Quality of Life
I was diagnosed after my inflammatory markers were off the chart.
It took 6 months to see a specialist and have the doplar.
I have had back and hip pain my adult life. Always worse after long shifts on my feet. I was fine with that.
I was started on 20mg methotrexate last Jan. 2022.
I have had several flares. Pain in my hands and lower legs, nausea, severe fatigue, muscle pain and weakness.
All of my discomfort seems to to be more like fibro or prm.
I now have crappy blood work correlating to bone marrow.
My quality of life is in the dumpster.
I felt much better last year before starting methotrexate.
I would like to go off of it and hopefully feel like myself again.
I finally retired and being immobile isnt a lifestyle I can accept.
Anyone else feel that quality over quantity is the better choice.
Do I care that my nursing home yrs will be controlled or that I can still enjoy life now.
Thanks for sharing so honestly and for being part of our community. I hope others in our community chime in to share their personal experiences. I'd encourage you to speak with your doctor about your concerns and alternative options if you haven't already. In addition to speaking with your doctor, these articles may be helpful: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment and this one on when to switch up your medications: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/time-to-change-your-treatment. Wishing you some answers and relief ahead. Best, Kelly, Rheumatoidarthritis.net Team Member 
Hello, I am so sorry that you are suffering so much. This darn disease, is just awful. I feel for you, yuck.
I do not know that I can answer most of your questions, but I will try a few.
First, please know there re options beyond methotrexate (MTX). I like it but i use it as a first line medication and a supplement to my main weapon which is a biologic medication. To explore these medications (there are many) it will require that you talk to your docotr and she will need to consult your insurance options. But the thing is these are magnificent medications. They gave me my life back and most people find that with biologic medications.
Second, I think going to the end and discussing nursing home care is premature. With only using MTX you are far from the end. There is so much more and your life will get better as you try more medications.
I have faith in where you are going. I hope you will be as well.
