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...
Dear DS Friends, well, here I go again with the continuing saga of the blistering rash I have had on my hands and feet since Thanksgiving. I have been on oral prednisone and Clobetasol ointment continuously since Thanksgiving with no resolution for the problem other than the prednisone keeps the pain at a level where I can bear it. I have had two biopsies done. My dermatologist is baffled and my rheumatologist doesn't seem too concerned although my dermatologist thinks it could be either Remicade, Methotrexate, or RA induced.
Long story short, I am now waiting for the dermatologist to get me an appointment with a doctor at Duke. My dermo says we definitely need a second opinion on this and they are supposed to be some of the best in the country.
Please keep me in your thoughts. This has been an ordeal but hopefully we will get it resolved soon.
//Frances
Long story short, I am now waiting for the dermatologist to get me an appointment with a doctor at Duke. My dermo says we definitely need a second opinion on this and they are supposed to be some of the best in the country.
Please keep me in your thoughts. This has been an ordeal but hopefully we will get it resolved soon.
//Frances
So sorry to hear you are still battling that blishering rash. Blistering of hte skin is listed as a serious side effect of MTX. I just looked it up before I read your post because I have an issue with skin peeling off the corners of my mouth...the skin turn white and I can "wipe" it off and the skin underneath is raw to the point of bleeding. I had the white patches in my throat today, but drinking warm liguid make sit go away. I think it is the MTX, so I am going to stop the MTX for a couple of weeks and see what happens. I don't think my RD knows what to think. She saw it once...she thought it was a virus because my thorat was sore and red. I really think it is the MtX. Hope you find some answers and relief soon!
Vanessa
My memory of allergic reactions for some drugs is that they started in the feet and hands. I hope the big wigs figure it out before you it gets worse. Hugs!
Keep us posted . . .
I went off the Remicade immediately when the rash started. That was the first thing we did. The rheumy and the dermo decided to stay with the MTX for the time being. The dermo did say today that it could be the MTX, the Remicade, or the RA itself. I guess the doctors at Duke will make their recommendations. I have a long history of drug allergies and my very first thought was the Remicade because it can cause some bad skin rashes. Then I worried it was drug-induced Lupus. I would worry less if this rash was itchy...it's not, it is painful and burns. Some days my fingers are so tender I can barely use them.
I appreciate all the support you all have given me. I cannot tell you how much it means. My faith in God and the support of you good people keep me going.
I'll keep you all informed since it is so important that we keep ourselves knowledgeable about RA and its associated problems. I particularly love reading the success stories, don't you?
//Frances