RE: [SPAM]Re: new to group and need advice

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the board.  I just wrote a

fairly long response to another newbie and I won’t repeat that.  However,

you might be able to avoid infection problems if you use Minocycline or a

related medication for RA treatment.  This is accepted as a valid treatment by

the American College of Rheumatology and should avoid

the problem of stray infections when you weaken some component of the immune

system.  Some rheumatologists are reluctant to use this treatment because it is

not pushed by the drug companies.  You may have to shop around to find someone

who will use it and then they might not have much confidence in it.  However,

it has been shown in clinical trials to be effective for many people.  The link

below gives a lot more information about this treatment.  If you decide to go

with this, let me know and I will give you some more information.

http://www.roadback.org

From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Diane McLaughlin

Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007

2:47 AM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: [sPAM]Re:

new to group and need advice

Hi Tish,

I am new here but had some of the same problems. I can't take any

of the " new " drugs because I get infection so easy. My Rheumy

has put me on Low dose Pred, Zantac (for all the other meds tummy side effects)

and Bactrim (antibiotic) that I take 3 times a week to help fight off

bugs. I also take MTX and a few other. Whenever I do start to get

bronchitis I just stop my MTX for a week until it starts to clear up. I

spent 3-4 days every 3 weeks in the hosp with pneum and/or bronchitis one

cold/flu season so he tries to prevent as much as possible.

A little about me - I have had RA diagnosed since 2001, I am 39 mom to

1 child, just recently found out I am getting divorced, live in NE OH, have

tried Remicade (allergic reaction) and Enbrel (damaged my lungs) have been off

work since 2001 on long term disability, I have an almost 11 y/o with her own

severe health issues and just had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand, left

one will be done on 22nd. But, I treat everyday as a blessing because it

doesn't change anything if I feel sorry for myself. I am still able to

get around, I take Viacodin to dull some pain in my movements when they weather

starts to change but other than that I am holding my ground.

Diane

ladydudet

<tish40zoominternet (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi! My name is Tish. I've

had RA since98 diagnosed last year. Also

have psoriasis,sjorgrens,raynauds,hashimotos,fibromyalgia,.

I have the

RA everywhere but severe in my feet,spine and shoulders. I can't

tolerate MTX. And Humira worked great until I got mono and strep the

first time. waited 6mo restarted and got pneumonia and strep. I have a

7 and 9 y/o. And a husband who works in a hospital with criminally

mentally ill.So lots of germs come in my home. We have tried

everything to prevent it. Stripping at the door,clothes directly in

washer, then hands washed and shoes kept out in garage. I hurt so bad.

right now all i take is Darvocet. We haven't been able to find a NSAID

that doesn't upset my stomach after 2 days.With the season changing

here in NW PA my pain is going to get worse. I have bronchitis right

now and I know my rheumy won't let me start the humira again he said

the epstein barr virus(mono) is still very high.This has been over a

year!Does vicodan work or just make you loopy?I tried the Lyrica and

it kept me in the bathroom for 2 days. I'm sorry if if i sound like

I'm wining but i'm 40 years old and I feel 100 and there should be

something that should make the pain bearable. any ideas? Thanks,Tish

 

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