Re: Question...testing before starting Metho?

[Guest guest]

The initial blood test is for baseline marks so there won't be any surprises

after taking MTX. X-rays are for the same general purpose, to see what

damage has been done to bones and checks for osteoporosis. It's a test you

don't have to study for, if that helps.

Dennis in eastexas

On Sun, Apr 12, 2009 at 8:15 AM, Zeyda <beach_sunone@...> wrote:

>

>

> Before the doctor starts you on methotrexate, is it normal procedure to

> check your blood levels and run multiple xrays. Why the xrays?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi...

It's normal, the doctor wants to see where everything is at in terms of liver

function, vitamin deficiencies , inflammation etc. Probably after six to eight

weeks they will want to do another blood text to compare the effects of the MTX

.. The x-rays are to check for any currant joint damage.

Stan,

Seattle, Stormy.

[ ] Question...testing before starting Metho ?

Before the doctor starts you on methotrexate , is it normal procedure to check

your blood levels and run multiple xrays . Why the xrays ?

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[Guest guest]

Every new patient should have baseline MRIs or x-rays to assess existing damage.

Since both RA and some DMARDs (MTX, Arava, and the biologics) can

cause pulmonary complications, it is wise to have imaging of the lungs

done before beginning treatment.

Not an MD

On Sun, Apr 12, 2009 at 8:15 AM, Zeyda <beach_sunone@...> wrote:

>

>

> Before the doctor starts you on methotrexate, is it normal procedure to

> check your blood levels and run multiple xrays. Why the xrays?

[Guest guest]

,

Do you know if x-rays of the lungs are sufficient? They didn't do any when I

started both MTX and Arava. I think I am going to demand getting x-rays before

starting Enbrel. He is going to have me do a TB test and also a hepititis

screen but said I didn't need an x-ray. Guess I will have to go armed with info

next time I see him.

Thanks for all the research you post. Its great since I rarely have time to

look it up myself.

>

> Every new patient should have baseline MRIs or x-rays to assess existing

damage.

>

> Since both RA and some DMARDs (MTX, Arava, and the biologics) can

> cause pulmonary complications, it is wise to have imaging of the lungs

> done before beginning treatment.

>

>

>

> Not an MD

[Guest guest]

, a plain old x-ray should be enough.

You're welcome for the articles.

Not an MD

On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 9:06 PM, ktandtm <ktandtm@...> wrote:

>

>

> ,

>

> Do you know if x-rays of the lungs are sufficient? They didn't do any when I

> started both MTX and Arava. I think I am going to demand getting x-rays

> before starting Enbrel. He is going to have me do a TB test and also a

> hepititis screen but said I didn't need an x-ray. Guess I will have to go

> armed with info next time I see him.

>

> Thanks for all the research you post. Its great since I rarely have time to

> look it up myself.

>

>