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Ihave had rhuematoid arthritis for16 yrs. I take ...
Sent to Health Experts January 09 07:21 PM

Ihave had rhuematoid arthritis for16 yrs. I take methotrexate and plaquinil. I have had no deformities or pain and stiffness and feel fine. Is my RA still destroying my joints even though I have no active symptoms. Thank you JF

 

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Female, Florida

Already Tried:
Dr. says RA is active and I should use Remicade. I don't want to since I am a breast cancer survivor

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
January 9 11:37 PM (4 hours and 16 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Greetings.

Absence of any symptoms and signs denote complete disease control. Methotrexate and plaquinil are considered as disease modifying anti-rheumatic medications and can decrease of even stop the changes (switching off the disease) caused by rheumatoid in joints and its systemic complications.

Dr. Arun



This communication is open till you are satisfied. I have 20 years experience of direct patient care as a surgeon, sports medicine specialist and a medical teacher. Please click accept if I had answered your question. Good feedback/bonus is welcome.
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Dr. Arun Phophalia -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3275 Health Accepts
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), Post-doctoral Fellowship in Sports Medicine
Reply
January 10 12:50 AM (1 hour and 13 minutes and 28 seconds later)
         
Reply to Dr. Arun Phophalia's Post: The Dr. that I saw was new to my case as I just moved to Fl. The Rheumatologist I saw in Pa. for 15 yrs. did regular blood work and examined my joints every visit. This new Dr. did blood work but never checked any joints. He said the blood work told him that the RA was active. And I just don't believe him. How can I feel so well if my joints are so bad according to him. I also must tell you that he has a     half dozen rooms with beds and patients who are getting Remicade. I also must tell you I have no morning stiffness. He told me my sed rate was 42. When my RA was at it worst it was never that high. I guess I need to find another Rheumatologist. Any further advice would be most appreciated. JF
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 10 5:25 AM (4 hours and 35 minutes and 13 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hello,

I would agree to you to get a second opinion as just on the basis of high erythrocytes sedimentation rate, nobody should conclude that disease is active. In the absence of the symptoms, I would say that, yes, continue with the medications on which you are and we are still not ready to taper off your medicines. Starting a new drug is not necessary as your symptoms are very well controlled. In modern medicine there is a saying that don't change the winning combination.

Dr. Arun



This communication is open till you are satisfied. I have 20 years experience of direct patient care as a surgeon, sports medicine specialist and a medical teacher. Please click accept if I had answered your question. Good feedback/bonus is welcome.
Picture
Dr. Arun Phophalia -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3275 Health Accepts
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), Post-doctoral Fellowship in Sports Medicine
Reply
January 10 10:24 AM (4 hours and 58 minutes and 34 seconds later)
         
DrPhophalia, Thank you so much. I wondered how my inflammation could be so bad and I feel so well. I am going to find another Doctor and have all the tests repeated. Whatever the results I won't go back    to that Dr. because I just don't believe what he says. Bless you, JF
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 10 11:45 PM (13 hours and 20 minutes and 45 seconds later)
         
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Dr. Arun Phophalia -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3275 Health Accepts
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), Post-doctoral Fellowship in Sports Medicine
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