Really need advice re elderly Mom w/ RA diagnosis

[Guest guest]

My mother was diagnosed with RA last summer at the age of 88.

So far she has not tolerated any meds:

1) Plaquinal - bright red rash head to toe with all her skin sloughing off

2) Methotrexate - GI problems plus mental status changes

3) Mycophenolate - Initially she was on 1gm per day and doing well, then her

doctor increased the dose to 2gm per day and she didn't tolerate it (same

problems as with MTX); he didn't want to go back to 1gm because he didn't think

she had benefited much - (although she felt pretty decent)

4) Imuran - elevated liver function tests plus a flare up - which is where we

are right now.

Prednisone 15-20 seems to be the least we can go.

Now the doctor is talking about trying the biologic Remicade.

HELP - I need input and advice! At 89, I just want her to be the best she can

be for the few remaining years she has. We are not looking for a miracle.....

Thanks in advance for your comments/advice.

Betsy