Guest guest Posted May 28, 2003 Report Share Posted May 28, 2003 I have heard that Methotrexate is harder on the lungs than most other RA medicines. I wonder if Arava or a biologic would be better. You should be seeing a rheumatologist and you should ask about a change in your medications (perhaps adding another DMARD rather than dropping anything). If you've been going for over 6 months on the same medicines without significant improvement it's time for a change of medicines and perhaps a change of doctors or a second opinion. Good luck and God bless. ----- Original Message ----- From: hockeymom0521 Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2003 10:09 AM Subject: New Member Hello allI am new to this site and would like to tell you a little about myself I was diagnosed with RA approx. 3 yrs. ago although I think I have had it for much longer, my RA not only affects my joints I think it also affects my lungs (breathing) I have had asthma for about 13 yrs. and I am just starting to figure that it really may not be asthma but the RA that triggers my breathing problems. I am taking 25 mg. MTX and anywhere from 5 mg. - 30 mg. pred. (depending on how my breathing is) I have been trying very hard to get off the prednisone (I have been on it for about 10 yrs., at various mg. throughout the yrs.). I have gained alot of weight (partly from quitting smoking, partly from the meds.) and its very hard to lose the weight because I just can't get into a exercise routine because of the RA and breathing. HELP anyone having similar problems and can you give me any suggestions on what to do. Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2003 Report Share Posted May 30, 2003 Hi, I'm on methotrexate and Arava and they say that Arava is worst on the lungs cuz Arava u have to take blood out twice a month. God Bless. Lucy I have heard that Methotrexate is harder on the lungs than most other RA medicines. I wonder if Arava or a biologic would be better. You should be seeing a rheumatologist and you should ask about a change in your medications (perhaps adding another DMARD rather than dropping anything). If you've been going for over 6 months on the same medicines without significant improvement it's time for a change of medicines and perhaps a change of doctors or a second opinion. Good luck and God bless. ----- Original Message ----- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2003 Report Share Posted May 30, 2003 According to information on the FDA web site Arava is harder on the liver than Methotrexate, but Methotrexate is harder on the lungs than Arava. Either one may provide significant relief or cause significant problems. Unfortunately we usually have to experiment until we find the right combination of medications for us and then if the medicines stop working we have to go through the experimental process again. ----- Original Message ----- From: lucyoo1@... Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 8:56 AM Subject: Re: New Member Hi,I'm on methotrexate and Arava and they say that Arava is worst on the lungs cuz Arava u have to take blood out twice a month. God Bless. Lucy I have heard that Methotrexate is harder on the lungs than most other RA medicines. I wonder if Arava or a biologic would be better. You should be seeing a rheumatologist and you should ask about a change in your medications (perhaps adding another DMARD rather than dropping anything). If you've been going for over 6 months on the same medicines without significant improvement it's time for a change of medicines and perhaps a change of doctors or a second opinion. Good luck and God bless. ----- Original Message ----- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2003 Report Share Posted May 30, 2003 Thank U for the Information, It's good to know. Love Lucy According to information on the FDA web site Arava is harder on the liver than Methotrexate, but Methotrexate is harder on the lungs than Arava. Either one may provide significant relief or cause significant problems. Unfortunately we usually have to experiment until we find the right combination of medications for us and then if the medicines stop working we have to go through the experimental process again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 13, 2003 Report Share Posted October 13, 2003 Hello, I am 35 years old and was diagnosed with RA in March. I also let the depression sneak up on me even when I said I wouldn't let it. It hit me hard, but I think I am feeling better with the help of Effexor. I also take 1000 mg. of Azulfidine twice a day and 800 mg. of Ibuprofin when needed for the RA. I was also told by a neurologist that I have carpal tunnel in both arms and most likely will need surgery to fix it. Has anyone with RA experienced carpal tunnel? I was told that it might be a result of the RA and or the way I sleep. I don't type much or work with my hands much, so it wasn't developed that way. Laurie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2004 Report Share Posted March 23, 2004 Hang in there, ! I know you will feel better once you get more specific treatment. Glad you have an appointment next week. Sierra > Hi.. Im lisa, 41 year old stay at home mom...who is pretty sure she > will be handed a RA dx. next week. I get the whatever test on weds. > but Dr. says this is what it looks like. started vioxx yestrday and > havent had a whole lot of relief yet. yikes am I in pain..Im no pansy > when it comes to pain either.. had hyst. 8 months ago after needing > one badly for YEARS. so lets say I had a few months of feeling really > good and getg hit with this.SO any hints or advice for me? > I homeschool my special needs teenagwer, take care of my mil , have > 2 mini horses and try to weave, spin quilt and sew.. how much of this > is over for me right now? Im all swollen up around most of my > joints,including my jaw.. the joints I dont huurt in are shoulders > and hips/ Hands seem to be the hardest hit..spasms and stiffness and > range of motion... > walking has me feeling like Im on bloody stumps.. > Im usally quite a trooper as they say.. but now how in the world am I > gonna take care of my family. I went on one site that has info on how > you get it.. it said among many is stress, hormonal and interferon > shots.. all of which I had last yearr! I havent been told if its the > first or second type yet.. so I figure this is my first flare up..any > indicators on how long it will last? > I know it will get better, but I just dont feel like smiling yet.. > better than yesterday when I was in bed crying in pity and in pain. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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