newbie

FINNY

hey all

my name is Paul and i have had RA for the last year.im on 20mg methotrexate per week,i take two 500mg salazoprin a day and 2.5 predniolone per day and feel fine.

i know they want to cut the steroid out and cut back from the methotrexate but im worried the pain in my fingers,wrists and toes will come back,i missed my steroids one night a few weeks ago and i felt it then.

does anyone take natural herbs or vitamins to help with the RA and does it help?

im looking to find something for when i have to cut down my tablets

thx Paul

Shell_H

Hi @FINNY - welcome to the online community!

I understand that you're worried that you've been on steroids and methotrexate and now your doctors want to cut back and your symptoms may get worse. You're asking for advice on what else you can take to help when you cut back.

A note on steroids - they are not advised to be taken long term, as they can have many adverse effects if taken over a long period of time - we do have some information on steroids here which may be interesting for you:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/steroids/

Versus Arthritis has some information on herbs and vitamins which I've found for you and shared below. Some herbs can interact with your medication so it may be worth talking to your GP or pharmacist when deciding which ones you want to try.

• Your questions on complementary and alternative treatments
• Herbal Medicine
• Vitamins

Do take a look around the rest of the online community - we're always happy to have new voices join in.

Lovely to meet you!

Shell

Shaphron

Hi Finny

While I was reading the recent articles on the Versus Arthritis website I saw this and thought it might be helpful for you:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/august/five-top-tips-on-navigating-health-advice-about-arthritis/

It seems to have some relevant information to what you were asking. I hope it helps!