<p>I have had RA since I was a teenager. Like your mom, I tried to control for years with OTC medication like Motrin and Aleve. About five years ago, my knees started to lock at a 90 degree angle. At first it was only for a few minutes, then for several hours, and eventually for days on end. I broke down and have been on a combination of methotrexate and prednisone. It has not happened again since I started the MTX. To be honest, it has not been fun. In the beginning, I got terrible nausea, headaches, and fatigue in the 24 to 48 hours following my weekly dose of MTX. But it was worth it to be able to function the rest of the week. Lately, I have been experiencing a lot more pain and daily fatigue and have recently started humira. I thought giving myself an injection would be impossible (I hate needles), but it wasn’t too bad and in my case the relief was within hours. I am so glad that I decided to try the humira. It doesn’t work that well for everyone and there is a greater risk of infection, but for me being close to normal and active for the first time in years has been amazing. I know there are a few things I wish my family would do for me when I have a flare, but I know it is hard for them too. I am sure you mom’s hands hurt all the time. Ask her if she would like a gentle massage. It feels great and is very therapeutic. A foot massage would also likely be quite welcomed. Do dishes for her when you can or help with the housework. Interestingly, humira is also used to treat Chrohn’s and I think recent studies have shown a genetic correlation between the two diseases. Just so you know, I have had RA for 40 years, raised two kids, and worked full-time throughout. Not tooting my own horn, just saying you learn to adjust. Best to your mom.</p>