Newly diagnosed

Hannah82

Hi there. I’ve just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Have been prescribed steroids for 3 weeks and methotrexate. Steroid injections haven’t helped at all. I started the steroids on Friday and at the moment there’s no change or improvement in the pain. Is this usual or unusual? I know everyone is different but I’m trying to be optimistic that the steroids will kick in soon! 🤞🏼 and give some pain relief.

Thanks

MaryL44

Hello  @Hannah82 and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about 9 months ago and take methotrexate but there was not discussion of steroids so I can't help you on that front but I would suggest that it may take some time for the medication to 'kick in'. Our community members will have vast experience so keep checking back here for their responses.

Also, our website is a mine of information so do look at it. You might be particularly interested in:

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

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/your-questions-answered/your-questions-on-steroids/

Please keep posting now you are here and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Mary

Hannah82

thank you so much Mary. It’s really helpful to know people are feeling the same and we are not alone!

Arthuritis

@Hannah82 Steroids usually work very fast, but it depends on whether it was injected to a joint or the systemic “bum” injection. The joint one takes a month to work and settle down typically injected into knuckle, wrist or elbow. Causes some pain as it mechanically deposits a slow release local steroid there. I have had 2, worked well.

I had steroid tablets when I was first diagnosed and they worked, but was told to wean off them asap as they create a whole load of problems of their own long term. They did work.

Just a thought, but WHERE are your RA symptoms, how did you first notice them?

There are other conditions that can mimic classic RA, even with positive blood tests. A bacterial infection of joints, (Septic Arthritis) occurs usually in large joints can also resemble RA,

Reactive arthritis also mimics RA, but is triggered by some medications or food you have become intolerant to, and stops a few days after you stop taking the trigger.

You should be investigated further if the steroids aren’t helping, but unfortunately you have to push and be your own advocate.

Do come back and tell us how you are getting on.

frogmorton

Hi @Hannah82

For some of us steroid tablets work better I am so sorry your (depot? In your rear???) didn't help you. Might be worth checking in with your rheumatology team for advice if you are struggling. Methotrexate (MTX) can take up to 12 weeks to work.

Sending some (()) and hope things are feeling a bit better now.

Toni x

Arthuritis

@frogmorton So true about how long MTX takes, I found in my round 2 of RA, taking the max dose I had 2 years ago the last time i had active RA, speeded up the response a bit, together with maintaining diet changes so unlike last time, my hands are not affected.

Hannah82

Thank you all. So the pain started in the outside of my knees last November and travelled up into my pelvis / groin. That’s better but not right.

Then I had real pain in my neck and now it’s in my shoulders and down my arms. Apparently the inflammation is very bad in my shoulders.

The steroid was injected into my shoulders and I’m now also taking prednisone on a decreasing dose for 3 weeks. I just wondered really when I might feel some relief!

PJoanne

Hello @Hannah82

It is worth popping into your pharmacy and speaking to the pharmacist about your medication, they should be able to guide you about timelines etc.

Best Joanne

Arthuritis

@Hannah82 You might also consider changing your diet to veggie but only leafy greens, no beans of any kind, no milk products. Alternatively speak to your gp on going on a week long fast, see if that gives you any relief, and if it does, add one food item at a time and wait 2 days before confirming whether it’s a safe list item or a flare trigger item.