[Member Discussions and Questions] Radiation Synovectomy on Knee for Rheumatoid Arthritis Procedure?

Member Discussions and Questions Radiation Synovectomy on Knee for Rheumatoid Arthritis Procedure Member Discussion from RA Chicks :Women with Rheumatoid ArthritisDecember 21, 2014

Radiation synovectomy? A Chick’s message to you all:

Hi, I am being referred for radiation synovectomy on my knee after an unsuccessful surgical synovectomy. Has anyone any experience of this procedure? Thank You! xx

Have you had this procedure? Experiences or advice to share with this member? Thank you for taking the time to help answer her message. I’m attaching a link on what a synovectomy is for those of you that may not be familiar with this type of procedure for RA. I hope this finds you well. (((pain-free internet hugs)))   Here is the provided link with information on synovectomy from WebMD:

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/synovectomy-for-rheumatoid-arthritis

What our members have said so far:

Patricia – wonder if it is good for feet and ankles. I need something so bad.

Cheryl – I just had synovectomy done on my wrist. Hoping for a good outcome. Have not heard of radiation synovectomy

Rebecca Alessandra Keep us updated….Thx for sharing…

 

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The above is a discussion created by a member and with member generated responses from our Facebook community (facebook.com/rachicks) put into a format so that the discussion can be archived for future answers needed by others in a searchable format while keeping member anonymity. Member provided information, statements and opinions do not reflect on RAChicks.com or all individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis. We encourage all members to seek professional medical advice for any specific questions and concerns as this does not substitute competent medical care.

Member Discussions and Questions Laryngitis and Cough From Taking Humira for Rheumatoid Arthritis Discussion from RA ChicksDecember 21, 2014

Has this happened to you while on Humira? A member message:

Going through major med changes after being on the same ones for years. Has anyone developed laryngitis and cough from taking Humira? I’ve only had two doses so far. First the laryngitis started and now the annoying cough. No cold, fever, chills or anything that would indicate I was sick. It has to be a side effect. Thanks for your input.

Have you experienced something similar to this after starting up on Humira? As always thank you for taking the time to help answer your fellow member’s message. It is greatly appreciated. (((pain-free internet hug)))

What our members have said so far:

Vee – Respiratory reactions are listed as side effects. I live in a dirty building. I use saline nasal sprays to keep my nasal passages moist. I also use an antihistamine to control nasal drainage. This needs to be reported to your doctor for follow-up. These meds do reduce your immune system & you will get ill if exposed to anything. This time of year I become a hermit. Kids carry the germs & I end up bed bound.

Desi – Humira worked for about 3 months then it literally turned on me sending me into the biggest flare. I’ve been on Orencia for the past year and a half and it recently did the same thing so I’m considering my next medication change. I wish I could go off all meds and try the eating right/natural thing but that won’t stop the joint damage. I’ve had it 4 years so far and my joints are in no way to a point of needing surgery. However, I have an aggressive form so I’m sure in 20 years it may not be the same story. Hopefully the proper meds will delay it longer than that. I so wish they would find a cure for this mess.

Kim – OMG! Just took my second shot Saturday and today I have a cough and I’m losing my voice! How strange is that?!

Sandi – I had real problems with Humira. It caused my parotid glands to swell, My throat hurt and my eyes became so dry it was unbearable. Every time I took the shot I was in for a rough time for the next week. Then the nerves in my face would hurt so bad, I couldn’t even touch my hair. It felt like a hot poker where ever I touched. It is now listed as an allergy on my profile.

Judy – Yip I get cough. Really dry. Worse at night

Tiffany – I’ve been on Humira since 2009 and haven’t had either of those unless I was sick with something else like a head cold or upper respiratory infection. But everyone is different. I did have to start taking Zyrtec d regularly since starting it too.

Lela – I’ve had a constant coughing and worsened sore throats too.

Tanya – I’ve been on Humira around 7 years. Runny nose. Dry cough. Bright light aversion. Seriously dry eyes- I now have plastic tear ducts which are a fantastic thing! But they can come out, so need replacing, like another commenter said, this time of year is hell! I have two gigs and have put off humira for nearly a week now so I don’t come down with something. People coughing and sneezing without covering their mouths! Drives me insane!

Brenda – Mine is the same as Teri after being on it for several years, I am just getting relief from a dry cough that lingered for about 3 weeks. Other than that I feel pretty good.

Sarah – Yes. Dry cough. Changed to enbrel and cough is getting better

Lindy – Dry cough for months.. its a normal side effect. get it checked out though, as humira can cause serious lung infections

Courtney –  I’ve noticed in humira that I get really bad heartburn. That sometimes causes me to cough and lose my voice.

Paula – When I first started I got a cough particularly right after the injection. It went away eventually as my body acclimated. I do not remember laryngitis but had some lung issues the first year. All is well now, especially my joints.

Melanie – My voice sometimes is hoarse but no cough.

Sarah – I had a very, very slight sore throat for the first few weeks but it went away. Also noticed my sinuses have been a little more congested than usual but nothing too bad. I’ve had incredibly itchy arms though, been taking Piriton every day, drives me insane. Otherwise seems to be working fairly well. I’ve been on it every fortnight for four months.

Lela – I’ve had an increase in coughing since I started Humira 3 years ago. But the benefits make up for it. Used to have horrible chronic migraines for 2 years before starting, they immediately ceased with Humira. So a dry cough is a welcome replacement.

Julie – I thought that was funny I’ve lived with migraines for over 20 years since I’ve been on Humira I haven’t had one ya!!!

Denise – Yes. I felt sick on the Humira and the enbrel. Now I take actemra which blocks the IL6. And I feel great.

Cheryl – I have been on that,Enbrel,now taking Orencia and I have a cough,annoying cough!..dry….haven’t got any colds,maybe it’s my immune system or allergic to something! I am taking Telfast tablets for my cough

Raven – Yes!! Ive been on humira plus other stuff for 2 years but last Xmas I began taking it every week! I lost my voice constantly!! It hasn’t been an issue since but it was out of the blue! Good luck!

Arline – I have been on Humira for many years, I have had a cough for many years, now I’m thinking it may be the Humira. I am going to as my doctor, I have blamed other medications.

Mary – While on humira I could not look at bright lights and had dreadful feelings in my head. I was afraid to keep using it.

Teri – I’ve been on humira for 4 years and only just recently developed an annoying dry cough (6 months maybe) I thought it was allergies … it gets worse at night. I literally have no idea if it’s connected to humira but it is odd. No cold or fever etc ..

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The above is a discussion created by a member and with member generated responses from our Facebook community (facebook.com/rachicks) put into a format so that the discussion can be archived for future answers needed by others in a searchable format while keeping member anonymity. Member provided information, statements and opinions do not reflect on RAChicks.com or all individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis. We encourage all members to seek professional medical advice for any specific questions and concerns as this does not substitute competent medical care.

Member Discussions and Questions Downtime and Expectations on Hip Replacement Member Needs Advice Discussion from RA Chicks : Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis rachicks.comDecember 20, 2014

Hip replacement? A member wrote in:

My ortho doctor just gave me the news that I have reached the point that my only option is a hip replacement now. Can you ask the other members for experiences with this surgical procedure? I’m nervous and worried about downtime after, expectations, etc. Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

Have you had a hip replacements? Any words of advice to share with this member? As always your help in answering your fellow member’s message is greatly appreciated. (((pain-free internet hugs)))

What our members have said so far:

Sharon – I have had both my hips replaced and it was amazing. The pain you have prior to the surgery goes away completely. Nowadays they get you up and walking very quick, good luck x

Kami –  I’ve had one done. I’d have to say it was well worth it! The pain and discomfort before the surgery was worse than right after surgery. I was able to get up and get moving and felt such a relief. Now I’m anxious for the other one. Good luck.

Tomato – I had my first when I was 13 years old! Thirty odd years later, I still have same hip firmly installed!

Amy – Best thing Ever!!

Judy – You need to be strong and determined to get through the rehab part. That is always the greater challenge of any replacement surgery. But you can do it!

Tracey – I’ve had both of mine replaced and it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done. Recovery is 6-12 weeks, and the first few weeks can be tough going but so worth it in the end.

Dianna – I’ve had both of mine done. I waited a little too long and because of that I had some nerve damage which cause ankle drop in one foot. But I’ve gotten along really well -its been 25 years for one hip and 23 for the other. They’re holding up very well. I’ve had both knees replaced too. And my left shoulder.

Ann – I agree with other posts. Bone pain is one of the worst, and you will have pain in the beginning after the surgery. But the difference you feel in your hip is so good, it is worth the post-op discomfort. Make sure to do your exercises, pre- and post-op, and take meds and precautions as your surgeon instructs you.

Maxine – I have had both of mine replaced and it is the smartest thing I ever did. They do get you up and going right after the surgery. I guess I would say the first week is the worst. Then each day gets better and better and there is no pain – none. I was dragging around my left leg/hip before my surgery and after 6 weeks I was walking…skipping. It gave me my life back. God bless my surgeon and therapist!

Jean – First one, I had a bit of a difficult recovery. But I do have to say the pool therapy was awesome! Second hip replacement was a breeze. So worth it! All the best!

Kay – Go for it takes all the pain away

Holly –  Just had a hip replaced 2 months ago. Oh so wonderful to have that constant pain gone!

Lynda – I had one hip replaced 19 years ago at age 32. It was miraculous! Recovery was not bad at all. I was back at work in 3 weeks. Much easier rehab than with the knee replacement I had 3 years ago (off work 6 weeks for that and lots of physical therapy).

Sherri – I had my hips done in 2001 and 2005 and still going strong! Rehab is much easier than for knees and ankles. You’ll do great!

Carole – definitely the best thing I did for my life, independence and mobility…I had both done, when I was 35…My Ortho who is the honestly the best one on earth told me I would be begging him for the 2nd one (and I, of course, challenged him on THAT) and he was right…the pain was immediately gone, rehab is a bitch…but you get out what you put in…if you want specifics as far as what to do before hand and what to expect afterwards and what made it better for me pls PM me. I will gladly share. good luck!!

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The above is a discussion created by a member and with member generated responses from our Facebook community (facebook.com/rachicks) put into a format so that the discussion can be archived for future answers needed by others in a searchable format while keeping member anonymity. Member provided information, statements and opinions do not reflect on RAChicks.com or all individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis. We encourage all members to seek professional medical advice for any specific questions and concerns as this does not substitute competent medical care.

Member Discussions and Questions Member Scared About Thyroid Issues with Rheumatoid Arthritis Discussion from RA Chicks : Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis rachicks.comDecember 11, 2014

Have you dealt with this too? A member wrote in:

I am having thyroid issues, no T4. I had a panel for thyroid done to further investigate the cause and I am scared. I am currently diagnosed with RA, on Enbrel and plaquenil.

Have you dealt with this as well? Any advice or supportive words for this member? As always thank you in advance for taking the time to help answer your fellow Chicks’ messages. It is greatly appreciated. (((pain-free internet hugs)))

What our members have said so far:

Kayla – I also had a thyroid issue. It is an easy fix. My levels change from time to time so sometimes I need meds and sometimes I dont.

Gaynor – Same with me. After 6 months stabilised then got to come off meds, don’t be too worried, quite common I’ve found.

Linda – Same here thyroid issues first. Easy fix. No worries.

Lynda – First RA, 15 years later thyroid. My hair was shedding so bad for two years, I thought it was the Humira but it was the T4. On meds now for 4 months hair stopped shedding,feeling better. I agree with others that the thyroid is an easier fix BUT the two together can really make a person feel awful! Good Luck!

Donna – Thyroid first. .. now RA . Thyroid is easy fix but RA is a bitch. No need to worry re thyroid

Kathy – I believe mine started with hypothyroid issues also

Sandra – Many people with autoimmune diseases have more than one. I have RA, Graves, Sjogrens, and Barrett’s esophagus. Trust your body and its symptoms through this thyroid. If your levels even out but you still don’t feel “right” have the dr adjust meds. I do better when my thyroid is on the high end. So even if I am in the “limits” I still up the mess until the high end. Also follow directions or the meds (when to take, empty stomach, etc). No more grapefruit either. It affects the meds.  I really miss grapefruit. Prayers and hugs.

Denise – Have had hypothyroidism for about 25yrs. Just diagnosed with RA last year. I’m on plaquenil but may need to add something else. Take synthroid to keep thyroid in check.

Amy – I have a large multinodular goiter on my thyroid. I have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism but my labs keep coming back just shy of needing medicine. It’s quite frustrating. Wish they would figure mine out. Good luck to you.

Tammy – Had/have hyperthyroidism, still on meds after about 2 years…

Becki – I also have thyroid issues. Synthroid only makes up to 200 mcg. So now I’m taking 225 mcg. So I have to pay for two different strength Synthroid Rx every month.

Jacqueline – Me too….started with Graves Disease, hyperthyroidism, and multiple nodules on my thyroid. Had it removed via radiation ablation. Currently on Remicade iv infusions monthly, weekly methotrexate injections, prednisone, and pain relievers….so far not helping:(

Vee – Sounds like you need to review your management plan. You are on all the meds I took one at a time, good luck

Jacqueline – I’m going back to my rheumatologist on Monday for another Remicade infusion where my doctor will be increasing my dosage again…not looking forward to it. I’ve already tried humira, simponi, enbrel and actemra….allergic to some, some didn’t work, etc. At this point I firmly believe my RA wasn’t caught in time because I feel like I’m getting worse instead of better….uggghhh:(

Carrie – Same here thyroid issues first now ra and fibromyalgia

Virginia – My RA was preceded by Hashimoto’s disease, the autoimmune version of low thyroid. I have been on recognitions for nearly 18 years. It took about six months to get the dose correct but once they did I felt much better.

Annette – Issues with Thyroid were one of the first things I dealt with on my way to an RA diagnosis. It IS scary but fortunately, easily fixed. I have had to be on synthetic thyroid for a number of years. It works really well and it’s one small pill per day. I don’t notice any untoward side effects, just the effects that normal thyroid hormone would give me – please don’t worry too much. Once they correct this problem with meds, you will likely feel a LOT better! hugs

Bridget – Agree with these previous posts – started with hypothyroidism – then RA. Thyroid is an easy treatment – just be patient.

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The above is a discussion created by a member and with member generated responses from our Facebook community (facebook.com/rachicks) put into a format so that the discussion can be archived for future answers needed by others in a searchable format while keeping member anonymity. Member provided information, statements and opinions do not reflect on RAChicks.com or all individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis. We encourage all members to seek professional medical advice for any specific questions and concerns as this does not substitute competent medical care.

Dealing With An Evil Shoulder Flare - Rheumatoid Arthritis - RA Chicks December 6, 2014

Niki Wyre wrote:

I have been trying to cope with having my left shoulder and neck flaring up again. Which means I can’t lift my arm or do basic arm movements right now and been having migraines like crazy from the neck issues. You don’t realize how much you rely on having to use a body part until it is out of commission for awhile, a lesson that RA teaches us a little too often unfortunately. I hope to be back to my normal typing abilities soon as I’m one handed still at the moment and that this post finds you all well. I will be seeing my Rheumy on Monday so hopefully he can help me out of this flare. Thinking of you all. (((pain-free internet hugs)))

What our members have said in response so far:

Jennifer – It’s so frustrating when someone has to help you dress… As if you are a small child.

Mary – I had really good luck with a tens unit to loosen the muscles and then just working at range of motion exercises. Slow but sure.

Lindy – I was getting migraines from neck pain2-3 times a week. Since seeing a physio to treat just my neck I’ve had so much improvement. She focuses more on massage of the area and dry needling and has honestly been life changing for me. Good luck

Fancy – After a summer flight/family reunion I suffered a major lower back flare for about 2 months. that goes away and then i did too much the other day and my knee gets the flare from hell. couldn’t walk for 2 days and just feeling better today. haven’t had that shoulder or arm pain since diagnosis 3 years ago..thank god. The only thing i can suggest is hopefully they get your meds on track. I don’t think a flare here and there ever goes away but it can be limited.

Jody – I was so bummed, my jaw flared on Thanksgiving. Seriously … I did all of this cooking and I can’t eat it! Uggg! Leftovers were good, anyhow.

Jeanne – Hi hoping you will feel better soon. am waiting to have a CT scan on my cervical spine. Needs to be approved. I am having the same issues. Migraines, sore arm and shoulder . Difficulty holding my head up for long periods of time. Very limited turning. Painless hugs to all.

Delphine – The tens unit worked for me too. Had to get a shot in my shoulder first so It didn’t hurt as bad. Hope you feel better soon ! Don’t give up

Jane – I totally sympathise with you. ..my rheumy is still trying to get my RA under control ???? I have been in a flare since Feb 2013 and it’s been in every joint I can’t remember what it feels like to not be in pain or swollen, I have been on TNF since June this year and it worked in the beginning but now it feels like I’m back to where I started

Fancy – I can completely sympathize with you on that one. I was in a huge flare from March 2011 until around August 2012 after an ankle arthroscopic surgery. I’ll never do that again. I think it was contributed to that and not being medicated properly. I know the TNF’s didn’t work for me. I went through remicade, and humira..then I became upset with my rheumy because I wasn’t doing better and he insisted I stay on Humira. I switched rheumy’s and she was like “your ra is just getting worse and worse”. she immediately switched me to Orencia and Sulfasalazine and I’ve been fine ever since. Mind you I was literally laid up. My husband dropped me off at my parents and my mom had to cook and help me get dressed daily. Thank god for her that I was able to walk again and regain my strength. My marriage didn’t survive it but I did. And so did my new fiance (smile). Well, in a nutshell, you may want to leave the TNF’s and go to the Orencia class. Also, I stayed away from soda’s and processed foods when I was at my worse. Good luck.

Jane – Thank you for sharing your situation with me. As we both know it’s hard for anyone to understand how painful this horrible disease is unless you have it  I’m so glad that you are feeling a lot better than you did, my rheumy has now added mtx with the cimzia to see if that work’s? At this stage I will try anything.

Cheryl – Hope it doesn’t last too long

Angela – Oh I feel for you. I just got over a flare from elbow to neck. left side. I pray you feel better very soon!!!

Melody – Neck and jaw flares are the worst  hoping you feel better asap!

Virginia –  sorry to hear this.

Stacey –  I had that about 2 months ago! Pure misery!! My doc gave me a shot of depo medrol in the fanny, and a whopper of a course of Prednisone for 2 weeks. The shot helped within 24 hours! Wishing you the best of luck!

Niki Wyre:  An update for you all. On my 3rd out of 9 days of Prednisone burst and feeling some relief finally. Whew. I was in seriously bad shape by the time I saw my Rheumy on Monday. He said it’s tendinitis of the shoulder joint and the trapezius muscle group that goes from shoulder up side / back of neck, which is why both were freezing up on me plus the pain. I’m scheduled for x-rays and first session with my physical therapist I saw for over 6 months for my back, core and knees for shoulder / neck evaluation to start treatment. I see a lot of painful movement in my future but at least I know from her track record that eventually it does pay off.  My new heated blanket has been worth it’s weight in gold as the heating pads were too heavy and caused too much pain to balance or sit on shoulder. Now I just wrap up and I’m good to go. Thanks for your understanding, support, kind words and just being there to listen to me whine a bit. (((pain-free internet hugs)))

Niki Wyre:  Update for you all after seeing the Physical Therapist… She is adding bursitis, tendinitis in two tendons coming from shoulder and nerve issues from nerve getting hung up underneath my collarbone that seems to be frozen in place as well. Yep…. hot mess. lol  My xrays on my shoulder did not look bad so mostly soft tissue issues but neck showed osteopenia, thinning of the vertebrae and straightening of the spine. Working hard in physical therapy and hope to have some good news to report to you all soon. :)

Want to add on to this discussion? Please use leave a reply comment sections below to keep this discussion going or add your own experiences.

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The above is a discussion created by a member and with member generated responses from our Facebook community (facebook.com/rachicks) put into a format so that the discussion can be archived for future answers needed by others in a searchable format while keeping member anonymity. Member provided information, statements and opinions do not reflect on RAChicks.com or all individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis. We encourage all members to seek professional medical advice for any specific questions and concerns as this does not substitute competent medical care.

Member Discussions and Questions Weight Gain Due to Excess Fluid From RA Discussion from RA Chicks : Women from Rheumatoid Arthritis rachicks.comDecember 3, 2014

Has this happened to you? A Chick wrote in:

Just wondering if before any of you started meds did you put on weight because of excess fluid? I’ve recently been diagnosed and will be starting medication but have recently ballooned in weight and I haven’t changed my diet I’ve only lessened my exercise due to pain.

Have you dealt with this as well? Similar experience? Any advice for this member?As always thank you for taking the time to help answer this member’s message. I hope this finds you well. (((Pain-free internet hugs)))

What our members have said so far:

Raye – When I had to be on a full course of Prednisone last year for an awful flare I gained 15 lbs. I feel like someone is following me as it seems like it’s all in my backside. The Prednisone is miserable, I dream about food the whole time I’m on it. I am always hungry, wake up in the middle of the night to make 2 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. I once could not keep weight on I looked like a stick. I can’t seem to get rid of it and I know being sedentary is not good either. I had a bone scan and it seems now I am a hip fracture waiting to happen. None of can seem to catch a break!! No pun intended.

Trudy – Try lowering your sodium intake.

Caroline – Since my diagnosis I have had constant battles with weight. I’ve gained 45 pounds easily over the last 5 years. While I worry about weight gain and my joints, and feel thwarted by the prednisone weight that just won’t go away no matter what I do, it had taught me that beauty is more than body size. I still have moments of mourning for my former body but I’m also learning how to be beautiful in a more holistic meaningful way. Hang in there and don’t Kat this discourage you. Our spirits and our empathy for others make us lovely no matter what the scale says.

Jacqueline – I was 17 when I was diagnosed and an active soccer player so when I got sick I was in good shape and even lost weight but when I went on medication I gained about 25 pounds due to lack of exercise and prednisone tablets

Amy – I’ve gained a ton of weight..even working out with a trainer I couldn’t lose weight. All my muscles are becoming atrophied because I can’t exercise anymore. After 20 years this RA has beat me down.

Sarah – Steroids are the killer. I must admit I stay away from my gps because all they will tell me to do is lose weight which, when stuffed full of steroids, is rather hard to do.

Jacqueline – I hope somebody has the magical answer!

Leigh – I put on about 50 lbs from having to move less due to pain. I’m looking forward to being able to move around a bit more again.

Kay –Yes I take a fluid tablet every so often it helps a little

Kathy – I seemed to have ballooned up also just using sulfasalazine

Kimmie – I have been taking an over the counter probiotic called florastor and it is helping with the stomach issues…

Julie – And I thought it was just me. I put on 50 lbs in six months. It took me to lose 120 lbs year half. Now I put 50 back on.

Doreen – I gain every time I’m on steroids, any length of time off my Actemra due to inactivity. And any time I get very sick with an infection.

Juvy –  I make sure  I eat hard boiled eggs at least thrice a week. Albumin acts like magnet that draws water back to my system.

Tammy – Are you taking prednisone??

Jill – I gained 20 pounds in fluid retention before getting diagnosed with RA. Took me eight months to lose it. Only lost it after reducing my prednisone against my rheumy’s wishes. Trust your instincts.

Toi – Oh, yes! I have been prednisone off and on for the past two years for Crohn’s and psoriatic arthritis. It’s a pain. I think it’s starting to come off….but very slowly.   *sends well wishes*

Robin – I increased my prednisone and have been less active due to knee/hip pain and have gained 20 pounds in about 2 months. Mostly in the face & neck & waist. Had to go buy new clothes. Hoping to lose weight once I can start going back down on my prednisone. Does anyone know how quickly the weight comes off?

Erica – Yes, I put on extra fluid retention weight before being medicated for RA. Once I was medicated I dropped the excess fluid weight.

Susan – Prednisone will do that….

Heather – I gained 50 lbs on prednisone.

Vicki – Problems with a knee replacement and just came off prednisone. Hate it. Scared to see what I gained in a week. Also caused low mood and energy.

Genevieve Matthews Prednisone makes me hyperactive and I lose weight.

Amity – Gained 20 pounds on xeljanz

Denise – Hi I’m on Xeljanz also with arava is it the Xeljanz that is causing bloat and weight gain?

Amity – It must be. I’m only on the xeljanz. It’s working but I’m as fat as a house. Which has depressed me.  My body is weird now. I was an 8 now 14/16.  Are you bloated around your stomach? That’s where I have it

Denise – That’s right where I have it and my thighs are heavy also how do you lose it? I was a 8 now a 12-14

Amity – Me too! I really don’t know! I was in bed the past two days with depression over it. Then realized well I’m not in as much pain So deal

Denise – I think the Xeljanz is enough I don’t know why my Rheumy also has me on Arava lost hair

Kathy – I started using probiotics and the gassy bloated feeling has subsided

Cynthia –  Due to high blood pressure and kidney disease as a result of the disease process. Starting DASH food program.

Denise – Put on weight my mother says its fluid was on prednisone and now Xeljanz and Arava can’t lose 1 pound with exercise any ideas?

Vee – Need to check your thyroid.

Jody – Most importantly, i try and go with the flow with the weight. i have fat and not so fat sections in my closet. Swimming and water aerobics along with a good stretch class helps both mind and body. I just take ibuprofen @ this time and deal with the pain because all of the drug scare the hell out of me but I doubt if I’ll be able to continue my refusal much longer. Add frickin menopause to the mix and my body is doing some crazy stuff. Best wishes.

Doris – I quit eating red meat, only eating it once in awhile. I eat a lot of albacore tuna and fish. Of course I only take plaquenil. I used to take prednisone and put like 40 pounds on. Took about 3 months for the plaquenil to start being effective

Tomato – Drinking water helps me. Around 2 liters a day….though nearer 3 for myself.

Irene – There is no answer but to balloon up in weight is rough some women never have the problem and others just look at the food and gain it’s our systems and metabolisms steroids can work in reverse on some and go into Hyper drive on others I am always balloon and my face and legs tell me so it’s sad but I am still walking around and not in some chair ,,

Lyn – My weight gain I contribute to change in mobility. When in severe pain, hips, knees and feet, mobility is an issue. Can’t ride a bike or hike as was my old normal. And this all happened before drugs.

Cheryl – Yes but the doctor said I’m much better with some weight on!…I am trying to stay at this weight!..

Jessica – I’ve gained 50 lbs. Was blaming the steroids never thought about fluid??

Jan – I put on weight to due to inability to exercise much, then more when on steroids, off them now, my choice but not enjoying it from a pain point of view

Mona – I gained 50 pounds on steroids the first year! I have tried multiple times to get off of them but can barely walk if I don’t take them.

Virginia – I stopped taking prednisone even though it helped with swelling and the burning sensation I e experienced because of the weight gain .

Carrie – I have psoriatic arthritis and I use a steroid creams and tablet and put on weight because of that

Yvonne – 45 lbs here in the last yr, between less mobility and steroids and yes I have some issues with fluid in my legs. Hopefully now that I am finally on humira and plaquenil I will be tapering off prednisone. Good luck to all

 

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The above is a discussion created by a member and with member generated responses from our Facebook community (facebook.com/rachicks) put into a format so that the discussion can be archived for future answers needed by others in a searchable format while keeping member anonymity. Member provided information, statements and opinions do not reflect on RAChicks.com or all individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis. We encourage all members to seek professional medical advice for any specific questions and concerns as this does not substitute competent medical care.