Newbie to RA

LittleArt

Hi I have just been recently diagnosed with RA at the age of 28, I was so emotional when I found out. I have been given a steroid injection, just waiting for it to kick in. I have been prescribed a triple therapy to help.

I was wanting to know if having triple therapy is successful with RA, I have been in so much pain, really looking forward to some relief.

Also worried what the future will hold, taking one day at a time for now.

Reading some of the posts has given some hope

DebraKelly

Welcome,

I got diagnosed with RA 3 years ago.

I get regular steriod injections into my knee (which works wonders) and I am on Meth by injection.

The key to surviving with this is to keep as active as possible. I swim at least twice a week and walk as much as possible.

I find that if I don't do these things I stiffen up very easily.

One of the main things that we all suffer from is fagtiue which unfortunately there is no cure for. Its just something that we have to cope with.

I would also suggest that you read all the information you can regarding what foods etc you can't eat. Avoid anything with citris in it (particiulary orange) as this can have a really bad effect.

I would be interested to find out how your triple therapy goes, as I am asking to change from my Meth to something else.

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you and I'm glad you've found us. I have psoriatic arthritis (it's similar in some respects to RA but with the added bonus of weird skin) and that has led to OA in my knees and ankles. I've tried a number of meds over the years and am currently getting by on injected meth, humira (an anti-TNF) and sulphasalazine. I hope the steroid kicks in soon and that you notice a difference in how you are feeling - was it a general one in your backside? As to the future none of us know what that holds but I do realise that for me it's generally more of the same. I wish you well. DD

valval

welcome sorry you have had to find us but they are starting you off with enough meds to slow it right down so with luck you will find the right meds first time if not do not worry there are lots of different ones they can try but can sometimes take a while to find what suits you. food that a strange one bit like the meds what suits one person does not another it a matter of eliminating it for a while then trying it again see how you get on and what affects you good luck val

Soretoe2

Hi LittleArt,
I'm so sorry you have been diagnosed with RA and having a rough time. Getting your head round it all takes a bit of time but I'm sure you will start to feel better soon once the meds kick in. If they don't, make sure you ring your consultant/doctor and tell them, there are other meds available to try.
Although I have had RA/OA for nearly 60 years I can't comment on the therapy you are having as I have opted, after many years of different meds/injections and surgeries to just have pain control. I'm sure someone will come along and give you some guidance on the latest therapies soon.
I hope that you have good family and friends supporting you. It makes all the difference.
Also if you are at work do you need any help with equipment etc; You can get in touch with your local Arthritis groups (I have belonged to our local ARC group for over 30 years) they can help with practical advice and friendly support.
There are also benefits available which you may qualify for.
There is life with RA and other than a few adjustments a perfectly normal one. I have worked, married, had two sons, have five grandsons , all of which when I was young I thought would never happen to me.
Taking one day at a time is a very sensible thing to do. Thinking positive, while hard sometimes will also help you to deal with it all. Do take a rest when you feel tired and share any worries you have with someone you trust and care for.
I'm sure things will look up for you soon and that the docs will get your pain under control.
Let us know how you are getting on, take care of yourself, Joy

stickywicket

I can't even comment on 'triple therapy', LittleArt as I've no idea what it is. I suppose I could be said to be on 'double therapy' (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine) and I know others take sulphasalazine with that.

Whatever it is I hope it works well and quickly for you. Oh and welcome to the forum from me too.

pennycrayon

Hello there! I am so sorry to hear that. I am the same age as you and I felt exactly the same way when I got told a couple of years ago.

They are a good bunch on this forum and dont mind if you need a moan. :-)

I hope your meds kick in for you soon

xxx

tjt6768

Welcome from me too. I do hope that you find this place as helpful as I do.
The support is fantastic..
Hopefully the steroid will kick in for you soon hun.

I'm unsure what triple therapy is too but I hope it works for you.

Have a lovely day (with any luck lol)

barbara12

Hi littleart
Sorry I cant help with the RA, but I just want to welcome you and add my support.
You take care xx

Starburst

Good morning LittleArt,

Just wanted to welcome you to our wonderful little corner on the web. Sorry you're travelling down this road but glad you found us. I can't comment specifically on triple therapy but I know there have been lots of studies into combination therapy (I assume it's just 2 DMARD combinations but could be wrong) and they've mostly shown to be more effective than one medication.

Focusing on one day at a time is a really positive and helpful way of looking at RA especially as it can fluctuate. I recommend pacing yourself, it really does help.

All the best and please remember we are always here.

julie47

Hi littleart

Just dropped in to welcome you to the forum

I hope the injection kicks in and you start to feel better soon.

I am not sure either what tripple therapy is :? but I hope it works for you


I am on meth leflunomide.hydroxy.celebrex.amytrip.

Take care and try to stay positive

Love Juliepf x

LittleArt

I am taking 3 meds, Methorexate, Sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine. I started my meds on Friday, so far the side effects have been headaches (which have since gone) and feeling nausea ( for only one day). Still in a bit of pain but I have been told the meds do take time to get to work. I have notice that my knees have started to feel better. I am very hopeful that the meds will help.

Thanks for all the responses.

LignumVitae

Hey LittleArt,
I hope things continue to pick up. It usually takes a few weeks for things to kick in when it comes to DMARDs like your trio, I really hope they work for you. Keep coming back, lots of us know how hard it is to get o grips with arthritis and we'll offer you lots of support.
LV

stickywicket

I hope they work too, LittleArt. Have you been given Folic Acid to help lessen side-effects? Also, taking them with food will help to ensure no stomach problems. It's early days for you yet but the signs look good.

LittleArt

I have been given folic acid and I have been making sure I have a meal before taking them. fingers crossed the meds will work. I want to remain positive.

Thanks

Susiesoo

Hi - as we all know, it is early days for you, but good luck and I hope the meds are soon working for you.

Everyone on here is so friendly and supportive. Please let us know how you are getting on and don't worry about asking any questions - there's always someone who can help.

Best wishes, Susie

mig

Just wanted to say welcome,the crowd on here are great keep you sane when you think you are losing the plot,I would have been lost without them.Mig

bubbadog

Hi Littleart, wanted to welcome you to Arthritis Care and tell you, you have made a good decision! Joining AC was the best decision I ever made as before then I was at the end of my tether and was rock bottom, since then my OH & family have said they have noticed the old Mandy (They call me Mandy instead of Amanda!) coming back again! In other words loopy girl! I hope it helps you and I also hope you get the best medication to help you sorted soon.

LittleArt

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies, well it has been 4 weeks on the meds and I hope they are kicking in as I have virtually no pain! I am even back to work! Fingers crossed I stay this way for sometime. I did start of with headaches and nausea to begin with but that has since gone, only now and again!

stickywicket

Well done for persevering, LittleArt. You've got your just reward and that is excellent news. Thanks for sharing it.

Mat48

Hi Little Art - I'm on Hydroxichloraquine and Methotrexate by injection - tried Sulphasalazine but it made me ill so I had to stop. I'm almost a year on from diagnosis and doing really well now. Its taken a while to get to this stage though - but hang in there and hope you feel as improved as I do very soon (it will take a while for the drugs to do their bit though). Mat x

bubbadog

Hi littleart, Wanted to welcome you to Arthritis Care forum, though I can't advise you on meds I just wanted to say you will get alot of support and Arthritis Care Forum has been such a help to me and I'm sure it will be for you as well. You will find so much support and any questions you have you will find who ever can help in answering them for you will do. We look after each other in anyway we can. Welcome again to Arthritis Care forum.

DebraKelly

Welcome,

I had have RA for the past 3 years, started on Meth tablets and now on Meth injections and about to start Sulpha.

I also get steriod injections every 4 months.

For me the steriod injections works wonders and last a few months, particularly useful during the winter.

When you start any new medication it does take a while for you to feel the benefit, usually about 12 weeks. So don't panic if you feel a bit yucky during this time.

If you do feel yucky, my tips are diet coke, ginger nuts or mints.

Don't hesitate to ask us if you have any questions.

helpatpol

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your treatment. If you have ups and downs this is a good place to share and get support. Helen