What do I need to know about medical tests so I can better moniter my RA progress?

[Nortbach]

What medical tests results should I be watching so I can better moniter my RA progress?
are there Lab tests results that I should be tracking?
are there xrays that I shouoold be tracking?
should i be be doing any tracking of anything at home? like bp >?  '
'
I am always in pain, am on Enbrel 50 mg sure click once evert 10 to 14 days cause morethan that it and i get
sinus infection and have to stop Enbrell till sinus infection is gone.  I also take methotrexate little orange pills 8 of them each week.  for opain Darvocet with tylenol and also ibuphrophin, (sorry i cant spell)  also ginsoaked rasins.

nothing puts an end to progreass that RA is making in rightwrist and feet too.  Enbrell has stopped n ew areas that tried to start up, and tat is good.  but how do i get hot inflamed spots in right wrist and ffeet to go away.

also have Prednisone,  it only helps a little when i take it.

what more can i do :?...ps can;t work job anymore either

[smittygirl]

BTW"  You should always ask your doctor for copies of all your blood work, and any xray reports.  If you have any MRI's done ask for a copy of the films, you are entitled to all of that information.  Keep track of all your #'s.  If you ever move on to another doctor you will have all this information to give them, but always keep copies for your own files.  You have to be your own advocate, I just "fired" my rheumy because his answer to everything  is steroids...  Make sure your doctor listens to you and gives you more than 5 min. for an office visit.  I've been thru a lot the last four years and also work for doctors so I speak from experience.

Sue

[smittygirl]

I have AS ( Ankoylosing Spondylitis) arthritis of the spine and ReA ( Reactive Arthritis)  AS is especially painful and I have no choice but to work as I am on my own.  I too am on Enbrel 50 sure click.  I cannot tolerate methotrexate and hate how prednisone makes feel.   I take Ketoprofen which is a RX anti-inflammatory which does help me and always has ( been sick for 4 years)  I have been on Vicodin 750 for that long as well, it doesn't really take the pain away but takes the edge off.  Last Friday my doc gave me  a RX for a morphine patch 25 mcg, you put it on for 72 hours and it helped me tremendously with no side effects at all.  It obviously doesn't help me be any less stiff but being in pain 24/7 is just no way to live.    I have been on the Enbrel for 5 weeks and so far it has not helped me at all, rheumy said we will try Remicade or Humeria next.    Not sure if any of this helps you at all, but I truly do know how you feel.   I wish you all the best.



Susan