Question
My doctor advised me today that my RA is reactive and that my RA factor is 508.8, they have put me on 15 mg of Prednisone everyday along with 6 tablets of Methotrexate once a week. Will that help my RA Factor to get back to normal or is that just going to ease my pain? Believe me I was in tremendous pain, so bad it was all I could do to get out of bed in the mornings.

Thanks
Elana Jones

Answer
Elana,

Sorry I was unable to get back to you yesterday. With RA Prednisone and Methotrexate are mainly used to treat the symptoms. Methotrexate in an immune suppressant and may help lower your RA Factor.

I am confused at the diagnosis of Reactive. Reactive arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection. What surprises me is that you did not list an antibiotic as part of the treatment. Here is a link to more information about Reactive arthritis.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/reactive/reactive.htm

I wish you good health,

Rusty