Re: Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

[Guest guest]

I would go straight to the biologic also. It made the night and day

difference in how I felt and what I could do. I am on enbrel, pred and arava.

a

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[Guest guest]

, when I was first diagnosed, I saw 3 rheumatologists. Rheum 1 wanted to

keep me on prednisone, and Celebrex and add sulfasalazine; Rheum 2 recommended

prednisone taper + Enbrel, Rheum 3 who is now a muckety muck at the National

Institutes for Health, agreed with Rheum 2. I went right to a biologic and I've

been thrilled with the results. I told Rheum 3 that Rheum 1 recommended

sulfasalazine and he didn't seem to feel it was aggressive enough. So I can't

speak directly for sulfasalazine vs a biologic, but I can say my guy heard the

recommendation and put me on Enbrel anyway.

[ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.

[Guest guest]

Hi : Just thought I would ans. your e-mail. I too, take MTX, Pred.,Placq.

and Sulfasal. I haven't tried Biologics yet. That will be my next step. These 4

meds. seem to be working well for me, but I still have flares, but longer in

between, and the flares don't last as long. My main pain, swelling and

stiffness, is both of my feet and ankles. I am going to start P..T soon. My

Rheumy thinks I also have Neuropathy on the bottom of my feet, so I will have

them tested next. I hope this information helps you. Wishing you pain free days.

Barbara

From: <vanessalp@...>

Subject: [ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 10:51 PM

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.

[Guest guest]

I haven't been on both regimens, but I would advise you to go straight

to a biologic. Enbrel works so much better for me than the MTX did. I

was kind of glad that my body couldn't tolerate it, or Arava, because

it allowed me to go to a biologic. Not that my insurance liked it very

much.

Sue

On Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 06:51 PM, wrote:

>

> My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

> but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

> can point out the pros and cons between them.

[Guest guest]

My advice from & nbsp;a seronegative RA/unspecified diffuse connective tissue

disease patient has been that Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine are not enough for

me. & nbsp; I've not improved, I've had a bout of bronchitis for 3 months from

Sept-Nov. & nbsp; Had one healthy week then had an upper respiratory

infection. & nbsp; Healthy for two weeks and more URI. & nbsp; I've been on

antibiotics 6 times. & nbsp; Each time, I have to stop the sulfasalazine. & nbsp;

I'm on the maximum dose of 3000mgs and feel as if I am getting worse. & nbsp; I

realize all of our immune systems are unique, we all have other health issues,

stress/environmental triggers. & nbsp; It's just to me, I'm looking forward to a

stronger treatment when they decide to do this. & nbsp; Because to be honest, I'm

still in a flare and still not making much of an improvement.

From: & lt;vanessalp@... & gt;

Subject: [ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 6:51 PM

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I'm sure my insurance company will be less than thrilled with me going

on biologics, but they're on the formulary, so they can't say much

about it.

[Guest guest]

hi vanessa, this may sound like a dumb question but what is,BIOLOGIC??? i have

nevere heard of this before!!! god bless, melyndagamez

[ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 6:51 PM

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month.. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.

     

[Guest guest]

hi barbara, how r u doing this evening? i HOPE all is well with you. im SORRY

about your pain & i hope the p.t. will work for you.. lately, my pain &

stiffness has also been in my feet & ankles too. not good! i have neuropathy &

DON'T like it at all!!!!!! hopefully, you won't have it! my prayers are with

you. god bless,melyndagamez

[ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 10:51 PM

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.

     

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Biologics are drugs like Humira, Enbrel, and Remicade that are given via

injection or IV infusion.

-

Melynda Gamez <melyndagamez@...> wrote: hi

vanessa, this may sound like a dumb question but what is,BIOLOGIC??? i have

nevere heard of this before!!! god bless, melyndagamez

[ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 6:51 PM

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month.. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.

[Guest guest]

Hi Melynda, so nice to hear from you, and as always, thanks for your prayers.I

sure need them!! My feet and ankles are still swollen, and they hurt all the

time! Plus, with the Neuropathy, I have less feeling on the bottom of my feet,

and I am so afraid of falling. I really don't know much about this disease. Does

it just effect the bottoms or the whole foot? I don't have any pins or needles,

they just don't feel right. I hate to get up on them, especially in the morn.,

as they feel like lead, and so stiff.

The weather here in S.W. Florida has been beastly hot and humid, wish it would

rain!!! I pray that you start to feel better soon, and have some much needed

PAIN FREE DAYS!!! Wouldn't that be wonderful!!!! God Bless you in all ways.

Hugs,

Barbara

From: <vanessalp@sbcglobal .net>

Subject: [ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 10:51 PM

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.

     

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

hi my friend,the rain does not bother you,barbara? it bothers me tremendously.

it's like i'm in PAIN all day or ever long the rain lasts. so can you imagine?

it effects my whole foot but esp. my ankles like the inner part. it HURTS SOOOO'

BAD BARBARA!! yes i to have less feeling & sometimes i feel as if i'm going to

fall as well & there will be no one to catch me when i do, that's the sad

thing!yes barb, do you mind if i call you barb? it just sounds more like we are

truly friends not just on these posts!!! if you mind send me a sign!!! i'll pray

for some rain in s.w.florida o.k. just for u. god bless,melyndagamez 6/12/08

1:13a.m.central

[ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 10:51 PM

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.

     

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

Hi Melynda, and yes you can call me Barb.....lots do!! I hope your

feets are feeling better, and that the HORRIBLE PAIN you are going

through, is gone! You suffer way too much, and I do pray you will have

better , pain free days. What a treasure your daughter must be for you

and your husband!!! Puts such joy in your lives everyday. So happy you

have her. I am an only child, who came along after 12 years of

marriage, and I know how happy my parents were. I was also the only

grandchild!!! Your daughter must feel like a " PRINCESS " . I DID!!! For

some reason I feel better WHEN it rains. I have a very unusal system.

The Rheumy said she has several patients like me, loves when it rains,

and feels so much better. Go figure!!! Is your area of Texas hot and

steamy like here, or worse? Do you live inland, or near the Gulf? We

are 25 min. from the Gulf, but much to hot to go there, even to sit in

the shade. It is so nice of you to take the time to send me an e-mail.

Yes, we are friends, and I know how much you care about everyone. May

God always Bless you, and keep you in His prayers. Hugs, Barbara

>

> From: vanessalp@sbcglobal .net>

> Subject: [ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

> @gro ups.com

> Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 10:51 PM

>

> I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

> doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

> Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

> tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

> now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

> digress.

>

> Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

> between at my follow-up appointment next month. Option one is to add

> sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

> Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

> to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

> but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

> can point out the pros and cons between them.

>

>

>

> ------------ --------- --------- ------

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi vanessa,i take an injection of FORTEO every day. is this considered a

biologic? thank-you, god bless,melyndagamez 6/12/08 6:32p.m.central time

[ ] Add sulfasalazine or switch to a biologic?

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 6:51 PM

I finally managed to get in to a rheumatologist yesterday. She

doesn't think my current treatment regiment of Plaquinil and

Methotrexate are keeping my RA under control. Gee, I'd been trying to

tell the rheumatologists at Camino Medical Group that for over a year

now, and all they said is lose weight and you'll fell better. But I

digress.

Anyway, my new rheumatologist brought up two options for me to decide

between at my follow-up appointment next month.. Option one is to add

sulfasalazine to my current regiment (along with continuing on

Prednisone at 10 mg rather than ramping off completely). The other is

to switch to a biologic. My gut is to go straight to the biologic,

but I'm curious if anyone else has been on both of these regiments and

can point out the pros and cons between them.