mtx injections

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

My rheumy just told me that i should take mtx tablets and that injections

wouldn't be right for me. I was assuming that the injections would be easier on

my gut as i have leaky gut/gut inflammation as well as an ulcer, and i don't

want to exacerbate it. I know that drugs upset the gut directly altho doctors

wouldn't admit it or don't even care. Since i've been a " pain in the butt " sort

of patient and carry on like a pork chop about drugs, i would have thought they

woulda said " beauty ... we don't care how the hell she takes it, as long as she

takes it " ! (beauty is an aussie exp for " GREAT " ). But nope, they like to make

you feel like a naughty kid in school. If you question anything, they think

you're being a smart-a$$.

The problem with inj is that they have to order them especially from another

state and it's a huge rigmarole to get them in and then have to learn how to

take them etc. They reserve them for folks who get too sick from tablets. But

i don't really get it. Obviously then the tablets can cause more upset to the

stomach ?? Why would some ppl not be able to take tablets, apart from direct

stomach irritation ? They say that the mtx still get metabolized the same way

whether by inj or oral . What i'm worried about is my gut. From my research, I

really do believe that gut inflammation/leaky gut is a big problem for us ppl

with auto-immune problems and it will become a vicious cycle if i keep

irritating my gut with drugs.

Anyone have any ideas ? Or should i just take the tablets and stop mucking

around like an old mole ?

thanks and all the best,

Leonie (Australia)

[Guest guest]

Leonie,

I think that's pretty ridiculous. MTX injections are " right " for any

RA patient who is prescribed MTX.

Also, the MTX tablets and injections are not metabolized exactly the same way.

Not an MD

On Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 1:51 AM, leonie cent <leoniecent@...> wrote:

> Hi all,

> My rheumy just told me that i should take mtx tablets and that injections

> wouldn't be right for me. I was assuming that the injections would be easier

> on my gut as i have leaky gut/gut inflammation as well as an ulcer, and i

> don't want to exacerbate it. I know that drugs upset the gut directly altho

> doctors wouldn't admit it or don't even care. Since i've been a " pain in the

> butt " sort of patient and carry on like a pork chop about drugs, i would

> have thought they woulda said " beauty ... we don't care how the hell she

> takes it, as long as she takes it " ! (beauty is an aussie exp for " GREAT " ).

> But nope, they like to make you feel like a naughty kid in school. If you

> question anything, they think you're being a smart-a$$.

>

> The problem with inj is that they have to order them especially from another

> state and it's a huge rigmarole to get them in and then have to learn how to

> take them etc. They reserve them for folks who get too sick from tablets.

> But i don't really get it. Obviously then the tablets can cause more upset

> to the stomach ?? Why would some ppl not be able to take tablets, apart from

> direct stomach irritation ? They say that the mtx still get metabolized the

> same way whether by inj or oral . What i'm worried about is my gut. From my

> research, I really do believe that gut inflammation/leaky gut is a big

> problem for us ppl with auto-immune problems and it will become a vicious

> cycle if i keep irritating my gut with drugs.

>

> Anyone have any ideas ? Or should i just take the tablets and stop mucking

> around like an old mole ?

>

> thanks and all the best,

> Leonie (Australia)

[Guest guest]

Leonie,

I am sorry your doctor is being a jerk. I would ask why you don't have

the opportunity to decide whats best for you. Since you have problems

with your stomach, the injections would be a no brainer too me.

You are going to have to make the choice, if you should try the pills

first. I would ask what the problem is, and how your concern you are on

your stomach issues.

Le me know what you've decided, Tawny

>

> Hi all,

> My rheumy just told me that i should take mtx tablets and that

injections wouldn't be right for me. I was assuming that the injections

would be easier on my gut as i have leaky gut/gut inflammation as well

as an ulcer, and i don't want to exacerbate it. I know that drugs upset

the gut directly altho doctors wouldn't admit it or don't even care.

Since i've been a " pain in the butt " sort of patient and carry on like a

pork chop about drugs, i would have thought they woulda said " beauty ...

we don't care how the hell she takes it, as long as she takes it " !

(beauty is an aussie exp for " GREAT " ). But nope, they like to make you

feel like a naughty kid in school. If you question anything, they think

you're being a smart-a$$.

>

> The problem with inj is that they have to order them especially from

another state and it's a huge rigmarole to get them in and then have to

learn how to take them etc. They reserve them for folks who get too sick

from tablets. But i don't really get it. Obviously then the tablets can

cause more upset to the stomach ?? Why would some ppl not be able to

take tablets, apart from direct stomach irritation ? They say that the

mtx still get metabolized the same way whether by inj or oral . What i'm

worried about is my gut. From my research, I really do believe that gut

inflammation/leaky gut is a big problem for us ppl with auto-immune

problems and it will become a vicious cycle if i keep irritating my gut

with drugs.

>

> Anyone have any ideas ? Or should i just take the tablets and stop

mucking around like an old mole ?

>

> thanks and all the best,

> Leonie (Australia)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Leonie

I am in Australia too and they didn't give me injections either.

After being a member of this group for a little while, I am starting

to feel all left out because it seems everyone is on the

injections. :-) Fortunately for me, I don't have the stomach issues

you do so have had no major issues with the tablets - a bit of nausea

when I first they add a new one to the mix but it settles after a few

weeks. Is it the Australians are so far behind that we are all still

on tablets?? :-)

Also, my rheumy is a dud as well! Always a real problem for her to

explain what is happening to my body. I should just sit there and be

quiet while she looks at my blood results then go on my way..... I

am changing though and the new one gives out his home number in case

there are any issues between appointments. Good sign I say. Maybe

you should also try a new one?

Best of luck

Cheryl

Brisbane

>

>

> Leonie,

>

> I am sorry your doctor is being a jerk. I would ask why you don't

have

> the opportunity to decide whats best for you. Since you have

problems

> with your stomach, the injections would be a no brainer too me.

>

> You are going to have to make the choice, if you should try the

pills

> first. I would ask what the problem is, and how your concern you

are on

> your stomach issues.

>

> Le me know what you've decided, Tawny

> --- In , " leonie cent " <leoniecent@>

wrote:

> >

> > Hi all,

> > My rheumy just told me that i should take mtx tablets and that

> injections wouldn't be right for me. I was assuming that the

injections

> would be easier on my gut as i have leaky gut/gut inflammation as

well

> as an ulcer, and i don't want to exacerbate it. I know that drugs

upset

> the gut directly altho doctors wouldn't admit it or don't even care.

> Since i've been a " pain in the butt " sort of patient and carry on

like a

> pork chop about drugs, i would have thought they woulda

said " beauty ...

> we don't care how the hell she takes it, as long as she takes it " !

> (beauty is an aussie exp for " GREAT " ). But nope, they like to make

you

> feel like a naughty kid in school. If you question anything, they

think

> you're being a smart-a$$.

> >

> > The problem with inj is that they have to order them especially

from

> another state and it's a huge rigmarole to get them in and then

have to

> learn how to take them etc. They reserve them for folks who get too

sick

> from tablets. But i don't really get it. Obviously then the tablets

can

> cause more upset to the stomach ?? Why would some ppl not be able to

> take tablets, apart from direct stomach irritation ? They say that

the

> mtx still get metabolized the same way whether by inj or oral .

What i'm

> worried about is my gut. From my research, I really do believe that

gut

> inflammation/leaky gut is a big problem for us ppl with auto-immune

> problems and it will become a vicious cycle if i keep irritating my

gut

> with drugs.

> >

> > Anyone have any ideas ? Or should i just take the tablets and stop

> mucking around like an old mole ?

> >

> > thanks and all the best,

> > Leonie (Australia)

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I am on MTX injectable, but I do believe the way I have to do the injections is

not medically acceptable. When I first began

the injectable about 5 years ago, the correct dosage was in an injectable small

bottle that was a one time usage. Now I use a bottle a few times with a new

needle each time. It has been difficult in the US to get single injections of

MTX for a few years. I had to switch to tablets for a while, then I moved and

this doctor has some common sense. He does emphasize to use a clean needle each

and every time.

[Guest guest]

Cheryl and group;

Hi cheryl... don't understand why you can't get injections.. Does

your rheumy know your ra is hurting you??? Or do they make your

stomache upset????.. Ask your rheumy about some injections...

I don't want you to feel left out.. We are a group that bonds with

each other.. I have bonded with a few people here. Tawney,, Shirley,,

Chriss,,, Barbara,,, ... Bob,,,, Dodge,,, Doreen,, Melyndez and

many more.. These people have encouraged me along and felt for me all

the long way of this monster RA..

Cheer up my friend farther along we'll know all about it.. I see many

shows on tv about Australia and it has beautiful mountains and

animails... Welcome and Please don't feel left out.. God bless and

take care

gentle hugs

Clora

******************************************************

> Hi Leonie

>

> I am in Australia too and they didn't give me injections either.

> After being a member of this group for a little while, I am

starting

> to feel all left out because it seems everyone is on the

> injections. :-) Fortunately for me, I don't have the stomach

issues

> you do so have had no major issues with the tablets - a bit of

nausea

> when I first they add a new one to the mix but it settles after a

few

> weeks. Is it the Australians are so far behind that we are all

still

> on tablets?? :-)

>

> Also, my rheumy is a dud as well! Always a real problem for her to

> explain what is happening to my body. I should just sit there and

be

> quiet while she looks at my blood results then go on my way..... I

> am changing though and the new one gives out his home number in

case

> there are any issues between appointments. Good sign I say. Maybe

> you should also try a new one?

>

> Best of luck

> Cheryl

> Brisbane

>

>

> > >

> > > Hi all,

> > > My rheumy just told me that i should take mtx tablets and that

> > injections wouldn't be right for me. I was assuming that the

> injections

> > would be easier on my gut as i have leaky gut/gut inflammation as

> well

> > as an ulcer, and i don't want to exacerbate it. I know that drugs

> upset

> > the gut directly altho doctors wouldn't admit it or don't even

care.

> > Since i've been a " pain in the butt " sort of patient and carry on

> like a

> > pork chop about drugs, i would have thought they woulda

> said " beauty ...

> > we don't care how the hell she takes it, as long as she takes it " !

> > (beauty is an aussie exp for " GREAT " ). But nope, they like to

make

> you

> > feel like a naughty kid in school. If you question anything, they

> think

> > you're being a smart-a$$.

> > >

> > > The problem with inj is that they have to order them especially

> from

> > another state and it's a huge rigmarole to get them in and then

> have to

> > learn how to take them etc. They reserve them for folks who get

too

> sick

> > from tablets. But i don't really get it. Obviously then the

tablets

> can

> > cause more upset to the stomach ?? Why would some ppl not be able

to

> > take tablets, apart from direct stomach irritation ? They say

that

> the

> > mtx still get metabolized the same way whether by inj or oral .

> What i'm

> > worried about is my gut. From my research, I really do believe

that

> gut

> > inflammation/leaky gut is a big problem for us ppl with auto-

immune

> > problems and it will become a vicious cycle if i keep irritating

my

> gut

> > with drugs.

> > >

> > > Anyone have any ideas ? Or should i just take the tablets and

stop

> > mucking around like an old mole ?

> > >

> > > thanks and all the best,

> > > Leonie (Australia)

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks Clora. I don't really feel left out - just my Aussie humour :-

) I will ask my new rheumy about the injections as I really hate

taking so many tablets.

Does anyone else take large amounts of fish oil? I am on about 6000 -

8000mg per day and while it has been great for my skin and hair, I

haven't noticed any real difference with my RA.

Ah, a rainy day here in Brisbane today. Not so nice for the

arthritis, but lovely none the less.

> > > >

> > > > Hi all,

> > > > My rheumy just told me that i should take mtx tablets and that

> > > injections wouldn't be right for me. I was assuming that the

> > injections

> > > would be easier on my gut as i have leaky gut/gut inflammation

as

> > well

> > > as an ulcer, and i don't want to exacerbate it. I know that

drugs

> > upset

> > > the gut directly altho doctors wouldn't admit it or don't even

> care.

> > > Since i've been a " pain in the butt " sort of patient and carry

on

> > like a

> > > pork chop about drugs, i would have thought they woulda

> > said " beauty ...

> > > we don't care how the hell she takes it, as long as she takes

it " !

> > > (beauty is an aussie exp for " GREAT " ). But nope, they like to

> make

> > you

> > > feel like a naughty kid in school. If you question anything,

they

> > think

> > > you're being a smart-a$$.

> > > >

> > > > The problem with inj is that they have to order them

especially

> > from

> > > another state and it's a huge rigmarole to get them in and then

> > have to

> > > learn how to take them etc. They reserve them for folks who get

> too

> > sick

> > > from tablets. But i don't really get it. Obviously then the

> tablets

> > can

> > > cause more upset to the stomach ?? Why would some ppl not be

able

> to

> > > take tablets, apart from direct stomach irritation ? They say

> that

> > the

> > > mtx still get metabolized the same way whether by inj or oral .

> > What i'm

> > > worried about is my gut. From my research, I really do believe

> that

> > gut

> > > inflammation/leaky gut is a big problem for us ppl with auto-

> immune

> > > problems and it will become a vicious cycle if i keep

irritating

> my

> > gut

> > > with drugs.

> > > >

> > > > Anyone have any ideas ? Or should i just take the tablets and

> stop

> > > mucking around like an old mole ?

> > > >

> > > > thanks and all the best,

> > > > Leonie (Australia)

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Cheryl,

Im in the UK and on tablets too, they said if i had real problems with taking

the tablets it would switch to injections, i had a lot of nausea but changed to

taking the tablets at night so i could sleep through the worst, my only other

concern is my hair its coming out a lot which does bother me, but other than

that im fine so i guess ill be sticking to the tablets!

Sharon xx

[ ] Re: mtx injections

Hi Leonie

I am in Australia too and they didn't give me injections either.

After being a member of this group for a little while, I am starting

to feel all left out because it seems everyone is on the

injections. :-) Fortunately for me, I don't have the stomach issues

you do so have had no major issues with the tablets - a bit of nausea

when I first they add a new one to the mix but it settles after a few

weeks. Is it the Australians are so far behind that we are all still

on tablets?? :-)

Also, my rheumy is a dud as well! Always a real problem for her to

explain what is happening to my body. I should just sit there and be

quiet while she looks at my blood results then go on my way..... I

am changing though and the new one gives out his home number in case

there are any issues between appointments. Good sign I say. Maybe

you should also try a new one?

Best of luck

Cheryl

Brisbane

>

>

> Leonie,

>

> I am sorry your doctor is being a jerk. I would ask why you don't

have

> the opportunity to decide whats best for you. Since you have

problems

> with your stomach, the injections would be a no brainer too me.

>

> You are going to have to make the choice, if you should try the

pills

> first. I would ask what the problem is, and how your concern you

are on

> your stomach issues.

>

> Le me know what you've decided, Tawny

> --- In @gro ups.com, " leonie cent " <leoniecent@ >

wrote:

> >

> > Hi all,

> > My rheumy just told me that i should take mtx tablets and that

> injections wouldn't be right for me. I was assuming that the

injections

> would be easier on my gut as i have leaky gut/gut inflammation as

well

> as an ulcer, and i don't want to exacerbate it. I know that drugs

upset

> the gut directly altho doctors wouldn't admit it or don't even care.

> Since i've been a " pain in the butt " sort of patient and carry on

like a

> pork chop about drugs, i would have thought they woulda

said " beauty ...

> we don't care how the hell she takes it, as long as she takes it " !

> (beauty is an aussie exp for " GREAT " ). But nope, they like to make

you

> feel like a naughty kid in school. If you question anything, they

think

> you're being a smart-a$$.

> >

> > The problem with inj is that they have to order them especially

from

> another state and it's a huge rigmarole to get them in and then

have to

> learn how to take them etc. They reserve them for folks who get too

sick

> from tablets. But i don't really get it. Obviously then the tablets

can

> cause more upset to the stomach ?? Why would some ppl not be able to

> take tablets, apart from direct stomach irritation ? They say that

the

> mtx still get metabolized the same way whether by inj or oral .

What i'm

> worried about is my gut. From my research, I really do believe that

gut

> inflammation/ leaky gut is a big problem for us ppl with auto-immune

> problems and it will become a vicious cycle if i keep irritating my

gut

> with drugs.

> >

> > Anyone have any ideas ? Or should i just take the tablets and stop

> mucking around like an old mole ?

> >

> > thanks and all the best,

> > Leonie (Australia)

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon

They put me on calcium folinate to help with the hair loss. Seems to

be working for me

Cheryl

> > >

> > > Hi all,

> > > My rheumy just told me that i should take mtx tablets and that

> > injections wouldn't be right for me. I was assuming that the

> injections

> > would be easier on my gut as i have leaky gut/gut inflammation as

> well

> > as an ulcer, and i don't want to exacerbate it. I know that drugs

> upset

> > the gut directly altho doctors wouldn't admit it or don't even

care.

> > Since i've been a " pain in the butt " sort of patient and carry on

> like a

> > pork chop about drugs, i would have thought they woulda

> said " beauty ...

> > we don't care how the hell she takes it, as long as she takes it " !

> > (beauty is an aussie exp for " GREAT " ). But nope, they like to

make

> you

> > feel like a naughty kid in school. If you question anything, they

> think

> > you're being a smart-a$$.

> > >

> > > The problem with inj is that they have to order them especially

> from

> > another state and it's a huge rigmarole to get them in and then

> have to

> > learn how to take them etc. They reserve them for folks who get

too

> sick

> > from tablets. But i don't really get it. Obviously then the

tablets

> can

> > cause more upset to the stomach ?? Why would some ppl not be able

to

> > take tablets, apart from direct stomach irritation ? They say

that

> the

> > mtx still get metabolized the same way whether by inj or oral .

> What i'm

> > worried about is my gut. From my research, I really do believe

that

> gut

> > inflammation/ leaky gut is a big problem for us ppl with auto-

immune

> > problems and it will become a vicious cycle if i keep irritating

my

> gut

> > with drugs.

> > >

> > > Anyone have any ideas ? Or should i just take the tablets and

stop

> > mucking around like an old mole ?

> > >

> > > thanks and all the best,

> > > Leonie (Australia)

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Dear Leoni: It is my understanding that there is a procedural protocol

regarding the " injections " .

One must try all other pharmacalogical therapies first.

If those protocols fail,

then procedure is to proceed to the " injections " .

Simply ask why the injections " aren't right for you. "

What does that mean? And ask that the doctor put it

in writing in layman's terms for you

so you may keep it in your own personal

records at home.

You have the right to ask any and all questions.

But since you are not an MD you do not have the right

to self diagnose....

That's just how the cookie crumbles...

Good Luck.

Shauna

[Guest guest]

Shauna,

Leonie is asking about MTX injections versus MTX pills.

Not an MD

On Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 8:00 AM, shauna4343 <shauna4343@...> wrote:

> Dear Leoni: It is my understanding that there is a procedural protocol

> regarding the " injections " .

>

> One must try all other pharmacalogical therapies first.

> If those protocols fail,

> then procedure is to proceed to the " injections " .

>

> Simply ask why the injections " aren't right for you. "

> What does that mean? And ask that the doctor put it

> in writing in layman's terms for you

> so you may keep it in your own personal

> records at home.

>

> You have the right to ask any and all questions.

> But since you are not an MD you do not have the right

> to self diagnose....

>

> That's just how the cookie crumbles...

> Good Luck.

> Shauna

[Guest guest]

Cheryl:

I take fish oil. Have been for about three years now. I have noticed no

benefit as far as my arthritis is concerned, but it has helped my skin. I was

burned badly and my skin is like cardboard and sandpaper, and was put on it for

that reason.

--

Dodge

Let me deal with honor. Let me act with courage. Let me achieve humility.

Read my blog at:

http://jumpthis.wordpress.com

---- " cheryl.dines " <cheryl.dines@...> wrote:

=============

Thanks Clora. I don't really feel left out - just my Aussie humour :-

) I will ask my new rheumy about the injections as I really hate

taking so many tablets.

Does anyone else take large amounts of fish oil? I am on about 6000 -

8000mg per day and while it has been great for my skin and hair, I

haven't noticed any real difference with my RA.

Ah, a rainy day here in Brisbane today. Not so nice for the

arthritis, but lovely none the less.

[Guest guest]

in canada they give you choice of injs of mtx or pills. most ppl i know

here with severe RA were given injs 1st as i was told they work better

and faster than pills. that way you don't have to do pills for 3 mos

then if they don;t work switch to injs and possibly delay relief. plus

my understandg is there are fewer side effects with injs.

monique

Dear Leoni: It is my understanding that there is a procedural protocol

regarding the " injections "

..

One must try all other pharmacalogical therapies first.

If those protocols fail,

then procedure is to proceed to the " injections " .

Simply ask why the injections " aren't right for you. "

What does that mean? And ask that the doctor put it

in writing in layman's terms for you

so you may keep it in your own personal

records at home.

You have the right to ask any and all questions.

But since you are not an MD you do not have the right

to self diagnose....

That's just how the cookie crumbles...

Good Luck.

Shauna

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately for some reason the Fish Oil doesn't agree with my

Crohns. Oh well...

Bob

>

> =============

> Thanks Clora. I don't really feel left out - just my Aussie humour :-

> ) I will ask my new rheumy about the injections as I really hate

> taking so many tablets.

>

> Does anyone else take large amounts of fish oil? I am on about 6000 -

> 8000mg per day and while it has been great for my skin and hair, I

> haven't noticed any real difference with my RA.

>

> Ah, a rainy day here in Brisbane today. Not so nice for the

> arthritis, but lovely none the less.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon - It seemed as if I was losing a lot more hair than normal

with the MTX tablets as well, but then the old hairstylist in me

needed to remind myself that it is normal to lose 80-100 hairs per

day. So, the way I see it, if we aren't getting huge bald spots there

isn't too much cause for concern. Sure, my hair is thinner than

before, but that is also part of the aging process. And its longer, so

it doesn't wash down the drain as quickly or easily as when it was

short, so it seems like a lot more than before when in fact it is

probably not as bad as it seems. While I can feel a definite reduction

in the amount of hair I have since starting on the MTX, its not too

much for me to get overly concerned about........Doreen

Hi Cheryl,

Im in the UK and on tablets too, they said if i had real problems

with taking the tablets it would switch to injections, i had a lot of

nausea but changed to taking the tablets at night so i could sleep

through the worst, my only other concern is my hair its coming out a

lot which does bother me, but other than that im fine so i guess ill

be sticking to the tablets!

Sharon xx

[Guest guest]

Barbara, there's something I don't understand about your experience with the

prescribed drugs. Perhaps you could explain, please.

You say you were started on MTX and saw some improvement. So why was another

drug (Sulfasalazine) added? Why not just keep taking MTX alone since you saw

improvement?

Same with adding the third drug (Plaquenil). You had improvement with the other

two, so why add a third?

I still can't get up the courage to start on MTX that was prescribed for me last

month. I had assumed it would be necessary to switch to another drug only if

the MTX didn't work, but didn't envision having to take several at the same

time.

Jan

On Apr 6, 2011, at 4:07 PM, Barbara Creedon wrote:

> have been on my RA meds. starting my 7th year. I have taken MTX since day

one. I think it took a few months to see some improvement. My Rheumy then

added one RA med at a time to see how it agreed with me. The second RA med. I

took was Sulfasalazine, and it agreed with me. That took a few months also.

The 3rd RA med she added was Placquenil, and that has agreed with me also. So

I am still on the same ones.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan.

 

When starting the MTX I did notice some change with my RA, but the pain was

getting worse and worse.  I could not stand the pain in my feet and ankles. 

The MTX did ease up the pain in my hands and fingers, but still they were very

sore.  Also, I was so stiff I could hardly get out of bed.  So, as time

marches on, I was still on large doses of Pred. plus the MTX.  She then wanted

to add the Sulfasalazine in addition to the MTX and Pred.  Again you wait a few

months to see if it is working or what.  My MTX was increased to .08 on my

needle and she increased the Sulfasalazine to 6 a day.  There was some

difference, but I still had lots of pain etc.  The last thing she added was the

Placquenil, but before she started me on them, I had to see my eye Dr.  You

have to have your eyes examined before you begin to try it.  My Rheumy always

has time in between adding another RA med. to be sure the one I was taking I did

not have any allergic reactions

to or if they caused some issues with my Liver. The whole thing about adding

new RA meds, each time, is to try to get out of all that God awful pain and

suffering. The goal for each of us here is too be totally pain free and have no

more flares.  I began the Placquenil with 2 pills and that was the drug that

finally, added with my others, got rid of my flares, swelling, and mostly, all

the pain I was in.  I have been in a medicine induced remission for 2 years +

now.  I still take Pred. each day and I have never been able to get off it.  I

try often, but so far, I can't.  I will try again soon.  My normal dose was 5

mg. a day, but have been on 10 mg. for many months now.

 

As everyone here knows, it takes a long time to try these drugs to see if your

body can handle them.  My Rheumy is very careful when having me try new meds. 

So far they all agree with me and my blood work and Liver are always good.  I

am very thankful for that.  I never ever thought I would see the day that my

feet were pain free.  I can't begin to tell you how awful they were, how much I

suffered with them 24.7 and the days I could not stand on them, let alone walk

on them.  So many times I felt like chopping them off.   I was really bed

ridden for a long time.  Before I moved here to Florida from Cape Cod, I was

daignosed with RA, and I was literally almost in a wheel chair.  I got struck

hard and fast with RA.  I did not know what it was!

 

I hope this helps you understand my meds. and what they have done for me.  I am

the type of person that will take anything I have to to feel better and get out

of pain.  I never gave it a thought about side effects etc.  If I had to do it

all over again, I would take all my meds, in a heartbeat.  I wanted my life

back and now I have it.  By the way, I am 71, and got struck with this ugly

beast of a disease 7 years ago.......

 

If you need any questions answered, please feel free to contact me.  I will

help you as much as I can.  Everyone here has been so wonderful to me, and

helped me with my journey with RA.

 

I wish you better days ahead.

 

Hugs,

 

Barbara

 

 

[Guest guest]

Barbara, what happens when you try to get off Prednisone? Haven't not taken it

myself, I didn't know it was difficult to get off of.

From what you described, it sounds as if it was the Plaquenil that got rid of

your flares, swelling and pain. So what does the Prednisone do?

Jan

On Apr 7, 2011, at 7:47 PM, Barbara Creedon wrote:

> I began the Placquenil with 2 pills and that was the drug that finally, added

with my others, got rid of my flares, swelling, and mostly, all the pain I was

in. I have been in a medicine induced remission for 2 years + now. I still

take Pred. each day and I have never been able to get off it. I try often, but

so far, I can't. I will try again soon. My normal dose was 5 mg. a day, but

have been on 10 mg. for many months now.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan.

 

I have been on a daily dose of Pred. for 7 yeaars.  Pred. keeps the swelling,

pain etc away.  When you have been on Pred. as long as I have, you have to

decrease your dose very, very slowly over a long period of time.  I have tried

this many, many times, have gotten down to one pill, then all the pain,

suffering, swelling returns and I am back to square one.  Prednisone is a true

wonder drug for me.  It gave me my life back.  It works well with all my other

RA meds.  It is the combination of all my RA drugs that put me into

remission.  I would just like to be back to my original weight, and take this

extra weight off.  My Rheumy said it would take at least 6 months to a year for

the weight to come off.  Pred. makes you gain weight over a long period of

time.  I just hate the weight.  I had to make a decision when I started

Pred.  Do I want to stay on it and have a life with no pain and suffering, or

do I want to lose the weight and be in

unbearable pain.  My RA pain was so bad each and every day and night.  I

really thought I would lose my mind because I could hardly bear the pain.  I

was struck with RA hard and fast. I never want to be like that again.  I was

almost in a wheel chair before I moved here to Florida.  All my RA meds. work

so well together.  It is my " cocktail " of meds. that gave me my life back.  I

told you my feet and ankles were hit the hardest.  You can not imagine how

terrible pain, swelling, etc. were in both feet.  I hope I never go through

that again ever.

 

I hope this explains about the meds. I take and why.

 

Wishing you pain free days ahead.

 

Hugs,

 

Barbara