you wonderful people!

[Guest guest]

Aloha , , Fran, Kathy, LeAnn, Orin, , and all you wonderful

people who understand me. I read all your letters everyday, but it has been too

long since I posted. I finally got over to Honolulu and saw a Rheumy. He was

wonderful. It was likely the best work-up I ever had. He confirmed that I do

have pa. He told me that my pa is 99% stress related and practically guaranteed

he could get me over this. I'm to be on Methotrexate for a period of time, and

if that doesn't work he will add Enbrel. My gp here on Maui had already started

me on Methotrexate 15mg/wk. After two months, it was increased to 20mg. I've

been on that dose for two weeks now. I forgot to ask he so I'm asking any of

you. If methotrexate has worked for you, how long did it take? Thanks for any

and all of your answers.

I always thought that the grass was greener on the other side. Then I got to

Maui and found the other side.

Aloha,

[Editor's Note: Aloha to you, ! Very glad to hear that you've finally

had a proper diagnosis. I am not sure I understand how your rheumy could

determine that your PA is 99% stress related. Stress is certainly a factor in

PA and in many diseases, but the elimination of much of the stress in our lives

does not in and of itself releave our disease. The cause of PA is not known,

but it is believed that heredity plays a big role whether or not there is stress

in your life. That being said, it took about 8 weeks for me to feel the

benefits of MTX. It was like a miracle for me. Unfortunately, I needed

stronger and stronger doses to continue to feel better and after a period of

time on a 25 mg dose, my liver readings shot way up and I had to come off it. I

have never felt as good again since those early days on MTX. I have since been

on Arava, then Humira and am now on Enbrel and a low dose (7.5 mg) of MTX. It

can take up to three months in some cases for you to feel the full benefit of

some of these meds. It is important that you have frequent bloodwork in order

to ensure that any problems caused by ANY of the meds are caught early. By the

way, according to Enbrel's web site, clinical studies have shown Enbrel to be

most effective when used WITH MTX rather than as a monotherapy. All your

friends here are rooting for you and hope you find healthier days ahead. Please

keep us updated on your progress. Kathy F.]