Prednisone Question | Arthritis Information

 

I still haven't made the decision on either Enbrel or Rituxan - don't like either choice.  How long can a person stay on Prednisone?  I think my mother was on it for years and years with her RA.

 

Are all these RA medicines just a way to prolong the inevitable of twisted joints etc.?

 

With the side effects of the various medicines (heart/lung problems), which doctor checks us for those potential problems - the rheumatologist or our primary care physician?  What type of tests would they do and how frequently?

 

Thanks.

 

For what it's worth, just as you have regular blood work to monitor your system when you're on the MTX, you will continue to have blood work if you start the other drug. It is a good gauge to see if any problems are arising as a result of any new drug you're taking. If problems surface, then they'll adjust or remove the drug.

 

As Babs asked, what are your real concerns about taking these new drugs? Maybe we can put your mind at ease.

 

Regarding who takes care of monitoring for heart/lung problems.....I suspect it would be your rheumatologist first. [At least it is in my case. If there's a problem, he refers me to a specialist.] However, I know some people on this board [especially those in countried with universal healthcare] are monitored and managed by a PCP. YOur best best, I feel, is to have your rheumatologist manage and monitor and refer if/when necessary.

 

Long term pred use is very dangerous at the higher doses.  If you look up "adrenal insufficiency" you can see some possible issues.  You really do need to be on meds to treat the RA.  They can be scary, but most people tolerate them very very well.  You deserve to be as healthy as possible and these are the meds that will allow you to be that way.

 

I understand Enbrel can cause lymphoma.  I had breast cancer 15 years ago and just the thought of injecting myself with something that can cause cancer is very discouraging.

 

With Rituxan being a drug with infusion, that reminds me of my chemo treatments from years ago.  Mentally it bothers me.  Also, we do not live in one place for an entire year.  We are full-time RV'ers and travel about half the year to various locations.

 

I do appreciate the info about Prednisone.  I didn't know that it didn't stop the progress of the disease/joint damage.  Yes, I was lulled into a false sense of security since I'm feeling much better this past week.

 

Tomorrow I meet with the RD and will make my decision....I think.  I understand what was said above about being monitored...but I am assuming that if someone shows they have lymphoma it's too late to prevent it by the time it shows up.

 

OK - I guess I am being a baby about this.  I need to grow up and make a decision.  Thanks for listening to me whine and offering your thoughts.

 

What serious situations this very serious disease puts us in. I would love to tell you to do this or take that but, I had to make my own serious decisions. I do take rituxan and enjoy that I could finally get off all other drugs (prednisone and methotrexate) and I like that it's only an every six months set of infusions. I know for a fact that anytime we manipulate our immune system or any other normal function of our bodies, there could be consequenses. Some time ago, I decided to allow my Doctors to take charge of dealing with my disease. I know that prior to their help, I was in constant pain and practically crippled. I now try not to think of the things that can happen. I know that those things that can happen are less likely to happen than me getting into a fatal car crash. I still drive but trust me, I drive very carefully. I watch for any sign of anything out of the ordinary and fortunately I have a team of Doctors that are happy for me to share any concerns and there most famous words are "Just to be careful, why don't you come into Urgent care, just so we can be sure that it's nothing serious." I know I'm rambling but I'm hoping that something that I say in all of this drawn out post will somehow put you at ease. The thing to remember is that our disease is a very serious disease. It's so serious that it can actually kill us. It not only attacks our joints and bones but attacks our hearts, lungs, arteries and paractically any other organ. They say that those with RA die seven years earlier than those without the disease. Fortunately, those figures are from before factoring in the new classes of drugs that so many of us take. I truly believe that in a few short years there will be a safe way found to control our disease. Anyway, I hope that whatever your choice, it works well for you. Being crippled and bedridden is not really living.

 

LEV

 

PS: This disease has brought me to be a whiner a baby and a cryer. Don't feel alone or sorry.

 

LEV

 

You do need to make a decision-only so that you can begin treatment and feel better!

 

Thanks for everyone's replies to my post.