Test results

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2005
Test results
17
Tue, 08-02-2005 - 9:11pm
Hi ladies,
Thanks for being in my pocket today - I needed the support. My results for Lupus were negative, so I was diagnosed with RA. I am going to VENT because I'm frustrated with my rheumy. He comes in and says he believes its RA, then tells me about Methotrexate, Enbrel etc. Then he asks me what I want to take, without explaining what each med is or the side effects - so I ask what he thinks I should take - and he says Methotrexate and proceeds to tell me all the bad things - liver problems, lung, anemia, even cancer. Then he asks me if I want to take it. I said I would because I know I probably should. Then I had to ask him how it would help because he didn't even tell me. I asked him if my knee problems were RA related and he said probably a combination of RA and Osteo. I asked questions and it sounds like he figures I probably had RA for a few years. I was hospitalized 3 years ago with EXTREME cramps in my legs (was on morphine a week) and took prednisone for a year. He was one of my Dr.'s then trying to figure out what I had. My knees went from mild arthritis to needing a replacement in less than 2 years. NOW I am told that it probably was all RA. So, I wonder why they couln't figure this out before. Now my akle joints are swollen , my knees, and I had cortisone shots in my rt knee 2 weeks ago and both wrists. I thought he was suppose to be a good rheumatologist - but now I don't know. He did the right things now but maybe its just his personality I don't like. I love my family practice Dr. so I don't know if I should go to a rheumy somewhere else. Then my next appt. isn't with him anyhow but with his physicians assistant. So there!!!! I got it all out. Please tell me that these meds aren't as bad as he said - he sure doesn't have much consideration of how his patients might be feeling - even if he is a good Dr. otherwise. Thanks for letting me VENT!! I also had to ask him about my wrist splints and for a referral to PT. He gave Me a pamphlet on RA and Methotrexate.Please send advise!!!!!!!

Julie

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2005
In reply to: juls38
Fri, 08-05-2005 - 12:53pm

((((Julie)))) I hope you feel better today. I take my MTX at dinner time on a full stomach and drink a ton of water. It also takes time for the Folic acid to build up in your system.

Gentle Hugs,
Vicki

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
In reply to: juls38
Fri, 08-05-2005 - 1:16pm

Happy Friday, Julie!

Molly

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2005
In reply to: juls38
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 12:15am
Juls38,
I have been diagnosed with RA for almost 3 years and have been on Enbrel and Methotrexate. They are begining to work. Yes I have anemia at times, and then try to push protein, etc. But I go for my blood work about every 6 weeks to check my liver, so far all is well and my pain is getting better. When I feel a cold coming on because I am prone to pneumonia, my rhuemy has me back off the drugs for a week or so and then I just get back on. Be your own best advocate and ask questions, if your dr. seems rushed with you, time to get a new dr. My experience however with PA's, once you are established with a rhemy, is that they have a lot of time to spend with you, and they are very knowledgable. I love to talk so write with any qestions, I still have a lot of questions myself, and maybe you can help me!!
Sincerely,
Lilyluvsmom
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2005
In reply to: juls38
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 3:00pm

Thanks for the advise and the support. I take my second dose of methotrexate today -I have a sinus infection , but the Dr. didn't say not to take it. It's always nice to have another friend to talk to. Do you go on the chats wed. or thur. ? I'll add you to my friend list - thanks for writing. Write to me anytime my e-mails on my profole too!

Julie

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2004
In reply to: juls38
Mon, 08-15-2005 - 5:36pm
Thanks for your posting. I was just dx'd with RA and have been prescribed MTX. I have been terrified to take it, but everyone's advice has calmed me down a bit. Thanks for the information!
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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2005
In reply to: juls38
Mon, 08-15-2005 - 8:41pm

Dear calimom,

I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago and I've taken 2 dose of MTX now. I was terrified the first time - but it was not as bad as I expected. I was dizzy and nausous and had no appetite. I was also very tired. The second dose was not quite as bad. The side effects didn't last as long. Please feel free to talk to any of us if you need support -these ladies have ben great with information and support. I still trying to get used to my dx and the fact of meeding MTX. Everyone on this board is very caring and we are all going through this. Take care and I hope you are doing OK. I really know how you are feeling. Lots of ((((((((calimom))))))).

Julie

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
In reply to: juls38
Tue, 08-16-2005 - 2:27pm
Hi Calimom!

Molly

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