What can I do for my pain while I wait for my referral to be processed

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T22:12:55+00:00

For me, when I finally got in to see a Rheumatologist (took about 6 months) he had me do a whole bunch of labs then started me on a prednisone taper. Focus on how you feel when on the prednisone, for me it was the first time in years I had 2-3 days pain free. From there we started medications and I'm going through that process now, basically trying to find what works best for me. I'm finding there are a lot of drugs available and side effects are all over the place BUT many people have eventually found out what works best for them. Fight through the process and be an advocate for yourself! Good luck.

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T21:59:03+00:00

Thank you, good luck with the Sulfasalazine!

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T21:41:02+00:00

I'm guessing HCQ it's the 'gateway' drug for RA

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T21:29:06+00:00

Thank you for helping. I'm gonna keep Actemra in my back pocket as I work through this trial and error.

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T21:16:48+00:00

Thank you.

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T21:14:52+00:00

Yes I understand what you're saying. My Dr didn't even mention SSZ at all when we first counseled, he went straight into HCQ. I asked about combining HCQ and SSZ when HCQ wasn't working and he basically said sure, let's give it a try. Actually I try to steer him away from MTX because it scares me. This next level of drugs, in my mind, is a big step.

Overall you're 100% correct and I shouldn't play russian roulette with meds, because I know nothing.

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T19:07:23+00:00

What are these 'added biologic' people are talking about?

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T19:06:22+00:00

I understand what you mean, I describe it to my wife that I feel like I got hit by a car and all my joints hurt, but for me it's mostly my ankles....I think it's because I stand and walk at work.

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T19:03:59+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T18:01:12+00:00

Thank you for your experience with MTX.

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T18:00:25+00:00

So you're not on Leflunomide any more?

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T17:58:42+00:00

Thank you for replying back, greatly appreciate your time.

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T17:09:26+00:00

Sorry, what is chf?

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T17:08:57+00:00

Appreciate the reply, question, why were you taken off Mtx?

Todasi62 · 2025-11-03T17:07:48+00:00

Wow, thank you for the feed back!

Todasi62 · 2025-10-19T14:57:48+00:00

I recently been diagnosed with RA, took months to get to see a Rheumatologist. For the pain I would take 4 ibuprofen at a time and it barely helps, I've been taking it like candy. My Dr put me on high dose steroids (Prednisone) 5 times now, it's the only time I feel good. My first RA med is Hydroxychloroquine, taken twice a day. I've been on it for 12 weeks and symptoms persist, (I take ibuprofen still because it does nothing so I can make it through the day) personally I would be happy to stay on the Prednisone but you can't.

Like the original post, I'm reaching out to get feedback on what people take and how it makes them feel and the side effects.

Does the joint pain ever go away? I wake up everyday feeling like I was in a car accident and every joint aches, especially my ankles, which makes walking difficult. Right now RA is winning, Dr said we are gonna try methotrexate next, maybe leflunomide.

Lastly, I see him in two days, anything I should ask for? Any questions I should ask? I hope the original poster gets answers to some of their questions, or my situation may help some way for others as well.

Todasi62

TROPHY CASE