Hello doctor,I am a 28 year old male. I have been diagnosed with RA. And another rheumatologist told me I do not have enough symptoms for RA. However, I have been using Methylprednisolone 4 mg for almost four years every day. And this helps me completely get rid of any problems. If I do not take it for a day all my joints start to swell and it is unbearable. The second rheumatologist prescribed Methotrexate to me and now I am taking this for already four months together with the Methylprednisolone. But, I still cannot get rid of the Methylprednisolone. How dangerous is it taking this drug for already so long? Will it prevent me being able to have children? What is my best option? I am open to travel to any hospital in the world. Symptoms started four years ago.
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor forum. Well, it is a tough spot you are on. It will be difficult for a new rheumatologist to diagnose if you are already on steroids and the symptoms get masked. But I will try to simplify it for you here. Could you let me know the results of rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibody, and ANA? If they are negative, it will reduce the probability of rheumatoid arthritis. Steroids on a long-term basis are always harmful. It can cause cataract, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus. It is like a  ChatDoctor. 