Re: change of medication

[Guest guest]

AOL Search: Results for " sulfasalazine,plaquenil , mtx "

[Guest guest]

--- In , pauline Gwynne <marypaul40@y...>

wrote:

> Hi ,a and everyone

Can you tell me what these drugs are and what possible side effects

to expect.

You will find a wealth of info. about medications on-line; I

recommend doing a search.

I didnt feel I could ask many questions while at the hospital

because the Rheumy was instructing a number of students and I did

feel a little embarrassed with them all having a prod at me and

counting the affected bones.

Bummer! Does that happen every time? Could you refuse and say you

prefer to see only the doctor? If the teaching impairs your ability

to receive good medical care, something needs to change. Perhaps

writing the questions down and handing the doctor the list if you

feel too intimidated to voice them?

>

> Also he told the students that there was no Rheumatoid factor in my

blood, What does this mean?

You will also find a lot of info. on the web about Rhematoid Factor.

Some people with R.A. never have it in their blood, but many do. It

can help with diagnosis. I've also read that NOT having it suggests a

milder course of disease.

I also have this dry eye syndrom and am suffering greatly with

fatigue.

I assume you are using artificial tears eyedrops? (A must!)

Have you discussed punctal plugs with your opthamologist? A new

medication called Restasis (tear producing drops) is also something

to discuss.

Fatigue is a problem for me, too. I plan my activities with rest

perods in between, nap every day, eat well, do gentle exercise, and

keep an eye on my mental health. (I avoid depressing news topics and

actively seek out humor, etc)

My best to you!

Sierra

[Guest guest]

Hi, ! Sorry that you aren't feeling too good and that you had to add

two more DMARDs.

Here's a pretty good DMARD chart from ArthritisCentral.com:

http://arthritiscentral.com/html/medsdmards.htm

Summaries on hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine from s Hopkins:

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/rheumatoid/rheum_treat.html#hydroxy

MTX + sulfasalazine + hydroxychloroquine is a commonly used and

effective combination.

From NEJM, " Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with methotrexate alone,

sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine, or a combination of all three

medications " :

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=8\

609945 & dopt=Abstract

Although you are providing a valuable service by allowing your physician

to conduct your appointment with medical students present, if it makes

you feel uncomfortable, just tell your doctor you'd rather not be on

display. Been there, done that!

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a antibody found in the serum of around 70 -

80% of all patients with rheumatoid arthritis. You're just in the 20 -

30% who don't have it. No big deal. RF can be positive in people with

other diseases and some seemingly healthy people, too. Researchers are

still arguing about what it means! Generally speaking, people with high

levels of RF with RA usually have more serious disease.

Hope you feel better soon!

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] change of medication

Hi ,a and everyone

Last week I had to go to London to see the Rheumy. He was not happy with

the results of taking methotrexate for five months because my feet have

now become affected. I cant stand for long and the soles of my feel and

my toes hurt badly. He has now prescribed Sulfasalazine and Plaquenil

as well as mtx. Can you tell me what these drugs are and what possible

side effects to expect. I didnt feel I could ask many questions while at

the hospital because the Rheumy was instructing a number of students and

I did feel a little embarrassed with them all having a prod at me and

counting the affected bones.

Also he told the students that there was no Rheumatoid factor in my

blood, What does this mean? I also have this dry eye syndrom and am

suffering greatly with fatigue. Sorry to go on whinging but any help

you can offer would be greatly appreciated. This group is such a

wonderful support. Many thanks

- Wales