A good appointment

[raggedyann1]

Hello all,

I had an appointment with my rheumatologist yesterday. I have been on the Enbrel for almost 4 months now. It has done a really good job at pulling me out of a very active period for my illnesses. However I was starting to get post methotrexate fatigue on the day after my weekly dose and the slightest thing like a rain storm was wiping me out for a week or so.

The good news is that he dropped the arava entirely and cut my methotrexate dose in 1/2 from 20mg to 10mg. He is also hoping I can cut out my soma (a muscle relaxer) entirely. I couldn't sleep last night so I ended up taking one so I could go to sleep. I need to check on any withdrawal symptoms it might have as I was feeling achy in all my joints which is not normal type pain for me.

So now I will only be on 2 immune suppressing medications and one of them at a much lower dose. I am praying my energy levels will increase even more and that this doesn't throw me into a flare. My inflammation levels were minor yesterday according to my doctor.

Life is otherwise good. I am still quilting, sewing and writing. Since the Enbrel I have had more energy to work daily on these things, I could only get a small amount done each day when I was so very sick. It is nice to have time again to spend here with all of you.

Karen

[Clare.T]

Hi Karen

This is really good news and I am delighted for you.

Will you be dropping/ stopping all at the same time or one by one to see which makes what difference.

It is very good to see you posting again ! :)

Cheers
Clare

[confused1]

(((((((((((Karen)))))))))))))))

Happy hugs!! I'm so glad you've found relief and good news! And I'm thrilled to hear that you are doing things that make life good and interesting. Maybe I'll run into you in chat sometime? In the meantime, quilting, sewing and writing are all wonderful and healing things to do.

I'm so happy for you,
Sunny

[raggedyann1]

Clare,

He instructed me to stop the arava and lower the methotrexate at the same time. I like my rheumatologist but he does go fast at times and is gone from the room before you know it. Sunday night is my methotrexate night so I will have stopped the arava for 6 days before I lower the methotrexate. I am trying to remember back to the last time we stopped the arava and I think I was already starting to flare before the week was out.

I am not convinced yet on the Soma and have not entirely dropped it yet. I was hurting early this afternoon and that was after changing my pain patch and taking a 2nd dose of methadone, 2 hours earlier. Within 40 minutes the worst of the pain had subsided. I will try 1/2 pill on my Soma tonight before bed as I do not want to still be awake at 2 AM again trying to fall asleep. I checked the withdrawal symptoms today and none of them were achy pain.

Thanks,
Karen

[keebler]

Hi Karen,:wavey:

I am glad your enbrel is helping you. It is great to hear that you have more engery.:)

It is nice to see you around on the board more. You will be in my prayers that changing your meds goes smoothly.

Love,
Lyn

[macfamily53]

Dear Karen

Im glad things are going somewhat better but those withdrawls must not be any fun at all. I did not have that problem with the soma but was not on it all that long really.I am so happy to see you able to post more. I am always thinking of you and wondering how you are. i sure miss seeing you in chat and i hope you get better so you can chat some with us anyway.Take care of yourself and i hope that thigns go well going off everything.
Tammy((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))):) :) :)

[peonyprincess]

Karen,

I am glad to hear that you are having a positive outcome with the medication that you have been on. I hope that you can continue on this great path. As for the sleeping issue, I hope that you can get that worked out as well.


Nancy

[acard]

Karen,
I am very happy for you. You sound like you have a lot of fun and wonderful things to do. I am glad that posting is one of them. You certainly are very knowledgable on many topics.




Anyway, I wanted to share with you about my soma experience. I too get very achey if I don't take my dose and I don't sleep well at all w/ out it. I have tried several muscle relaxers and soma has been the only to really help.

I hope you continue to feel good and slowly are able to reduce your meds.

Hugs,
Becc

[frono]

Karen,

I hope things go well for you trying to cut down on the meds. I'm delighted to hear that you are feeling much better and I sure missed reading your replys to everybody.

Hugs,

[helloos]

I am so glad I made it back on here today...there is so much good news and this is bringing my spirits up.

I am so happy for you and do hope that things continue to improve.