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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Many Joint Replacement Since Childhood

Hello everyone. I am 40 years old and have had RA since the age of 11. I have had many joint replacements and have tried a variety of medications/treatments. Since my RA doctor was leaving and I needed to find a new Rheumatologist, I went to the biggest hospital/university near me, Brighams Women s Hospital in MA and saw a doctor who was very distinguished and have been treating patients forever. After a discussion/physical exam/and xrays of my feet and hands he later calls me and says he has spoken to my regular rheumy, and he agreed, that I don t have RA and I need to get off the heavy duty meds and treat for flares as they occur. He said that I was now dealing with osteo-arthritis and damage from having RA for so long. I saw another doctor soon after and he was not so sure and kept me on methotrexate, but took me off of Orencia (sp?). I am so confused and have been for along time! Not sure what to do?
Wed, 3 Sep 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
As of now, by your description, you have been advised for osteoarthritis after a long standing RA which has responded to drugs and now degenerative changes have occured in joints for which palliative care alone is necessary.Once a senior doctor has evaluated that RA meds may be taken off, trust his diagnosis.Your meds can be started again anytime if needed but now at present it is no harm putting them off.Just wait and see and report if your symptoms of RA aggravate.RA has intervals of regression and exacerbations, in all probability it is in remission phase.so wait and follow senior doc. advise.
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Suggest Treatment For Many Joint Replacement Since Childhood

As of now, by your description, you have been advised for osteoarthritis after a long standing RA which has responded to drugs and now degenerative changes have occured in joints for which palliative care alone is necessary.Once a senior doctor has evaluated that RA meds may be taken off, trust his diagnosis.Your meds can be started again anytime if needed but now at present it is no harm putting them off.Just wait and see and report if your symptoms of RA aggravate.RA has intervals of regression and exacerbations, in all probability it is in remission phase.so wait and follow senior doc. advise.