Date: 30.07.2013
From: Linda Bradley
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Subject: Diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis
Hi everyone, Im new to this forum. Been having problems over a year now, finally got to see a specialist last Oct. I seemed to wait a long time to get anything done, but now on mtx. My feet are my worst but no one seems to listen to me, Had everything x-rayed but my feet. Its really getting me down. I feel teary, tired and lethargic. Is this normal?
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Date: 30.07.2013
From: Colin W
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Subject: Re: Diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis
hi Linda , welcome to the forum , tired and lethargic goes with it , pleased they got you on Mtx , it should help stop joint damage but they may need to add something else later how much Mtx they giving you & how much folic acid , it varies from consultant to consultant , have you had blood test for RA , about 20% come back negitive but there is 200 diferent arthritis so may take time to get a diagnosis but the treatment is pretty much the same
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Date: 30.07.2013
From: Linda Bradley
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Subject: Re: Diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis
Hi Colin, thanks for the reply. They started me on 10mg in April, then 15mg. I am now on 20mg since seeing my Consultant on the 16th July. I'm on 5mg of Folic acid. I am also on Lansoprazole... I get a lot of reflux. I was also on steroids, but since I came off them I felt worse. My Rheumy nurse is off sick too! They tested me for RA, but it was negative. My ESR was raised a lot. Looking forward to some helpful advice and someone to talk to. Thanks again
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Date: 30.07.2013
From: Colin W
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Subject: Re: Diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis
there is several on this forum that is seronegative , even being positive for RA they took two years to confirm it to myself 20mg is pretty high for Mtx , been on it myself for 15 years , as for steriods , every time I come off them I get a big flare , if you need it the steriod injections are better , as a guide ESR tends to vary from person to person but good to keep your own record to see how it is & CRP is a better guide to compare how bad your arthritis is
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Date: 30.07.2013
From: Linda Bradley
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Subject: Re: Diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis
They did give me an injection on the 16th. just to tied me over. I noticed my CRP was raised too, not sure what that is tho! Thanks for the info Colin
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Date: 31.07.2013
From: lesley murray
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Subject: Re: Diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis
Hi there what is Mtx pls.. I have the same as u and have been prescribed Sulphasalazine !
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Date: 31.07.2013
From: Linda Bradley
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Subject: Re: Diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis
Hi Lesley, MTX is Methotrxate. Its a Dmard. (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug) I've not heard of Sulphasalzine. How long have you had it?
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