RA issues?

cgafriday
cgafriday Posts: 18 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I was diagnosed with RA at the beginning of the year and the doc is now trying a 3rd med - leflunomide. Anyone else taking this one? I was on Methotrexate for quite a few months and felt horrible every Sunday when I took it. Now I'm having a few problems more days a week. I was working out today and started feeling really off. I was a little worried at times that I was going to pass out. I'm really hoping it's not the new med though. I'm hoping this one is going to work.

Replies

  • phoenixgirl81
    phoenixgirl81 Posts: 309 Member
    Hey there. I also have RA. I'm using Salazopyrine (aka Sulfasalizate) and it seems to be working for me, but I'm fully aware that there are so many different types of RA that they don't all respond to the same meds, unfortunately.

    When I first started taking Salazopyrine, I felt like crap. I felt nauseus, tired, and had major brain fog, but that lasted only about 4 weeks until my body got used to it, and then I have been feeling ok. Maybe that's the same with Leflunomide? If you're worried about whether or not your feeling this way could be related to the meds, you could always read the leaflet in the box to see the side effects (or ask your pharmacist to print off the med sheet that goes with the drugs), and you could also ring your rhuemy to find out if this is a common feeling or not and how long it will be likely to ask.

    The other piece of advice I can offer (and I offer it because it took me YEARS to get it through my head) is that sometimes we feel like crap due to reasons other than the RA. Seriously, every time I felt run down, tired, achey, etc I would blame it on the RA and couldn't actually think that possibly I could be coming down with something. Maybe you're coming down with something? Maybe you hadn't drunk enough water before you started working out? Or you hadn't eaten enough? Or it was hot? or you had pushed yourself?

    Best wishes with the new drugs and I hope they bring you relief.
  • rooster70460
    rooster70460 Posts: 206 Member
    Hey there...
    I was diagnosed 10 years ago st 35. Initially I was on Vioxx and methatrexate too. My symptions did not improve...then it was steroids packs. Not good. Ended up in the hospital with Staff infection!! Avoid steroids!!!

    I am currently on methetrexate....Monica ...and Enbrel Injections for the last 4 weeks! I feel amazing. No pain...no fatigue...less joint swelling...less redness. RA sucks...but it can be put in remission so it doesn't get worse. Sorry never heard of the med your on

    Good luck
  • rooster70460
    rooster70460 Posts: 206 Member
    Mobic ..not Monica. ..damn auto correct
  • cgafriday
    cgafriday Posts: 18 Member
    Thanks! I've only been on this med for 3 weeks so I'm hoping all the side stuff goes away. I'm really hoping this one works - I'm really getting tired of the joint pain all the time.

    And you are right, I may be coming down with a sinus thing - my head has been feeling pretty "heavy" lately.

    Nice to know there is support out there!

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