I read on the internet and my dad died because of complications from Viox and I know these two drugs are similar. I cannot get a specialist appointment until February and am I alot of pain, sleep deprived and exhausted. Any suggestions on what helps would be appreciated, thank you so much

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3 replies
nrbecerril | @nrbecerril | Sep 24, 2023
In reply to @mariarx8 "My name is Maria I am 69 years old and diagnosed with RA two weeks ago...." + (show)
@mariarx8

My name is Maria I am 69 years old and diagnosed with RA two weeks ago. I have been treated for fibromyalgia and chronic pain for the last 17 years. My father was only 49 when he got his diagnosis so I am familiar with RA. My family doctor gave me celebrex but I can't bring myself to take it because of what I read on the internet and my dad died because of complications from Viox and I know these two drugs are similar. I cannot get a specialist appointment until February and am I alot of pain, sleep deprived and exhausted. Any suggestions on what helps would be appreciated, thank you so much

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Becaful with steroids. I was put on them in 2016 and now my adrenaline glands are damage. Have to stay on steroids for rest of life. I use CBD products and a cream my friend makes for me.

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1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Sep 24, 2023
In reply to @mariarx8 "My name is Maria I am 69 years old and diagnosed with RA two weeks ago...." + (show)
@mariarx8

My name is Maria I am 69 years old and diagnosed with RA two weeks ago. I have been treated for fibromyalgia and chronic pain for the last 17 years. My father was only 49 when he got his diagnosis so I am familiar with RA. My family doctor gave me celebrex but I can't bring myself to take it because of what I read on the internet and my dad died because of complications from Viox and I know these two drugs are similar. I cannot get a specialist appointment until February and am I alot of pain, sleep deprived and exhausted. Any suggestions on what helps would be appreciated, thank you so much

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@mariarx8 . Oh, Maria, that sounds just awful. I’m so glad you found Mayo Clinic Connect! Maybe some members can tell you of their experiences with celebrex. I’m sure changes have been made to celebrex in the past years. But, I respect your opinion.
Have you had a discussion with your doctor about any other medications that he would recommend?
What specifically about celebrex worries you?

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1 reply
mcc | @mcc | Sep 25, 2023

Has anyone that’s been on methotrexate had mouth and gum irritation and cracking skin on fingers when trying to drop the dosage?

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mariarx8 | @mariarx8 | Sep 25, 2023
In reply to @becsbuddy "@mariarx8 . Oh, Maria, that sounds just awful. I’m so glad you found Mayo Clinic Connect!..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@mariarx8 . Oh, Maria, that sounds just awful. I’m so glad you found Mayo Clinic Connect! Maybe some members can tell you of their experiences with celebrex. I’m sure changes have been made to celebrex in the past years. But, I respect your opinion.
Have you had a discussion with your doctor about any other medications that he would recommend?
What specifically about celebrex worries you?

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I will be talking with my family doctor and pharmacist this week. I cannot seem to get to a specialist until February. Thank you

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1 reply
mariarx8 | @mariarx8 | Sep 25, 2023
In reply to @nrbecerril "Becaful with steroids. I was put on them in 2016 and now my adrenaline glands are..." + (show)
@nrbecerril

Becaful with steroids. I was put on them in 2016 and now my adrenaline glands are damage. Have to stay on steroids for rest of life. I use CBD products and a cream my friend makes for me.

Jump to this post

I am sorry your adrenal glands got damaged, I know there are alot of ways people deal with RA, I guess I have to find what works for me. Thank you

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suetex | @suetex | Sep 25, 2023
In reply to @mariarx8 "My name is Maria I am 69 years old and diagnosed with RA two weeks ago...." + (show)
@mariarx8

My name is Maria I am 69 years old and diagnosed with RA two weeks ago. I have been treated for fibromyalgia and chronic pain for the last 17 years. My father was only 49 when he got his diagnosis so I am familiar with RA. My family doctor gave me celebrex but I can't bring myself to take it because of what I read on the internet and my dad died because of complications from Viox and I know these two drugs are similar. I cannot get a specialist appointment until February and am I alot of pain, sleep deprived and exhausted. Any suggestions on what helps would be appreciated, thank you so much

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Does your specialist have a PA that you can interact with? If so, I would reccommend looking into the new drug, Rinvoq as a replacement for the Celebrex. The company offers financial assistance to those that qualify (and I don't think it is a financial qualication they are looking for) so it can be free but you will need your Dr. somewhat involved. It is a JAK inhibiter and I would much rather take it than celebrex- which I am for Crohn's. Have been on it for almost a week and no side effects that I can notice. Take a look at it.

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tomashj | @tomashj | Sep 25, 2023
In reply to @mariarx8 "I will be talking with my family doctor and pharmacist this week. I cannot seem to..." + (show)
@mariarx8

I will be talking with my family doctor and pharmacist this week. I cannot seem to get to a specialist until February. Thank you

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That is a long wait. I worked with a holistic pharmacist in the interim snd used 2240 mg fish oil, tumeric, ginger and bone broth, hemp/tumeric/arnica cream all are on Amazon, a good multivitamin and vitamin d. A low inflammatory diet does help a bit.
I have now added hydroxychloroquine. Good Luck!!!

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1 reply
mariarx8 | @mariarx8 | Sep 25, 2023
In reply to @tomashj "That is a long wait. I worked with a holistic pharmacist in the interim snd used..." + (show)
@tomashj

That is a long wait. I worked with a holistic pharmacist in the interim snd used 2240 mg fish oil, tumeric, ginger and bone broth, hemp/tumeric/arnica cream all are on Amazon, a good multivitamin and vitamin d. A low inflammatory diet does help a bit.
I have now added hydroxychloroquine. Good Luck!!!

Jump to this post

Thank yiu so much for sharing this with me. I am so grateful

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