DOCTORS APPOINTMENT

[Guest guest]

ette.....

Take a deep breath and stay calm. Before going on AP, I went to my old

Rheumy and she said she was " appalled " at the condition I had come to since

her last visit. I was having trouble walking, could not straighten my arms

out, etc, etc. She was ready to put me on MTX that very day!! I went out to

the car and cried. It took me 6 months to even get in to my AP docs office.

I was sure I was never going to be the same.

Surprisingly, for me, the months with AP slowly returned all but my right

hand and a few bones in my feet...to normal. It stopped the damage better

than anything else ever did. Obviously, if you are concerned with major

damage to your joints, you can also use both DMARDS and AP at the same time,

with the thought of weaning yourself off of the DMARDS after awhile. That

must be your decision, after your doc has his say.

I guess what I am trying to say is fear causes us to panic and when we

panic we tend to make bad decisions. I knew that I risked more damage by

waiting for the AP but I cant explain it, I just had a gut feeling that MTX

would be very bad for me personally. I took a deep breath... added up the

pros and cons and decided (for me) to wait for the AP. I was then amazed at

the bodies ability to heal itself. My feet and hand do not look " normal " but

they work fine.....(O>K> so my typing stinks!) I have no pain and stiffness

anymore. I did remain on my plaquenil for the first few months of AP

treatment to keep damage to a minimum even though it was not working well

anymore. Just make the decisions you are comfortable with and know that we

have all walked in your shoes. You will get better with time. Martha

[Guest guest]

Hey Angie,

I take 6 MTX weekly too. I think that's normal, sure hope it works

for you soon. Are you taking any other meds? I'm taking Plaquenil

also, and I have noticed a change. I was on the Humira w/ MTX, and my

lab work didn't come back so great. So, my rheumy advised me to get

off the Humira. My last lab work came out great, so that is different

for me. You keep us posted, and will be praying for you.

take care girl, Tawny

> Hi guys had my appoint today talked to him about the pain and

swelling

> he has upped my meth to 6 a week says that usually people respond

> better to it then I am said in 6 weeks when I go back if it isn't

> ehlping he will change my meds. Just wanted to let everyone know

> since you guys have been great support.

>

> Thanks

> angie

[Guest guest]

Hi Tawny,

Yes I am on other meds besides the mtx I also take 1 prednisone a

day, 2 plaquenil a day, and the blood pressure pills. I don't know

what ones he is thinking of changing if it doesn't help this time.

Thanks for your great support.

Thanks

Angie

> > Hi guys had my appoint today talked to him about the pain and

> swelling

> > he has upped my meth to 6 a week says that usually people

respond

> > better to it then I am said in 6 weeks when I go back if it

isn't

> > ehlping he will change my meds. Just wanted to let everyone

know

> > since you guys have been great support.

> >

> > Thanks

> > angie

[Guest guest]

Angie,

I will keep you in my prayers, Tawny

> > > Hi guys had my appoint today talked to him about the pain and

> > swelling

> > > he has upped my meth to 6 a week says that usually people

> respond

> > > better to it then I am said in 6 weeks when I go back if it

> isn't

> > > ehlping he will change my meds. Just wanted to let everyone

> know

> > > since you guys have been great support.

> > >

> > > Thanks

> > > angie

[Guest guest]

HI ITS LYNN CAN YOU BELIEVE I HAVE WIATED SO LONG FOR THIS SPECIALISTS

APPOINMENT

AT BRINGHAMS AND IT IS GOING TO SNOW!!!!! WITH MY LUCK THERE WILL BE A

BLIZZARD-----GOD NOW I AM A WRECK>>>>>>LYNN