Hi Andrew,

Welcome to the group, I've had P.A. for about 10 years, but became
quite disabling around 2000. Since that time I've had a knee
operation and have been on Methotrexate for about three years. I
have been able to reclaim my life. I take 15 mg per week and have
PA one foot, knee, and one hand, I suspect I may have it in my hip
and one shoulder, but I don't want to think about that.

What I would like to tell you is you should see a rhuematoligist,
and access what treatment is available to you. Methotrexate is a
disease modifying drug, therefore slows down the progression of the
disease. When I first went to the rhuemie he had me on vioxx and
sulphur something or other, I had side effects from the suphur what
ever it was. Fortunately I'm like David Bruce and tolerate
Methotrexate well. I have had recent problems with my knee again,
will eventually have to have a knee replacement. As I'm 48years
old, I'd like to put that off as long as possible. I recently went
to see the rhuemie and had a cortisone injection for the knee, am
managing.

Try to stay positive and good luck.

Also before I go I would like to say to David Bruce, there may be
something in what he says about chromosone 17, as my grandmother had
this disease and my Uncle (her son) has Lupus. For me Lupus would
be worse.

Thinking of you all

Regards Jenny from Penrith Australia