Need information about sulfasalazine

[Guest guest]

Hi all! I just got back from seeing my rheumatologist. I brought a lot of

articles regarding the benefits of AP (or specifically minocycline

treatment) for her to look at. I tried to convince her to let me try AP (I

have had seronegative RA, Reiter's Syndrome or Ankylosing Sponlytis since

November 1999). She just shook her head and with a knowing grin told me

that there is not much clinical data proving that Minocin is beneficial.

She says a few of her patients are on it, usually this is a last resort

since nothing else has worked, and they don't seem to be making any

significant improvements. She says the negative effects (initiating the

onset of Lupus!!!!, slow results >6 months, and skin discoloration) make

this antibiotic an unacceptable choice unless nothing else works.

She did agree to give me a prescription for sulfasalazine. I didn't know

enough about it to push for AP further. She says I should be able to tell

within 6 weeks whether this is working for me and I have to get blood work

done 2-3 weeks after beginning to take it. I haven't filled the

prescription yet. I would like to get the groups opinion on this. Should

I give the sulfasalazine a try or find a doctor experienced in AP?

Currently I am taking 200mg of Celebrex twice a day and am having just

occasional flare ups in my feet, ankles, hips, back and ribs.

Thanks for you help.

Karan