Riding the Rheumatoid Arthritis Rollercoaster: Methotrexate, Medication Changes and More with Ali DiGiacomo

Ali and Cheryl discuss how overwhelming medication changes can be, and Ali describes what it was like to switch doses of methotrexate, switch to a new biologic medication and add prednisone and NDSAIDs in the mix. Ali & Cheryl also discuss what it’s like to have costochondritis and how they cope with unresolved health issues while still trying to live a full, joyful life. 

This episode also includes reflections about how to cope with social media jealousy within the chronic illness community, how to set boundaries with friends and loved ones during Covid times, and more.  This interview was conducted in February 2022.

Episode at a glance:

• Flare up leads to medication changes: Ali shares what it was like to switch biologics, take a course of prednisone and add in NSAID (Non steroidal anti inflammatory medications) and alter her methotrexate dosage
• Heartbreak: when Ali discovered she wasn’t in medicated remission, she feels heartbroken
• Emergency Room Visit: Ali goes to the emergency room with severe pelvic pain, doesn’t get any clear answers, follows up with both Gynecology and GI doctors
• Costochondritis and “hypochondriac” accusations: Cheryl & Ali discuss their experiences with costochondritis and how they were both accused of being hypochondriacs before their accurate diagnosis of costochondritis
• Coping: we discuss how we cope with the ups and downs of chronic illness life
• Covid and social life: discussion about how to set boundaries socially around covid precautions
• Social Media and Jealousy: reflections about how to cope when others seem to be doing better than you
• Everyone is different: there’s no badge for managing RA a certain way
• Ali’s advice to people just starting out on Methotrexate, or who are hesitant about it

Medical disclaimer:

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Episode Sponsors

For full episode details including a transcript, please go to the Arthritis Life Website at www.MyArthritisLife.Net