Re: Newly diagnosed with a lot of questions!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, .

Many of our members have both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (FM).

FM is not usually considered to be a progressive condition, but RA is

a progressive disease.

At this time, it's impossible to predict the outcome of RA for a given

individual, but there are certain markers which are associated with

more severe disease and worse prognosis (e.g., high RF and/or

anti-CCP, early erosions and/or deformities, rheumatoid nodules, and

disease which is very difficult to control).

Early and aggressive treatment of RA (with DMARDs, including the

biologics) leads to better outcomes.

Not an MD

On Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 2:27 PM, shellyg0106 <shellyg0106@...> wrote:

> Does anyone have RA and fibromyalgia? How progressive is this? I want

> to know what the future holds . . . I know, everyone is different!

[Guest guest]

and group;

you came to the right place. You will be getting a lot of

information. There are a lot of good meds. You will be asked if

you're seeing a rheumy (rheumatologist doctor). I can't wait to see

what everyone says. Doctors can do a lot for RA and fibro. Hope you

are seeing a rheumy. Lots of luck.

gentle hugs

Clora

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

>

> Does anyone have RA and fibromyalgia? How progressive is this? I

want

> to know what the future holds . . . I know, everyone is different!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

I have both. I am taking Methotrexate and Humera to help slow the

progression of RA. It does seem to help. For Fibro, unfortunately there is

not a real cure, but there is research going on now, for a long time, and

still small minded MDs said it was all in the mind. Well they were kinda

right, it does seem to set off the mechanism in the brain that tells us we

hurt. There are a lot of meds to help with the pain. It is just one of those

things were there are good days and there are bad days.

I have found that I tire easily and require rest periods throughout the

day. My Rhu said it is impossible to know if its the Fibro or the RA that

causes this.

The good thing is that there IS a future with both. Thank God neither is

listed as terminal. As you said everyone is different so you will just need

to work with you MD to find what is right for you.

Heidibug

On Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 3:27 PM, shellyg0106 <shellyg0106@...> wrote:

> Does anyone have RA and fibromyalgia? How progressive is this? I want

> to know what the future holds . . . I know, everyone is different!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have never heard that fibromyalgia isnt progressive?

Jolene

In a message dated 1/8/2009 6:05:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@... writes:

Welcome to the group, .

Many of our members have both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia

(FM).

FM is not usually considered to be a progressive condition, but RA is

a progressive disease.

At this time, it's impossible to predict the outcome of RA for a given

individual, but there are certain markers which are associated with

more severe disease and worse prognosis (e.g., high RF and/or

anti-CCP, early erosions and/or deformities, rheumatoid nodules, and

disease which is very difficult to control).

Early and aggressive treatment of RA (with DMARDs, including the

biologics) leads to better outcomes.

Not an MD

On Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 2:27 PM, shellyg0106 <_shellyg0106@shellyg01_

(mailto:shellyg0106@...) > wrote:

> Does anyone have RA and fibromyalgia? How progressive is this? I want

> to know what the future holds . . . I know, everyone is different!

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

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cemailfooterNO62)

[Guest guest]

:

Please also consider the fact that heavy medication (DMARDS and

bilogics) is not the only route available. You may want to consider a

more natural path depending of course on how managable your RA

currently is. Current literature states that heavy meds offer better

outcome as one of 's recent posts suggested. I have been taking

specific vitamins and supplements in addition to rigorous joint

exercises frequently through the day followed by periods of rest to the

joints (exercise is key I believe) with nothing stronger than regular

strength ibuprofen (no stomach issues so far) and find this path to

make my RA quite manageable. There are good days and not so good days,

but nothing that I haven't been able to handle. Also note that I've

been doing this kind of treatment since the day I was diagnosed.

Brad

>

> and group;

>

> you came to the right place. You will be getting a lot of

> information. There are a lot of good meds. You will be asked if

> you're seeing a rheumy (rheumatologist doctor). I can't wait to see

> what everyone says. Doctors can do a lot for RA and fibro. Hope you

> are seeing a rheumy. Lots of luck.

>

> gentle hugs

> Clora

> **************************************************

> >

> > Does anyone have RA and fibromyalgia? How progressive is this? I

> want

> > to know what the future holds . . . I know, everyone is different!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I commend your optimism and wish you all of Gods blessings.

This is a horiffic disease. I am about 10 years into the process.

For various reasons I can not take the biologics. I assure you the success rate

of " alternatives " wears very thin......

 

We must love and support each other in honesty not false illusions.....

Raniolo

From: Brad Berg <blueworld_of_fire@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: Newly diagnosed with a lot of questions!

Date: Saturday, January 10, 2009, 12:04 AM

:

Please also consider the fact that heavy medication (DMARDS and

bilogics) is not the only route available. You may want to consider a

more natural path depending of course on how managable your RA

currently is. Current literature states that heavy meds offer better

outcome as one of 's recent posts suggested. I have been taking

specific vitamins and supplements in addition to rigorous joint

exercises frequently through the day followed by periods of rest to the

joints (exercise is key I believe) with nothing stronger than regular

strength ibuprofen (no stomach issues so far) and find this path to

make my RA quite manageable. There are good days and not so good days,

but nothing that I haven't been able to handle. Also note that I've

been doing this kind of treatment since the day I was diagnosed.

Brad

>

> and group;

>

> you came to the right place. You will be getting a lot of

> information. There are a lot of good meds. You will be asked if

> you're seeing a rheumy (rheumatologist doctor). I can't wait to see

> what everyone says. Doctors can do a lot for RA and fibro. Hope you

> are seeing a rheumy. Lots of luck.

>

> gentle hugs

> Clora

> ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* **

> >

> > Does anyone have RA and fibromyalgia? How progressive is this? I

> want

> > to know what the future holds . . . I know, everyone is different!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Brad,

Generally speaking, rheumatoid arthritis is heavier than the DMARDs.

People newly diagnosed with RA, especially those with markers of more

severe disease, are taking a big risk if they avoid DMARDs. Wait and

the " window of opportunity " may be missed.

We have decades of evidence which demonstrate the result of delaying

treatment or doing nothing at all - and it's not pretty.

Not an MD

On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 11:04 PM, Brad Berg <blueworld_of_fire@...> wrote:

> :

>

> Please also consider the fact that heavy medication (DMARDS and

> bilogics) is not the only route available. You may want to consider a

> more natural path depending of course on how managable your RA

> currently is. Current literature states that heavy meds offer better

> outcome as one of 's recent posts suggested. I have been taking

> specific vitamins and supplements in addition to rigorous joint

> exercises frequently through the day followed by periods of rest to the

> joints (exercise is key I believe) with nothing stronger than regular

> strength ibuprofen (no stomach issues so far) and find this path to

> make my RA quite manageable. There are good days and not so good days,

> but nothing that I haven't been able to handle. Also note that I've

> been doing this kind of treatment since the day I was diagnosed.

>

> Brad

[Guest guest]

I do think that you have to exercise as much as you can. RA weakens my body,

especially during a flare. So, I try to keep as active and limber as I can so

when the flare goes away (which for me can last months), I don't have to go so

far in terms of recovery. Exercise also keeps my spirits up. I feel a sense of

accomplishment that not all of my body is broken if I'm able to do exercise.

Now, I'm not talking a jog around the block or anything, but exercise tailored

to your specific needs. I would never exercise an inflamed joint - you'd just

be compounding your misery. Gentle yoga to stretch really helps. I have a

recumbent bicycle that I ride, which is gentle on the joints but gets your heart

rate up.

Lori

http://home.comcast.net/~queenstitcher/

http://stitchingqueen.multiply.com

[Guest guest]

Oh boy, I just can't leave this one alone, I've been thinking about it all

morning. The January/February issue of Arthritis Self-Management has article on

" Diet and Inflamation " and " Early Diagnosis, Early Treatment. " (and I'm gonna

read 'em by god!) Seriously though, I suffered for a month of severe symptoms

from RA and I really can't imagine life now without professional medical

treatment. Maybe it's the degree of progression but my life without medication

would only be pain and immobility. And all of the information I am aware of

indicates that avoiding treatment is not only dangerious but will result in

permanent consequences. On the other hand, I have found suppliments and diet

assist me with managing my daily condition and have been very beneficial. So a

combination of both is what I have found most beneficial. In any case, I would

always seek treatment from a health care professional which currently and

unconditionally advise to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis early and aggressiv

ely.

Stan

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " " <Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@...>

Brad,

Generally speaking, rheumatoid arthritis is heavier than the DMARDs.

People newly diagnosed with RA, especially those with markers of more

severe disease, are taking a big risk if they avoid DMARDs. Wait and

the " window of opportunity " may be missed.

We have decades of evidence which demonstrate the result of delaying

treatment or doing nothing at all - and it's not pretty.

Not an MD

On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 11:04 PM, Brad Berg <blueworld_of_fire@...> wrote:

> :

>

> Please also consider the fact that heavy medication (DMARDS and

> bilogics) is not the only route available. You may want to consider a

> more natural path depending of course on how managable your RA

> currently is. Current literature states that heavy meds offer better

> outcome as one of 's recent posts suggested. I have been taking

> specific vitamins and supplements in addition to rigorous joint

> exercises frequently through the day followed by periods of rest to the

> joints (exercise is key I believe) with nothing stronger than regular

> strength ibuprofen (no stomach issues so far) and find this path to

> make my RA quite manageable. There are good days and not so good days,

> but nothing that I haven't been able to handle. Also note that I've

> been doing this kind of treatment since the day I was diagnosed.

>

> Brad

[Guest guest]

Well said Stan. I have to agree with you 100% on this approach.

>

> Oh boy, I just can't leave this one alone, I've been thinking about

it all morning. The January/February issue of Arthritis Self-

Management has article on " Diet and Inflamation " and " Early

Diagnosis, Early Treatment. " (and I'm gonna read 'em by god!)

Seriously though, I suffered for a month of severe symptoms from RA

and I really can't imagine life now without professional medical

treatment. Maybe it's the degree of progression but my life without

medication would only be pain and immobility. And all of the

information I am aware of indicates that avoiding treatment is not

only dangerious but will result in permanent consequences. On the

other hand, I have found suppliments and diet assist me with managing

my daily condition and have been very beneficial. So a combination of

both is what I have found most beneficial. In any case, I would

always seek treatment from a health care professional which currently

and unconditionally advise to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis early and

aggressiv

> ely.

>

> Stan

>

>

>

> -------------- Original message --------------

> From: " " <Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@...>

> Brad,

>

> Generally speaking, rheumatoid arthritis is heavier than the DMARDs.

>

> People newly diagnosed with RA, especially those with markers of

more

> severe disease, are taking a big risk if they avoid DMARDs. Wait and

> the " window of opportunity " may be missed.

>

> We have decades of evidence which demonstrate the result of delaying

> treatment or doing nothing at all - and it's not pretty.

>

>

> Not an MD

>

> On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 11:04 PM, Brad Berg <blueworld_of_fire@...>

wrote:

> > :

> >

> > Please also consider the fact that heavy medication (DMARDS and

> > bilogics) is not the only route available. You may want to

consider a

> > more natural path depending of course on how managable your RA

> > currently is. Current literature states that heavy meds offer

better

> > outcome as one of 's recent posts suggested. I have been

taking

> > specific vitamins and supplements in addition to rigorous joint

> > exercises frequently through the day followed by periods of rest

to the

> > joints (exercise is key I believe) with nothing stronger than

regular

> > strength ibuprofen (no stomach issues so far) and find this path

to

> > make my RA quite manageable. There are good days and not so good

days,

> > but nothing that I haven't been able to handle. Also note that

I've

> > been doing this kind of treatment since the day I was diagnosed.

> >

> > Brad

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you, I did think about it a lot and you can tell I used both my brain

cells!

Stan

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " ktandtm " <ktandtm@...>

Well said Stan. I have to agree with you 100% on this approach.

>

> Oh boy, I just can't leave this one alone, I've been thinking about

it all morning. The January/February issue of Arthritis Self-

Management has article on " Diet and Inflamation " and " Early

Diagnosis, Early Treatment. " (and I'm gonna read 'em by god!)

Seriously though, I suffered for a month of severe symptoms from RA

and I really can't imagine life now without professional medical

treatment. Maybe it's the degree of progression but my life without

medication would only be pain and immobility. And all of the

information I am aware of indicates that avoiding treatment is not

only dangerious but will result in permanent consequences. On the

other hand, I have found suppliments and diet assist me with managing

my daily condition and have been very beneficial. So a combination of

both is what I have found most beneficial. In any case, I would

always seek treatment from a health care professional which currently

and unconditionally advise to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis early and

aggressiv

> ely.

>

> Stan

>

>

>

> -------------- Original message --------------

> From: " " <Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@...>

> Brad,

>

> Generally speaking, rheumatoid arthritis is heavier than the DMARDs.

>

> People newly diagnosed with RA, especially those with markers of

more

> severe disease, are taking a big risk if they avoid DMARDs. Wait and

> the " window of opportunity " may be missed.

>

> We have decades of evidence which demonstrate the result of delaying

> treatment or doing nothing at all - and it's not pretty.

>

>

> Not an MD

>

> On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 11:04 PM, Brad Berg <blueworld_of_fire@...>

wrote:

> > :

> >

> > Please also consider the fact that heavy medication (DMARDS and

> > bilogics) is not the only route available. You may want to

consider a

> > more natural path depending of course on how managable your RA

> > currently is. Current literature states that heavy meds offer

better

> > outcome as one of 's recent posts suggested. I have been

taking

> > specific vitamins and supplements in addition to rigorous joint

> > exercises frequently through the day followed by periods of rest

to the

> > joints (exercise is key I believe) with nothing stronger than

regular

> > strength ibuprofen (no stomach issues so far) and find this path

to

> > make my RA quite manageable. There are good days and not so good

days,

> > but nothing that I haven't been able to handle. Also note that

I've

> > been doing this kind of treatment since the day I was diagnosed.

> >

> > Brad

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Group,

I regret not starting DMARD's when I saw my Rhuemy for the first time

about 3 years ago (though I'd already had it for 18months by then),

luckily I have a relatively mild case but I have developed

deformaties in my fingers; & my knees & wrists are no longer up to

the riggers of what I would like to accomplish in a day.

I would encourage any newly diagnosed person (even if diagnosis isn't

confirmed) to research all available options ASAP, don't put it off

& " she'll be right mate! " . RA isn't like High school, once you've

walked away you can't go back & catch up later.

I wish there was some kind of handbook that doctors have to give out

when in the process of being diagnosis, this would have helped

immencely.

sincerely, Sharon of OZ

>

> Brad,

>

> Generally speaking, rheumatoid arthritis is heavier than the DMARDs.

>

> People newly diagnosed with RA, especially those with markers of

more

> severe disease, are taking a big risk if they avoid DMARDs. Wait and

> the " window of opportunity " may be missed.

>

> We have decades of evidence which demonstrate the result of delaying

> treatment or doing nothing at all - and it's not pretty.

>

>

>

> Not an MD

>

[Guest guest]

I would advise a newly diagnosed patient to use whatever they could to get the

RA under control as fast as possible - remember, DMARD's and Biologics don't

work overnight. Once the RA was under control, then I'd back off the meds.

Once you have deformity, it is too late. Even with early and aggressive

treatment, I still have deformity in both hands and feet, and I haven't even had

this 3 years yet. I hate taking all of this medication, but I know that without

it I couldn't lead a life worth living.

Lori

http://home.comcast.net/~queenstitcher/

http://stitchingqueen.multiply.com

[Guest guest]

LOL, Stan!

Not an MD

On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 4:30 PM, <stanpfister@...> wrote:

> Thank you, I did think about it a lot and you can tell I used both my brain

> cells!

>

> Stan

[Guest guest]

You're right, Stan.

Rheumatologists have seen what untreated or undertreated RA can do.

Not an MD

On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 3:34 PM, <stanpfister@...> wrote:

> Oh boy, I just can't leave this one alone, I've been thinking about it all

> morning. The January/February issue of Arthritis Self-Management has article

> on " Diet and Inflamation " and " Early Diagnosis, Early Treatment. " (and I'm

> gonna read 'em by god!) Seriously though, I suffered for a month of severe

> symptoms from RA and I really can't imagine life now without professional

> medical treatment. Maybe it's the degree of progression but my life without

> medication would only be pain and immobility. And all of the information I

> am aware of indicates that avoiding treatment is not only dangerious but

> will result in permanent consequences. On the other hand, I have found

> suppliments and diet assist me with managing my daily condition and have

> been very beneficial. So a combination of both is what I have found most

> beneficial. In any case, I would always seek treatment from a health care

> professional which currently and unconditionally advise to treat Rheumatoid

> Arthritis early and aggressiv

> ely.

>

> Stan

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

Thank you for sharing your experience.

You are so right about RA not being like high school. This is what I

am talking about when I mention the " window of opportunity. "

Also, in addition to avoiding permanent damage by treating RA early

with DMARDs, the very nature of the disease can be altered. Do

patients wish to live with a kitten or a tiger?

What exactly would you want in the handbook? Maybe we could make one

of our own here.

Not an MD

On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 4:37 PM, bon_mac18 <bon_mac18@...> wrote:

> Group,

> I regret not starting DMARD's when I saw my Rhuemy for the first time

> about 3 years ago (though I'd already had it for 18months by then),

> luckily I have a relatively mild case but I have developed

> deformaties in my fingers; & my knees & wrists are no longer up to

> the riggers of what I would like to accomplish in a day.

>

> I would encourage any newly diagnosed person (even if diagnosis isn't

> confirmed) to research all available options ASAP, don't put it off

> & " she'll be right mate! " . RA isn't like High school, once you've

> walked away you can't go back & catch up later.

>

> I wish there was some kind of handbook that doctors have to give out

> when in the process of being diagnosis, this would have helped

> immencely.

>

> sincerely, Sharon of OZ

[Guest guest]

Lori, this is good advice.

There have been studies in which some patients who were treated early

and aggressively with DMARDs for a few months could withdraw the

DMARDs completely and remain in remission (this is called " induction

therapy " ).

Not an MD

On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 6:30 PM, Stitching Queen

<queenstitcher@...> wrote:

> I would advise a newly diagnosed patient to use whatever they could to get

> the RA under control as fast as possible - remember, DMARD's and Biologics

> don't work overnight. Once the RA was under control, then I'd back off the

> meds. Once you have deformity, it is too late. Even with early and

> aggressive treatment, I still have deformity in both hands and feet, and I

> haven't even had this 3 years yet. I hate taking all of this medication, but

> I know that without it I couldn't lead a life worth living.

>

> Lori

[Guest guest]

Is this the same with methotrexate?

Jolene

In a message dated 1/11/2009 10:52:18 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@... writes:

Lori, this is good advice.

There have been studies in which some patients who were treated early

and aggressively with DMARDs for a few months could withdraw the

DMARDs completely and remain in remission (this is called " induction

therapy " ).

Not an MD

On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 6:30 PM, Stitching Queen

<_queenstitcher@queenstitch_ (mailto:queenstitcher@...) > wrote:

> I would advise a newly diagnosed patient to use whatever they could to get

> the RA under control as fast as possible - remember, DMARD's and Biologics

> don't work overnight. Once the RA was under control, then I'd back off the

> meds. Once you have deformity, it is too late. Even with early and

> aggressive treatment, I still have deformity in both hands and feet, and I

> haven't even had this 3 years yet. I hate taking all of this medication,

but

> I know that without it I couldn't lead a life worth living.

>

> Lori

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

steps!

(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://\

www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De

cemailfooterNO62)

[Guest guest]

Ok thanks im on six pills and wondering if they were going to back me down,

not

sure i want to tae a chance either with a flare as i take mine for the

psoriasis as well.

Thanks

Jolene

In a message dated 1/12/2009 8:54:27 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

queenstitcher@... writes:

Yes Jolene, this is the same for MTX. I actually tried backing down from the

Methotrexate for a second time, but it through me into a flare. But I was

able to get down from 8 pills per week to 6, so I'm choosing to be happy about

that.

Lori

_http://home.http://home.http://home.<WB_

(http://home.comcast.net/~queenstitcher/)

_http://stitchingquehttp://stitchtt_ (http://stitchingqueen.multiply.com/)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

steps!

(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://\

www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De

cemailfooterNO62)

[Guest guest]

Yes Jolene, this is the same for MTX. I actually tried backing down from the

Methotrexate for a second time, but it through me into a flare. But I was able

to get down from 8 pills per week to 6, so I'm choosing to be happy about that.

Lori

http://home.comcast.net/~queenstitcher/

http://stitchingqueen.multiply.com

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, you don't know if you don't try. The MTX makes me feel sick

(nauseous, headache, etc), so I was trying to get down off of it as quickly as

possible. Once I had my flare I really appreciated what those two extra little

pills were doing for me, LOL!

Lori

http://home.comcast.net/~queenstitcher/

http://stitchingqueen.multiply.com

Re: [ ] Re: Newly diagnosed with a lot of questions!

Ok thanks im on six pills and wondering if they were going to back me down,

not

sure i want to tae a chance either with a flare as i take mine for the

psoriasis as well.

Thanks

Jolene

.

[Guest guest]

I am amazed at what those little pills do! Although we are still trying to

stabilize my condition and my doses has increased about every two months I feel

like we are getting very close to it. I don't suffer the bad side effects that

many of you do, but I do have the MTX hangover, as I call it, the next day after

medication. All the benefits of drinking all night without the alcohol! And I

can feel the medication wearing off about four days later with shoulder aches

and minor flares up (which indicates we're not there yet). I am considering what

I think to be a reasonable experiment by taking two additional pills (I have a

few extras) during the middle of the medication cycle thinking it might act as a

booster. I figure this will result in two options: I might feel better and

will yell at me.

Stan,

Seattle, Gray and Grayer

[Guest guest]

Stan,

Do not take extra pills in the middle of your week. That could be

very dangerous. The MTX is only to be taken once a week. If you

feel it isn't working all week then talk to your rhuematologist.

>

> I am amazed at what those little pills do! Although we are still

trying to stabilize my condition and my doses has increased about

every two months I feel like we are getting very close to it. I don't

suffer the bad side effects that many of you do, but I do have the

MTX hangover, as I call it, the next day after medication. All the

benefits of drinking all night without the alcohol! And I can feel

the medication wearing off about four days later with shoulder aches

and minor flares up (which indicates we're not there yet). I am

considering what I think to be a reasonable experiment by taking two

additional pills (I have a few extras) during the middle of the

medication cycle thinking it might act as a booster. I figure this

will result in two options: I might feel better and will yell at

me.

>

> Stan,

> Seattle, Gray and Grayer

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'll second that, and Stan.

Stan, please do not take more MTX than prescribed and on more than one

day without your rheumatologist's knowledge.

Not an MD, not yelling

On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 7:00 AM, ktandtm <ktandtm@...> wrote:

> Stan,

>

> Do not take extra pills in the middle of your week. That could be

> very dangerous. The MTX is only to be taken once a week. If you

> feel it isn't working all week then talk to your rhuematologist.

>

>

>

>

>>

>> I am amazed at what those little pills do! Although we are still

> trying to stabilize my condition and my doses has increased about

> every two months I feel like we are getting very close to it. I don't

> suffer the bad side effects that many of you do, but I do have the

> MTX hangover, as I call it, the next day after medication. All the

> benefits of drinking all night without the alcohol! And I can feel

> the medication wearing off about four days later with shoulder aches

> and minor flares up (which indicates we're not there yet). I am

> considering what I think to be a reasonable experiment by taking two

> additional pills (I have a few extras) during the middle of the

> medication cycle thinking it might act as a booster. I figure this

> will result in two options: I might feel better and will yell at

> me.

>>

>> Stan,

>> Seattle, Gray and Grayer

[Guest guest]

Oh come on, you wanted to yell, just a little bit? But as I've posted I intend

to follow prescribed treatment and discuss it with my Rheumatologist. Guess I'll

just keep working on my chipmonk peddle bike generator idea!

Stan

Seattle, Cloudy and Foggy

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " " <Rheumatoid.Arthritis.Support@...>

I'll second that, and Stan.

Stan, please do not take more MTX than prescribed and on more than one

day without your rheumatologist's knowledge.

Not an MD, not yelling

On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 7:00 AM, ktandtm <ktandtm@...> wrote:

> Stan,

>

> Do not take extra pills in the middle of your week. That could be

> very dangerous. The MTX is only to be taken once a week. If you

> feel it isn't working all week then talk to your rhuematologist.

>

>

>

>

>>

>> I am amazed at what those little pills do! Although we are still

> trying to stabilize my condition and my doses has increased about

> every two months I feel like we are getting very close to it. I don't

> suffer the bad side effects that many of you do, but I do have the

> MTX hangover, as I call it, the next day after medication. All the

> benefits of drinking all night without the alcohol! And I can feel

> the medication wearing off about four days later with shoulder aches

> and minor flares up (which indicates we're not there yet). I am

> considering what I think to be a reasonable experiment by taking two

> additional pills (I have a few extras) during the middle of the

> medication cycle thinking it might act as a booster. I figure this

> will result in two options: I might feel better and will yell at

> me.

>>

>> Stan,

>> Seattle, Gray and Grayer