Second opinion update | Arthritis Information

I was so pleased with the interest shown to my post.

My second opinion was yesterday and went very well. The RD spent an hour with me and answered all my questions. I interupted a few times and apologized. Shw said that was perfectly all right, she wanted me to get all the information I needed.

She gave me a physical, exam, reviewed my all the test results, etc., that I had brought withme.

She concuded the best course for me 10 miligrams of methotrexate and 70 miligrams of fosamax.

I am nervous about the drugs, both of them really. I have confidence in her so I 've made the change and now have a new RD.

I would like any input on fosamax. It sounds like a scaay drug to me, they both do!

After I saw her a spent an hour and a half with a nurse educator. I feel much better informed about the disease, the medications, and lots of other things.

All in all, I'm so pleased I decied to seek a second opinion

I start this new tratment with lots of anxiety though!

Again, thanks so much for all your replies.

Dotty

She also ordered bloodwork and a chest x-ray.

Sorry for the typos, i can spell, i just can't type

That's good news Dotty. Don't know much about Fosamax except that my mom takes it and she can't lay down or have coffee for a while on her day. It has built up her bones though.

I'm glad you like your new RD and feel confident with her. She sounds like a good one.Thanks Linncn, I think the fosamax is because I've taken prednisone for four amonths and will continue to take it for a while longer. My bone density test was okay, I think this may be a preventative measure. < =text/>_popupControl();

Dotty…this is wonderful news that your 2^nd opinion went this well! I am so happy for you!

I think most people are apprehensive about starting treatment or even starting a new treatment after one of their RA meds failed for them. I know I was nervous as heck at my first infusion even though I was armed with a ton of info about Remicade and know people from the board that are on Remicade and it works very well for them.

Keep us posted on how you are doing and what your lab work shows!!

Hi Dotty, I'm really glad to hear your good news. I think you will find the meds tollerable. I take 20 mtx, and 70 fosomax and am doing fine. A little tired after the mtx (today), but not toooo bad. Please keep posting. LyndaYour rheumy put you on Fosamax because osteoporosis is a risk factor from prolonged prednisone use. Take the med with a full glass of water 30 minutes before eating. Also do not lay down for at least 30 minutes after taking the med.HI Dotty, I take fosamax and it has helped regrow my bone density after 7.5 years on Prednisone, and I take 10mg of MTX, can't tolerate higher doses, also take folic acid to lessen the chances of side effects from MTX, are you taking that, if not check with your rheumy, regards Janie,

That's good news Dotty. I'm glad you felt comfortable with this new doctor. That's so important....this will be a long term relationship and it's important it's a good one.

How old are you guys that are getting Fosamax as a preventive medication? I'm 36, gone through early menopause, take HRT and have osteopenia in my hips and spine. My doctor said it was too soon to start me on anything like that. He's just told me to take calcium which I have a difficult time getting down. Do I need to push this issue? Should I be taking something like that now before my problems progress to the point of no return?

Hi Lovie, I reckon you should be on it as osteopaenia is a precursor to osteoporosis, over here in AuS though, the drug isn't subsidised unless you have a fracture, which stinks as I am told anyone who has been on steroids for more than 3 months should be on an osteoporosis preventer. I had the first fracture 5 and a half years after I started pred and already had osteopaenia after 2 years, my rheumy wanted me on it then, but I seriously could not afford the . a month, so had to wait for 5+ years!!!!! So as you have osteopaenia, I would not be waiting, I was 38 when I was told I should be on it, now I am 44. Hugs Janie, best of luck.

I must admit prednisone left me practically pain free. If the doctor had said you need nothing else I wouldn't have been too disappointed!

But I knew from everything I have read here and elsewhere I needed more.

I'm kind of sorry I ever started prednisone.

My sister-inlaw takes planquenil and I was all for that but not to be!

Anxiety will reign in my house next Wednesday when I start the mtx.

But I will start it. She did prescribe daily folic acid.

I'm just wondering how I will know it is doing any good as I'm feeling good already.

Thanks so much for your helpful replies. I think I ll feel more comfortable with the fosamax now.

Dotty

Dotty. Just make Wednesday your day off and take really good care of
yourself with no other stress that day. Good luck.

Lovie, I'm 56 so post-menopausal so i'm sure tht is a factor as well as the prednisone usage. I've been on 5 miligrams for the last 5 months and imagine it will be a couple more before I start to wean.

Prednisone has made me practically pain free so I must say it has been very effective.

But from everything I've read here and elsewhere I need something else.

I was just hoping it would be plaquenil as opposed to mtx. My sister-in-law has had good results with it.

Next Wednesday will be a high anxiety day at my house as it will be my first day of mtx.

Thanks a lot for easng my mind about fosamax and giving me so much information.

Dotty

I was also prescribed folic acid to use in a daily basis.

I thought I had lost my post so I see I posted twice. Sorry!