I was on arava and got some really bad side affects. I got a tendon rupture in my leg that formed blood in my foot. I always was coughing at night and I had alot of muscle pain all the time.It worse than having the flu
My deepest sympathies also. What an awful thing to endure.
I don't MTX injections. I take Humira. I did read on this form at some time that the MTX is much easier on your system then pill form. You will get used to it. Just keep telling yourself that you can do it.
YOU CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT!!
Cindee
Oh sweetie! I'm so sorry about your sister-in-laws' sister...(whew..thats a hand full). I don't wanna sound like Debbie-Downer but if you doc had to "look up" the side effects of Arava, I'd say you need a new doctor. If you read Joy's post you will see why he wants on on injectable MTX, your body will absorb 100% of the meds and you may see a better result. At least he's on the right track there. What kind of side effects did you have with the MTX? And is this the same doctor that prescribed you the pills, that's giving you the shot? I'm not so sure he knows what he's doing. Maybe that sounds harsh, but it really worries me that he didn't know the side effect of the Arava. It's not like they're that uncommon, people have posted about them all over this site. The same for the MTX. Ask him about something like Humira or Remicade. There are other options out there! Chin up! We are all here for support, please don't ever feel like you don't have someone to turn to. :) You should try out our chat room! go to www.katieswonderland.vze.com and click on the RA Chat button, then pick your username and nickname! There's a few people in there right now. :)
Joan - if you are apprehensive about the injections - you should be able to take them to your GP and have the nurse there give them to you. My GP's office does it No Charge if you bring the medication. So don't worry about the injection - someone will give it to you.
Arava's got some really harsh side effects...but not sure if it's what you had. Google Arava and see what's out there on it.
Definately, like Katie said, talk to your RD about Humira, Enbrel or Remicade. Those with MTX really help alot of people. The best results are with duo or triple therapy (2-3 drugs) like MTX & Enbrel or MTX and Humira etc....
Good luck.
Thank you all for the good advice I was on the MTX pills and got very sick my rhemy thinks if I would take the injections they would help more. And for all the meds you were taking about I can't take any of them because I have many allergic reations to meds. He said he would not even try them on me. I am jusy so upset about this whole thing. I am so sick of trying already to be let down. I have been to 3 rhemy already and they all say the same. They talk about the side affects for me cause I had bad allergy's all my life
I am so sorry about your sister's sis in law. We all know RA stinks. That is why we come here, we need each other. Please come back and let us know how you do with the shot and stick around.
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