I was looking for some improvement by now I think I screwed up because after six months of starting the meds Plq, MTX, Pred and starting to feel better less swelling less pain I stopped the MTX. Another RA person at work advised me to stop MTX because of her side effects and I did over the next two months that is when the RA symptoms returned and are now even worse than before. I started the MTX again as before in pill form about three weeks ago and visited the doctor however I did not tell him I stopped the MTX for two months. He started me on the Remicade Ive had two treatments so far. NEW SYMPTOMS started as of July 28th now I have some nasty bruises that showed up on my arms and wrist and I can not remember being injured. I have never had problems with bruises before WHAT'S UP is it a side effect of Remicade or should I call the doctor Im due for my next visit on Aug 17th. ALSO the question I had as to AP treatment vs bio drugs started a bitter exchange between some of you I understand each has a right to his or her thoughts as to which works better and why. I like that each person can express it on this web sight lets just try to help each other not cause our stress levels to climb. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR IMPUT. Bearbeall
The bruises are likely due to the prednisone use. That is a side effect you should certainly bring up with your doctor.
You also need to be up front with him about the MTX. Its really hard to evaluate the effectivemess of a treatment if you are not being compliant. Please discuss any concerns with your medical team before starting or stopping any medication. Others do not know your medical history or your disease process nor do you know theirs so making decisions on treatment based on what others say can be wrong for you.
Don't worry about the Ap-traditional med discussion. It takes very little to start brou ha ha's around here
Buckeye you are awesome!!! The bruises could be from the mtx too since it does thin your blood.
Yeah don't worry about the ap vs traditional stuff. Do what you feel is best for you.
The bruises may be from pred use. I've been on pred a while and it really effects how badly I bruise. I've found that it happens in cycles, which is a bit weird - I bruise really badly for a while and then things calm down again. Right now I'm going through really bad stage again (Covered, literally, from head to toe, legs, arms, hands, hips!) But definately see you doctor about it. They might want to test your clotting and make sure all your cell production is ok.