Posted , 7 users are following.
Hello, I am new to this forum. I am 35 and have been diagnosed with everything under the sun until recently I saw a RA specialist who diagnosed me with AS in my spine. He put me on sulfasalazine..I am on my first week of 1 pill a day and have more pain in different areas..wrists arms neck etc.. has anyone been on the sulfasalazine treatment and does it eventually help with the chronic pain and stiffness?
0 likes, 7 replies
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ipaula shasta17234
Posted
I am 40 years old and I'm on sulfasalazine since almost 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with AS (HLA B27 Pozitive). Doctor said I should reach 6 sulfasalazine pills per day but I stayed with 4. Back then the pain in my spine and joints was so bad in the begining I just couldnt walk, I had to take cortisone shots, celebrex etc. But now I am ok, there are days with more pain and days with less pain. So sulfasalazine does help but in time , in my case only after 6 months I started to fill better. Also I take vitamin C 1000 mg per day, vitamin D 1000ui per day, sometimes magnesium,
flaxseed oil etc. These help the immune system . Wish you lot of health! Take care.
lilly29834 shasta17234
Posted
I have tried sulfsalazine before. It wasn't that helpful to me. Have you been on a nonsteroidal medicine? The usual course of action seems to be nonsteroidal and sulfasalizine or no sulfasalazine and then when that doesn't work, go to a biologic drug.
Icing specific areas can be helpful temporarily. Maintaining range of motion in your joints, especially hips and shoulders is very important.
shasta17234 lilly29834
Posted
I just started taking 4 sulfasalazine a day I dont eat everything hurts...I have tried everything except a biological...iam so over this
jim93390 shasta17234
Posted
I was on it for 4~5 years and eventually it builds an immunity. It is a good stopgap drug BUT as your symptoms increase get yourself on some biological drugs. They are truly wonder drugs.
Good luck
diana0628 shasta17234
Posted
I too am a recent diagnosis to this family of Spondylosis. I'm on Sulfasalazine 2,000 mg (2 in the AM, 2 in the PM) for 3 months. I've also been put on Enbrel weekly injections for the last month. I have pain in my knees, shoulder, back, neck, heel, tops of hands and feet etc. A few things feel a tiny bit better and other things have been new areas of pain since starting the two new meds. From my perspective....It takes a LOT to slay this beast called AS.
Good Luck To You
garyjm3617 shasta17234
Posted
Hi. Yes it did for me in beginning. First was on Indocin and it effected my kidney function. My AS has stayed in Sacral Joints. Osteoarthritis is causing pain in other areas you mentioned. I'm in my 35th year with AS. Currently on Consentyx. To early give good appraisal. Was on Humira but had side effects. Best.
Bazuk garyjm3617
Posted
Hi there
Im new here myslef but Im far from new to AS
In my 20 years plus with AS i have tried alot of drugs they all work differently person to person
I have been put on Humira as it controls the AS better than most things but I do find that I require alot of NSAIDS but that wasnt the case as the very start of treatment.
Humira does control my colitis fairly well which is another problem that tends to come with AS.
My advice for yourself would be give things a little more time but if still no improvement try a biological drug though wouldnt jump at it as the side affect of very low immune system can be troubles