RA after RNY X-post

I have had RA for over 10 years, and I would strongly suggest that you locate a rheumatologist.  I am really surprised you are not taking a DMARD like Methotrexate in addition to or instead of the steroids.  Chronic steroid use can be really hard on the body.  There are many good treatment options out there, aside from steriods, NSAIDS, and narcotics.  Many of them actually control not just the pain, but the disease itself, preventing permanent damage to your joints.

Its worth the effort to see a rheumatologist.  Perhaps the rheumatologist can work with your regular doc regarding treatments, blood work., etc, that way you would only have to make a trip tothe rheumatologist once a year or so....

Hope you feel better soon!

I was diagnosed with RA five years ago next week and the first four years were a nightmare.  I was on Plaquenil, Prednisone, Humira and Voltaren, the switched out Humira for Remicade infusions for a while, then back to Humira.  Nothing was really making huge a difference until a former co-worker found me through Facebook (she'd heard about my RA diagnosis through the grapevine -- turns out she has it as well) suggested 1000 mg a day of vitamin C.  I was skeptical, but I asked my rheumatologist about it and she got downright snarky with me, saying that "People only should try vitamin therapies when nothing else works."  I pushed and she said to try it for a month.  Much to her surprise, my SED rate is the lowest it's been since before my diagnosis and I'm walking better and in less pain than ever.  I'm no longer

Since I'm starting the process of preparing for RNY, I've switched to Emergen-C from the great big pill I was taking.  Seems to be easier on my stomach, too.  I've been off Plaquenil, Prednisone and Humira for about six months and my Voltaren and Methotrexate for three.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7JyQlpUTKA
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=326561660545641575#
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold-Chiari_malformation


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