newbie

casapp
casapp Member Posts: 5
edited 14. Nov 2011, 17:10 in Living with Arthritis archive
I am newly diagnosed, have been on MXT for about 2 months now and doc has started me on a 2 month course of prednisalone and an increasing dose of sulfasalazine, needless to say immune system down and picked up a bug straight away!! I am an orthopaedic nurse and think it's taken about 2 years to get to a diagnosis, though I suspected it started 3-4 years ago.
I'm glad I have the diagnosis as now I know why I have been so tired and sore and all that other stuff. Looking forward to getting to know you all and sharing hints, tips etc etc. I feel so ignorant on the facts of RA but i'm learning!!
My brother has suggested taking Glucasan supplement, does anyone know if its ok or even works with RA meds?

Comments

  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello and welcome to the forum!

    I have just popped in quickly to check on something so not got time to reply properly but wanted to say "hello". The forum seems pretty quiet at the moment but I am sure you will get some more replies in due course.

    Tilly xxx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh dear, it's lovely to meet you but I am so sorry that you have had to find us. I am not in a good place at the moment (what with one thing and another) ut RA is a whole different beast when it comes to supplements etc: an over-active immune system is the root cause of RA and as such it's a whole different thing to OA (where supplements may help). We do know what it is like, we can help (of that I am sure) so please come and talk to us. I wish you well and please keep in touch. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • prefabkid47
    prefabkid47 Member Posts: 1,316
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Welcome to the forum,as DD says it's a shame you are in the situation to join the forum in the first place.We are a friendly crowd and can speak from personal experience.
    I have both RA and OA,having had a new ankle back in June.Have been on MTX for several years,giving good control and no adverse side effects.
    Ron
    ''Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy''. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    welcome have not tried that supliment it a shame you had to come find us but welcome you will find some great people here val
    val
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Welcome to the forum from me as well
    I have OA so dont know much about your drugs
    There are plenty of people hear that will answer any questions you might have
    Love
    Hileena
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi and welcome to the forum, how are you finding the meds? I do hope that they are beginning to take the edge off things for you. Were you also prescribed folic acid to go with the mtx?
    I also have anti-inflammatory’s and stomach protectors which have helped me a lot.

    Yes it is a relief to get a diagnosis but it is still a shock and it does take time to come to terms with. I have found out more on this site about RA than anywhere else. So ask away and we will try and answer the best we can.

    Nice to meet you and I hope to see you posting soon.

    Lv, I x
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello from me too, Cassap. Yes, it's a steep learning curve, isn't it? And I'm still learning many, many years on.

    I'd never heard of Glucasan so I looked it up. I see it's supposed to boost the immune system. The problem with that is that meds for us auto-immune types are dedicated to suppressing the immune system as ours are over-active. So, I guess it's probably not a good idea but talk things over with your rheumatologist or GP.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • lovemypjs
    lovemypjs Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I too am a newbie. I was diagnosed with psoratic arthritis four weeks ago. I was lucky really as it only took the doctor eight weeks to find this out, I know some people have waited a hell of a lot longer. I've been given sulfasalazine, and my dose at the moment is three tablets a day. Again very lucky, as I've read people are taking more. I suffered with nausea, headaches and loss of appetite and orange wee, all things I can cope with. But now i have this annoying itchy rash. It's driving me mad. also, for no reason was sick last night. Is this all normal? Has anyone else suffered with these side effects?

    Help!!

    xx
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi and welcome to the forum..
    I have inflammatory arthritis and osteo..
    Hope the forum can be of use to you`... You are not on your own here and we can understand..xx
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,832
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI Casapp

    and welcome to these lovely forums from me.

    Sorry you had to find us, but glad you have

    This place is FULL of lovely people and lots of support/help and tips.

    LOve

    toni xx

    ps glucosamine didn't help me much sorry :sad:
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    lovemypjs wrote:
    Hi, I too am a newbie. I was diagnosed with psoratic arthritis four weeks ago. I was lucky really as it only took the doctor eight weeks to find this out, I know some people have waited a hell of a lot longer. I've been given sulfasalazine, and my dose at the moment is three tablets a day. Again very lucky, as I've read people are taking more. I suffered with nausea, headaches and loss of appetite and orange wee, all things I can cope with. But now i have this annoying itchy rash. It's driving me mad. also, for no reason was sick last night. Is this all normal? Has anyone else suffered with these side effects?

    Help!!

    xx

    Hi Lovemypj’s,

    Love the name and welcome to the forum. I do not take sulfa but if I was you I would get in touch with your rheumy nurse and tell them about the rash and your other symptoms. Always best to check up on these things as sometimes what suits one does not suit another.
    It is early days for you and I am sure you are still trying to come to terms with the diagnosis and it is very scary I know.
    Hang on in there and keep posting and asking questions.

    Please let us know how you get on,

    Lv, I x
  • lovemypjs
    lovemypjs Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    Thank you for the messages, I think I'm going to enjoy using this site x

    Rash driving me insane today, so think I'll follow advice and speak to the specialist. But thankfully the joint pain has decreased, even if I do still have an odd shaped finger! Keep you posted.
    Oh yeah, I really do love my pajamas!
    Xx :grin:
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    just wanted to welcome the two newbies :grin:
    I hope that you are both ok tonight and old arthur is behaving himself.
    I'm just logging out as I'm shattered and in pain with mi hands but will hopefully catch you both here later.
    It is a wonderful site with great people, hope you both make yourself at home.

    Be well :grin::grin:
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP