Actemra, Methotrexate and an Update

I haven't updated this blog in way too long.  I apologize for that.  I've had so many things going on in my life, both good and bad, I got caught up with things.  I figured it was about time to update you all, and possibly try to write blogs more often.

Last year, I was on weekly Humira and Methotrexate injections.  Sometime around June, my right knee developed fluid and was severely swollen, as you can see in the photo below.

After seeing my rheumatologist, he confirmed with an MRI, that I had a Baker's Cyst.  A what?! I had never heard of this before.  It's basically a fluid filled cyst, caused by the inflammation in my knee.  My doctor explained that sometimes, the fluid gets pushed to the back of the knee, causing the cyst.  It happens when there is so much fluid, it has nowhere to go.  My knee ended up more swollen after this photo too.  After 3 steroid injections, the cyst almost went away, but not completely.  After discussing things, we decided that after 8 years, it was time to say goodbye to Humira.  We decided that Actemra infusions were the next best thing for me, and to continue the Methotrexate injections along with it.  

Once a month, I go into Boston and have my Actemra.  Here is me at my first infusion! 

Since being on the Actemra infusions, and the Methotrexate, my joints have never felt better! I quickly got better, and noticed less and less morning stiffness.  Currently, I'm experiencing no pain, no inflammation and no morning stiffness.  My CRP level is almost down to normal! I am happy to say, that I am do very well.  While, it is still to early to tell if this is truly working, I have hope that things will get better for me.  I also am making sure I eat a healthy diet, rich in foods and supplements that help battle inflammation.  While every one's bodies are different, I have hope that those of you still suffering, will have a medicine that works for you as well. :) 

What would you like to see in the next blog post?! Comment below! 

New post, New motive!

Hello everyone!

Sorry I haven't written in a while, I was bad about keeping up with my journal.  I'm going to try and write on a regular basis.  I really want to use this blog to express my experiences with my illnesses and pass on some advice to others.  I hope this will help!

Let's update things a  bit.... I have been on Humira for about 5 years, and about 3 months ago I started on Methotrexate.  I have been on and off the prednisone, but every time it's stopped, I seem to have a little bit of a flare.  I saw my Rheumy a couple of weeks ago and he upped the MTX and is keeping me on the prednisone until I see him on December 29th.   However, the MTX is making my hair fall out.... it's thinned out a lot.  I take Folic Acid everyday, but doesn't seem to help.  I contacted my doctor and he stated that it's either a side effect from the MTX or something else.  He started me on Leucovorin, another vitamin, but taken only once a week.  I hope this helps!

The one thing that irks me about this disease, is the amount of medication that I am on.  I have such a long list, I really wish I didn't have to take so many.  I've tried taking herbs and vitamins, but nothing works to like the medicines.  I'd even be happy if I could narrow it down to just one medicine.... maybe in the future they will be able to find a cure.  One can only hope!

Coming in the next blogs....
-RA Dictionary: for those who read this who don't have RA, or are new and don't understand some of the terms I use.
-And Holiday cooking with RA -- some easy tips to help!