Re: Re: Drug, drugs, and drugs Deb

September 30, 2006

Hi Deb:

You are most welcome - that is what I am here for - I

just want to help others get through this RA journey.

I have been treating my RA for 7 years, so I have

tried quite a few meds, good and bad results, and want

to pass on what I have learned over these years. I am

no doctor, but you definately have to keep up with all

the meds out there, especially the new ones, so that

you will know what your doctor is talking about.

I was on Arava for about six months, in combination

with the Mtx, and I did very well with it RA-wise,

less pain and stiffness, felt very good in that way;

however, it also caused a lot of stomach upset, and at

the end was causing peripheral neuropathy in my feet

and hands (a possible side effect of the Arava), and

so my doctor took me off it. After a few months, the

PN went away, so I do think it was the Arava.

However, I also want to say that many people have had

very good success with this medication, and have been

able to stay on it. I hope that this is true for you.

Are you going to be taking it with the Mtx?

Enbrel is very similar to Humira, but I was offered

the Enbrel first so that is what I went on. I really

am glad that I did. It's hard to choose sometimes,

because it seems they all have side effects (the drug

companies have to tell you every little thing that has

ever happened to anybody on the med to cover their

butts), but I am sure that your doctor will guide you

to the right med for you. He sounds like he is right

on track with his treatment so far.

Perhaps with the addition of the Arava, you will be

able to decrease the Prednisolone. I sure hope that

you do well on it, and will be keeping you in my

prayers!

Take care - Kathe in CA

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