New Member

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I have really gotten so much out of this group already with the

alternative methods of treatment. My medical history is so much like

the others--have had PA for 20 years, but only diagnosed in the last

5. When I finally found out what was happening, I was living in

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have felt that my living overseas probably

delayed my diagnosis, but after reading the other posts, I may have

been better off and diagnosed more quickly. Unfortunately, my rheumy

treated me rather conservatively, and, in retrospect, would have been

better off with an aggressive treatment. I was started off with

sulfasalize and a mild anti-inflam. I returned on a trip to the US

and consulted a rheumy, who said he would prefer to be more

aggressive and use MTX. But, I was unable to go that route with my

dr overseas. He did give me a RX for prednesone. When we returned

to the US, after about 6 mos, I started MTX. Right before that I

started on Celebrex. I currently take 20 mg of MTX/week, and 4mg of

prednisone every other day (we have been trying to wean me off that),

400 mg of Celebrex/day, and I have just started on Enbrel. I have

been so fortunate that I have had so few side effects with the meds.

My main problems have been back and feet (I have had surgery on both

feet--I just got my cast taken off from my second surgery). Last

year, I had a major flare in my shoulder, and now have some major

shoulder problems. I started on Enbrel 3 mos ago, and that has made

a world of difference. I had not realized how tired and grumpy I had

become!! My rheumy would prefer that I get on Remicade, but, as of

now, insurance co is not cooperating.

My major flare in my foot, which caused me to search out a dr, came

after a trip that I took to India, and caught a major intestinal

bug. By the time the trip was over (17 days) I could hardly walk. I

know that was a major cause for the flare up, and I am still paying

the price for that. I had a major flare in my shoulder last year.

Right before that, I planted a Fall garden, and grew the greatest

tomatoes. I don't know when I have eaten more tomatoes!! So, now, I

sit here wondering about a couple of topics that jbgreenly and Deano

write about. Antibiotic protocol and diet/gluten. I have read

before that tomatoes could possibly have an effect on arthritis.

I feel that I have sort of eased into my treatment, and I wish we had

been more aggressive about it. Once this PA has a hold on you, the

damage is not reversible.

But, to others who are newly diagnosed, there is hope out there.

Thank goodness for the new meds that are coming out every day for us.

I said before that I have had few side effects-- well almost. I have

always been rather slim, and now I feel very " round " . Little did I

know that prednisone is used to stimulate people's appetites. I kept

wondering why I wanted to eat so much! And now, I think that Enbrel

has added to that also.

Thanx for this group.