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Need drug to suppress RA that does not flare up my BE or MAI.
Have BE and MAI, both stable, for 2 years. No major flare up with Mullein,NAC and vest. 2 months ago RA appears, on steroids for 1 month, works great as short term fix. Ra Doctor trying to give me drug to suppress RA without activating my BE and MAI. Taking supplements to help inflammation, off of steroids on 9/15. Any suggestions so pain does not return, 79 in good health. Good diet, no meat only fish, Zumba,walk. Thank you, have learned so much from this site.
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@playadelcarmen Interesting question...I have had RA for years, but no rheumatologist would treat it because my bloodwork didn't show it - only my joints. This year I was referred to a new doc by my pulmonologist because she believed it - said there are quite a few well-documented links between other inflammatory disorders and Bronchiectasis.
The new rheumatologist is VERY knowledgeable about sero-negative arthritis, and started me on prednisone to stop a huge flare (hands took 20 minutes to work by the AM.) Then he studied the meds in his arsenal, and has started me on Arava (leflunomide.) Like other disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs it has a very long list of side effects. But, according to him, his BE and asthma patients have pretty good results with it, and it seems to cause less lung issues than others. I'm sure his thoroughness and caution about other conditions is why my pulmonologist prefers him.
I am going into month 2 of Arava (it takes about 3 months to work) and tapering off prednisone. So far, so good - I can use my hands again.
This is NOT a recommendation for you to ask for this med - it is a suggestion that you find a doc who will study your needs and the available meds to find what is right for you.