I was diagnosed with RA seven years ago and was prescribed Plaquenil. I received much relief and continued doing well. About 9 months after I was in a car accident, resulting in cervical stenosis and a long course of PT I had severe flares for which I was prescribed prednisone for several months (May, 2007). My rheumatologist was concered about my liver functioning and diagnosed hepatitis c after a blood test. I began treatment for hcv (January, 2008), my flares subsided, however during the latter part of the 6 months of hcv treatment, the flares increased and I was in considerable pain. I was prescribed prednisone in dosages ending at 20 mg. for 3 months. The prednisone provided minimal relief, and I was weaned off the prednisone, and put on sulfazine. In September, 2008 I was prescribed Enbrel and finally Methotrexate (January, 2009). I have received much relief with the current medications (I continue to take Plaquenil as well). My question is, is it possible that my car accident and resulting injury caused my RA flares? Finally is there any literature or research that addresses the relationship between hcv treatment and RA, as well as RA flares and stress?
Q: Is there a connection between hcv treatment & RA flare? Is there research linking RA flares & stress
In terms of your research question, I would recommend that you go to the nearest medical library and do some research there. I simply don't know, it's a very specialized question and those of us who answer questions here are not doctors. You may be able to find some information on the Internet, but your best bet (aside from the medical library) is probably to speak to your doctor.
However, it is quite likely that the trauma of your accident triggered a flare. if your body is out of whack or traumatized by injury, accident or sometimes surgery, the rest of your body can get out of whack, as well and your RA can flare. keep in mind that this opinion is based on observation and from what I've read from other people with RA - I'm not a doctor, so I don't have any medical research to back that up.
Hi Susan, I was diagnosed with RA a year ago and was also prescribed Plaquenil then Sulfasalazine. I to am HC positive. My RA doc recently prescribed Enbrel to me, he says that due to the HC I should not take Methltrxate...to hard on the liver. I cannot stand prednisone it makes me crazy. Anything that can further weaken the immune system is going to affect RA. Good luck to you.
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