Hard not to worry

BeckyFlower

Hi everyone :autumn-sun: 

I’m 27 years old, and earlier this year I was diagnosed with mono-arthritis in my right knee. It’s all been very up and down since been diagnosed. Since July this year I’ve had two steroid injections into my knee which were both quick to wear off. I’m now on Sulfasalazine (4 daily) I did seem to have some side effects to begin with, such as frequent headaches and low white blood cell counts, causing me to pick up colds and infections etc. I’m hoping its now settled into my system, as the tablets seem to be working and definitely ease the pain in my knee. However I’m a little concerned as I noticed pain in both of my thumb joints a few months back, and it’s gradually getting worse. I’ve mentioned this to my Rheumatologist but they haven’t advised me on if the arthritis is progressing into other parts of my body, and if this is even a possibility. I was wondering if anyone else had been diagnosed with mono-arthritis could advise? My understanding of mono-arthritis is it only effects one joint at a time?

I do try to remain positive and just get on with my life, although been diagnosed at a young age does make me worry about the future, such as work etc. I don’t think enough awareness of arthritis is out there and people just assume if effects older people :roll:

Hope to hear back from fellow members 

Becky

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you but I am sorry you have had to find us. I have not heard of the term 'mono-arthritis' but I do recall the days when this was the case for me; between 1997 ands 2003 my left knee was the affected joint. As you are under the care of a rheumatologist and taking sulphasalazine I presume you have some form of auto-immune inflammatory arthritis and it's a good thing that the sulph is having a positive effect re. the pain in your knee.

Auto-immune arthritis can begin at any age and yes, you are quite right in thinking that people don't know that is the case. Why would they if they (or those close to them) have not been affected?

Any form of arthritis is degenerative and progressive but I maintain that the sooner one is diagnosed and begins the meds the better the outcome can be. Sulph belongs to the group of meds termed DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) and it works by subduing your immune system: auto immune arthritis is triggered by an over-active immune system which can cause all kinds of havoc such as asthma, eczema and hayfever. Because our immune systems are suppressed to control disease activity we are more susceptible to bugs and infections so we have to increase our awareness of basic hygiene: you qualify for a free flu jab from your GP, use hand gel (and ask those around you to use it) and keep anti-bac wipes in your handbag to clean table tops, cutlery etc. when out and about. DD

stickywicket

I've not come across the term monoarthritis either but I'm pleased the sulph seems to be working and side-effects fewer. Well done on persevering!

I think it's quite possible that your arthritis is spreading. I'm afraid it does that. However, as DD says, you got on the medication quickly and that always helps. If you feel the medications isn't controlling it well do give your rheumatology helpline a ring as your rheumatologist might want to add another med into the mix. Many of us have to take more than one.

You're quite right. It is hard not to worry because suddenly the future is uncertain. However, you seem to have adapted well so far and attitude helps a lot. Please keep in touch and let us know how things go on.

bitsinabag

Hi Beckyflower,
I tend to get a lot of negative feedback for saying this - particularly from the `old hands`, however when I was diagnosed with RA some 10 years ago I quickly went from `just` pain to disfigured joints to being unable to do many things. The specialists worked hard to find the right medication and some helped releive the symptoms. The future looked bleak.
Now the good part. My husband who noticed that I was feeling worse some days than others put together a simple spreadsheet onto which he logged the drugs I was taking, the food I ate, the weather, my activity level and most important, how I felt each day on a 1 to 9 scale. So with days of the week as heads to columns and inputs listed down the left, the majority of entries were simple ticks in the box.
To get to the point within just a week or two some patterns emerged - which for me amounted to eating some foods co-related to more intense symptoms. Avoiding them and I felt much better, to the extent if I was careful my symptoms virtually disappeared! We went through specific allurgy testing etc etc, and nothing showed. Having avoided my trigger inputs for years now I am completely symptom free, and take no medication whatsoever for RA. logging and reviewing as I suggest may give you an insite into your own condition which will enable you to take a measure of control over your own future. No guarantees but well worth the effort of 2 minutes a day making notes.
All the best for the future.
bitsinabag