Dear Friend,
Many thanks for posting the question via my forum. Before answering, I would like to remind you that , my post is like a guide for you. But to come to a pinpoint diagnosis, I will repeatedly as you to visit the treating doctor or meet a good consultant.
Please find my answers -
1) what would cause deep muscle brusing and is it something perhaps related to the RA?
Answer - Well RA, SLE, Sjogerns syndrome are all a part of Auto-immune diseases and they are know to weaken up the body. They affect the various organs of the body. So if they are acting on the Musculo-Skeletal system than the muscle bruising can be a manifestation of this disease.
The muscles become weak and hence when stressed, may bruise or get torn.
2) shouldn't all the meds I'm taking be doing something to relieve the bursitis and other inflammation? Maybe I need to try another biologic drug?
Answer - Well all the medicines are good and bad. SO the combined effect is nullified. That's said in a very basic sense to make you understand.Since you are having the autoimmune diseases, you have been given several medicines, some of which are decreasing your disease fighting capacity also, due to which bursitis is happening..
The problem is that there is no way out. You need to be eating these medicines, to keep a control over the disease.
So continue with your daily activities and discuss with the doctor, for cutting down the medicines.
Please feel free to discuss more with me as a fresh post.
Also , if you are satisfied with my answer, do refer your friends also.
I have got other forums also (Arthritis , Back and Neck Surgery, Back and Spine Surgery, Brain Tumor Forum, Headaches , Hip Surgery, Knee Surgery , Neurology/Neurosurgery, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Trigeminal Neuralgia), where you can post other related queries.
Regards
Forgot to list my meds - Enbrel, Methotrexate, Prednisone, Etolodac (NSAID) & Cymbalta (for pain management), plus Darvocet & Lortab as needed.