Michael Jackson had severe arthritis

slummymummy

I'm sorry but this is really annoying me. Everyone in the media keeps on talking about Michael Jackson's 'addiction to painkillers,' like he was some kind of drug-addict. But when I went online to look up what these painkillers are they are similar ones to the ones that most of us are taking on here - codeine, morphine and antidepressants. I found out that he was taking them for severe pain due to an old third-degree-burn injury, and severe arthritis due to Lupus. Lupis is an autoimmune disease, which affects many organs, including the joints. Michael had these diseases for years, and took medicine to control the diseases, just like you or I would do. I'm not condoning all the things that MJ was said to have done, but taking painkillers when you are in pain is not a crime. I am very sad that the media has glossed over the medical facts, like it isn't relevant. I'm sure that people who have Lupus would have something to say about this. It's time for the world to get educated about diseases such as Lupus and RA, and the devastating effect it has on peoples lives. The fact that MJ planned to do 50 concerts when he was in such terrible pain, just so that he could pay off his debts, makes him an amazing man, and much to be admired. RIP Michael.

slummymummy

Oh, and another thing.... apparently he took Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which makes me believe the reports a bit more.

By the way, I started Hydroxychloroquine myself, a few days ago, becauase the methotrexate isn't working as well as we had hoped. :roll:

Slummy.

frogmorton

Hi Slummy
Have you added it to the mtx or is it on it's own?
I expected the meds would be not disimilar to ours!
Maybe the Drs let him have too much?
Either way it is all very very sad
Take care good luck with hydroxy
Toni x

debatat

Very true, I have heard that he had lupus, in America it is well known. Apparently he had the discoid form which is very disfiguring which is why he was always covered up.

I take plaquenil, I have lupus and RA, I found the plaquenil helped with the fatigue, but doesn't help my joints so I am going to try methotrexate.

I hope it works for you.

Deb

slummymummy

Hi thanks for the replies. I'm still taking 17.5mg of methotrexate, and have started 200mg/400mg plaquenil on alternate days, added in. I hope that it helps me with the fatigue too, because the tiredness is really really bad at the moment. The pain is everywhere, rather than just in my joints. I really wouldn't be able to cope without my 60mg codeine four times a day.

I watched a programme on Sunday night at 9pm, about MJ's last week, and they didn't mention Lupus once. I couldn't believe it. The general belief seems to be that he took too much sedative, which it sounds like the doctors were taking a risk to prescribe anyway. But the media seems to be saying he was a 'drug-addict' who 'brought it on himself' which is just a bit unfair, I think.
:?

eileenc

I hate to think what would be assumed about me by the amount of prescribed medicines (drugs) that I have to take in order to function on a daily basis with RA :shock:
Eileen x

mouseymousey

You know I kept thinking that when I read the reports too. Arthritis is not a 'sexy' thing to have though is it? Poor soul, I'm not a 'believer' but I hope wherever he is it is better.

alicea

Hi i could'nt agree more the media have to make him into a drug addict because it makes good reading , It is no wonder a lot of use that have to take strong meds keep it to ourselves. I have found my own family advising me not to take to much painkiller ,as if I choose to take it . I only take what I am prescribed and i cut down if I can. I have even had some doctors tell me "you know this medication is addictive dont you" I dont know what they are saying . It all makes me feel like a drug addict , My husband goes on at me when i cut down to much and spend the next day not being able to get out of bed and in tears all day.
You would think MJ could be left alone now he as gone but no it makes good reading . Its a sad world we live in ... thats my rant over . all the best to you all keep you chins up. alicea

frogmorton

slummymummy wrote:

Hi thanks for the replies. I'm still taking 17.5mg of methotrexate, and have started 200mg/400mg plaquenil on alternate days, added in. I hope that it helps me with the fatigue too, because the tiredness is really really bad at the moment. The pain is everywhere, rather than just in my joints. I really wouldn't be able to cope without my 60mg codeine four times a day.

Slummy
I am only on hydroxy and it seems to have been ok for me so far although Im not sure 100% odd joints do flare up from time to time but yes I am less tired too - so I will crosss my fingers for you
Toni x

wendygrocott

Hi about all these pills we take for OA and other conditions. I do take paracetamol, tramadol and amytryptiline 60mg I have OA what appears to be in most of my moving joints having had a new hip and knee I need a new thumb/wrist joint I try and leave off my tablets and only take them when I think I have sufficient pain and discomfort .This does not work I have found out that if you maintain the levels in your body then you don't get the build up of pain does this make sense. So as far as I am concerned yes I do pop pills but what is the alternative??

ritnew

Don't believe all you read in the papers, if MJ was doing these 50 gigs to pay off his debts why didn't he just use some of the billions he's reported to have stashed away.

Rita X