Rheumatoid Arthritis Q & A

I have recently been diagnosed with RA and am currently on Methotextrate 15 mg. If my symptoms are pretty well controlled, how do I know there is not underlying joint damage still going on? My feeling is I should have some x-rays of my joints to show joint damage and possible inclusion of a biologic like Humera in my therapy. Does that make sense?

My mother is 76 years old. She has a SEVERELY bad heart along with bad arteries and veins all over. She is currently being treated with Methotrexate and Remicade for her arthritis. It will be 2 years in February since she suffered a CVA. The arthritis treatment isn’t doing the job. An MRI showed degeneration in her cervical and lumbar areas of bone and tissue. It is now in her feet and has been treated with a steroidal topical cream. This gave her some relief but without continued treatment, it is spreading. I’m sorry I can’t recall the name at this moment. My question is this; are there any other possible treatments that you could suggest which I could throw out to her phsicians? She sees a rheumatologist, cardiologist, and her MD. She was on Plaquenil for years until it started affecting her eyes. It’s getting to the point where it is very painful for her to even move, but we know that exercise is EXTREMELY important in RA. (I too suffer with it). I realize that this is quite a bit of information at one time and that without actually doing an exam, it’s hard for you to diagnois. I’m just trying to seek as much information to arm myself with when I ask her regular doctors if there’s something different they can try. Thank you for your time.

My daughter was diganoised with RA around 14. We have taken Enbrel and humria injections off and on. With these type drugs we have had some side effects that caused us to stop. Megan is 21 and being doing fine. Her doctor has her on orencia. My question is Megan has had a bladder infection for over two weeks. We are taking her tomorrow for a scan to see if maybe she has kidney stones. She has had pains in lower back. Can orencia have side affects with your kidneys or can RA’s be the problem. My husband and I neither have a history of kidney stones. Thank you for your time. Susan

I have both Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis. Will the joints affected by osteo, also be invaded by the R. A.?

My 14 yr.old daughter has been diagonosed with RA, and I have been looking about different side affects of medicines, could any of the meds for RA infertilize my daughter being so young now later in life, and how bad about liver failure? Is hair loss a huge factor, do most people have stomach problems with medicines, ok I know Its more than one question, but there is just so much to know and my head is spinning. My daughter has not yet started any meds, just inflammatories. She will be in the next few weeks.

I am 88 years old and have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and the pain is very high. What pain medication would you recommend. Right now my Doctor has me on tylenol with acephatime, but it is not doing much for me. I also have a heart anurism (msp). Can you help my Doctor with pain medication for me?