Hi, new to this group

erica3105

I have just been diagnosed with inflamatory Arthritis. Bit scared as I was previously fit and active and before steroids I was in such pain and was unable to bathe, dress or use the toilet on my own! Thankfully the steroids kicked in and life is better than it was. I am now under a Rheumatologist (I had a real battle with the nhs to be seen but that’s another story) Having seen the Rheumatologist I was put on Methatrexate and I’m on my 5th dose but it’s not kicked on yet. I am being tapered off steroids too and currently in the mornings I have mild joint pain, some swelling in my hand and this week have also had cramp in hands and it’s a bit scary 😦

I have read so much on the internet about Arthritis and I’m even confused with my diagnosis as it seems the symptoms of Polymyalgia fit my condition, the consultant has put on paper it’s seronegative Inflamatory Arthritis and another Consultant said I did not have RA??? So bit concerned and worried whether I am on the right medication as currently it’s not working either?

any help would be appreciated

noddingtonpete

Hi @ERICAPOTTAGE and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis and prescribed methotrexate but concerned it is not working. Firstly if you are in any doubt please contact your rheumatology nurse or consultant as they can advise as to what to do. Sounds like they are still trying to determine exactly what you have. I've put some info below from our website which I hope might help.

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

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

You might also wish to take a look at polymyalgia rheumatica and this story. Have a read through and if you need more help try calling our Helpline - they are not medical professionals but can provide provide more information if you have any specific questions.

With very best wishes,

Peter (moderator)

stickywicket

Hi @erica3105 . I have RA and OA. As I understand it there are, broadly, two types of arthritis. OA, often unhelpfully called wear and tear of a joint or joints, and inflammatory arthritis, caused by overactive immune systems, which affects the whole body. The latter includes RA, PsA and AS. It can be sero-positive or sero-negative. Have a look here https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/information-for-researchers/our-approach-to-research/research-advisory-groups/adult-inflammatory-arthritis/

Methotrexate is the normal starting med for most forms of inflammatory arrhritis but sometimes others need to be used instead or in addition.. I hope that might clarify things a bit.

erica3105

Haha, yes I’ll give the skydiving a miss at least until next year😉

thanks for the info I’ll look up the details. Have an appointment with Rheumatology Nurse next week so have a lot of questions to ask! I’ll let you kno ho I get on!