Re: Infections & Psoriatic Arthritis

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I agree with the below to a point. I have heard many times that I must get the

inflammation down in my hands (which has been under control for quite some time

now), so no damage is done. But, I have also met plenty of people that just had

the aches, and still ended up with joint damage. I don't believe that anyone can

say they won't get joint damage from just the pain alone. I do think monitoring

your SED rate, pain level, and bloodwork, will help you see how active this

disease is, and that will help prevent joint damage.(and will give you a better

idea on when to act) I just have never heard the " pain doesn't = damage " put as

a definite. I do agree that long term inflammation probably causes the most

damage. Also, did he mention Azulfidine to you? Are you allergic to sulphur? If

not, I wonder why he didn't mention it. It would be much easier on you than MTX

or anything else for that matter. Very few side effects. (at least for me)

In a message dated 4/14/2003 3:04:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, rachelviognier

writes:

> The only thing he said that I hadn't heard before was that swelling

> and inflammation is what causes the joint damage, not the achy kind of pain

> that also comes with PA. So he said if there is pain without the

> inflammation, there is no need to worry about joint damage. Since the Bextra

> seems to control inflammation for me, I think I am going to

> hold off a while

> longer before I start with any other meds...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Does a regular blood panel measure the amount of B-12 in your system? Anyone? Is

there any other reason the Dr. would test for this. I am naturally pale. My

tongue hurts from time to time, but never continuous. I have HORRIBLE memory

problems, but I think that stems more from the stress of my job, and the fact

that I have 10,000 things on my mind a once. My iron has been low for a long

time, but I don't think it has ever gotten any worse. I will ask about this. I

just wonder if there is anything in my regular bloodwork that would tip a Dr.

off to know to test for this?

In a message dated 4/14/2003 3:01:16 PM Eastern Standard Time, rachelviognier

writes:

> Intrinsic

> factor is needed to absorb B-12 from food, and B-12 is needed to absorb iron.

> So treatment is pretty easy...lifelong intramuscular B-12

> injections.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have never experienced any of these things. I researched long and hard

before I made the Azulfidine decision. It does not cure my pains 100%, but

has definitely decreased my muscle fatigue to almost nothing. I only have

inflammation now in my ankle. I still have arthritis pain and a little

stiffness, but not the fatigue that I had before. My pain use to consume my

mind and body, but since I have been on Azulfidine I have been able to have a

more normal life again. I can work a full day without feeling completely run

down. Just like any drug this one works differently for different people, but

for me it has worked very well with few side effects. My bloodwork is normal

for the first time in years. I am only 28, so this is a big deal to me.

In a message dated 4/14/03 11:14:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

pbacon@... writes:

> Have you had any of these experiences?

>

> I just wish I could trust my doctors to know the answers so I wouldn't have

> to be constantly researching in an effort to diagnose myself. My diagnoses

> include PA, Osteo in neck and upper back, fibromyalgia, sicca complex,

> anxiety, elevated cholesterol ... I'd like to spend my time doing things

> that gave me so much pleasure in the past (sewing, crafts, volunteer

> reading tutor, gardening among other things) instead of being so

> preoccupied with my physical woes.

>

> Feeling wimpy in the Pineywoods of East Texas spring

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/14/2003 4:21:48 PM Eastern Standard Time, pookiegut writes:

> Does a regular blood panel measure the amount of B-12 in

> your system? Anyone?

I work for a doctor and a regular chem panel does not messure the B-12 levels in

your body. The doctor has to recommend a special blood panel for this. If you

are anemic, then he should have checked this. If not, ask him to do it now.

Janet

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/14/2003 4:21:48 PM Eastern Standard Time, pookiegut writes:

> Does a regular blood panel measure the amount of B-12 in

> your system? Anyone?

I work for a doctor and a regular chem panel does not messure the B-12 levels in

your body. The doctor has to recommend a special blood panel for this. If you

are anemic, then he should have checked this. If not, ask him to do it now.

Janet

[Guest guest]

,

You wrote: >...did he mention Azulfidine to you? ... It would be much easier on

you than MTX or anything else for that matter. Very few side effects. (at least

for me) <

I've been taking azulfidine for about 3 years and recently agreed with my rheumy

to discontinue it in the offchance it might be contributing to the debilitating

chronic diarrhea. My first observation, however, was that my

mind/concentration/focus, etc. improved temendously within 2 days. For the first

time in about 3 years I don't feel so hopeless, worthless, unlovable, depressed,

lethargic, fatigued, etc.

Have you had any of these experiences?

I just wish I could trust my doctors to know the answers so I wouldn't have to

be constantly researching in an effort to diagnose myself. My diagnoses include

PA, Osteo in neck and upper back, fibromyalgia, sicca complex, anxiety, elevated

cholesterol ... I'd like to spend my time doing things that gave me so much

pleasure in the past (sewing, crafts, volunteer reading tutor, gardening among

other things) instead of being so preoccupied with my physical woes.

Feeling wimpy in the Pineywoods of East Texas spring

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/15/2003 1:40:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

pookiegut@... writes:

> Once again, very interesting. I am low on folic acid too, along with being

> anemic. Those are the only things a little off on my bloodwork right now,

> and they are both just under what they should be. Maybe I should have this

> B-12 things checked out!

The MTX makes you very low in folic acid. I found this out when my hair

started to fall out..eep! Good thing I've been keeping it cut short the last

year or so. So much fell out one night when I was showering that it totally

covered up the drain in the shower and the tub started to fill!!!! Dr has me

on 3mg of folic acid daily and 5mg of lucovorin calcuim once a week (day

after I do my MTX shot)...it's folinic(?) acid..what the liver turn folic

acid into.

Smile,

Becky

[Guest guest]

Once again, very interesting. I am low on folic acid too, along with being

anemic. Those are the only things a little off on my bloodwork right now, and

they are both just under what they should be. Maybe I should have this B-12

things checked out!

In a message dated 4/14/2003 10:39:49 PM Eastern Standard Time,

relizabethb@... writes:

> The B-12 gives me energy and the folic acid helps to make more red

> blood cells. The doctor keeps telling me I have to eat more red meat. Many

> woman lack B vitamins so taking a good supplement shouldn't hurt. I take

> 2000 micagrams a day. Only 1200 of the folic. (My doctor prescribed this

> but I have taken B's off and on for years) The only one

> you have to be

> careful with is B-6 since it can affect PA.

> Good luck.

> relizabethb@...