Question for Dr. Chiu & the Group

January 31, 2000

I have had the strangest migrating pain in my neck/throat and jaw. It feels

like it is strep throat and other times feels like a toothache. Today it

feels like a stiffness in my jaw. My arm is swollen from my shoulder to my

elbow on that side. My tongue also hurts on the side and I feel like my

glands are all swollen. I have had extreme difficulty swallowing for the

last three or four days. I have RA and Sjogren’s. I went to the ER on

Sunday because the pain was keeping me up all night. The very young ER Dr.

wasn’t familiar with the medications I take (Enbrel, Doxycycline, Celebrex,

Salagen). He determined that I have Pharyngitis and prescribed amoxicillin

250MG 3 times a day for 7 days (I’m sure he meant 10 days since there are 30

Pills). He said that my tonsils were swollen and red and there was a little

pus. I have been taking the amoxicillin since Sunday and the pain seems to

be worsening and I am little worried. I stopped the Enbrel until this

passes but I am still taking Celebrex and Salagen. I can feel the

difference without the Enbrel. I have stiff wrists, neck, elbows and knees.

Things that have been quiet for months. I have to get rid of this jaw pain

before I can restart the Enbrel. I had strep throat for 8 months before I

was diagnosed with RA. It was treated with Ceftin at that time. I had

several treatments for it on and off for the eight month period.

My questions:

What else could these symptoms be?

Am I taking enough amoxicillin (750MG daily)

Should I be on something stronger?

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

JB in Germany

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