Tell me about Arava; what would you do?

[Guest guest]

Life is humorous in a sick way sometimes.

My rheumy has decided to respond finally. I'm sure it's because she

knows that I requested another dr in the office and she's afraid of

looking bad since she was so unresponsive.

Today I got a call from her nurse. She was very solicitous and much

more forthcoming than normal. The rheumy has decided to start me on

Arava. I know a lot less about this dmard than MTX or sulfasalazine.

So, I'd just like feedback on the med from those of you who have used

it (I am, of course, doing my own research as well).

The nurse did volunteer that I might have the very same side effects

from it that I've had from the others. It seems that my stomach and

gastric system just aren't very good at handling these drugs. It's

strange because I've never not tolerated a prescription med before,

and I'm more than willing to put up with side effects if the drug

works on the RA. Unfortunately the side effects have just been too

strong to live with.

Anyhoo...now I have a quandary. Do I start the Arava as this rheumy

wants me to do - or do I wait until I see the new doctor next week?

I'm inclined to start the Arava and then see how I am at the appt next

week. It's certainly not a strange med to try and from what I've read

it works quickly (if it's going to work). That would make me happy!

So....what would YOU do?

Kim