Hi, my name is Mike and I'm Juliah's husband. I came to this site in search of information on rheumatoid arthritis. My wife told me she has been reading about some type of antibiotic therapy and thought there were links on this site. I have become very concerned about my wife. She has not been doing well and I don't know what to do for her. She has an appointment at the Mayo Clinic next month. On Sunday, she took her medication (methotrexate) and has not gotten out of bed since. She threw up several times Sunday and now is very lethargic and not doing well. I called her doctor who will see her tomorrow. I don't know what questions to ask, but in my opinion, she hasn't been improving. She tries to act as if she is ok, but I can see she is in pain and she is very pale and has dark circles under her eyes. I'm worried about her weight loss as well. She hasn't eaten much since getting sick on Sunday. She said she is afraid of throwing up again, which I can understand as it was a rather violent bout of vomiting. I think she needs to be in the hospital, but she thinks she'll be ok in another day or so. Is this sort of thing normal? Is there help for this disease? Why is she still so sick over a year after being diagnosed? I want to read about the antibiotic therapy before her appointment tomorrow, but not sure where to look. With thanks, Mike.
Hi Mike, get Julia to the emergency room today! Don't wait. She may be dehydrated, liver problems, or a combo of other side effects from the meds. She needs to be seen by a physician. I'd call her RD and primary care and if they can't see her immediately I'd take her to the ER.
I can't help you with the antibiotic protocol but they'll be some posts soon to help you out. I think the important thing right now is to get medical help for her.
If you seach AP you should find some threads that will help you out. There is a search box on the top of the page. I don't know much about it myself though, only that some people thing that RA is actually an infection which can be controlled with antibbiotics. I have never thrown up due to RA, although I flared for several months and did not have much of an appetite and was quite weak during that time.
I know it can take a while for docs to find the right combo of meds to control RA, for me once I was diagnosed and started meds, I responded well to them. I think I am more the exception than the rule.
Please let us know what happens tomorrow, ok? I will pray for Juliah tonight and that her docs can find the cause of this and get her better really soon.
Linda
Absolutely get her to the ER ASAP. She is probably dehydrated and that is dangerous. I will remember you both in my prayers and please keep us posted. ER as soon as possible sounds like the MEDS have caused some big problems TAKE NO CHANCE GO TO THE ER NOW.Mike -
I'm Pip and one of the biggest supporters of AP (Antibiotic Protocol). AFTER you take Juliah to the ER and you both are home safe for the night you want to check out these web sites.
If you have more questions please feel free to either email me or PM me. Or post them for a more varied viewpoint.
Give her a hug from us,
Pip
I agree with everyone else-get her to an Emergency Room---NOW! Do your research later.Mike, I have to agree with everyone else here, please, please get her to the ER tonight. Don't wait until after her appt tomorrow, she needs to be seen now. I take methotrexate and have never had the vomiting you are describing. Please let us know how she is doing. I am very worried for her. You will both be in my prayers.
Deb
The vomiting and especially the lethargy and paleness aren't "normal" with the meds. It means something is not right. I agree with the ER.
Please, please let us know how she is doing.
Hugs and blessings,
Nini
I had a bad reaction to MTX, Dont wait goto ER straight away. Please let us know how she is.
Take care