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RA meds and severe constant nausea for last 4 years; can someone please help?

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blisssmile80
blisssmile80

Hi, I am a 36 years old female. I was diagnosed with RA 5 years ago. After being on Prednisone and oral methotrexate for a year, chronic stomach issues started; including heart-burn, constant nausea, vomiting and bloated stomach. I tried switching to MTX injections to bypass GI tract; stomach issues continued. 2 upper endoscopies, CT scans, US, Gastric emptying tests conducted; I have Hiatus hernia; but as per GI's, hernia is not causing nausea. I was on Prednisone for 3.5 years; gained 40lbs, dental cavities, moon face, sleep disorder; stopped it 1.5 years ago. As per GI’s, stomach issues are caused by MTX and prednisone side-effects. However, even after stopping these meds, chronic nausea persists. I have tried all kinds of meds for nausea-OTC, Zofran, Compazine, Promethazine, aroma-therapy, sea-bands, homeopathy and acupuncture, over the years; with little help.

I am still struggling with severe nausea 24/7, along with RA joint pain and sleep issues. I am not being able to work, drive or live a normal life for last 5 years. I am very limited to what I can eat; can’t tolerate any oral meds anymore. I wake up daily with severe nausea and joint pain; nausea gets worse by any strong smell, heat, if stomach’s empty for long. I am currently on Enbrel, but soon switching to Cimzia for RA. I am going for acupuncture 2-3 times a week, for last 8 months; it’s helping, but not curing my nausea. Please advise, if anyone else has severe nausea, induced by RA meds or otherwise. I am desperately looking for answers. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated. Please HELP!!! Thanks.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • ann55375
    ann55375 blisssmile80

    Posted

    I know what its like having nausea every day,although Ido not have RA?  It is so hard waking up to the awful nausea, the medications just dont help. Its difficult to even drink water. Mine has been worse since gallbladder out and had clots in lungs, oral med for that makes me feel worse.  Eating, well you will know what I mean when i say i just cant, smell of food is offputting too.  What is there for people like us?  Would blood work show up something else? Or endoscopy? My sympathy to you. Its just horrid.
  • blisssmile80
    blisssmile80

    Posted

    Hi Friends, Has anybody tried Anti-depressants/Zoloft to help with severe nausea? Can you please share your experience and withdrawal symptoms, if any?. I would really appreciate any help/advise. Thanks.
    • ann55375
      ann55375 blisssmile80

      Posted

      Yes i tried, it made my nausea worse so did as long as i could manage, three weeks, then had to stop as the anti nausea pills werent even dealing with it.  Lots of people use it but for me with hernia, gallbladder now out etc. It just wasnt a good one.

      have you found anything at all which helps your daily nausea even a little?

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