Re: a possible side effect

[Guest guest]

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

>

> I have a question about what may (or may not be) a side effect...

>

> After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face

and hands.

> They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed

easily and

> it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months

to get in,

> but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy came

back

> negative. So that was that-- I do not have another appointment. My

rheumatologist

> took me off methotrexate since there is some documentation of skin

trouble,

> but I still get the lesions.

>

> Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I have assumed it

is somehow

> connected to the illness or the meds, but maybe it's something

else

> entirely.

>

> Curious, because maybe I should get back on the methotrexate after

all......

>

> Kirsten

> Minnesota

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

>

> I have a question about what may (or may not be) a side effect...

>

> After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face

and hands.

> They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed

easily and

> it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months

to get in,

> but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy came

back

> negative. So that was that-- I do not have another appointment. My

rheumatologist

> took me off methotrexate since there is some documentation of skin

trouble,

> but I still get the lesions.

>

> Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I have assumed it

is somehow

> connected to the illness or the meds, but maybe it's something

else

> entirely.

>

> Curious, because maybe I should get back on the methotrexate after

all......

>

> Kirsten

> Minnesota

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have a question is MTX stronger or better than enbrel. The reason why I'm

asking is because am on Enbrel and it works fine on part of my joints but not on

others like it doesn't help me in my right wrist and my sholders and jaw but I

haven't seen my Dr in a while so I don't know if I should ask him to try

something stronger. Am just tired of living with joint pain, any suggestions???

cindy g

tdianaok <tdianaok@...> wrote:

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

>

> I have a question about what may (or may not be) a side effect...

>

> After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face

and hands.

> They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed

easily and

> it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months

to get in,

> but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy came

back

> negative. So that was that-- I do not have another appointment. My

rheumatologist

> took me off methotrexate since there is some documentation of skin

trouble,

> but I still get the lesions.

>

> Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I have assumed it

is somehow

> connected to the illness or the meds, but maybe it's something

else

> entirely.

>

> Curious, because maybe I should get back on the methotrexate after

all......

>

> Kirsten

> Minnesota

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have a question is MTX stronger or better than enbrel. The reason why I'm

asking is because am on Enbrel and it works fine on part of my joints but not on

others like it doesn't help me in my right wrist and my sholders and jaw but I

haven't seen my Dr in a while so I don't know if I should ask him to try

something stronger. Am just tired of living with joint pain, any suggestions???

cindy g

tdianaok <tdianaok@...> wrote:

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

>

> I have a question about what may (or may not be) a side effect...

>

> After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face

and hands.

> They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed

easily and

> it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months

to get in,

> but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy came

back

> negative. So that was that-- I do not have another appointment. My

rheumatologist

> took me off methotrexate since there is some documentation of skin

trouble,

> but I still get the lesions.

>

> Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I have assumed it

is somehow

> connected to the illness or the meds, but maybe it's something

else

> entirely.

>

> Curious, because maybe I should get back on the methotrexate after

all......

>

> Kirsten

> Minnesota

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

It really depends on you and your rheumy to find the right meds for

you. With the biologic meds you can take them with methotrexate

also. They work a little better for some.

I can only tell you with the Humira/MTX combo it's helping me. I

still have my bad days, pain every day but not as bad.

You do need to talk to your doctor, and see what he thinks is best

for you. Take care, Tawny

> >

> > I have a question about what may (or may not be) a side effect...

> >

> > After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face

> and hands.

> > They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed

> easily and

> > it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months

> to get in,

> > but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy

came

> back

> > negative. So that was that-- I do not have another appointment.

My

> rheumatologist

> > took me off methotrexate since there is some documentation of

skin

> trouble,

> > but I still get the lesions.

> >

> > Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I have assumed it

> is somehow

> > connected to the illness or the meds, but maybe it's something

> else

> > entirely.

> >

> > Curious, because maybe I should get back on the methotrexate

after

> all......

> >

> > Kirsten

> > Minnesota

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

,

It really depends on you and your rheumy to find the right meds for

you. With the biologic meds you can take them with methotrexate

also. They work a little better for some.

I can only tell you with the Humira/MTX combo it's helping me. I

still have my bad days, pain every day but not as bad.

You do need to talk to your doctor, and see what he thinks is best

for you. Take care, Tawny

> >

> > I have a question about what may (or may not be) a side effect...

> >

> > After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face

> and hands.

> > They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed

> easily and

> > it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months

> to get in,

> > but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy

came

> back

> > negative. So that was that-- I do not have another appointment.

My

> rheumatologist

> > took me off methotrexate since there is some documentation of

skin

> trouble,

> > but I still get the lesions.

> >

> > Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I have assumed it

> is somehow

> > connected to the illness or the meds, but maybe it's something

> else

> > entirely.

> >

> > Curious, because maybe I should get back on the methotrexate

after

> all......

> >

> > Kirsten

> > Minnesota

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Kirsten,

Didn't you say that there was some suspicion of lupus? I wonder if

your skin issues are consistent with lupus rashes? You may be able to

find out quite a lot just by searching the Internet.

Sierra

>

> I have a question about what may (or may not be) a side effect...

>

> After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face

and hands.

> They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed

easily and

> it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months

to get in,

> but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy came

back

> negative. So that was that-- I do not have another appointment. My

rheumatologist

> took me off methotrexate since there is some documentation of skin

trouble,

> but I still get the lesions.

>

> Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I have assumed it

is somehow

> connected to the illness or the meds, but maybe it's something

else

> entirely.

>

> Curious, because maybe I should get back on the methotrexate after

all......

>

> Kirsten

> Minnesota

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kirsten,

Didn't you say that there was some suspicion of lupus? I wonder if

your skin issues are consistent with lupus rashes? You may be able to

find out quite a lot just by searching the Internet.

Sierra

>

> I have a question about what may (or may not be) a side effect...

>

> After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face

and hands.

> They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed

easily and

> it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months

to get in,

> but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy came

back

> negative. So that was that-- I do not have another appointment. My

rheumatologist

> took me off methotrexate since there is some documentation of skin

trouble,

> but I still get the lesions.

>

> Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I have assumed it

is somehow

> connected to the illness or the meds, but maybe it's something

else

> entirely.

>

> Curious, because maybe I should get back on the methotrexate after

all......

>

> Kirsten

> Minnesota

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: SoulfoodAlpacas@...

> After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face and hands.

They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed easily and

it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months to get in,

but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy came back

negative.

The dermatologist did a blood test for Lupus? Did you know that you can have

Lupus for a long time without a positive blood test. I don't want to scare you,

but the lesions you're talking about are almost verbatim what my rheumy asked me

about when he was trying to determine if I have Lupus. Has your rheumatologist

seen these lesions? What did s/he say about them?

Nina

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: SoulfoodAlpacas@...

> After I started methotrexate, I began getting lesions on my face and hands.

They are pretty yucky, like blisters, and leave scars. They bleed easily and

it's sometimes embarrassing! I saw a dermatologist (took 4 months to get in,

but that's another story) and he tested for lupus, the biopsy came back

negative.

The dermatologist did a blood test for Lupus? Did you know that you can have

Lupus for a long time without a positive blood test. I don't want to scare you,

but the lesions you're talking about are almost verbatim what my rheumy asked me

about when he was trying to determine if I have Lupus. Has your rheumatologist

seen these lesions? What did s/he say about them?

Nina

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/16/2005 7:19:23 PM Central Standard Time,

ncampbell@... writes:

Has your rheumatologist seen these lesions? What did s/he say about them?

Yes, she has, and she said she's never seen anything like them.

My regular blood test did show positive for lupus, but the skin biopsy did

not. My rheumotologist said the positive lupus test meant very little and it

would not change the course of my treatment. I don't understand this, and will

ask again at my next appointment. Kirsten, Minnesota

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/16/2005 7:19:23 PM Central Standard Time,

ncampbell@... writes:

Has your rheumatologist seen these lesions? What did s/he say about them?

Yes, she has, and she said she's never seen anything like them.

My regular blood test did show positive for lupus, but the skin biopsy did

not. My rheumotologist said the positive lupus test meant very little and it

would not change the course of my treatment. I don't understand this, and will

ask again at my next appointment. Kirsten, Minnesota

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/16/2005 5:51:46 PM Central Standard Time,

snowdrift52003@... writes:

Didn't you say that there was some suspicion of lupus? I wonder if

your skin issues are consistent with lupus rashes?

I have looked at photos of the lupus rashes-- these are blister-like, not

rash like. ??

Kirsten, Minnesota

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/16/2005 5:51:46 PM Central Standard Time,

snowdrift52003@... writes:

Didn't you say that there was some suspicion of lupus? I wonder if

your skin issues are consistent with lupus rashes?

I have looked at photos of the lupus rashes-- these are blister-like, not

rash like. ??

Kirsten, Minnesota

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

MTX and Enbrel work well in combination, so if your Enbrel is only partially

effective, it might well be worth adding in MTX. It is not really a question of

one being stronger than the other - they work in different ways. That is why

they complement each other so well.

n in France

Re: [ ] Re: a possible side effect

I have a question is MTX stronger or better than enbrel. The reason why I'm

asking is because am on Enbrel and it works fine on part of my joints but not on

others like it doesn't help me in my right wrist and my sholders and jaw but I

haven't seen my Dr in a while so I don't know if I should ask him to try

something stronger. Am just tired of living with joint pain, any suggestions???

cindy g

tdianaok <tdianaok@...> wrote:

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

MTX and Enbrel work well in combination, so if your Enbrel is only partially

effective, it might well be worth adding in MTX. It is not really a question of

one being stronger than the other - they work in different ways. That is why

they complement each other so well.

n in France

Re: [ ] Re: a possible side effect

I have a question is MTX stronger or better than enbrel. The reason why I'm

asking is because am on Enbrel and it works fine on part of my joints but not on

others like it doesn't help me in my right wrist and my sholders and jaw but I

haven't seen my Dr in a while so I don't know if I should ask him to try

something stronger. Am just tired of living with joint pain, any suggestions???

cindy g

tdianaok <tdianaok@...> wrote:

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: SoulfoodAlpacas@...

> My regular blood test did show positive for lupus, but the skin biopsy did

not.

I've never heard of a skin biopsy for Lupus.

Nina

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: SoulfoodAlpacas@...

> My regular blood test did show positive for lupus, but the skin biopsy did

not.

I've never heard of a skin biopsy for Lupus.

Nina

[Guest guest]

Kirsten, if you are talking about the ANA test, a positive result is not

specific for lupus. Unfortunately, people, including physicians, refer to

the ANA test as the " lupus test " even though a positive ANA can occur in

diseases other than lupus and in seemingly healthy people, too.

About 30 - 40% of people with RA are ANA-positive but do not have lupus.

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Re: [ ] a possible side effect

>

>

>

> In a message dated 3/16/2005 7:19:23 PM Central Standard Time,

> ncampbell@... writes:

>

> Has your rheumatologist seen these lesions? What did s/he say about

> them?

>

>

>

> Yes, she has, and she said she's never seen anything like them.

>

> My regular blood test did show positive for lupus, but the skin biopsy did

> not. My rheumotologist said the positive lupus test meant very little and

> it

> would not change the course of my treatment. I don't understand this, and

> will

> ask again at my next appointment. Kirsten, Minnesota

[Guest guest]

Kirsten, if you are talking about the ANA test, a positive result is not

specific for lupus. Unfortunately, people, including physicians, refer to

the ANA test as the " lupus test " even though a positive ANA can occur in

diseases other than lupus and in seemingly healthy people, too.

About 30 - 40% of people with RA are ANA-positive but do not have lupus.

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Re: [ ] a possible side effect

>

>

>

> In a message dated 3/16/2005 7:19:23 PM Central Standard Time,

> ncampbell@... writes:

>

> Has your rheumatologist seen these lesions? What did s/he say about

> them?

>

>

>

> Yes, she has, and she said she's never seen anything like them.

>

> My regular blood test did show positive for lupus, but the skin biopsy did

> not. My rheumotologist said the positive lupus test meant very little and

> it

> would not change the course of my treatment. I don't understand this, and

> will

> ask again at my next appointment. Kirsten, Minnesota

[Guest guest]

Hi marian,

do you know what are the side effects of MTX? just wondering in case my rheumy

does let me try it because like you said enbrel and mtx will be a good combo

instead of celebrex. I'm also trying to take my self off the prednisone because

I've gained forty pounds with it that is so depressing seeing my self in the

mirror and see how much I have changed physically but any way that is another

story. Hugs cindy/Texas

" marian.green " <marian.green@...> wrote:

Hi ,

MTX and Enbrel work well in combination, so if your Enbrel is only partially

effective, it might well be worth adding in MTX. It is not really a question of

one being stronger than the other - they work in different ways. That is why

they complement each other so well.

n in France

Re: [ ] Re: a possible side effect

I have a question is MTX stronger or better than enbrel. The reason why I'm

asking is because am on Enbrel and it works fine on part of my joints but not on

others like it doesn't help me in my right wrist and my sholders and jaw but I

haven't seen my Dr in a while so I don't know if I should ask him to try

something stronger. Am just tired of living with joint pain, any suggestions???

cindy g

tdianaok <tdianaok@...> wrote:

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

[Guest guest]

Hi marian,

do you know what are the side effects of MTX? just wondering in case my rheumy

does let me try it because like you said enbrel and mtx will be a good combo

instead of celebrex. I'm also trying to take my self off the prednisone because

I've gained forty pounds with it that is so depressing seeing my self in the

mirror and see how much I have changed physically but any way that is another

story. Hugs cindy/Texas

" marian.green " <marian.green@...> wrote:

Hi ,

MTX and Enbrel work well in combination, so if your Enbrel is only partially

effective, it might well be worth adding in MTX. It is not really a question of

one being stronger than the other - they work in different ways. That is why

they complement each other so well.

n in France

Re: [ ] Re: a possible side effect

I have a question is MTX stronger or better than enbrel. The reason why I'm

asking is because am on Enbrel and it works fine on part of my joints but not on

others like it doesn't help me in my right wrist and my sholders and jaw but I

haven't seen my Dr in a while so I don't know if I should ask him to try

something stronger. Am just tired of living with joint pain, any suggestions???

cindy g

tdianaok <tdianaok@...> wrote:

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

For the low-down on MTX, try this link:

http://www.rheumatology.org.nz/nz09004.htm

I took it for 7 or 8 years to good effect and with no problems. After that, it

became less effective ane we kept upping the dose. I didn't get any better

response, but did get a very severe stomatitis, which made eating very

difficult. I then tried Arava which caused the stomatitis to come back and

caused a rise in my liver enzymes. I am now happily on Enbrel alone, but MTX

helped me for many years.

Good luck !

n in France

Re: [ ] Re: a possible side effect

I have a question is MTX stronger or better than enbrel. The reason why I'm

asking is because am on Enbrel and it works fine on part of my joints but not on

others like it doesn't help me in my right wrist and my sholders and jaw but I

haven't seen my Dr in a while so I don't know if I should ask him to try

something stronger. Am just tired of living with joint pain, any suggestions???

cindy g

tdianaok <tdianaok@...> wrote:

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

For the low-down on MTX, try this link:

http://www.rheumatology.org.nz/nz09004.htm

I took it for 7 or 8 years to good effect and with no problems. After that, it

became less effective ane we kept upping the dose. I didn't get any better

response, but did get a very severe stomatitis, which made eating very

difficult. I then tried Arava which caused the stomatitis to come back and

caused a rise in my liver enzymes. I am now happily on Enbrel alone, but MTX

helped me for many years.

Good luck !

n in France

Re: [ ] Re: a possible side effect

I have a question is MTX stronger or better than enbrel. The reason why I'm

asking is because am on Enbrel and it works fine on part of my joints but not on

others like it doesn't help me in my right wrist and my sholders and jaw but I

haven't seen my Dr in a while so I don't know if I should ask him to try

something stronger. Am just tired of living with joint pain, any suggestions???

cindy g

tdianaok <tdianaok@...> wrote:

Hi Kirsten,

I have never had any problems like that with the MTX. I only have

problems with fatique, which I can live with it. If I can get around

better, I can sure deal with that pain:)

I was on only the Humira, and didn't have much response. The I got on

the MTX it seems to work much better with the combo.

I'm not sure about the problems your having, I would sure try to find

out, Tawny