Hello Newly diagnosed and confused

Mini03

Hi I have just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 52 and struggling to come to terms with it. I have pain and stiffness in both hands, both shoulders - impingement in right shoulder, knees and ankles. Consultant wants me to start on steroids and methotrexate along with physiotherapy but worried about side effects and i previously had problems with liver function now settled. Any suggestions for alternative treatment ? Also any advice to help with sleeping, i sleep on right side which is worse and frequently wake up.

Many thanks

Ellen

Hi @Mini03

Welcome to the Versus Arthritis Online Community.

I see from your post that you've recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis affecting quite a number of your joints.

The Rheumatologist wants to start you on Methotrexate (MTX) and steroids. I can quite understand your concerns about side effects given that you have had a problem with your liver function in the past. I can reassure you a little I hope. People who take Methotrexate are monitored very closely, especially at the beginning of treatment.

As you probably know Methotrexate is a DMARD Disease modifying Anti-Rheumatic drug. This article is about DMARDs and does mention several others within it:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/disease-modifying-anti-rheumatic-drugs-dmards/

You also say you are struggling to sleep I presume due to pain so will attach this:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/february/top-tips-for-good-sleep/

While you wait for someone to come along to share their own experience.

Best wishes

Ellen.