RE: JIA new medicine Diclophenac

February 2, 2010

Hi, Shea and welcome to the list. Most of the time, just taking an NSAID is not

enough for JA. You really need a drug that would attack the disease itself, a

DMARD or disease modifying anti rheumatic drug. This class of drug can actually

alter the disease and put you in a medicated remission, sometimes even a real

remission where you don't need any drugs. Things like methotrexate, enbrel,

humira, etc are in this class. The drs are learning that it is often better to

start one of these sooner rather than waiting and taking just NSAID's. They can

stop the joint destruction that NSAID's alone cannot. If you are still having

swelling and pain, your disease is not under control. You might want to look

into these others drugs and ask the rheumy what his/her thoughts are on them.

You want to get the disease under control before joint damage begins if you can.

Keep a written record of how you are feeling, when you have the most pain, what

helps, etc. so when you go in to the dr you don't forget things. Believe me, if

I didn't write things down I would forget half when I got into the office.

Have you had your eyes checked? It is a good idea when you have a diagnosis of

JA to have them checked for uveitis. My son went after his diagnosis and was

always clear thank goodness. You go every few months at first, then if you stay

clear you go twice a year.

Hope this gives you some ideas for things to talk about with the rheumy. Let us

know how it goes, Michele ( 22, spondy)

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Shea

Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2010 2:48 PM

Subject: JIA new medicine Diclophenac

Dear JA forum,

I (Shea Reasoner) am starting a new NSAID called Diclophenac. It has helped

enough to almost get me back to normal, but I am still swollen and in pain. If

anyone has any info or suggestions at all please email me back. I am having my

next rhuematologist appointment soon and we want to be able to discuss more

options for medication to help. Thank you for any info you have it helps

tremendously.

With love

Shea Reasoner

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