Hi,
I am a new member here and very glad to have found a support group that I think I will enjoy belonging too...
I was diagnosed with RA about 2 years ago. Needless to say, it sure has been quite a learning experience.
Right now I am on Methotrexate-20mg, Tramadol,as needed, and Azulfidine
EN, with Bextra but I took myself off of the Bextra about 3 weeks ago.
I have been miserable ever since. I was on Vioxx and loved
it. Bextra didn't work as well as the Vioxx. I sure miss it
(VIOXX).
My Rheumy wants me to consider going on Humira or Enbrel w/ the
Methotrexate but not sure I can bring myself to do that. As I
have had Breast cancer 3+ years ago and definitely "Do Not" want to
worry about getting Lymphoma. Plus, I had a bad reaction to a TB
test that I had taken many years ago and was told never to have another
skin test taken. So I am not sure what I am suppose to do...My
Doctor told me it would be OK to have a chest xray instead. Has
anyone had something similar to this happen to them (the TB Skin Test)
and what did you decide on?...I definitely need some insight, as I have
a doctors appt. on the 7th of February and they would like me to give
them an answer....Hope that someone can help me...
Hope everyone has a good week.
Thank You for any help you can give me...
Oma,
Hi! Welcome! I'm glad that you found the site! I haven't had a reaction to the TB test but as a nurse we do employement screening for TB and anyone that has ever had a reaction to the test takes a chest Xray.
I'm on Remicaide and absolutely love it! I feel like I have my life back. I know that there is increased risk of lymphoma but there are several thoughts on that. Just having RA puts us at an increased risk of lymphoma and I read on one of the forums that one of the Rheumatologist said that controlling the RA would actually decrease the risk of lymphoma.
I know that this is a hard decision for you. I had a difficult time when they first mentioned MTX
I was ready to start Enbrel about 2 years ago and had to have a TB skin test first. Well, I tested positive!! I was so upset but had been exposed by my grandmother (who passed away because of it while on Remicade).
My rhemy gave me a chest x-ray and I had to go on INH (a common TB drug) for 6 months. Once I had been on the INH for a month my rhemy let me start the Enbrel. You just need to be careful and be aware of any chest issues that don't go away.
I know its scary. Trust me, after what happened with my grandmother I am terrified of the biologic drugs. But you do what works for you.
I was on Enbrel and really thought it worked well for me but lost my insurance and do not quite have that much cash on hand each month! The biolics are scary but not taking meds are even worse!
I sure didn't website was down, I had been ill and moving so I haven't had much of a chance to go online. I will be glad when I get moved. For now I am staying with my RD of 14 years. IT is a long drive but well worth it besides, just try to get into a new RD! Man I had no idea it would take so long and then I have to start all over again. Oh such fun!
I prob won't be on very much till my move is completed and I get my computer hooked back up, but did want to comment that this site means the world to so many of us. It has been so long I cannot even remember my l;ast username, so sorry, I will have to look that up too! lol, must be the move and brain fog.
I did get a new puppy! He is such a joy, BUT! being the cute cuddly little ball of sweetenss that he is has already managed to chew up my snow boots and just chewed up my sliipers the other morning. I guess all my footwear will have to be placed up high!! *sigh*
lynndee
I can't offer an answer to your specific question, but I wanted to share my enbrel experience. I started enbrel in September and have been able to drop plaquenil and celebrex. The Rd does want me to keep the mtx. I could tell improvement almost immediately, and when I think back to this time last year, there is a world of difference. Good luck with your decision.Oma,
Although I didn't test positive for the TB I too had breast cancer (it will be 6 years in October). I didn't want to continue to worsen and I knew the only way to either remain stable or lessen my chances of worsening I needed to get on MTX and Enbrel. Although, since then (3 years in April) I have collected many other diseases and the medications I am on all seem to cause some type of cancers. I guess my outlook is that if nothing else I can function and be the best mother and wife to my family for the time being.
Sorry that I couldn't have been more specific to your question on the TB...
Remain strong and remember you have all of us here.
Good Morning Ladies,(tiredintexas,luv_2_smile,lyndee,keys,and olive;
Thank you for your interesting replies...They have helped me to understand that we all experience things differently, even when going through the same thing.
Your insights and the other members, have made me think in terms of "How to get along with this disease" rather than fighting it...I thank you all for that.
MTX (20mg/or) is the big boy that is helping me the most right now as well as the Azulfidine. I take it(MTX) every Friday too, as I some times have some side effects with it. Been thinking about taking the injectable MTX, to see if it will work even better than the pill form... I really miss Vioxx. I wish they would have put a stronger warning on it opposed to removing it from the market so quickly.
My RA Docs. are really pushing me to choose a biologic to add to my MTX. I understand the reason behind it but sometime I feel very over whelmed, that's why I am so happy to hear how you all are doing with the drugs you have chosen to use.. Not only do I have the RA but I also have OA, so when I take the Meds., I also need to make sure they help with the OA.
Thanks for all your input, I really appreciate the time you have taken to help me with my questions.
I use to lurk in the back ground too
Take care and hope that you all have a GREAT weekend planned. Enjoy...
Oma2
Hi Oma--Welcome
I too lurked around, but didn't really think that an on-line support group was too cool. Well...the other night when I couldn't sleep and was so frightened, I lurked again and actually went on line.
You know, I don't feel so alone. I do understand about fighting the disease...I have always been in control...but now I'm just an observer...what a difference.
My X-rays of hands and feet were clear of RA degeneration, but showed OA...also have osteoporosis. I've been on MTX & prednisone since August (changed Vioxx to Bextra in December). They just added Enbrel this week. (Those little pill boxes that are separated into the days of the week and then the times of the day are too small for all my meds). It's too soon for me to tell you about how I feel (no reactions from the new combinations)...but I do have my fingers crossed.
My PPD has always been negative, so I can't help there.
Good Luck. I hope that you feel better very soon.
Cheryl
I can relate to the pill boxes being too little - I found one at Wal-Mart that is HUGE - it has morning and night and will hold all of my pills. - It's a shame that they make most of them so small - you would think that people only take one two pills
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