Managing Osteoarthritis, Neuropathy, and Rheumatoid Arthritis: My Treatment Journey

In an earlier post, I mentioned that long-term use of dexamethasone led to the development of osteoarthritis. Alongside that, I also manage neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Living with multiple chronic conditions has been a challenge, but with the right treatments and support, I’ve found ways to manage them. Here’s an in-depth look at my journey with these conditions and how I’ve adjusted my treatment plan over time.

Understanding the Diagnoses

Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in affected joints. For me, long-term steroid use, specifically dexamethasone, accelerated the onset of osteoarthritis.

Neuropathy:
Neuropathy involves damage or dysfunction of nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in the affected areas. Neuropathy can be triggered by various factors, including diabetes, infections, and even toxins. In my case, it’s been an ongoing part of my health journey.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Over time, RA can result in joint damage and loss of function, requiring careful management to prevent long-term complications.

Initial Treatment with Celebrex

Celebrex (Celecoxib):
My initial treatment plan involved Celebrex, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis and RA. However, after using Celebrex for a while, I realized it wasn’t providing the noticeable relief I needed for my symptoms.

Transition to Nortriptyline

Nortriptyline:
After discussing my ongoing pain and neuropathy with my doctor, I was prescribed Nortriptyline, a medication primarily used to treat depression but also known to be effective in managing chronic pain and neuropathy. Before starting Nortriptyline, my doctor suggested a brief break from Celebrex to see how my symptoms would react without it.

Adjusting the Dosage:
During this transition, my symptoms worsened without Celebrex, confirming that it had been offering some relief. Finding the right dosage of Nortriptyline took some time. My Rheumatologist recommended gradually increasing the dose—starting with one pill per week, then increasing to two, and eventually three pills. Once I reached two to three pills, I noticed a significant improvement in my knee pain, which was a huge relief.

Current Management and Observations

Weather and Stiffness:
Even with the right medications, I still experience stiffness, especially when the weather changes. For many people with arthritis, this is a common issue, and managing it often requires a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to stay active while minimizing pain.

Moving Forward

Ongoing Management:
Living with osteoarthritis, neuropathy, and rheumatoid arthritis means constantly fine-tuning my treatment plan. The combination of Nortriptyline and occasional use of Celebrex has been effective, but it’s a balancing act that requires continuous monitoring and adjustments with my healthcare team.

Staying Positive:
Despite the ups and downs, I remain optimistic and proactive in managing my health. Staying informed, regularly consulting my doctors, and being open to changes in my treatment plan are all essential parts of this journey.

Stay Connected:
Thank you to everyone who follows my journey and offers support. If you have any questions or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Your support and shared stories are incredibly meaningful and help me, and others, navigate the complexities of chronic illness.