Hi All,

I have RA also. My rheumy dr. now has me on Methotrexate and is weaning me off Prednisone to see if it will still work well. I gained 20 lbs. on Prednisone.

I also take Skelaxin (muscle relaxer) and tramadol/ultram. But, she want to start slowly lowering my doses of those 2. I do not think I am ready for that.

My sed rate is not very high. My Rheumatologist can just tell by the blood tests and by looking and moving my arms, hands, fingers and wrists. And because I hurt so bad. The only other med we have discussed, so far is Plaquenil. Have not taken that yet. I have to have my blood taken every 2 - 3 months. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot, I take Relafen also.

I hope that yall find a good rheumy dr. if you do not already have one. And just to warn you (not the one that has had it for 8 yrs.), that a lot of the RA meds, just take a long time to start working.

Come back and talk some more. Let me know if you have ever gone without a pain meds or anti inflamitories. I am really not supposed to be taking th Relafen, because of my stomach.

Hope yall feel better.

Wannabe

Hi Teachergirl,

Thanks for the info. My rheumy dr. does not believe in hard drugs. Tramadol/ultram is about as strong as she will give me. At least, so far - been going to her for about 3 years.

I have been doing great on my stomach with just my Nexium and eating well and a few Pepcid Complete, every now and then. Then just the last few weeks, I have started to have a few twinges of gastric problems. I hope it is not my Relafen or any other arthritis drug!!!

Now that you mentioned the rash from possibly your 1st drug, it makes me think... I am fighting several rashes just about all over my body. They do not hurt, just itch and itch. And I scratch and make sores. And then there is a kind with little bumps all over????? How did you get rid of your rashes. Just stop the med???? I am trying an over night - all over body - med. for tonight. Then, I do not know what to do. My Rheumy appt. is not for another month!

Kiwibuz - I hope that you are taking other arthritis drugs to go with your Prednisone!!! It sounds like you need some more tests and perhaps a specialist. I can always get up in the am, it just hurts more mornings than other ones! I hope you get a goodly amount of help and meds.

take care.

Wannabe