Rheumatory Arthritis in knees of 16yr old?

Question

My stepdaughter has rheumatory arthritis in her knees(from what we are told)she lives with her mother and the last time she had cortisone shots in her knees & after that we heard nothing about it-now her mother has told us that she will be on a cancer medication, will lose her hair, be crippled by the time she's 40, won't be able to have children-etc,etc! I'm not sure-but it sounds a bit extreme to me-any advice?

Answer 1

The medicine you are talking about is most likely Methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 2 years, and I take 17.5 mgs of methotrexate weekly, along with 5mgs of prednisone, and 3200 mgs of ibuprofen daily. My arthritis affects every joint in my body-even my jaw and the bones of my inner ears.

I'm still walking, although to be honest there are some days that I need to use a walker until the morning stiffness wears off and I feel more steady on my feet. During bad flare-ups, I've had to use a wheelchair.

I'm not trying to be a doomsayer, but RA affects everyone differently. There's no way to predict your stepdaughter's disease progression, but her doctor will do everything he can to slow the course of her disease.

My sister has had RA for 5 years, and except for her feet bothering her on occasion, she gets along quite well. She still works, but I cannot. She practically runs from place to place-I hobble. I've noticed that another person to answer has had much success with her meds, and is doing quite well also.

Since the disease is so unpredictable, the best thing anyone can do is make sure that your stepdaughter takes her meds as directed and gets the best health care available.

The side effects from Methotrexate vary also, but mine are mild and rarely bothersome. The worst of it is the fatigue. I just took my methotrexate not 20 minutes ago, and come lunch time I will be in desperate need of a nap.

Usually, I become nauseated on what I have dubbed "Methotrexate Day." However, I rarely throw up, and when I do it's only once or twice. I sometimes get a sore throat for a day or two after taking it, but it's mild and not too bothersome. I get the occasional mouth sore, but they, along with the sore throat, can be relieved by gargling with a little salt water.

I've noticed only minimal hair loss, and that took place within the first 6 months after beginning treatment. Now, my hair just grows a little more slowly, and I no longer have to shave my legs.

As you can see, the side effects aren't so terrible. Your stepdaughter will still be able to have children, but she'll need to go off the methotrexate for several months before planning to conceive.

Her life will change because of her disease, but it won't be half as bad as her mother is making it sound. Many people live full lives with RA, and with proper health care, your stepdaughter probably will too.

Best of luck to all of you.

For more information about rheumatoid arthritis:

http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/RA/default.asp

For more information about methotrexate:

http://arthritis.about.com/od/mtx/Methotrexate_Dosage_Side_Effects_Drug_Interactions_Warnings.htm

Answer 2

I've got rheumatoid arthritis. Yes, the medicine is extreme but so is the decease. I've had numerous operations; but the medicine works. Most of the time you don't loose your hair. As far as having children when that time comes; they can take her off it during the time you want to have kids. I'm 51 and still walking. I was told at 16 that I wouldn't be walking after 30. That's just not true. Today; there are many options. So don't freak out. The doctors will keep close eye on things. I feel better today, than I did at 20. There were times I just sat and cried because it hurt so much. Write and ask Dr.'s all those important questions. The medicine they use today is much more of a designer drugs. There is better days ahead.

Answer 3

Author treated a 15 year old girl having RA. Two liver detoxes and herbal medicine tablets for 1 month that is all.

The case is recorded at
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurvedaonline/message/8986

Answer 4

There is no medicine in this world to treat RA. Your case is beyond herbal remedies, i think. Only Alternate Systems of Medicine treat it.
If you can get a skilled acupuncturist approach him. Otherwise we treat RA with 90% success rate; our SOHAM therapy treats CANCER also. So visiting us will be better for you.