Living with Seronegative Inflammatory Polyarthropathy

By auvernia

1 min read

I started feeling stiffness in my fingers also swelling and pain back on 9/2012 and went to and RA Doctor which said after a sonogram that I had fluid in my hands to start Prednisone and Plaquenil which I took until May 2013 with no relief to my pain then he added this big yellow pill call something like methotrexate and when this pill was added I had a really bad reaction to my stomach so I had to stop it and because of it I also had to stop Plaquenil.

Then the doctor said lets try Rituxan which I took the first two treatments in June 2013 and this gave me a reaction of swelling ankle and feet and swollen glands in my neck also pain in my head.

So now I am back on Prednisone awaiting for my RA Doctor to speak to my Oncologist regarding the new medication in the market for me to try but since I am also a cancer patient NH Lymphoma and most of the new medication could give you Lymphoma he is trying to see risk and benefit with my oncologist, in the mean time I am in pain my limbs get swelling every day I am just not happy with all of this.

Hope my doctor starts new treatment very soon, will keep everyone posted.

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patricia Member
Sounds like your Rheumatologist has a challenge trying to treat your arthritis problems based on your other problems. I was diagnosed with RA in August 2012; had my first appointment with the Rheumatologist in Oct. 2012. Since one should never be on Prednisone for long periods (too many possible problems, including damage to your bones), he started me on short term use of Prednisone and started me on the once a week dose of Methotrexate (I take 7 of those pills each Wednesday); it takes several weeks for Methotrexate to "kick in" so I took the Prednisone, one pill per day for 4 or 5 weeks, then just 1/2 pill a day until the 1st week of Jan. 2013..Haven't taken that since. My Rheumatologist said no one should take Methotrexate without also taking prescription strength Folic Acid (which I take daily), also Methotrexate MUST be taken with food. So far I'm tolerating it okay, as long as I'm following "doctor's orders" I also take 2 Hydrocholoquine pills each day with food. I'm now in remission and praying that I stay in remission! Good luck to you.
1. auvernia Member
 I have being taking prednisone since oct 2012 was off for about a month and on back again because he has being trying several medications and so far has not work. Now starting this Friday I will be injecting Methotrexate once a week my stomach is too sensitive for pills I have had several bad episodes with pills also I will be taking the folic acid I do hope this works.
not found
I have a similar type of issue going on. I meet with my oncologist this week to discuss going back on a biologic. I have had Rheumatoid Disease since I was 13 years old - 43 years. I am allergic to aspirin and have had bad reactions to most RD drugs. I was on ENBREL for many years, and then developed lung cancer. It was a small lesion and was completely removed via VATS - staged as 1A, only follow up with my oncologist every three months as treatment. He said I could not go back on ENBREL. But I have been on prednisone off and on for 43 years and the cumulative effect is now getting to me. My RD is not well controlled and I am having terrible issues. Also on 25 mg of methotrexate per week - hard to tolerate, but I am sticking with it. I want to get input from my oncologist, so my rheumatologist and I can make a decision. Quality of life has to factor in to this as well. Good luck to you as well!
Mariah Z. Leach Moderator
Hi Luz - Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story. It sounds like you are going through so much, and I really admire your honesty and courage in sharing your story. I'm glad that your rheumatologist and oncologist are working together and I hope that they are able to find a treatment that will provide you with more relief soon. Please do keep us posted - we are here to support you! Hang in there!