Steroids

SalClara

Hi

Hope you are all ok. I was diagnosed with RA earlier this week after waiting a long time for a rheumatolgy appointment. I was given a 3 week course of steroids before starting methotrexate. Not sure whether to take these but feeling pretty achy today. Have they helped anyone else?

Thanks

PJoanne

Hello @SalClara

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for your post.

It's worth checking with your prescriber for the reason for the steroids however , I think that they are often a 'first option' type of treatment to quickly reduce a flare up/inflammation, so they should help reduce your symptoms. The methotrexate will take longer to build up to a therapeutic level in the body, which is probably why the steroids have been issued for you to take first.

If you can't get hold of the rheumy dept/nurse give your local chemist a ring as the pharmacist will be able to advise you as well.

Best Joanne

Eeyore

Hello @SalClara

I was given steroids while waiting for methotrexate and my goodness they helped enormously, reduced the pain and inflammation considerably. Methotrexate does take a while to kick in. But as always, worth talking to a rheumy nurse or a pharmacist if you have any concerns, as @PJoanne says.

Arciere

Hi @SalClara

Yes, I was given steroids - it was explained that my body was on fire from an inflammation perspective and the steroids would put the fire out - while the methotrexate would then seek to prevent the inflammation from rising.

My only advice here is to follow what your prescriber instructs and try not to self medicate or prescribe. I got frustrated with another drug, decided to stop taking it and then became really poorly. So check in with your prescriber if in doubt. The rheumatology dept should have an advice line.

Good luck - hope this helps

jamieA

Hi @SalClara

I was given steroids during the first year after diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. I was given both oral steroids and injections. They helped significantly during that year while rheumatology tried to find a treatment regime that would work for me.

SalClara

Thanks very much for your replies, they're helpful.