OK, I finally think I have reached "good communication" with my rheumatologist. AFTER A WHOLE YEAR! It took a while yeah. I think because I am not a senior citizen, he was uncomfortable with treating me. I think he was a bit timid to take on a young patient. I never see anyone under 60 in that office.
So friday's visit went well. He seemed to actually show interest in my getting well & reaching remission. 
He seemed to be more pro-active. We spoke about MTX and whenever I want to start it, I can! I need to see/talk with a gyno first. And then I can start the MTX.
He seemed to be more pro-active. We spoke about MTX and whenever I want to start it, I can! I need to see/talk with a gyno first. And then I can start the MTX.He thinks it'll work the best with the Humira.
But...here's what confuses me. He said that if I start taking the MTX, I would need to STOP taking Imuran! huh? GI said I should be on all 3. Rheummy says he doesn't really agree with taking MTX with Imuran. I don't get it?!! Anyone taking Imuran while on MTX? I know MTX works best with Humira, but I'm getting benefits from the Imuran! 
Getting my knees done thursday. 
Oh joy....OUCHIE!!!!
Oh joy....OUCHIE!!!!Yesterday, I was very very proud of myself. My honey & I went for a LONG walk together. 
It was the longest distance I was able to accomplish in a very long time (about a year). My honey was very happy as well. I suppose the prednisone had a lot to do with it. I really pushed myself. It was painful, but it boosted my confidance.
It was the longest distance I was able to accomplish in a very long time (about a year). My honey was very happy as well. I suppose the prednisone had a lot to do with it. I really pushed myself. It was painful, but it boosted my confidance.I sure hope that as the months go on, I start to make uphill improvements.
The big bummer of the weekend was tremendous "D" friday...OUCH! And I couldn't eat no more than 2 spoonfulls of food saturday. And sunday it was very painful to eat. (terrible squeezing, cramping pains in left upper bowels) so there's most likely again, a stricture or acute inflammation or something. 
so there goes Erin's 100 pound mark. LOL. oh well.
so there goes Erin's 100 pound mark. LOL. oh well.still truckin' on.
have a happy day.
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg every 4 days; pred; Pentasa; Imuran; dilaudid; diazepam; Avinza 30mg; MiraLax & too many others.
Post Edited (erin kachmar) : 4/10/2006 9:37:00 AM (GMT-6)
Glad to hear your appointment went so well! I have not taken methotrexate--been resisting it, but from what I know about it, you may get some very good results. I'm not a doctor, of course, but Imuran is also an immunosuppressant, right? So why would you take two immunosupressants? I would think that might be dangerous?
Elcamino
well technically even now, i am taking more than one immunosuppressant. Imuran, Pentasa, Prednisone & Humira all supress the immune system in one way or another. a combo of immunosuppressants are used to control autoimmune disease (aka too much immune).i'm praying & hoping very hard that i soon get a remission.
thanx!
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg every 4 days; pred; Pentasa; Imuran; dilaudid; diazepam; Avinza 30mg; MiraLax & too many others.