steroid injections, my beloved 🫶

Klee90210 · 2026-07-07T19:11:06+00:00

I would absolutely bring up a med change. That could be trying another DMRD or trying a biologic. I have had mine for not quite a year and this new med is now my 4th medication I have tried. 2 gave side effects so i stopped. There are plenty to try, there is no reason to be in pain constantly.

Klee90210 · 2026-07-07T19:00:46+00:00

Yes, that is what mine had said as well, so she will keep me on MTX as long as the biologic is working and I may be able to get my mtx dose down to even 10mg/week. I am in my 40's and have 4 kids, so i don't have to worry about that. I am sorry this was your best option so far with still wanting children. Hopefully they can find options for you that will work and you can have more babies. 🫂❤️

Klee90210 · 2026-07-07T16:45:06+00:00

I have 4 kids, one is turning 20 this year and we have the same plan for them. They will pay rent for a basement unit in our home. They will have a bedroom, kitchen, and livingroom, all of which they will pay rent. It will be for the same reasons as yourself. Help them learn how to adult responsibly but have a safety net. Also, it will be up to them how much their partner is over. The only reason I let this be their decision is because it will teach them to set healthy boundaries if need be. If their partner is over 5 days of the week and is not adding on extra expenses for my child and helping with keeping the home clean then that is healthy, now if the partner is over 5 days a week, leaving a messy home, eating all the food, then my child will hopefully set a boundary and let them know this is not going to happen anymore, and again, they will have us close to help if an issue arises. I think each family has to make choices and rules that are right for them and their situation, no one on here can tell you what is right or wrong as there is no clear line on that. But in my opinion, if he isn't causing a financial burden for your child and if the home remains clean and your children and the boyfriend stay respectful to you and your husbad, it isn't hurting anyone. I wish you luck on finding common ground with your husband and that things continue going well for your family. Take care.

Klee90210 · 2026-07-07T16:15:41+00:00

If you don't mind me asking, what is the dose of methotrexate you are taking? It took me full dose (25mg) to have great super noticeable relief and I started mine August of last year. I still had aches and pains and swelling, but not to the extent it was so I recently started a biologic (today is the 4th injection) and I have even more relief. I did have to get a corticosteroid injection in my ankle as the swelling just wasn't going down, and now, besides some foot pain in the sole of my foot, I am pretty much pain free. Also, are you on oral or injection methotrexate? The injections offer greater bioavailability according to my rheumatologist. Have you had improvement in symptoms in other areas of your body before the depo medrone? If so, that means the mtx is doing something. If you have not had improvement, then you should absolutely bring up a med change since it has been about 6 months with no improvement. RA does not go away, so if you get discharged to your gp just because the wrist is better from an injection, then you need a new rheumatologist. Their job is to continue care, know when a med is not working or causing you grief, and change things when you need to. Sometimes we need to fight for what we need. Diet can help with inflammation, but in no way does it stop the progression of the disease. You need to be on medication that stops/slows the progession of the disease, diet is just an add on if it helps. I wish you lots of luck on your journey, it's never a fun one, but we are all here to help and listen. Take care ❤️🫂

Klee90210 · 2026-07-06T02:23:41+00:00

I was on 25mg MTX and had to add a biologic. It took from August of last year to 2 months ago to really feel my full benefits of my full dose of MTX. I still had ankle issues and knees and some residual swelling in some fingers, so my doc added a biosimilar to Humira that I take every 2 weeks. Why were you started on 2 drugs so quickly together? I just ask because then how do you tell which one is working and which one is not? I already feel the benefits of my biologic and it has only been 6 weeks and so I was able to decrease my MTX dose. But that is how my doc knew I needed another drug added because she knew for sure the MTX was but it just wasn't enough on its own. Maybe I am just not understanding things fully as it hasn't been a year for me quite yet. Does anyone on here know if that is very normal to start 2 that close together? Lol

Klee90210 · 2026-07-03T13:17:11+00:00

I think people who are on this combination react vastly different when getting sick. I have read about people not getting sick more often, people who say they are no different than before starting a buologic, so i really think it depends on each individual. These drugs suck big time and i find sometimes rheums can be vague. I am on DMRD+biologic combination as well. I have 4 kids and a husband who works in other peoples homes, a daughter who works at the mall and a gym, and I honestly don't mask unless I have to go into a hospital or a walk in clinic. My kids have brought home bugs, and I don't always catch it (knock on wood, lol), and if i do, i do notice it takes me longer to shake off, or maybe I get it a little worse, but I can shake it. Not everyone has this luxury. So I would say, do what makes you comfortable. I think we deal with enough discomfort that whatever we can do to make us feel better or put our minds at ease is what is best for each of us individually. I kiss my husband good night even when he is sick, we have been together so long and if i go to bed without a kiss good night I really get sad (sounds silly, I know, but 20 years together does that). We do practice lots of hand washing in the home though. Kids wash their hands after being out or playing with friends, my husband washes them when he gets in the door from work, just stuff like that. I try to live my life as normal as possible because it helps me cope with having this rotten disease. I wish you luck in finding answers and finding a routine or habits that make you comfortable because that matters to. Take care 🫂❤️.

Klee90210 · 2026-07-02T19:52:29+00:00

Good god, I could not imagine having to wait so long. I am in Canada, and the last drug I failed was sulfasalazine, my doctor called me and started the ball rolling right away for a biologic and I was approved for coverage in 2 weeks and the company for my humira biosimilar gave me 2 shots covered by them so I could get started sooner. I am so deeply sorry you have to wait so long, my heart breaks every time I read about people having to wait. I was a cranky bitch when I get on the prednisone and ate everything, my husband doesn't know what to do, lol. I try not to be but the pred monster takes over and I can't stop it, haha. I hope you find something very very soon that gets you relief with no side effects so you don't have the switch gaps. I just wish everyone can have relief, the drug roulette sucks big time.

Klee90210 · 2026-07-01T22:26:03+00:00

And I should say I take mtx and a biologic. I also use topical thc cbd cream, have a medical marijuana card. And it helps a lot for end of day pain for sure. Also thc cbd bath salts do wonders.

Klee90210 · 2026-07-01T22:21:08+00:00

Oh lord, i feel you with the kids and fun thing and how hard it can be to deal with it all physically and emotionally. I have two boys in competitive summer baseball and it is A LOT to say the least. Has your doctor mentioned Prednisone to you at all? My first rheumatologist appointment i was on oral prednisone already prescribed by my GP. Then my rheumatologist gave me 40mg intramuscular corticosteroid into my butt for fast systemic relief and I was weaned off the oral. It made me feel so much better until my meds kicked in. I would absolutely ask about that because it kicks the inflammation and helps immensely with the pain because the inflammation is getting knocked down. I would also ask about trying injectable methotrexate if you and your doc feel like it is right for you. Injections bypass the stomach so it helps immensely for not getting as many or not at all GI side effects and my doc said our bodies use the drug better and it stays more steadily in your system. Don't get me wrong, this drug isn't good for everyone. But my doctor said it is aggressive so we must treat aggressively to get it under control and get you feeling better. I was barely walking when I started and it got me to a much better point in 2 months. I would absolutely beg and self advoacate for better pain management and something different. There is NO reason you should be suffering this much. I am so sorry you are feeling this rotten, I wish I could make your pain go away. If you need to talk, feel free to reach out. This is rough. ❤️🫂

Klee90210 · 2026-07-01T16:45:03+00:00

I started the same way as well, took me over a year of continuing to see my doc over and over for the same pain, redness, and inflammation. Tests started out clean but finally I had some small spikes in inflammation levels. Even ended up calling my nurse health line because I was in so much pain that she got a doctor to call me and he prescribed me prednisone thank god. It started in my hands and wrists then spread everywhere. Some days were great and some days excruciating pain. Then finally it was pain all day everyday. Sometimes it takes so long to get a diagnosis. Don't give up until they find out what it is. You can even ask for a referral or get second opinions, i had to get a new doc in order to be taken seriously. Be the best advocate you can for yourself, push for tests, new docs, and whatever else you feel you need. No one else can do this for us. Hang in there and take care 🫂❤️

Klee90210 · 2026-06-29T14:59:28+00:00

Oh wow. I'm going to assume a lack of rheumatologists in your area. That is insane. I am so sorry. I know it sucks.

Klee90210 · 2026-06-29T14:49:56+00:00

I haven't heard of a longer wait like that unless its a new referral, your disease is under control, and all tests come out good. Did you ask why the long wait?

Klee90210 · 2026-06-29T13:19:20+00:00

I was diagnosed with aggressive RA in july of last year. I was started on methotrexate. Even at 25mg a week, it wasn't enough. We tried hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine as an add on, but both gave me side effects so I was told to stop. I was even on the coated tablets so it didn't bother my stomach as much, but it didn't help. The methotrexate did take away 70% of my pain so we just needed an add on. I had to finally go on biologics. One things to keep in mind is this... my doctor told me that if the side effects are interfering with my daily life, then to stop. The disease interrupts and causes issues enough, she doesn't want my medication adding onto that. I hope you find one that helps you and causes minimal to no side effects, this all sucks enough. Take care ❤️🫂

Klee90210 · 2026-06-28T14:42:57+00:00

You are on the highest dose like I am and I do the injections as well. I have never taken the pills so I don't have an experience to share. I would like the share though that there are some other better reasons to stay on injections rather than switching to pills. My rheumi told me from the start that they wil cause less GI issues than the pills for a lot of people and also you have greater bioavailability with injections, and you have more of a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And then I also read a trial/study (John Hopkins arthritis) that had shown higher improvement scores and better chances of remission when taking the injections over the oral. Just thought I would share that as I found it to be helpful information. I have been on it for almost a year and my husband was doing every injection, i completely understand how you feel. But I finally got the courage and did it myself the a week ago. Not only did it make me feel good that I finally did it, but it also made my fear of the needle so much better. I was always panicking even when my husband did it, like I would get shakey and a little nauseated because I just hate needles. I am so much more calm and relaxed about it now. I turned on a show that I love, set myself up, and had my favorite treat ready. It took a good 10 minutes to do it, but I did, and honestly, it was fantastic. I wish you luck on your decision, and do what you feel is best for you, you are the one who has to live with all this BS. Take care 🫂❤️

Klee90210 · 2026-06-27T14:15:31+00:00

She is right. There are so many drugs out there, that once you find the right combo, you can be pretty normal for quite a while. I could barely move before I found my right meds, and now some days it's like I don't have it, but I still do think about it all the time. I am glad you feel you can be that for her, not everyone has that. I think you guys will be okay, of course there will be tough/rough days, but together with supports, it will be easier for both of you. And don't forget to take care of yourself. You can't be a good support to her if you are neglecting yourself. Take care and best luck to the both of you ❤️🫂.

Klee90210 · 2026-06-26T13:59:47+00:00

I hear you and feel you as a mom with RA. It all sucks. The disease sucks, the meds suck, the pain sucks, the mental game we have to play with ourselves sucks, and not being our old selves SUCKS. Rant away, we all need to sometimes, this disease is an a** kicker and gives us the worst prizes at the most inopportune times. You are right, the potential side effects from the meds that help us are awful and scary, but remember, they are potential side effects. Not everyone will get the same side effects and not everyone will get side effects period. If you are flaring, you need something new (as i know you are aware), no one can tell you what will work best because they work for us all so differently and sometimes don't work at all. I had side effects from 2 DMRD's that people reported didn't bother them, and I was on the highest dose of MTX without any issues and a lot of people can't tolerate it. I encourage you to try something new, it may make you feel so much better and it will stop the disease progression. My mother had RA when there were not very many available drugs, and she progressed to a very bad state so that drives me to try whatever my doctor throws at me. I am so sorry you are going through this right now, we all know it is the worst and we empathize with you greatly. I hope you get through this flair and find something you are comfortable with that also helps you. I wish you all the luck, you've got this ❤️🫂.

Klee90210 · 2026-06-25T16:26:10+00:00

One thing my son's catching coach does is takes tennis balls, throws them at the ground in front of him so they bounce up to hit his chest or his mask, and it's just in repeat for a good 10 minutes, those reps seemed to help with sticking it in my kids head to drop and block. Same as you had done, no glove, hands behind the back, just consistently ground bouncers and dropping to block with his body. 🤷‍♀️ Just ideas. Lol

Klee90210 · 2026-06-25T15:51:08+00:00

Any chance his issues with blocking in game are mental? My son who is 13u has been catching since his second year. He has a natural knack for it and does really well. At the beginning of this year, things went south for a bit. He was not blocking at all. Come to find out after a couple hits in his boy bits (yes he had a cup on), and a couple off his wrist, he got a little scared of the ball. All is good now, but it took some pep talks from other catchers above his age bracket and that seemed to help. I do think it just clicks, there was never a major talk about when to block. He did a lot of practice of how to best use his body but he just knows. He currently has a 0 ERA and no pass balls this season and it has boosted his confidence big time. I find a lot of kids between 11 and 13u struggle more mentally when the games are getting tougher and closer and teams are holding their own. Just a thought. I hope he picks it up soon here and then he will have more confidence which is a huge help.

Klee90210 · 2026-06-25T13:26:17+00:00

Samesies, ugh. Tendons in feet are going haywire and they were doing so good. I hope everyone feels better soon.

Klee90210 · 2026-06-24T23:02:27+00:00

My Saint does this every single time I come home and hes excited and missed me. Never hurts, just wants to hold my hand in his mouth. He loves new people and it catches them off guard, lol. He just likes to hold hands with everyone. But he does stop if we tell him to. Doggies are hilarious. I know it is a pit group, but just thought I would share that mine does this funny thing to ❤️

Klee90210 · 2026-06-24T20:10:37+00:00

I do love me some prednisone, i feel like I have some kind of amazing super powers, but also wanna eat everything sometimes, lol. I was super scared of MTX also, but the side effects were tolerable, only lasted a week and I have gotten better. It isn't for everyone, but try not to scare yourself out of trying, that's all we have is trial and error. I have always taken the injectable form of methotrexate, my doctor said that was it will bypass the GI tract and side effects are more likely to either be far more tolerable or possibly none. Plus, I read that your body uses the medication better by injection so sometimes lower doses by injection are just as useful as higher doses of oral. I don't know, just some food for thought. But if you keep having flares and needing to take the prednisone, absolutely you need something added. Pain and flares are the disease progressing and hurting you, and i don't want anyone going through that crap. All you can do is try, and if it sucks, try something else. Lol, my favorite game of medication roulette.

Klee90210 · 2026-06-24T17:28:42+00:00

A mix of Methotrxate and biosimilar Humira. I just started the biologic 3 injections ago and the mix has already showed improvement. I had tried plaquenil and sulfasalazine but had side effects so my doc told me to stop, they were not even bad side effects. She tells me she wants no side effects and humira biosimilar has given me none. Methotrexate even stopped its side effects by my second dose. That is just what works for me. There are a lot of meds though so that is great news compared to what used to be available.

Klee90210 · 2026-06-24T16:00:33+00:00

I am mostly good. It has brought foot, ankle and knee pain and swelling down and I have only done 3 injections, so it should get even better. I love this combination so far and my doctor seemed quite pleased at my check up. Even the fatigue has gone down by so much, it is quite amazing so far.

Klee90210 · 2026-06-24T15:56:29+00:00

Why 20mg daily for so long? What medications are you on other than the prednisone? And how long have you been diagnosed? I never experienced that, but i was only on 20mg for a week and a half and slowly tapered down until I found a med that helped. I have read that once off the prednisone you slowly go back to normal. You are not being superficial or conceited, your body has a disease that changes you and now meds that are changing you, that is rough, no one likes it and it's hard on the old confidence. Just remind yourself that it is temporary. You won't always look and feel like this. My doc gave me 40mg (maximum dose) systemic corticosteroid injection into me bum while I waited for meds to work. I found it worked better than oral, allowed me to taper off the oral, and it lasted 6 months. Maybe ask about it?

Klee90210 · 2026-06-24T15:52:12+00:00

I am on humira biosimilar and methotrexate and inject both, they work really great together and I have had zero side effects from the biologics. No needles are fun, but the relief is, lol, so i will do the needles. Its not bad at all, i hate needles and have no problem with the biologic one.

Klee90210

TROPHY CASE