Methotrexate

[Homebody]

Am I correct in assuming that the doses of Methotrexate prescribed for lupus are lower than doses prescribed as chemotherapy for patients with cancer?

Also, is "continuous rest" really a better treatment for lupus than stepping up to the next level of treatment in order for the lupus patient to remain somewhat functional?

A close relative of mine is receiving what I feel may be somewhat dubious advice from her doctor.

I know that even if I weren't sick, "continuous rest" would make me FEEL as if I were sick.

In my relative's case, she seems to think "continuous rest" means to do NOTHING at all. I worry that she will lose ground if she doesn't keep moving to some degree.

Does anyone have any experiences or words of wisdom to share? Thanks.

[raggedyann1]

Homebody,

On the methotrexate you are correct. The doses we take are significantly lower than the doses used to treat cancer.

On the continuous rest part, can someone go with her to her next appointment so the doctor can explain what he means? The plan of attack is generally to make the patient as comfortable as possible with the lowest amount of medication. Is your relative in a lot of pain and that is why she rests so much? Some of us have found it necessary to take narcoitic pain medications so that we can have some sort of life. Without my pain meds I would be in bed all the time. Is she being treated by a rheumatologist? And if so, is he/she a lupus expert. Only 20% or so of rheumatologists in the USA are truly lupus specialists and I imagine that percentage holds true in other countries.

Perhaps you could encourage her to join this site and have an opportunity to "talk" to other lupies. We have a live chat room in addition to these message boards.

Karen