Sorry Willow4u, I haven't but I have an appointment with my Dr today and I was going to ask him about Plaquenil instead of methotrexate as it seems to burn in my upper rt abdomen when I take it. Do you have any knowledge of the Plaquenil?

Hi Chrissyrose~
I was put on Plaquenil when I was first diagnosed in 2004. I was on it until I got pregnant with my third baby in 2005 and lost his twin. After I delivered, they put me back on it and within a few months I started to develop black streaks on my face and legs. My doctor said it was a reaction to the plaquenil and took me off. I still have some dark marks on my face, but they have faded.

My recent lab tests show autoimmune hepatitis and pancreatitis which could be from the medication or my immune system or uncontrolled newly diagnosed diabetes so they put me on diabetes medication, lowered my dose of methotrexate and are waiting to see what happens.

I was doing great on Plaquenil so maybe that is a better option for you. Have you had your labs drawn lately? I get mine drawn every 6 weeks like you are supposed to on meth. If you have, how are your liver enzymes? Right upper quadrant pain could be gall bladder but could also be liver so I would be curious to know what your labs show.

Good luck to you! Keep in touch and let us know what your doctor does!

Hi again ~ I had my gall bladder taken out ten or so years ago so it's not that. I had blood work done the other day and will get results today...but all they did was a CBC and CMP no liver enzymes which I was wondering why they didn't. I was started on the methotrexate in Feb and was told every 3 months is what they do for testing... so I guess I have some questions for my Dr. Thanks and I will keep you posted :)

Ok, It seems that MTX is a powerful med to address significant pain/symptoms. I did well on Plaquenil for a few years. Then I had a major flare and MTX was prescribed. It worked well in reducing pain/symptoms but I felt so weak and could not function very well the day I took it and for three days after. So I was taken off of it. Everyone is different and responds differently to medication. I hope you find the right med or combination of meds that works for you and brings relief and quality of life.

Take care,
K

Hi Willow4u,

I am sorry to hear of your pancreatitis and hepatitis. How are you doing this evening? I sure hope the new meds work to bring you some relief and in bringing your system back into balance.
Take care,
K

Chrissyrose~
The CMP does check the liver and kidneys. Two of the measurements on a CMP are AST and ALT which indicate liver problems. Mine were severely elevated so they sent me for further testing and those were elevated as well as an ultrasound that showed liver and pancreas inflammation. If you had the CMP and they said all was ok, than assume that your liver is ok!!

Thanks Willows, I must have been in a brain fog because I realized the CMP tested the liver too after I posted that. My labs were a little off but not too bad. Lowered the mtx and added Avara for the RA.

Can you/we take milkthistle to cleanse the liver with this illness?

I hope you are doing better...have a nice Sunday :)
Chrissyrose

No liver issues(YET), but pancreatitis has been an issue for me.They tell me its due to Lupus (SLE) although I have Sjorgrens as well. If you have pancreatitis, you will know it as it's extremely painful :( I also had problems with vomiting and diarrhea, but my pancreatitis was fairly long-gone when they finally diagnosed it. They thought I had gall-bladder issues but my gall-bladder had already been removed. I still have issues with it, but not as much since I started Plaquenil. Methotrexate DOES make my pancreatitis flare up. Diabetes can be a side affect of pancreatitis - it usually diminishes once the pancreatitis is under control (in my case as well as others I know of). There are drugs to treat the pancreatitis alone. My Diabetes was fairly severe, but once they started me on pancreatic drugs to reduce the inflammation - I got much better. Now diabetes is a non-issue. Good luck to you and keep us posted pls.

@Chrissyrose How are you doing on the Arava? Have you experienced any side affects. I just started the drug a while back.... How long did it take to work for you?

MButterfly~I started the Arava six days ago and at first I didn't have side affects but the last two days I was really sick with stomach pains and naseau so I stopped taking it. Today is the first day I didn't take it, I was sick last night and this morning and now since I didn't take today's dose I am feeling better. I'm going to see how I do since I am still on methotrexate once a week and prednisone evceryday, and I have also made an appointment with a new rheumatologist for a second opinion. Hope everyone is doing ok :)

Pancreatitis Issues here on my list of symptoms. I had various symptoms for years pointing at sjogren's. After loosing weight and having absorption issues got a multi day work up at the Cleveland Clinic. As part of that had my 3rd EUS done to check my pancreas and a pancreatic function test. EUS was minor but function test was low. Seeing the Rheumy department they listened to my "story" for 2 hours and immediately sent me for a lip biopsy. With other tests etc confirmed sjogren's. Continue to take pancreatic enzymes, low fat diet, anti inflammatory diet. Search for previous posting on this site for there have been others. Take care.

Hi, I had acute pancreatitis about a year ago. I'm taking prilosec daily, and an OTC enzyme called "Digest Gold"..(which can only be bought at Whole Foods). I still having problems though, but I do my stick to a low fat diet, etc.
I was recently diagnosed with "autoimmune hypothyroidism" b/c I've gained 14 lbs. in 2 weeks, and have several other issues...that are the same smyptoms as Sjogren's (muscular pain, severe fatigue, etc.) The other symptoms are depression, memory problems..which are right up there with SS as well. I'm taking a gyneric drug called lovothyroxine (25mcg) for it also.. This condition also can affect your heart, and make your cholesterol very high. Well, just another thing that comes along with having an "autoimmune condition" (Sorry for the negatiity...needed to vent a bit.)

I hope this helps.:)

"negtativity"

vent any time!!
I also take thyroid medicine. I take Synthroid because the levothyroxine was no help at all!! Done't knwo if that makes a difference. My thyroid was removed at seven years old, so I have been on it almost all my life!