First off, Thanks for all the replies to my coming out of the RA closet last month.
I guess I've had some miscommunications with this guy. He wanted to put me on meds my initial visit and got the impression from me that I didn't want anything. WELL...this time he was very forceful about...In his words I have significant OA & RA throughout my body and I needed to do something.
So, now I' on Suldinac. We'll see. He did leave me on a positive though. He told me I woulod be able to run and play more sports and wrestle my kids without excrutiating pain.
I left very happy. Does anyone know anything about this Suldinac. He assured me it is very "light"
Matt
I personally have never heard of it. I am glad that he is being pro-active with you though. I am sorry to hear you are "one of us".
Welcome and I hope someone has the answer to your question soon.
Hi Matt,Glad you're out of the closet there Matt! LOL It's dark and lonely in there, no one should stay in there.
I'm anxious to hear how everyone else feels about this Matt. Sulindac is an anti-inflammatory, which should help with your discomfort, but if it doesn't, there are many others to try. It's a very individual thing, each person needs to find the anti-inflammatory that works the best for them.
The thing that has me puzzled is that he said you have "significant RA" and yet did not place you on any treatment which will stop the progression of RA. Was that discussed? I believe the current thinking is to start aggressive treatment early for best results.
I hope you stay around and we can get to know you - closet free!
Hi Matt, and welcome. Like Marianne said, Sulindac is an NSAID, so it reduces inflammation and in turn, reduces pain. It is true that it is "light".
However, if you do have significant RA, you really need a medication that is going to stop the disease process and potential damage, which an NSAID won't do. It's great to be able to play with your kids without pain, but you want to make sure that you preserve your ability to do that years from now.
Are you seeing a rheumatologist or just a general practicioner? Have they mentioned any medications like methotrexate (mtx) or a biologic?
He is a rheumatologist but I have not given him too much of an opportunity to prescribe medicines. I tend to not do well with medicines ( rashes, migraines, gastrointestinal, etc. ) so I've developed a fear of them.
From what you're telling me, I need to get on another med that will halt the diseases progress and that Suldinac is strictly for inflamation and pain?
If you have a fear of meds...maybe he might suggest plaquenil. It's pretty mild...but it may not do much for you. But it's a start.
oh...and welcome, Matt!