Need help for elderly mother with RA

[Guest guest]

My mother was diagnosed with RA last summer at the age of 88.

So far she has not tolerated any meds:

1) Plaquinal - bright red rash head to toe with all her skin sloughing off

2) Methotrexate - GI problems plus mental status changes

3) Mycophenolate - Initially she was on 1gm per day and doing well, then her

doctor increased the dose to 2gm per day and she didn't tolerate it (same

problems as with MTX); he didn't want to go back to 1gm because he didn't think

she had benefited much - (although she felt pretty decent)

4) Imuran - elevated liver function tests plus a flare up - which is where we

are right now.

Prednisone 15-20 seems to be the least we can go.

Now the doctor is talking about trying the biologic Remicade.

HELP - I need input and advice! At 89, I just want her to be the best she can

be for the few remaining years she has. We are not looking for a miracle.....

Thanks in advance for your comments/advice.

Betsy

[Guest guest]

Hi,

If your mother feels better on 1gm of anything as opposed to 2gm, just impress on the Dr. that's the amount she wants. Why keep "shopping around", if she has found a drug that works. I'd rather find a new doctor who listens.

Just my opinion....Maureen

From: betsyroseanne <betsyroseanne@...>Subject: Need help for elderly mother with RARheumatoid Arthritis Date: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 12:38 PM

My mother was diagnosed with RA last summer at the age of 88. So far she has not tolerated any meds:1) Plaquinal - bright red rash head to toe with all her skin sloughing off2) Methotrexate - GI problems plus mental status changes3) Mycophenolate - Initially she was on 1gm per day and doing well, then her doctor increased the dose to 2gm per day and she didn't tolerate it (same problems as with MTX); he didn't want to go back to 1gm because he didn't think she had benefited much - (although she felt pretty decent)4) Imuran - elevated liver function tests plus a flare up - which is where we are right now.Prednisone 15-20 seems to be the least we can go.Now the doctor is talking about trying the biologic Remicade. HELP - I need input and advice! At 89, I just want her to be the best she can be for the few remaining years she has. We are not looking for a miracle.....Thanks in

advance for your comments/advice.Betsy