Hello Newly diagnosed and confused
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
Comments
-
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:
You also say you are struggling to sleep I presume due to pain so will attach this:
While you wait for someone to come along to share their own experience.
Best wishes
Ellen.
1
Categories
- All Categories
- 2.3K Welcome
- 18 How to use your online community
- 30 Help, Guidelines and Get in Touch
- 41K Our Community
- 9.2K Living with arthritis
- 91 Hints and Tips
- 233 Work and financial support
- 733 Chat to our Helpline Team
- 4 Want to Get Involved?
- 396 Young people's community
- 9 Parents of Children with Arthritis
- 43 My Triumphs
- 136 Let's Move
- 26 Sports and Hobbies
- 20 Food and Diet
- 262 Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- 19 Community Feedback and ideas
- 360 Chat and News
- 40 Val's Cafe
- 285 Chit chat
- 11 News
- 4 Tails From The Cafe