Questioning Whether Meds Are Working

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone.

I have been on a combination of meds to control my RA now for 6

weeks, and am still having quite a bit of swelling and pain. I am

taking pain meds daily in order to do basic tasks. I am still off

work, and don't know when or if I can return to my job. I know that

many of the meds (methotrexate), can take weeks to kick in.....but

shouldn't I be doing a lot better by now? Don't get me wrong, I am

much better than when I first was diagnosed by a Rheumatologist. I

just don't know if it's considered " normal " to have to take pain meds

in order to get through the day.

Do many of you have periods where you are in remission or is the RA

active all the time?

Any advice would be appreciated...