Anyone know of a good similar group for RA? Happy to stay here if you’ll have me though!
My name is alyssa and a friend recommended this group to me. I’m looking for a new medication option after a hospital stay that they think was caused by a reaction from salazopyrin. I’ve heard that it is a common experience?
@Seenie can you help?
Hi Alyssa. As this is an international group response times very. I suspect once the rest of the world wakes up you will get a few responses. Meanwhile it’s good to use the search function to find other info too.
@Jen is the aust moderator who will probably be in touch to welcome u soon.
Hi Alyssa. I don’t know of any RA groups worth recommending. Hopefully someone will. However I do know that there are many other treatment options. From what I hear there are some who just cannot tolerate salozypyrin full-stop so if that’s correct there would be no reason to expect a bad reaction to other DMARDs. Wishing you luck.
Oh, and as MacMac says, it’s worth using the search function here to learn about the other DMARDs. It could be that you’ll be one of the many who does pretty well on Mtx which is used just as frequently for RA as for PsA. It gets a bad press but the internet coverage skews the reality i.e. folks who are happy with it tend not to comment. I’m a happy enough Mtx-er.
Thanks so much Sybil, I will have a look at search function. I have tried mtx but felt like I was getting sick too easily on it and wasn’t happy with that. I also tried Plaquenil but it didn’t relieve my symptoms… I’m going to try fish oil and turmeric and anti-inflammatory diet and see how it goes. Will be hard sticking to anti-inflammatory diet though!!
Good morning!
Yes, that’s the way things work here! It also means there’s always someone around to listen.
Because we think we are the best support forum on the www 
it’s hard to imagine a better place to be. (Boastful? Us? Naaah…LOL) Of course you’re welcome to stay if you play nice, but please remember that PsA and RA are distinct diseases with their own treatment protocols. What’s good advice for people with PsA may not be a good fit for you.
One of the best things about this international group is our cute, cuddly Aussies. You’re in good company for sure!
@Seenie hi seenie. Do u know any RA groups as good as this group…xxx thanks from ever increasing cuddly aussie xxx
Nope. RA warriors is not bad though.
Hi and welcome from a fellow Aussie! It’s been a while since I looked at RA forums (like over 5 years - when my diagnosis was still uncertain), so I must admit I’m not too sure what is out there now.
RA Warriors was the one that came to mind for me too,
This is a great, supportive group, and as well as the support, there are some fantastic pieces of general information that would be really useful - like symptom control methods such as movement, PT, hot, cold, and anywhere-in-between packs, and complementary treatments like acupuncture and medicine.
As long as Seenie mentions, you are mindful that because the diseases are distinct, comments about meds may not be relevant to you (and vice versa), it is a great place for support and information 
Thanks so much! Do you have a suggestion of brand/ method for fish oil. Is there a difference between taking liquid or tablets? Tablets would be easier if that works as well? Is ethical nutrients best? The guy in the chemist said that natures own 2000mg tablets would do the same and they are cheaper. Would people agree with that?
Hi Alyssa,
Tablets are definitiely easier and once the quality and quantity of fish oil is decent I don’t think it matters too much. I get mine from a health food store.
I have been on an anti-inflammatory diet for years. I have gotten used to avoiding sugar, processed foods, and nightshade vegetables. The main problem is sticking to my diet in social situations, but I manage. I take MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and I use turmeric regularly. I have virtually no arthritis pain, but degeneration from the disease is progressing. I recently started a trial of the drug Otezla. So far the side effects are minimal and manageable, but it is too soon to notice any benefits. Also, I don’t know whether or not my insurance will pay for this expensive drug.