Re: Switching from MTX to Sulfasalazine

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim!

I've not taken methotrexate. I started with Plaquenil

for the past almost two years I believe now. Then

2000mgs of Sulfasalazine was added to my treatment

plan, then upped to 3000mgs. I was supposed to have

had Methotrexate added at this visit a few days ago.

Yet my doctor left the hospital so I was referred back

to another that had left and come back! She couldn't

give me the methotrexate because since 1999 (before

the FMS and RA was diagnosed) I was having abnormal

elevated liver enzymes. They check mine every three

months and they are still elevated all these years

later and at every test. They don't yet know why. I

was not on any medications that could have caused

this. I participate in a liver study. The

Sulfasalazine has worked really well for me. At

first, I didn't think it was because I felt such

malaise. But then that could have been my FMS. When

I got bronchitis and had to stop taking it for three

months I had pain where I had previously not, and

could barely put any pressure even on my feet. Once I

got back on it, it began working again! I can tell

even if I miss one dose. I wish you luck and I hope

it works really well for you too! My next step in my

treatment is supposed to be Enbrel, but wanted to give

the sulfasalazine a little more time first since I had

to stop it for a bit.

--- just call me Sheba <queen_o_sheba@...>

wrote:

> Well, after 3 months on MTX my rheumy is switching

> me to

> sulfasalazine. While it worked great at first it

> seems to have

> plateaued and I'm one of the " lucky " ones that has

> pretty strong side

> effects, plus a few weird effects.

>

> I also switched dr's today - or was switched by the

> clinic. Even

> though she has my files I kind of feel like I'm

> starting over since

> she hasn't seen the progression so far. I'm just

> hoping the files are

> complete and tell the whole story (what there is of

> it).

>

> My biggest worry is that I may take a step back

> here. While I have

> side effects from the MTX I also know that it's

> working to some

> degree. She told me to stop the MTX immediately and

> start with the

> sulfasalazine, building up to the full dose over a

> month. I'm worried

> that stopping the MTX before finding out if the

> sulfasalzine works or

> before I'm at full dose is going to send me into a

> flare or quickly

> regress me to where I was before. Anyone have

> experience doing this

> with your meds? What was your experience?

>

> I'm a nervous Nelly right now, leaping into that

> unknown again.

> Thanks, any input appreciated!

>

> Kim

>

>

>

>

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