Does medication work?
I'm waiting for confirmation of RA but wondering if medication actually works to eliminate pain? My wrists and fingers are the worse but I also have near constant pain in my knees, ankles, elbows and shoulders and my left hip regularly gives out. It's exhausting and for some reason I have it in my head that if it is indeed RA that nothing will make it better. Does treatment work and what are the side effects please?
Hi Pathay. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties and awaiting a diagnosis, but glad to see you are seeking out information. Everyone's RA is different, thus treatment regimens tend to be individualistic. Know that there are quite a few treatment options now available and that many use them successfully to lead full and happy lives. This article from our editorial team gives an overview of RA treatments: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/. In addition, thought you might be interested in this article from one of our contributors on pursuing RA treatment: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/nothing-is-worse-than-nothing/. Please know that you are always welcome here for information and support. If you like, feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Yes, it is exhausting! Medications can help with symptoms! For me, the first way I know a med is helping, is increased energy, activity and productivity. Then, I start to notice less joints involved and painful areas decreasing.
It's important to allow yourself to believe that the meds will work. Many of us have come from a place of discouragement from our journey to diagnosis and treatment. I was afraid to believe I could feel better.
That said, how you will respond to different meds may seem random. My doc and I have gone through a few different combos over the last 18 months. I appreciate when I tell him I'm a little better and he says, let's get you even more better. I'm not at target yet, but I am definitely moving in the right direction.
I strongly urge you to stay in close contact with your doc. I see mine every 3 months but frequently phone or email him or his PA in between appointments. Believe them when they say, "Call us if you need anything" If you think you are having side effects, speak with them, they may help. Sometimes it's a drug change or sometimes, as in the case of Methotrexate, they can increase your Folic Acid with a supplement to counteract side effects.
Remember, there are people out there who are doing better! I love this forum. Other sites seem less helpful, more whiny. But also remember, people are more likely to reach out when they are having difficulties. The one's that are doing great, are out there doing great!Yes, it is exhausting! Medications can help with symptoms! For me, the first way I know a med is helping, is increased energy, activity and productivity. Then, I start to notice less joints involved and painful areas decreasing.
It's important to allow yourself to believe that the meds will work. Many of us have come from a place of discouragement from our journey to diagnosis and treatment. I was afraid to believe I could feel better.
That said, how you will respond to different meds may seem random. My doc and I have gone through a few different combos over the last 18 months. I appreciate when I tell him I'm a little better and he says, let's get you even more better. I'm not at target yet, but I am definitely moving in the right direction.
I strongly urge you to stay in close contact with your doc. I see mine every 3 months but frequently phone or email him or his PA in between appointments. Believe them when they say, "Call us if you need anything" If you think you are having side effects, speak with them, they may help. Sometimes it's a drug change or sometimes, as in the case of Methotrexate, they can increase your Folic Acid with a supplement to counteract side effects.
The post shared above: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/nothing-is-worse-than-nothing/ is EXCELLENT!
Remember, there are people out there who are doing better! I love this forum. Other sites seem less helpful, more whiny. But also remember, people are more likely to reach out when they are having difficulties. The one's that are doing great, are out there doing great!
