If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, please come on in

I was was just diagnose with Seronegative RA. I am on Prednisone right now, but after I have ankle surgery, the Doctor wants to start me on Plaquenil.

I have read about some terrible side effects.

WHat do you take? Have you gotten into remission? How long do flares last?

Re: If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, please come on in

My FIL has it real bad and takes Humira shots.

DH's aunt has it just as bad and doesn't believe in medicine; and goes the natural/holistic route and hasn't had pain in years.

Alot of the medications do and can have long term side effects.

Some natural supplements to look into are: Curcumin, Quecertin and Bromelain; they are all very helpful with anti-inflammatory properties. Vitacost sells these (online).

If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, please come on in

I don't have RA, but I have Lupus and Fibro, and a thyroid condition. I take Plaquenil. For me, its had zero side effects. It works great to reduce my pain, but it does take several weeks to start working, sometimes up to three months. So, your doctor should have you take Prednisone and Plaquenil at the same time until the Plaquenil starts working, then wean off the Prednisone.

Not sure about RA flares, but Lupus flares can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months. Aside from being in a flare, certain things can cause day to day pain, such as weather changes and activity. I believe this is the same for RA.

Hope you get to feeling better soon. Listen to your body when it tells you that you are overdoing it and slow down. Stress can also trigger pain.