Hi, Amber. So sorry to hear of your current struggles with your white blood count. Did your doctor make any suggestions for what is next? If not, I would definitely ask and then push him/her for an answer. If s/he won't provide an answer, it might be time to find a new doctor.

You are correct about this new site and all our friends. Really miss the other folks on here. As for my health, I've been struggling a little since April. The doctor figured out one problem, so that has helped. But it's the weakness and difficulty arising from a chair that is more concerning to me. If it continues, I'll have to see the doctor again. But I've done well for awhile, so no sense in complaining. Best wishes to you, Amber. Here's hoping that your rheumy gives you some help and answers.

Hi Amber. Sorry you are still having a few problems. It feels like the MTX is the issue. It's affecting your White cell count and is not dampening down the inflammation enough to allow you off the steriod. Have they suggested anything else like Cellcept or Azathioprine. Might be worth asking them or maybe getting another opinion, don't know where you live but good experts in Manchester and London. Hate this site and miss everyone. Best wishes. Autumm

Hi Nanny. So very sorry to read you have some weakness but good to know it's improving. Best not to leave it if the improvement does not continue as a very small dose of steriod could get on top of it. I am doing ok but having a lot of trouble with my eyes, it's not PM related, I have Macular degeneration on top of everything else. I am getting used to the site but I don't like it and I miss everyone. I am thinking of you Nanny and wishing you well. Please let me have news of how you are getting on. Autumn x

Hi Nanny and Autumn good to hear from you both and thanks for your replies. Definitely thinking about the Cellcept route but a bit scary as not sure on the side effects and the MTX seemed to sort of agree with me apart from the sickness for a couple of days. Will speak to doctor again soon about this. Nanny - sorry to hear about your weakness in your arms - I did have this but fortunately am not too bad now funnily enough I think what helped is when I take my dog out for a walk and he pulls on the lead so I am constantly using my muscles to pull him back! Autumn - sorry to hear about your eyes - it seems to be one thing after another for us. Glad that apart from that you are feeling OK. I am in Norfolk and the Rheumy is quite good but my appointments are very infrequent and sometimes vague on the replies. They seem happy to leave me as I am but my WBC has been low for about a year now but there seems no interest much in it. I am eating quite a lot of protein to try and help. Will keep you both posted. What has happened to everyone else?? I feel totally abandoned and I expect you both are too!! Best wishes Amber

@Autumm
I know someone diagnosed with macular degeneration about 20 years ago. His eye doctor suggested some supplements. He's been taking them since then, and his eyes have not gotten any worse. I think he uses something called OcuGuard Plus with Lutein. Don't know if that would help you or not. I have a cataract and have been using astaxanthin, which is also supposed to be good for eye problems.

@Amber
Yes, please keep us posted on your progress. The WBC being low for a year seems a little too long. Hopefully your doctor will pay better attention and give you some suggestions. I don't know anything about Cellcept, but hopefully you can make the transition and will receive good benefits without any side effects. Thanks for mentioning about what helped your arm weakness. I don't have a dog, but could use my hand weights when I walk.

Best wishes to those of us who are left. Certainly do miss the others. Hopefully trpt1, Lexis, and others will find their way back here.

Hi Nanny. I have Ben taking the supplement or about three years now and Ben fairly stable but just recently having problems now with my right eye. I am being treated at Moorfields eye hospital in London, do tell your friend with AMD that this hospital did the first stem cell treatment for AMD and I understand it's been successful. Google Moorfields NHS news for lots of information. I know I am getting great treatment but it's a worry. Hope you continue to feel better Nanny. Do keep in touch, maybe if we kp talking we can encourage more activity. Best wishes. Autumm

Hi Amber. Trpt switched from MTX to Cellcept after much research and it has been a success as I remember. You have to push the Rheumatologist at times for a change, my Rheumatologist did tell me that it was the next drug he outdoor try if Azathioprine had not worked for me. He is right at the top of th best teaching hospital here in London. In the end Amber it's all up to you but a change might be a good thing. Talk to them about it. Happy doggie walking. Best wishes. Autumm

Hi Amber. Nice to hear from you! I don't like this new site at all either. Sorry to hear about your WBC count being low. You might find it beneficial switching from methotrexate to another med. I was apprehensive about doing so but Imuran seems to be working just as well as and I don't have that sickness once a week. My dog gives my back a workout too, tugging on his leash. What kind of dog do you have? Autumn, I'm sorry to hear about your eye problems but glad that you have great doctors and are receiving great care. Nanny, I hope the weakness subsides and that you start to feel stronger everyday. We can only take one day at a time. Wishing you all the best health and happiness. Stay in touch!

Sammy. Lovely to hear from you and thank you. Autumm

Hi Sammy - glad you found your way to this site - it certainly is not as good as the old one. Thanks for your comments, I am toying with the idea of a change - bit wary but will see what happens next when I see him. My dog is a springer spaniel - mad as a box of frogs!! I love him to bits and he has been with me since the start of my DM - he looks out for me, if I fall sometimes he is there right by me - I cannot explain the love I have for him. Unfortunately Imuran did not agree with me - so I had to go on MTX but its all a bit hit and miss at the moment. Nanny - thanks for the advice - bit nervous of changing but I may have no choice with the WBC being low. Good idea on using the hand weights. Autumm - I hope all is going well with your eyes - thanks for the advice - I remember now trpt1 saying about Cellcept so I will have a think about it. Now taking the dog out again - i'm sure my legs are getting shorter the amount of walks I do!! Take care Amber x