Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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GrammyKat 11/12/2013

Yesterday I had an appointment with the Rheumy. The only thing I thought he would do would be to increase the MTX which I wasn't looking forward to, or putting me on the injections. Instead, it took it away completely. I had gotten to the point where I could not eat a full meal. Nausea was with me 24 hours a day. I thought it was just one more thing that I would have to learn to live with. I guess not. I am going to be starting Arava. And I know next to nothing about that one. I have read some about it, but still don't know much. Someone please just tell me it is easier on the system? The MTX was working some for me, but not completely.
Any advice I need to hear?
Thank you all.
Kathy

deleted_user 11/12/2013

I dont know about Arava ..but im with you on teh nausea ..and Metho..doing odd tings , i must say it is helping with the pain but the side affects are adding to the problem.. wishing you lots of luck ..i hope Arava works ...stay strong .

deleted_user 11/12/2013

I have been taking arava about a year now. It is so much better that Metho, I have no side effects except I do take it a night because I did get a little nausea at first. But now its fine. Hope for the best for you.

GrammyKat 11/12/2013

Thank you Ladies. Cats, I will be taking the pills at night. My tummy doesn't like getting all of those nasty meds and likes to send them back. Great tip. I appreciate it. Have a great day.
Blessing,
Kathy

RCross 11/12/2013

I've been on Arava for a few months now. With MTX I experienced a lot of side effects, on Arava I don't have any side effects. However, the Arava isn't working as well for me.

deleted_user 11/12/2013

Arava works for a lot of people. I was on it for 16 weeks. It didn't help.
It did seem to make me defecate more.. . .I was on it and MTX together.

nerot 11/12/2013

I tried Arava and developed a blistering rash on my arms and had to quit. Everyone reacts so differently to these drugs.

I hope that you will have a good experience of it. It is a blessing to find something that works.

Take care.

deleted_user 11/12/2013

I've been on Arava for about 5 months now. It did give me slight nausea @ first and some diarrhea but it didn't last but a couple weeks. At about the 9 week mark I could tell some improvement but then I had started back on Enbrel at the same time, so am not sure which or both (?) kicked it for me. Good luck to you!

GrammyKat 11/12/2013

Thank you all for your reply s. Guess it is a wait and see thing. I am going to expect the best, and be thankful for any help I get from it.

Have a wonderful evening.
Kathy

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