I have had RA for 8 years. I am a female, almost 50, and have managed the disease pretty well. I was on plaquenil, prednisone (very low dose and tapered off), and Ibuprofen. Two years ago we had to add methotrexate and folic acid. I have had normal blood work the whole time I have been on the mtx, but I really don't want to be on such a harsh drug the rest of my life. I am interested in finding out if anyone with mild RA has had success getting off of drugs completely, either through clinical remission or alternative medicines (chinese herbs, etc.) Currently I am in great physical shape, able to play tennis at least 10 or more hours a week. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!
Read the book The New Arthritis Breakthrough (with The Road Back) and consider The Arthritis Center in Riverside, CA. I recently spoke with a recovering severe RA victim that has engaged in this treatment with miraculous results. I am getting ready to embark on it with my teenage daughter who is afflicted. Very, very hopeful... Good luck!
Before diagnosis my RA felt quite severe, then I began treatment with methotrexate and sulfasalazine which brought things inline. However not completely undercontrol, always some level of pain, swelling, fatigue.
Since I also had MS, it was hard to determine what the cause was for many issues which came up. My rheumy once used the word mild, or maybe she just said "your RA is not that bad." But I would definitely fit within the moderate category as she noted early bone loss at our first appointment.
After starting Rituxan, I got a taste of what a reduction in RA symptoms feels like. Wow, what a difference! I'm in the middle of round two of treatment and look forward to experiencing that same improvement or more. (Symptoms started returning at about month 5.)
Now, I do acknowledge that my RA is moderate but that hopefully with Rituxan and methotrexate (dropped sulfasalazine), I can feeling as though it is mild. BTW, my fatigue level was greatly reduced after the first round of infusions. Very nice benefit.
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This post is very helpful!