Itchy | Arthritis Information

 

I just need to whine for a minute. I talked to my Rheumy yesterday about the nausea with MTX and that I have lost 8 lbs. in 3 weeks. He took me off of MTX and started me on Azulfidine. I took the first dose last night and my face swelled up like a balloon to the point that I could barely open my eyes, not to mention the itchy rash. Now, after a night of epinephrine and bendryl, I am wearily awaiting a call back to find out which new drug we are going to try this time. I have a splittling headache and feel like CRAP.
My husband and I are supposed to be leaving next Wed. the 26th for London. (short trip - just 4 1/2 days) My leg is still in a cast and I am overwhelmed. I know I'll have a good time, even if I do nothing but sit at cafes and read, but at the moment I can't imagine going. Were you taking the MTX pills? I got very sick from those too and had to stop (I got a cough and

nausea). My rhemy switched me over to the injection and gave me Leucovorin to take within 12 hours of the injection. What a difference!!! If I forget the Leucovorin I get sick the next day so needless to say I rarely forget!!!

 

Smiles, Jen 

FlyT,

Sorry your feeling so lousy. Appearantly I am allergic to sulfa. I had never taken it before, but I have severe allergies to a lot of things, so that does not really surprise me.
I was taking the pill form of MTX, I think the reson he didn't suggest the injectable form is because of the weight loss, which has had him concerned. Weight loss has also been one of the many symptoms of my RA. I'm 6'1" and am down to 126 lbs.
He is starting me on Plaquenil. Provinding I am not allergic to this one he'll double the dose in 2 weeks. It appearently is better tollerated than a lot of the other DMARDs, but we'll see. He said it takes quite a bit longer than a lot of the other DMARDs to notice any difference.
Thanks for the sympathy FlyT  I'm so sorry you have to go through this!  Chin up, I'm sure the trip to London is "just what the dr. ordered" and sooner or later you will find the right mix of meds!  :) So sorry that you aren't feeling well. Better days are coming with that trip to London. Enjoy it for all of us. Whine, rant, vent, cry, etc. all you want. It helps to share your feelings with your friends.

Take care,
Marisa
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