Nathan
Posted , 7 users are following.
ive had R/a 13 years the only prescribed drug I've taken was hydroxychloroqiune for 6 months which had no effect. The first couple of years I had the odd shot of steroids which was miraculous but when I discovered the side effects of all the ra drugs I didn't go back that is until a few months ago when my elbow was sooooo bad wrists shoulder that I went to doc for a jab. Unfortunately he had run out and gave me predisilone tablets 40 mg reducing but when I finished cause the pain was back so I ordered more and was not refused. I found 10 mg kept pain to manageable levels along with occasional ibuprofen but after 3 months I thought I've got to give up this drug. 6 weeks ago I cut down and each day I felt worse but I percivered finally got off 4 weeks ago and have been in frantic pain since. My feet ankles shoulders elbows neck wrists etc are far worse than they've ever been. I'm in agony and havnt got out for 3 weeks!!!! Does anyone know if it could be the infmmatory suppressant effect predisilone. Thank you nathen.
0 likes, 26 replies
tony38011 nathan72763
Posted
I mention the above not for sympathy, though a little wouldn't go amiss
but to point out what can happen to some people, and I emphasise some, if this godawful disease isn't treated effectively. I hate taking meds of any form, especially when I was on powerful DMARDs, but would now take them in a heartbeat if I could as life sure ain't much fun these days! I think Rowbirdie offers sound advice. I was on methotrexate for 9 years - it seems to be the drug of choice for most folk, and I had no side effects to speak of. My bloods were monitored every month to check for negative symptoms. Do make an appointment to see your cosultant. You can then discuss the pros and cons of different meds and arrive at a decision as to what might be best for you.
Hope things work out for you and the pain eases soon.
nathan72763 tony38011
Posted
why did you have to come off DEMARDs did they damage your body? It seems crazy that you are suffering so badly after years pain free.
6 years ago I embarked on a natural cure because I felt drugs only store up disease. I used an English program which involved removing all foods that have an acid ash residue after digestion. Epsom baths followed next day shower. Cider vinegar malasses etc it was a slow process but after 8 months I was 80% better I was told I must stay on the program until all symptoms were clear and then for a further 3 months. I cheated and slowly it all came back. 4 weeks ago I've restated the whole procedure I keep reading the testimonials to inspire me. They claim it's all caused by acid and a virus by removing the acid you kill the virus. Some people recover in weeks most take months.
if I take the drugs right now they tell me the inflammation detox etc will take longer to work. Catch 22!!!!!
i hope the hydroxichloriquine eases your pain I did once take that drug because I understood it to be the least toxic.
we have much in common yours sincerely Nathan
tony38011 nathan72763
Posted
Pity you couldn't stick to that natural cure if it was helping you, but I do understand how difficult it must have been. I couldn't last 8 days let alone 8 months without pain relief and I speak from experience. I tried stopping methotrexate several years ago and ended up in a heck of a mess. I held out for 5 weeks then phoned rheumy begging to have a steroid jab ASAP.
Intrested hearing about your kidney problems caused by ibrufen. That seems quite a high dose you are taking. Do you have bloods taken on a regular basis to monitor your kidneys. I ask because I take naproxen on a regular basis and am wodering if my kidneys should be monitored?
I gave a brief explanation to one of Rowbirdie's posts above the reason why I stopped taking DMARDs and another type of immune suppressant.
On a more positive note...I'm extremely fortunate to have an angel of a wife who helps me do lots of things I am no loner capable of doing without so much as a tut...at least I've never heard her tut!
I would not be able to manage without her.
nathan72763 tony38011
Posted
tony38011 nathan72763
Posted
Steroids are an immune suppressant that's why I can't take them.
Anyone know if kidneys should be monitored if on long term NSAIDs?
Light nathan72763
Posted
Preds needs to be treated with great respect and cutting down should be slow and sure, 1mg per week, in my book, at least.
If Mrs Mop or Eileen respond, they'll give you more exact reduction levels.
penny55083 nathan72763
Posted
The problem with prednisolone is that it treats the symptoms only. Studies have shown that it doesn't change the course of the disease. Only DIMARDS will do this. I too was scared when confronted with these powerful drugs when I was dignosed and cried because I thought my life was over and I would be crippled. My rheumatologist was lovely and said that he rarely saw people crippled with arthritis anymore because of the massive improvement in the drugs available. He talked me through the risks but I know that I couldn't have gone on with the pain as it was. Yes my liver enzymes play up and I have to adjust my meds but I am monitored monthly. All the evidence points to getting the disease under control as quickly as possible so that the joint damage is kept to a minimum. My advice would be to get back in contact with your Rheumatologist, listen to his best advice then once your pain is under control try other things. 5 years on and I'm fitter and more active than I have been for the last 10 years.
dancingG nathan72763
Posted