Rheumatoid Arthritis Q & A

Can RA go into remission?

Is it possible to take remicade without taking methotrexate, or does it have to be taken in conjunction with methotrexate?

I am 62 years old, overweight and a diabetic. I have high cholestrol and blood pressure, now I have been dignosed with RA. What treatment can I safely take? My diabetes is not in control with numbers ranging from 60 to 315. Can you please help me? I am really scared. thank you

I’ve had symmetric pain, swelling, and stiffness in knuckles, PIPs, wrists, ankles,elbows, knees, and feet beginning the end of May. Since my first rheumatology appt. in July in which my RF and anti-CCP were negative, I’ve developed painful muscle aches and fatigue and the pain has spread to shoulders and hips with twinges off and on in my collarbone and jaws. The skin on my elbows hurts at times and I have a small, flesh-colored, lentil-sized bump on one elbow (developed in Aug. that gets firmer and larger then kinda shrinks but hasn’t gone completely away.) Could this be a rheumatoid nodule and should I tell me Dr. at my appt. in November if it does go away?

What happens when the Humira injections and the methotrexate stop helping my RA? I stay in pain and swollen with stiff joints. Are there other medications? If not, does that mean I need to file for disability as I am in constant pain, and have swollen-stiff joints?

My mother-in-law suffers from RA. She is also one of thoes people who like to read those drug books and self-help books. Would the fact that she takes an abundace of natural meds. and vitamins all throughout the day everyday combined with her perscription meds. cause here to feel light headed, dizzy, just so tired that she doesn’t feel like getting up and doing anything. She will not even get out of the house.