Methotrexate..."Methotrexate is also used along with rest, physical therapy and sometimes other medications to treat severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA; a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) that cannot be controlled by certain other medications. Methotrexate can be well tolerated, but also can cause severe toxicity which is usually related to the dose taken. The most frequent reactions include mouth sores, stomach upset, and low white blood counts. Methotrexate can cause severe toxicity of the liver, kidneys and bone marrow, which require regular monitoring with blood tests. It can cause headache and drowsiness which may resolve if the dose is lowered. Methotrexate can cause itching, skin rash, dizziness, and hair loss. A dry, non-productive cough can be a result of rare lung toxicity." PS..It takes about 3 months to start working. Until that time, prednisone, another toxic miracle drug. oh joy.
Hum... I was able to get into a rheumatologist on Tuesday. The reality of this disease hit me between the eyes! I start the above mentioned medication next Tues., after the results of my blood work comes in so he knows what dose I can handle. After feeling the adequate sorrow of my newly discovered bodily malfunctions, it is time to go to work.
New goals, new dreams, new everything. Chalk it up to another adventure called life.
Shar, my heart aches for your struggles. It's like, "Ok. Enough is enough". You are tough and you will make it through this new challenge as well, but why do some people get to have all the only fun?
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Pam
Shar. SSSSSAAAAAAADDDDD for you! All that drug addiction makes a lot of sense now. I'm praying for a miracle....and until it comes, lots of hours lying on your bed and chatting it up.
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