Sudden hand and shoulder issues
I have had osteoarthritis in knees for over 20 years and slight issues with hands and shoulders due to so many years using crutches.
But this year in August my hands and shoulders totally seized up and for 6 weeks I could barely do anything and the pain was evil.
I was referred to rheumatology and given steroids for 4 weeks and now the stiffness is only evening through to morning and not so bad but the doc has now prescribed Methotrexate 15mg and folic acid every day.
No family history, so it's very odd.
It also feels not just joints but the tendons feeling stiff.
Hi,
!
Apologies for not responding sooner to your post. I know dealing with OA can be a challenge and I bet you weren't planning on dealing with another form of arthritis at this point in your life!
Actually, it's not all that unusual for a person to be diagnosed with RA with no known family history. It happens. It's a complex condition which doctors are learning more about all the time.
I am glad your rheumatologist got you on a protocol that seems to be working well for you. Have you been doing okay on the methotrexate? Have you noticed any issues with medication side effects?
I hope you continue to feel pretty well and experience only that minor stiffness.
Best, Erin, Team Member.I haven't started the methotrexate yet. I decided to start it this coming Sunday as I was worried it would make me unwell, and we have people over for Christmas.
I am nervous about taking it but I have got a group session at rheumatology in next couple of weeks to discuss methotrexate.
Rheumatology have been amazing
Hi
. First, glad to hear you have had a good experience with the rheumatologist - many go long time looking for one they feel comfortable with. Second, I want to share this article for you from our patient leader Kelly on questions for the rheumatologist: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/questions-for-the-doctor. Hopefully this can inform further conversations with the doctor. Finally, I want to note that concerns about the methotrexate are certainly understandable, but many here have used it successfully. What works for one, of course, may not for another, but there are now quite a few treatment options available. Hope is real. Best, Richard (Team Member)
