Hello everyone! I have posted a couple of times here and asked questions and have been helped, thank you so much. The docs are pretty sure that I have dermatomyocites (diagnosed officially with MCTD and Fibro, etc.), and have me on Imuran. My rheumy started me on 50 mg and then raised it to 100 mg. The only side effects I noticed were a little bit of stomach trouble and my heart would pound for a while after I took it, which subsided after about a week or so. This past week I received positive news, the first time since 2004, my C-Reactive Protein number went from 28 down to 15, normal is 5. So, my rheumy told me to up my Imuran by 50 mg, which would be a total of 150 mg. My stomach did not like this at all and I felt lousy so she said to cut the 50 mg pill in 1/2 and take the 1/2, which I did. Well, it has been a week and my stomach is still not that happy. I can eat, just feel nauseated a little and visit the bathroom more often. I also just feel lousy in general.

I called her office and they assured me she would call me, but I haven't heard from her and it is 6:20 pm, so I'm thinking she isn't calling me, lol. So, I am asking for your advice. I also did a search of discussions and looked up the side effects. I'm just thinking this is easier for me since I'm not feeling well. Oh, also the heart palpitations are still happening after I take my pills, for a little while. I am taking it before bed. Last time it went away eventually and this time it seems better. I'm thinking it is probably a mild allergic reaction. Methotrexate did the same thing and my rheumy at the time had me take Benadryl, which worked. I haven't mentioned this to my rheumy yet, didn't read it as a side effect until today. I will mention it to her when I talk to her again.

What has your experience been with this med? I'm willing to stick it out if necessary if it is going to continue to make my CRP go down. Maybe I just need to give it more time? It is the weekend now and I am sitting here in my robe and pj's, lol. I would like to be able to go to the movies or something, lol.

I would really appreciate any advice you can give me.

Oh, also, I have noticed that I am able to get up from a sitting position easier than before, like my legs are stronger, yay!

Thanks!
Sheri