Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

My husband was just diagnosed with RA and am interested in learning more.

Hello, friends!! My name is Rachel Cherry. I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when I was 11 years old. We did not have any pediatric rheumatologist where I lived. My dad got in touch with Shriners, who took us to Greenville South Carolina each time I had an appointment. When I turned 16 I started going to Asheville North Carolina to see Dr. Jill Vargo. She immediately changed my life. At this point, I am on Celebrex, folic acid, methotrexate, Plaquenil, Tremfya, and Nexium.

At this point, I have a fractured rib from coughing due my pneumonia. I haven’t been taking my arthritis medication for over a month. Right now I just feel tired, achy, and in some considerable pain.

But, I am happy to be here. I am happy to be alive. And I am happy to be on this form.

I had the same experience. Have you asked for the liquid form of methotrexate. If you are comfortable giving yourself a shot, it is so much easier on your digestive system.

I love the Mayo Clinic. I have been to the one in Jacksonville several times. I also have Osteogenisis Inferfecta. This is a genetic disorder that causes low burn density, blue sclera, and petite stature. On July 7, 2011 I had a dissection of my carotid artery. We were in Florida. The best end of vascular near a radiologist who is also double boarded in neurosurgery took care of me. I had an adverse reaction to TpA, the a stroke. I spent three months in Florida. I had a craniotomy. I lost the ability to speak the English language. I had to go to Speech Therapy every day for six months. Dr. Bellew told me that I couldn’t go back to work for two years. I’m that type a personality, I went back after nine months. After a year of working, I realized it was too much. My rheumatologist told me it was time to stop. This is perhaps one of the worst days of my life. However, when I look back, I know it was the greatest decision.

I wrote several long responses to this but deleted them all because I realized that RA affects us all differently. Yes, we all get joint pain and deformity, but RA is a systemic illness, meaning that it can (but doesn't always) affect other body parts and systems as well. So, while our personal stories might be meaningful to you and your husband after he's lived with it for a few months or years, the best place to start is by educating yourselves through respected, peer-reviewed sources (not random blogs hawking cure-alls and magic). Since you're here, you already know about the Mayo Clinic site, but there are many reliable information sites out there (Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, etc.), especially those associated with universities and (at least before trump 2.0) government agencies like the NIH and CDC. Learn what you can, not so you can dwell on everything that COULD happen but so you might recognize what IS happening.

I have found that the liquid methotrexate works very well for me. If you don’t mind injecting yourself once a week.

“Shots work better for some people, especially if you forget to take your pills on schedule or if the pills cause nausea. Methotrexate liquid comes in vials with a hypodermic needle or in prefilled pens with various doses.

You inject the drug under the skin on your stomach or thigh. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to do this at home. If you use a prefilled pen, you’ll stick the pen into your stomach or thigh and press on it to inject the drug. Try to give yourself your shot in a different spot each time. This will help you avoid skin reactions.” David Zelman, MD
Leucovorin may reduce the effects of methotrexate
Leucovorin may reduce the effects of methotrexate. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes during treatment with these medications.

I was diagnosed almost a year ago. Started on methotrexate, then added sulfasalazine( that did not help so quit that one, started Humira a month ago. No results yet. It has been a difficult journey and it took 10 years to be diagnosed. I’m staying positive but pain makes it hard some days. Is anyone on Humira for RA? Let me know your experience if you don’t mind. Thank you

You have really had it tough. While I had open heart surgery in Rochester in 2016, I have had virtually relatively little problems. I finally reacted to the methotrexate and am no longer taking it. I can’t say that it made a difference. What made a huge difference was going on a blood thinner after being diagnosed with A-Fib. I trust Mayo to handle that too. Good luck to you..wishing you the best!
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Humira wasn’t any help for me. I am currently on actemra and have had good results.

Thank you. I’m going to give it 3 months then change if no help. I have had a hard time finding anyone who has benefited from Humira. My rheumatologist wanted to give me Cimzia but insurance wouldn’t cover it