Hi All,
Sorry i haven't been on for a while. As always, my arthritis is much better during the summer months and i try to make the most of it!

I have my long awaited Rheumy appointment on Friday and i have lots i want to talk to her about.
Mainly, the fact that the Methotrexate isn't making any difference, i don't think. I know i have been better over the summer, but i had such a bad winter just gone and my joints got a lot worse and new ones joined in too! The weather has been wet and cooler lately and i can already feel things getting worse and more painful and stiff again! So as you can imagine im dreading the winter.
I want to come off of the Meth really as it is such a strong drug with nasty side effects, but im also nervous about what other drugs she would want me to try!!
For those of you that don't know, i have a type of Erosive Inflammatory OA not RA. I was just wondering if anyone else has been on MTX and it didn't work and what the docs put you on next????
Also, my left hip has definitely got worse this year and im going to talk to her about a hip replacement, i want her to record on my records that im asking for a hip replacement as soon as they think right time. Do you think i should insist on another xray of my hip to see how much worse its got????
Any advise would be appreciated, i don't want to waste this precious appointment with the Rheumy!!
Thanks
Comments
I'm afraid I've no real understanding of your brand of arthritis. Mine's RA with a side helping of OA. I guess all you can do is be guided by your rheumatologist but, although everyone fears the strong meds at first, if they help keep stuff at bay, they're worth it in my opinion. I've been on meth for over 10 years with no significant problems. As/when/if it stops working for me I'll move on to something else. That's how it is I'm afraid.
I've never insisted on an x-ray. In fact, I've never even asked for one. I think it's best to work with the docs rather than tell them how to do their job though I admit I've always had good ones.
I was told i have sero-negative inflammatory OA, but i just felt that's what they call all the arthritis that isn't RA or any other type!
I had an ultrasound on my fingers and cos she found a tiny bit of inflammation they decided i might benefit from RA drugs, but im just not convinced myself.
I don't really understand all the different types of Arthritis and what triggers them. But im assuming mine must be an auto-immune type as why would so many of my joints be affected if it was just OA!? So something more must be going on!
Its just so frustrating cos i feel like there isn't anything they can do to help stop the disease progressing with my type of arthritis!
If it is an auto-immune type then you will need DMARDS or anti-tnfs or some such. There's no getting away from them. If it isn't....well, there's another question for your rheumatologist :roll:
Love Juliepf x
Take care.
Deb x