Question about DMARDs

[Guest guest]

I was just diagnosed with PA last year. I had been having intermittent bouts

of stiff joints and tendons for about 8 years but was only diagnosed with PA

last year when one of my thumb joints became severely swollen. I took

prednisone and sulfasalazine for a few weeks. The doctor pronounced me OK at

that point.

I seem to be having a flare again....the thumb is reswelling and a big toe

along with it this time.

I'm getting ready to go to a rheumatologist. I would like to get some info.

about DMARDs from the people reading this list, just so I'll have some

additional info. beyond whatever I will learn from the rheumatologist.

How severe does the disease need to be before starting methotrexate or Arava?

I'm also having a lot of non-swelling joint and tendon stiffness and pain.

I'm taking Celebrex, and it seems to take the edge off the pain and the worst

of the stiffness out of my feet and ankles, but I can tell it's not going to

take of the swelling in the thumb and toe.

I have chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, so I already have a lot of

fatigue and pain from that. It's very hard to sort out the effects of the PA

on those symptoms.

I'm not sure if I've asked a clear question here.....I suppose I'd just like

to hear some opinions about what kind of treatment I need, since I don't yet

have an established relationship with a rheumatologist that I trust.

Thanks,

Dwanna