Subject: methotraxate

I am on methotraxate and sulfasalazine and they have reduced my methotraxate to 5 tablets a week instead of six, as they said my liver results were not good. I am waiting to see liver specialist and possible biopsy. The arthritis has got worse and I have pins and needles in toes and fingers constantly
I am also waiting to see a doctor about my lungs as I had a scan and they said there was scaring and I keep getting chest infections. Has anyone else had these problems?

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Subject: Re: methotraxate

Hi Karen, I'm sorry to hear that you are not doing so well at them moment. I am surprised that they haven't told you to stop the metx just now. As sleek fox has said there are other things they could give you especially if you think the arthritis has got worse. They do say that methx can sometimes cause problems with the liver and the lungs so I would advise you to speak to the rheumatology people and to get the appointment with the doctor brought forward. It is a disease that seems to flare up and sometimes settle down again. I hope you feel batter soon. x

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Subject: Re: methotraxate

Hi Karen

Not sure if you want to look in to other options?

There is a lot of evidence that RA can be fuelled by infection (even low grade infection with little or no symptom) - when the drugs are given the immune system then cannot fight the infection as well.

All latest research into many autoimmune diseases are looking at which bacterial have similar DNA sequences to our own tissues.
The immune system is attacking the bacteria (and sometimes dietary proteins) with our tissues getting caught in the crossfire.

Rheumatologists are not even 100% sure how Methotrexate or Sulphasalazine work - and there is more than a hint of suspicion that they are working partly as an antibiotic.

This excellent article about MS explains why many autoimmune diseases are in fact very similar-

http://www.direct-ms.org/molecularmimicry.html

I recommend that anyone who has any autoimmune disease read this lay man terms explanation of molecular mimicry - to understand what's going on in our bodies.

Take care, Sean

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