5 ms·

I'm sure you're already on top of all of this and I hope you'll forgive the tangent, but if you're starting to get RA symptoms you should be acting now. It used

I'm sure you're already on top of all of this and I hope you'll forgive the tangent, but if you're starting to get RA symptoms you should be acting now. It used to be the practice of rheumatologists to wait to treat until symptomatic relief was required by patients. That's no longer the case. The earlier you act and get on DMARDs (and you might even need to try a few before getting one that works or finding the one that works best. Humira was completely ineffective for me), the less cumulative joint erosion you'll experience, the sooner you'll likely be in remission, and the more likely you'll be to experience a later sustained DMARD-free remission. Even if that's not the case and DMARDs don't completely solve the problem for you, there's a lot of options before opiods for symptomatic relief. From panadol, through NSAIDs (including the magical COX-2 selectives), and even steroidals. Don't give up hope too early. Three years ago I couldn't dress myself. Today I just got back from a rock climbing holiday.

dghughes 7y ago
Thanks for the advice but even if the doctor told dad all that I'm not sure he'd understand. I've heard of DMARDs but never read up on them if I did tried to explain it to dad he'd never sit still to listen. He's still quite strong sick as he is and age 76 he lifted and emptied a large bucket of rocks, then complained of shoulder pain. I think dementia and old age are a factor here too, poor judgement. People laugh at the joke "if that hurts don't do that" but it's too true. He's on a couple of strong pain meds and steroids. He's a bit better now that he started oxygen he doesn't look as pale. I'm glad to hear you're doing well it's a terrible disease not like there's a good disease. Just make sure to keep an eye on your lungs.

5 ms·

I'm sure you're already on top of all of this and I hope you'll forgive the tangent, but if you're starting to get RA symptoms you should be acting now. It used

by kirrent 7y ago

dghughes 7y ago
Thanks for the advice but even if the doctor told dad all that I'm not sure he'd understand. I've heard of DMARDs but never read up on them if I did tried to explain it to dad he'd never sit still to listen. He's still quite strong sick as he is and age 76 he lifted and emptied a large bucket of rocks, then complained of shoulder pain. I think dementia and old age are a factor here too, poor judgement. People laugh at the joke "if that hurts don't do that" but it's too true. He's on a couple of strong pain meds and steroids. He's a bit better now that he started oxygen he doesn't look as pale. I'm glad to hear you're doing well it's a terrible disease not like there's a good disease. Just make sure to keep an eye on your lungs.