Narrowing of the spinal cord, often referred to as spinal stenosis, can be caused by various conditions. While psoriatic arthritis (PsA) typically affects the joints and can cause inflammation in the spine (a condition called axial PsA or spondylitis), it doesn’t usually lead directly to spinal stenosis. However, long-term inflammation in PsA can contribute to changes in the spine, such as bone overgrowth or fusion, which might indirectly narrow the spinal canal. If you’ve been diagnosed with PsA, and spinal stenosis is suspected, it’s important to discuss this with your rheumatologist or a spine specialist. Since PsA can overlap with other conditions, keeping an open dialogue with your healthcare team is key to getting a clear diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or ask about referrals to specialists if needed.

"Very active disease" in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) indicates a high level of inflammation and disease activity, leading to severe symptoms such as intense joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and significant limitations in daily function. "Low activity state" means the disease is under better control, with mild symptoms and minimal inflammation, often due to effective treatment. These states are identified using clinical tools like the DAS28 (Disease Activity Score for 28 joints), which assesses swollen and tender joint counts, inflammation markers (like CRP or ESR), and patient-reported outcomes. A high DAS28 score reflects very active disease, while a low score indicates low activity or remission​​.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Waking up with such severe pain in the knees, feet, and tendons can be incredibly tough. This is common in spondyloarthropathies, where inflammation often flares up during periods of rest, like overnight. Anti-inflammatory medications, prescribed by your doctor, can also play a significant role in managing the pain. Speak to a rheumatologist about a treatment plan tailored to your needs, as early intervention can prevent long-term complications. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to your healthcare team or a local support group for additional strategies and support.

@bjchealthAU hi thank you for replying. I'm seeing a rheumatologist and he prescribed me omeprazole, prednisone, vit D3, folic acid capsules, caltrate, methotrexate for a month. After a month, every meda continues except for omeprazole. It started only when i strained my right foot at work last October 2024. Then my left knee gave up, it was an MCL due to hopping or skipping while moving due to pain in my strained right foot. Everything went downhill from there. While i was recuperating from the injuries, i felt something was intense in my joints, they were painful. I thought it was due to my body healing me. But not knowing my immune system went into hyper drive. I went to an ortho doctor to get my knee checked. Then my other knee also got injured, pain was similar to my originally injured left knee. Both my ankles gave up, i felt ridiculous pain on my soles and achilles tendon. I couldn't beat the pain

Sorry we don't have that but I am sure you can ask an AI tool to do it for you.

Thank you. We appreciate the positive feedback.

Can't agree more. Movement is medicine

Methotrexate is not a nanotechnology, mRNA, or rDNA drug, nor is it encapsulated with nanotech. It’s a traditional medication developed in the 1940s, targeting folate metabolism to modulate the immune system, and has been extensively studied over decades with robust long-term safety data. In Australia, methotrexate is prescribed under strict guidelines governed by Medicines Australia and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These regulations ensure safe and appropriate use, with prescriptions carefully monitored to align with established evidence-based practices. It’s also listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it affordable and accessible, with no high private rebates or incentives tied to its use. Australia's regulatory framework and decades of global research provide confidence in methotrexate’s safety and effectiveness, but any new formulations or technologies would undergo rigorous evaluation. Always consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice.

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis and the shock it has brought to your family. Methotrexate, commonly used for RA, isn’t linked to causing cancer. Your sister's situation sounds incredibly complex. The hospital's decision to stop methotrexate is most likely a precautionary step during such severe illness. This is an unimaginably difficult time. Wishing your family strength and peace.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that often improves with steroid treatment, but the tapering process is crucial and varies for each person. When you're tapering down to a lower prednisone dose, like under 5 mg, it reflects an attempt to find the lowest effective dose that manages symptoms without causing significant side effects. The intensity of PMR symptoms should already be significantly reduced if the medication is working well. At doses below 5 mg, the goal is to see if the PMR has gone into remission, meaning your immune system's overactive inflammation response is under control. However, it doesn’t always mean the condition is permanently "cured"-remission could be temporary, and symptoms might return if the inflammation becomes active again. It's essential to taper slowly and under your doctor’s guidance to monitor symptoms and avoid a flare-up. If symptoms worsen as you taper, it might mean the disease is still active, and adjustments to treatment could be needed. Always communicate closely with your healthcare provider during this process!

Excellent. Go slow and at your own pace. Having a go is already the win. Good luck with it and thanks for the feedback.

If you haven't trained for awhile or you did a very big session out of the ordinary, then it can take a couple more days to settle. If worried, please seek advice from a trusted professional locally.

In Australia, doctors do not receive rebates, financial incentives, or commissions for prescribing medications, including methotrexate. Prescribing practices are strictly regulated, focusing on patient needs and evidence-based guidelines. This ensures that decisions about medications are free from financial conflicts of interest.

In Australia, doctors do not receive rebates, financial incentives, or commissions for prescribing medications, including methotrexate. Prescribing practices are strictly regulated, focusing on patient needs and evidence-based guidelines. This ensures that decisions about medications are free from financial conflicts of interest.

Smoking cigarettes is well-known to worsen outcomes for people on biologic DMARDs by increasing inflammation and potentially reducing the effectiveness of these medications​​. On the other hand, smoking marijuana (ganja) has less clear evidence. Limited studies suggest it may not directly affect biologic DMARD efficacy but could carry other risks, especially related to lung health if smoked. Cigarette smoking can contribute to more severe RA symptoms and faster disease progression, while marijuana's effects on inflammation vary and depend on its form of use and individual response. It's best to discuss your smoking habits with your rheumatologist, as they can help tailor guidance to your specific treatment and health situation.

Thanks for sharing. Hopefully someone can learn from your experience and be diagnosed earlier.

I appreciate you sharing your experience; I’m sorry to hear that Methotrexate (MTX) caused you such distress. Like many treatments, it works well for some but not for others. While MTX has helped many people manage inflammation and slow disease progression, it can indeed have side effects. This is why rheumatologists closely monitor patients, adjusting treatment if issues arise​​. It’s crucial to find the right medication or combination that suits each individual’s situation. If MTX isn't suitable, there are many other treatment options, including different DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) and biologics that can be explored​. It’s all about finding the safest and most effective approach, tailored to each person's needs​. Thank you for sharing your story, as it helps others to be aware and encourages them to work closely with their healthcare team to find what works best for them.

Glad it's helping. Please consult a health professional if you have more specific goals and get some targeted exercise. That may help even more 🙂

If you’re worried about continuing these meds, have a chat with your doctor. They can review your current condition, check if adjustments are needed, or discuss alternative treatments. As your ESR is at 19 and symptoms are mild, there might be other options. Also, keep your doctor informed about fluctuating blood pressure, as it may require separate attention.

Yes, folic acid is recommended for people taking Methotrexate (MTX), a common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to reduce side effects like mouth sores, nausea, and liver issues. Methotrexate can lower folic acid levels in the body, so supplementing helps to manage this. Typically, the dose of folic acid is 5 mg once a week, taken on a different day than Methotrexate to maximize its benefits. However, some doctors may recommend a lower daily dose, like 1 mg, depending on your individual needs. Please consult your rheumatologist or GP to confirm the right dosage for you​​.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) can be tricky to manage, especially when tapering off steroids. It's normal to feel uncertain if symptoms remain active towards the end of a steroid taper, such as after reaching 1-2 mg daily. It’s important to note that weaning off steroids doesn’t directly cause PMR to “go away” - they help control the inflammation, but the underlying condition can still persist even during or after the taper. Relapses are not uncommon during the tapering process, and adjusting the steroid dose may be necessary under your healthcare provider's guidance. Some people may need low-dose steroids for a longer period or even lifelong in low amounts. Alternatively, if symptoms flare or remain active, your doctor might explore additional options to help reduce steroid dependence. Always communicate closely with your rheumatologist when you experience persistent symptoms. They can guide you through tapering while minimizing side effects and addressing any relapses along the way. The goal is to control the inflammation without rushing the process, ensuring your wellbeing is maintained throughout.

Appreciate the feedback. Glad it was useful.

Excellent. I'm glad it helped.

Thank you for the positive feedback. Appreciate it.

For gout management, some lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol and certain foods (like shellfish, sugary items, and processed meats) can help, but strict avoidance isn't always necessary for everyone. Sweating through exercise and staying hydrated can aid in managing uric acid levels. There is no strong evidence that pomegranate juice is more effective than cherry juice for gout, though both have antioxidant properties. Gout can often be managed effectively in less than two years with proper medical treatment, such as medications to lower uric acid levels. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

@@bjchealthAU the strong evidence is I just told you make pomegranate juice works. I just told you that I had super severe swollen feet knees ankles and I told you. You ain't telling me and you ain't had it. You got to cut out all shellfish you got to cut out everything that will trigger.... You have to fast exercise sweat and massage your extremities... I can walk again... I don't have any gout symptoms.... And it's going to take 2 years to get yourself healed up

That's great! Appreciate the positive feedback. Thanks for taking the time to comment.