A Flare to Remember: Managing RA During the Holidays

I understand the fear, concern, and dislike of taking medication.  But for people with RA medication is the #1 way to prevent joint damage and manage pain.  It seems on a daily basis pain management is the main concern but please know joint damage is irreversable and will lead to much more daily pain than you have now. 

From everything I have read, researched and talked to others about, the best known treatment to prevent or slow joint damage is a combination of methotrexate and one of the biologics (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Orencia).  I urge you to discuss the options with your doctor again and try one of the biologics to see if that helps.  Don't give up until you find a combination of things that work, they can include natural supplements and good nutrician, but those are not proven to prevent joint damage in RA patients. 

I know, my mom was diagnosed when these treatments were not available and her hands and feet are horribly disfigured today and it is incredibly painful for her, even though she is on Enbrel and has been since it was in the trial phases.  When I was diagnosed I did not hesitate to take RA medications because I have seen first hand what happens without them - even though I previously would not even take a pill for a terrible headache.

Jennie ~ http://www.arthritismom.com

Stephanie- I too was diagnosed with RA last year in March. I understand your concrns regarding medications. Initially I used anti-inflammitories, then prednisone (AWFUL!!!), then after my diagnosos I was put on a combination of anti-inflammitories and other meds, but I really got freaked out when I was prescribed methotrexate. I started looking into alternative therapies, like bee venom therapy. I had a neighbor who some yrs before had been incapacitated with some type of inflammatory arthritis, and she successfully treated it through bee venom therapy. I did not pursue this course for myself in the end. I was suffering such pain and disability, and as a single mom of a ten yr. old, I just gave in to the idea that I needed to pursue really aggressive theapy, and not "take chances". I took the methotrexate. Things got better, but I still wasn't doing terrific, so my Dr. put me on Enbrel. I take it in combination with methotrexate. I've been taking it for several months, and I definately feel better. I've been having a bit of a low level flare for awhile now, but there are incredible stresses in my life right now that are contributing to that. I'm thankful that I'm not where I was a year ago...unable to dress myself, comb my hair, walk down a flight of stairs. Giving yourself the injection isn't fun, but accepting that just helps to make it easier. I get the Enbrel directly from the drug company. Look into that if you don't have insurance that will cover it. Good luck.

Hello. I am 32 and was diagnosed last january. I am in debilitating pain. methotrexate doesnt work, i take prednisone so i can walk and function with at least half the pain. I am about to start the new drug simponi, i pray it works. I hate being on MTX. Anyone else on this new drug? has it worked?

Samantha